This review will explore the key features, improvements, and distinctions among the S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra, evaluating whether they live up to the expectations set by Samsung and the industry as a whole.
-
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S25 series sports a sleek and modern aesthetic that is consistent across the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, with subtle differences in size and design that set each model apart.
- Materials: All three models utilize Samsung’s Armor Aluminum, making them more resilient to drops and scratches. The glass on both front and back panels uses Gorilla Glass Victus 3, ensuring durability while maintaining a premium feel.
- Dimensions: The S25 is the most compact of the three, designed for users who prefer a smaller, more pocket-friendly device. The S25+ and S25 Ultra are larger, catering to those who prioritize a larger screen for multimedia and productivity.
- Colors: Samsung has introduced a variety of colors this year, with the Ultra model offering exclusive finishes. New matte options reduce fingerprint smudging, an improvement many users will appreciate.
The design is premium, with a minimalist look that emphasizes a clean finish and subtle camera housing.
-
Display Quality
Samsung consistently delivers top-tier displays, and the Galaxy S25 lineup is no exception.
- S25 and S25+: These models feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with FHD+ resolution, boasting a refresh rate of 120Hz. The colors are vibrant, and the brightness has been upgraded to 1800 nits, making visibility in direct sunlight seamless.
- S25 Ultra: The Ultra takes the display experience up a notch with a QHD+ resolution, making it one of the sharpest displays on the market. With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, it’s designed for a stunning HDR viewing experience. Samsung also added a new adaptive refresh rate that adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on on-screen content, which enhances battery life.
The Galaxy S25 series delivers a display experience that is virtually unmatched, particularly with the S25 Ultra, which is ideal for media consumption and professional use.
-
Performance and Processing Power
The Galaxy S25 series features Samsung’s new Exynos 2500 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in select markets), which boasts enhanced AI capabilities, improved GPU performance, and better efficiency.
- Processor: The new chipset delivers a 20% performance boost compared to its predecessor, making it capable of handling demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking effortlessly.
- RAM and Storage Options: The S25 and S25+ models start with 8GB of RAM, while the S25 Ultra offers configurations up to 16GB of RAM, providing ample support for power users. Storage options begin at 256GB, with the S25 Ultra offering a massive 1TB variant for users with extensive storage needs.
- 5G and Connectivity: All models support the latest 5G bands and come with Wi-Fi 7, ensuring fast internet speeds and smoother connectivity.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 series provides blazing-fast performance suitable for any task, with the Ultra model especially catering to professionals and enthusiasts.
-
Camera Capabilities
Samsung has made significant advancements in camera technology for the S25 series, especially with the S25 Ultra.
- S25 and S25+: Both models come with a triple-camera setup featuring a 50MP primary lens, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Samsung’s updated image processing software ensures excellent color accuracy, low-light performance, and stability. The Nightography feature has also been enhanced, allowing users to take clearer night photos with minimal noise.
- S25 Ultra: The S25 Ultra remains Samsung’s crown jewel in mobile photography. It features a quad-camera setup, led by a 200MP primary sensor that captures impressive detail, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and two telephoto lenses (10MP each) with 3x and 10x optical zoom. The Ultra’s 100x Space Zoom has been refined for stability and quality, and the camera’s AI processing reduces noise in low-light conditions, producing images with excellent detail even in challenging lighting.
The camera improvements in the S25 Ultra particularly set it apart as one of the best smartphones for photography, giving users unparalleled control and quality in both photo and video recording.
-
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life remains a top priority for Samsung, and the Galaxy S25 lineup reflects that.
- Battery Capacities: The S25 comes with a 4,000mAh battery, the S25+ with a 4,800mAh, and the S25 Ultra with a 5,200mAh. Samsung’s optimization, along with the more efficient processor, means each model offers better battery life than their predecessors.
- Charging Speeds: Samsung has introduced 65W fast charging for the S25 Ultra, allowing it to reach a full charge in under an hour. The S25 and S25+ support 45W fast charging. Wireless charging has also been upgraded, with 25W wireless charging and 15W reverse wireless charging across all models.
The battery upgrades mean that all three devices comfortably last a full day with moderate to heavy use, with the S25 Ultra leading the charge for power users.
-
Software and Unique Features
The Galaxy S25 series runs on One UI 6.0, built on Android 14, and comes with several exclusive features tailored to each model.
- Software Experience: One UI 6.0 emphasizes a clean, customizable interface with added privacy controls and customization options. Samsung has improved multitasking capabilities, particularly on the Ultra, with split-screen and pop-up views enhanced for larger displays.
- S Pen Integration: The S25 Ultra continues to support the S Pen, now with even lower latency and expanded functionality. Samsung has refined the Air Actions, allowing users to perform tasks with gestures, making it a valuable tool for productivity.
- Security Features: Samsung has introduced improved on-device encryption and security updates, ensuring the Galaxy S25 series remains secure and future-proof. The new Knox AI-powered security suite offers advanced protection against malware and phishing attempts.
-
Samsung galaxy S25 S25+ and S25 Ultra Price
Samsung has maintained a competitive pricing strategy:
- Galaxy S25: Starting at $899, it provides flagship quality at a relatively accessible price.
- Galaxy S25+: Priced at $1,099, it offers additional screen space and battery capacity, appealing to users who want more without the Ultra’s premium features.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Starting at $1,299, the S25 Ultra’s price reflects its enhanced camera, display, and performance capabilities.
Each model provides solid value for its price range, with the S25 Ultra being the clear choice for those seeking the ultimate smartphone experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series offers something for every user, whether they prioritize portability, performance, or photography. The S25 and S25+ models bring excellent performance and build quality to the mainstream, while the S25 Ultra stands out as a premium powerhouse with its superior camera and display.
Samsung has succeeded in crafting a lineup that not only builds upon its predecessors but also pushes the boundaries of what users can expect from a smartphone. For those who want cutting-edge technology and reliable performance, the Galaxy S25 series is a compelling choice in the competitive smartphone market.
