Performance – Snapdragon 8 Elite Across All Models;
One of the most significant changes for the Galaxy S25 series is the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset across all models, regardless of the region.
Previously, Samsung differentiated markets with different chipsets (Exynos in some regions, Snapdragon in others), but this time, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is set to power every variant.
This chipset is expected to provide a substantial boost in performance, particularly in GPU and AI capabilities, which should enhance gaming experiences and camera functionality.
Camera Upgrades – Incremental, Yet Noteworthy;
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The flagship model will feature a 200MP main camera, along with a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto camera, plus a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. While this camera setup isn’t dramatically different from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung claims that the new ultra-wide sensor will be four times better than its predecessor. Additionally, the company is leveraging AI for image enhancement, promising a 43% improvement in color and brightness.
- Video Recording Features: The Galaxy S25 series will support log video recording, which preserves dynamic range for more professional-looking footage. A new “Audio Eraser” feature will allow users to remove background noise from videos, a handy tool for content creators.
- Selfie Cameras: The 12MP front-facing camera will remain unchanged across all models, a bit surprising considering the focus on rear camera improvements.
Display Larger Screens and High Refresh Rates;
All three models in the Galaxy S25 series will feature AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the sizes vary:
- S25: 6.2-inch display with a 2340 x 1080 resolution
- S25+: 6.7-inch display with a 3120 x 1440 resolution
- S25 Ultra: 6.9-inch display with a 3120 x 1440 resolution
Despite the impressive resolutions and display sizes, the standard Galaxy S25 model will stick to a 1080p+ resolution, which may be seen as a missed opportunity when competitors are increasingly offering QHD+ displays on their lower-end models.
Battery and Charging – Same Capacity, with Minor Improvements;
The battery capacities for the Galaxy S25 series are as follows:
- S25: 4,000mAh
- S25+: 4,900mAh
- S25 Ultra: 5,000mAh
All three models will feature 45W wired charging, but wireless charging details remain scarce. Given that even lower-tier models like the Galaxy A series now support 45W charging, it’s somewhat disappointing that wireless charging improvements are not a primary focus.
Samsung galaxy S25 series Memory and Storage;
In terms of RAM, all three models will come with 12GB, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance across the board. The base storage for the Galaxy S25 will start at 128GB, which is a nice upgrade from the 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage found in its predecessor. Meanwhile, the S25+ and S25 Ultra will offer options ranging from 256GB to 1TB of storage.
Design and Build
The design of the S25 series will largely resemble that of its predecessor, with only slight adjustments in dimensions and weight. The S25 is a bit lighter than the S24, while the S25 Ultra is marginally lighter than the S24 Ultra, likely due to slight changes in the body and materials.
| Model | Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24 | 147.0 | 70.6 | 7.6 | 167 |
| Galaxy S25 | 146.9 | 70.5 | 7.2 | 162 |
| Galaxy S24+ | 158.5 | 75.9 | 7.7 | 196 |
| Galaxy S25+ | 158.4 | 75.8 | 7.3 | 190 |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | 162.3 | 79.0 | 8.6 | 232 |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | 162.8 | 77.6 | 8.2 | 218 |
What’s Missing?
Despite the improvements, some enthusiasts might feel that Samsung is playing catch-up with certain features. For example, the increase to a 50MP ultra-wide camera on the S25 Ultra might be considered standard for mid-range devices, and the lack of major camera upgrades on the standard and Plus models could be a letdown.
Additionally, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is a big step forward, Samsung’s competitors are also making strides in AI and processing power, so the true test will be how the new chip performs in real-world scenarios.
A Solid Iteration, But Not Revolutionary;
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series promises solid upgrades, particularly in terms of camera AI, display quality, and performance. However, many of these features feel like they should have been implemented sooner.
While the new chipset and camera features are impressive, some users may have expected more revolutionary changes, especially considering how quickly the smartphone industry evolves.
With an official release date of January 22, 2025, we’ll likely learn more about pricing and additional features, but for now, it seems the Galaxy S25 series is more of a refinement than a reinvention.
