Samsung Galaxy S25 Review: A Minor Step Forward

The Samsung Galaxy S25 keeps its compact 6.2-inch design, appealing to those who prefer lightweight phones. It’s slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, with dimensions of 146.9 x 70.5 mm, a thickness of 7.25 mm, and a reduced weight of 162 grams. While these changes are minimal, they enhance the phone’s portability.

Performance and Hardware

The most significant upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, now standard globally, replacing the Exynos models in Europe. This processor offers a 40% faster NPU, 37% faster CPU, and 30% better GPU performance. The S25 also sees a RAM bump to 12GB, aligning it with the Plus and Ultra models. Benchmark tests reveal nearly a 50% improvement in CPU performance compared to the S24, and it surpasses competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro and even the iPhone 16 Pro in multi-core performance. However, GPU throttling remains an issue, with 3D Mark scores dropping significantly during prolonged use.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the S25 stays true to Samsung’s style, featuring rounded corners, flat sides, and a vertically aligned triple-camera setup on the back. The glass back is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and the aluminum frame ensures durability. Color options include Mint, Icy Blue, Navy, and Silver Shadow, though the absence of a classic black variant is notable. Despite its premium build, the S25 lacks innovative hardware additions like an action button or camera control, which rivals like Apple have introduced.

Display and Biometrics

The 6.2-inch AMOLED display remains unchanged, offering a 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. However, it misses out on the anti-reflective Gorilla Armor coating found in the Ultra model. Biometrics include an ultrasonic fingerprint reader and image-based face recognition, but there’s still no advanced 3D face ID technology.

Camera Features

The camera hardware is identical to the S24, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 3X telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide camera. Despite the unchanged hardware, software enhancements improve AI processing, resulting in better color accuracy and new features like Log video recording and Audio Eraser for cleaner audio in videos. The addition of a Virtual Aperture feature in Expert RAW provides more creative control, allowing users to adjust depth of field. However, the camera’s performance scored slightly lower than the S24 in detailed tests, with issues like over-sharpening and softer details in some shots.

Battery and Charging

Battery performance remains a weak point. The S25 sticks to the same 4,000mAh capacity and 25W charging speeds as its predecessor, falling behind competitors offering faster charging. Additionally, there’s no MagSafe-like solution or other innovative charging features. On the bright side, the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s improved efficiency leads to slightly better battery life.

Storage and Connectivity

Storage options remain unchanged, starting at 128GB with an upgrade to 256GB available. Unfortunately, there’s no support for microSD expansion. On the connectivity front, the S25 introduces satellite connectivity, enabled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, providing an edge in emergency situations.

Packaging and Accessories

Samsung’s packaging also stays minimal, including only the phone, a charging cable, and user manuals—no charger or case included.

Should You Buy It?

The Galaxy S25 is an incremental upgrade, offering notable performance improvements but lacking major innovations. It’s best suited for those seeking a compact flagship with a lightweight design and solid performance at $800. However, users looking for groundbreaking features might find it underwhelming. Alternatives like the Pixel 9 Pro offer larger batteries, and the iPhone 16 Pro provides a more robust ecosystem, though both come at a higher price.