Samsung Galaxy S25 Review: Worth the Upgrade?

Contents Overview

• Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy S25
• Design and Build Quality
• Performance and Processing Power
• Camera System: What's New?
• Battery Life and Charging
• Software and AI Features
• Display Quality
• Pricing and Value
• Comparison with Competitors
• Who Should Upgrade?
• Pros and Cons
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S25, launched in early 2025, is the latest addition to Samsung’s flagship S-series lineup. Positioned as a compact yet powerful Android smartphone, it promises incremental upgrades over its predecessor, the Galaxy S24. With a focus on enhanced performance, refined design, and advanced artificial intelligence features, the S25 aims to compete in a crowded market dominated by rivals like Apple’s iPhone 16 and Google’s Pixel 9. But with minimal hardware changes, is it worth upgrading from an older Galaxy or switching from another brand? This review dives deep into the S25’s features, performance, and value to help you decide.

Samsung has built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality smartphones, and the Galaxy S25 continues this tradition. However, with competitors offering bold innovations, the S25’s modest updates raise questions about its appeal. Let’s explore its design, performance, camera, battery, software, and more to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S25 retains a familiar design, closely resembling the S24. Its compact size—measuring 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm and weighing just 162 grams—makes it one of the smallest flagship Android phones available. This makes it a great option for users who prefer a phone that’s easy to hold and fits comfortably in a pocket.

The phone features a premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. It carries an IP68 rating, meaning it’s dust and water-resistant, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. The matte finish on the glass back and aluminum rails reduces fingerprints, adding to its sleek, modern aesthetic.

New color options, including Navy, Silver Shadow, and a Samsung-exclusive Black, offer a fresh look, though some users may find the color palette conservative compared to the vibrant hues of the S25 Plus or Ultra models. The design is polished but lacks the bold changes seen in competitors like the OnePlus 13, which boasts a more striking aesthetic.

• Compact and lightweight: Ideal for one-handed use.
• Premium materials: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and aluminum frame ensure durability.
• IP68 rating: Reliable protection against dust and water.
• Subtle color options: Navy, Silver Shadow, and Black offer a refined but understated look.

Performance and Processing Power

One of the standout upgrades in the Galaxy S25 is its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 3nm processor optimized for Galaxy devices. This chip delivers a significant performance boost, with multi-core scores reaching approximately 8,950 on Geekbench 6, compared to 7,049 on the S24. The GPU performance also improves, scoring 19,158, up from 15,082 last year. This makes the S25 one of the fastest Android phones available in 2025.

The phone comes with 12GB of RAM as standard, a notable upgrade from the S24’s 8GB, enabling smoother multitasking and better handling of AI-driven tasks. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, though the base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage, while higher tiers offer faster UFS 4.0. Unfortunately, there’s no microSD slot for expandable storage, which may disappoint some users.

In real-world use, the S25 handles demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with ease. For instance, playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact at maximum settings results in smooth performance without overheating, thanks to improved thermal management. However, for everyday tasks like browsing or streaming, the performance gains over the S24 may not be immediately noticeable.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite: Delivers top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
• 12GB RAM: Enhances AI workloads and multitasking capabilities.
• Storage limitations: 128GB base model uses slower UFS 3.1; no microSD support.

Camera System: What's New?

The Galaxy S25’s camera system is nearly identical to the S24, featuring a triple-camera setup: a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The front-facing 12MP selfie camera also remains unchanged. While the hardware hasn’t evolved, Samsung has introduced software enhancements to improve image quality.

The main camera produces sharp, vibrant photos in well-lit conditions, though it tends to over-brighten scenes, leading to occasional loss of detail in highlights. The 3x telephoto lens performs well for portrait shots, but its 10MP resolution feels dated compared to the 5x zoom cameras on competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro. The ultrawide lens, lacking autofocus, struggles in low-light settings, producing noisier images than rivals like the Google Pixel 9.

New AI-powered features, such as Audio Eraser for removing background noise from videos and an improved Generative Edit tool for photo editing, add value. The S25 also supports LOG video recording, which appeals to video enthusiasts seeking greater control over color grading. However, low-light video performance lags behind competitors, with grainy results in challenging conditions.

• 50MP main camera: Delivers sharp, vibrant photos in good lighting.
• 3x telephoto: Good for portraits but lacks the zoom range of competitors.
• AI enhancements: Audio Eraser and Generative Edit improve video and photo editing.
• Low-light limitations: Ultrawide and video performance struggle in dim conditions.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy S25 retains the same 4,000mAh battery as the S24, which is smaller than many modern flagships. However, thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, it offers solid battery life. In testing, the S25 lasts up to 37 hours with mixed use, including six hours of screen-on time, outperforming the S24 by about four hours.

Charging speeds remain a weak point, with 25W wired charging taking over an hour to fully charge the device. Wireless charging is capped at 15W, lagging behind competitors like the OnePlus 13, which offers faster 100W charging. Additionally, no charger is included in the box, requiring users to purchase a compatible USB-PD adapter separately.

• Solid battery life: Up to 37 hours with efficient chip performance.
• Slow charging: 25W wired and 15W wireless are outdated for a flagship.
• No charger included: Adds extra cost for new users.

Software and AI Features

The Galaxy S25 runs Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, offering a polished and customizable user experience. Samsung promises seven years of software and security updates, matching Google and Apple, ensuring long-term support until 2032. The interface is smooth, with features like split notifications and quick settings enhancing usability.

AI is a major focus, with Google Gemini replacing Bixby as the default assistant. Gemini integrates with Samsung apps, allowing tasks like adding calendar events or drafting messages from a single prompt. For example, you can ask Gemini to find pet-friendly restaurants and send a list via text without navigating multiple apps. The Now Bar on the lock screen displays timely widgets, such as weather or media controls, while Circle to Search lets you search for items by circling them on the screen.

However, AI features aren’t flawless. Gemini occasionally misinterprets prompts or provides inaccurate information, requiring users to verify results. While features like call transcription and natural language search in the Gallery app are useful, some AI tools, like the daily briefing, feel gimmicky and lack personalization.

• Android 15 with One UI 7: Smooth, customizable, and future-proofed with seven years of updates.
• Google Gemini: Powers cross-app actions but can be inconsistent.
• Useful AI tools: Circle to Search and call transcription enhance productivity.
• AI limitations: Some features feel unnecessary or unreliable.

Display Quality

The Galaxy S25 sports a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 2600 nits, it’s vibrant and visible even in direct sunlight. The always-on display and HDR10+ support enhance the viewing experience for movies and games.

While the display is excellent, it lacks the anti-reflective Gorilla Armor 2 found on the S25 Ultra, making it more prone to glare. Compared to the S25 Plus’s QHD+ resolution, the S25’s Full HD+ panel is slightly less sharp, but the difference is negligible in daily use.

• 6.2-inch AMOLED: Bright, vibrant, and smooth with 120Hz refresh rate.
• 2600 nits brightness: Excellent for outdoor visibility.
• No Gorilla Armor 2: Lacks the anti-reflective coating of the Ultra model.

Pricing and Value

The Galaxy S25 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, matching the price of the S24, iPhone 16, and Google Pixel 9. Higher storage tiers (256GB at $859 and 512GB at $979) offer better value, especially with faster UFS 4.0 storage. Samsung’s trade-in programs and frequent discounts can lower the cost significantly, with some deals offering up to $900 off with eligible trade-ins.

While the price is competitive, the lack of significant hardware upgrades may deter S24 owners from upgrading. For users with older devices, like the S22 or earlier, the S25 offers a compelling package at a reasonable price point.

• Starting at $799: Competitive pricing for a flagship phone.
• Trade-in deals: Can significantly reduce the cost.
• Limited upgrades: May not justify the cost for S24 owners.

Comparison with Competitors

The Galaxy S25 faces stiff competition from the iPhone 16, Google Pixel 9, and OnePlus 13. Here’s how it stacks up:

The iPhone 16 offers a cleaner software experience and better low-light video performance, while the Pixel 9 excels in computational photography. The OnePlus 13 stands out with superior battery life and faster charging, making it a strong alternative for power users. The S25’s compact size and long software support give it an edge for those prioritizing portability and longevity.

Who Should Upgrade?

The Galaxy S25 is a strong choice for users with older Samsung devices, such as the S22 or earlier, or those switching from other brands seeking a compact flagship. Its performance, display, and software support make it a reliable all-rounder. However, S24 owners may find the upgrades—primarily the chipset and RAM—too incremental to justify the cost.

If you value a small form factor, long-term software updates, and solid performance, the S25 is worth considering. For those prioritizing camera innovation or faster charging, the OnePlus 13 or Pixel 9 Pro may be better options.

• Ideal for: Users with older phones or those wanting a compact flagship.
• Not for: S24 owners or those seeking major camera or charging upgrades.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact design: One of the smallest flagship Android phones.
• Powerful performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite and 12GB RAM handle any task.
• Long software support: Seven years of updates ensure longevity.
• Vibrant display: 6.2-inch AMOLED with 2600 nits brightness.

Cons

• Minimal hardware upgrades: Same cameras and battery as S24.
• Slow charging: 25W wired and 15W wireless lag behind competitors.
• No Gorilla Armor 2: Lacks the anti-reflective coating of the Ultra.
• AI inconsistencies: Some features are gimmicky or unreliable.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a polished, compact flagship that excels in performance, display quality, and software support. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB RAM ensure top-tier performance, while the 6.2-inch AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals. However, the lack of significant camera upgrades, slow charging speeds, and smaller battery compared to competitors like the OnePlus 13 make it a tough sell for S24 owners.

For users with older devices or those seeking a small, powerful Android phone, the S25 offers excellent value, especially with trade-in deals. If you prioritize cutting-edge cameras or faster charging, you may want to explore alternatives. Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 is a safe, reliable choice but lacks the bold innovation needed to stand out in 2025’s competitive market.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 worth upgrading from the Galaxy S24?

Answer: For Galaxy S24 owners, the upgrade may not be compelling due to minimal hardware changes, such as the same camera system and battery capacity. However, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and increased 12GB RAM provide a noticeable performance boost for gaming and AI tasks. If you prioritize these improvements or are coming from an older device like the S22, the S25 is a worthwhile upgrade.

2. How does the Galaxy S25 compare to the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9?

Answer: The Galaxy S25, priced at $799, matches the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 in cost but offers a compact design and seven years of software updates. It outperforms both in raw power with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but its camera lags behind the Pixel 9’s computational photography and the iPhone 16’s low-light video capabilities. The S25’s 25W charging is slower than competitors like the OnePlus 13.

3. What are the key AI features of the Galaxy S25?

Answer: The Galaxy S25 features Google Gemini as its AI assistant, enabling tasks like cross-app actions (e.g., finding restaurants and texting results) and Circle to Search for on-screen item searches. Other AI tools include Audio Eraser for video noise removal, Generative Edit for photo enhancements, and call transcription. Some features, like daily briefings, may feel inconsistent or unnecessary.

4. How is the battery life on the Galaxy S25?

Answer: The Galaxy S25 has a 4,000mAh battery, delivering up to 37 hours of mixed use with about six hours of screen-on time, thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. While solid, it’s outpaced by competitors like the Pixel 9 (4,700mAh) or OnePlus 13 (6,000mAh). Charging is slow at 25W wired and 15W wireless, taking over an hour to fully charge.

5. Does the Galaxy S25 have a good camera system?

Answer: The S25’s triple-camera system (50MP main, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide) produces sharp, vibrant photos in good lighting but struggles in low-light conditions compared to the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro. Software enhancements like Audio Eraser and LOG video recording add value, but the lack of hardware upgrades and no macro mode are drawbacks.

6. What are the storage options for the Galaxy S25?

Answer: The Galaxy S25 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, all paired with 12GB of RAM. The 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage, while the 256GB and 512GB variants use faster UFS 4.0. There’s no microSD slot for expandable storage, which may be a limitation for some users.

7. Is the Galaxy S25 durable?

Answer: Yes, the Galaxy S25 is built with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, an aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating, making it dust and water-resistant (up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes). However, it lacks the anti-reflective Gorilla Armor 2 found on the S25 Ultra, which may lead to more glare.

8. What colors are available for the Galaxy S25?

Answer: The Galaxy S25 comes in Icyblue, Mint, Navy, and Silver Shadow. Exclusive colors—Blueblack, Coralred, and Pinkgold—are available only through Samsung’s website. The matte finish helps reduce fingerprints, but smudges may still appear, especially on lighter colors like Icyblue.

9. Does the Galaxy S25 support fast charging?

Answer: The Galaxy S25 supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, with Qi2.1 readiness for magnetic accessories (with a compatible case). It reaches 50% charge in about 25 minutes but takes over an hour for a full charge. No charger is included, requiring a separate USB-PD adapter purchase.

10. How long will the Galaxy S25 receive software updates?

Answer: Samsung guarantees seven years of software and security updates for the Galaxy S25, starting from its 2025 release, ensuring support until 2032. This matches the update policies of Google and Apple, making the S25 a future-proof choice for long-term use.

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Written by App Jeevan

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