Headline: Samsung Galaxy S25: Impressive AI Enhancements Shine Amidst Familiar Hardware

More than a year has passed since Samsung ventured into generative AI, and now the Galaxy S-series is leading the charge for its generative AI capabilities. This year brings even tighter integration with Google’s Gemini AI assistant and an array of built-in software enhancements. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S25 offers only slight hardware improvements compared to last year’s S24.

While the adage “if it works, don’t change it” applies here, you will need to closely examine the specifications to notice distinctions between this year’s model and the 2024 variant. The Galaxy S25 features a triple-camera array, a 6.2-inch Full HD+ display, and enhanced support for Galaxy AI, which the company appears to be focusing on this year—though it may not be sufficient to justify a completely new model.

Samsung/Engadget

82100Expert Score

A compact yet powerful flagship model.

Galaxy S25

The Galaxy S25 by Samsung offers valuable AI functionality and remarkable battery longevity; however, the unchanged hardware and price point renders it a less compelling upgrade.

Advantages

• Sturdy construction
• Outstanding battery performance
• Enhanced Gemini AI experience
• Robust new processor

Disadvantages

• Identical display to the S24
• Same camera components as the S24
• Price remains unchanged compared to the S24

$800 at Samsung

Hardware and Design

Aside from the potent new processor, the S25 feels strikingly familiar from a hardware standpoint. You can glance back at last year’s S24 review to see the similarities.

Samsung has opted for a thinner design this time. Excluding the Galaxy S25 Edge, the current lineup has undergone a slim down. The S25 feels noticeably thinner, particularly when compared side by side with a Galaxy S24, although the 0.4mm difference might not be a strong selling point.

After years of handling devices with screens larger than 6.5-inches, the S25 feels quite refreshing in hand. While the 6.2-inch display may seem a bit small for lengthy Netflix or YouTube sessions, it remains adequately sized for most other uses. The 2X AMOLED display can reach a brightness of up to 2,600 nits, rendering it bright enough with variable refresh rates topping out at 120Hz.

The Silver Shadow color option has a frosted finish, which I find appealing. However, it may not be the most striking choice; the deeper Navy blue stands out more to me. Yet, let’s be real; many of us typically encase our phones, including myself, once my case arrives.

Interestingly, a new feature in the S25 involves utilizing a case: faster Qi2 charging (and magnetic attachment) is contingent on compatible cases. Unfortunately, those cases weren’t available for this review. My colleague, Sam Rutherford, provides a detailed explanation here, but at least there’s some compatibility—a feature lacking in last year’s Galaxy models.

Camera Performance

Samsung is renowned for crafting stellar camera phones, which is fortunate given that the S25’s camera sensors are essentially the same as those from last year. In fact, they are the same as those used in the previous year too. Hmmm.

To recap, that setup comprises a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto camera, and a front-facing 12MP camera. For those seeking 5x zoom and higher resolution sensors, the Galaxy S25 Ultra (or Pixel 9 Pro) would be a better option. Nevertheless, the configuration on the standard S25 is effective, despite the somewhat outdated sensors.

I was genuinely impressed with the consistency of the S25’s photography. Most of my shots were crisp, and objects maintained focus, although I found the iPhone 16 performed better in low-light scenarios. There seems to be a difference in the way the S25 processes images between the telephoto and primary sensors, as some nighttime photos appeared slightly amber tinge.

Samsung’s assertion that the new Snapdragon 8 Elite enhances low-light capabilities holds true. The company claims that the chip allows the S25 series to better analyze noise, distinguishing between moving and static subjects and processing them uniquely. Improvements in Samsung’s computational photography have also been made for challenging shooting circumstances. Digital zooming at 10x appears clearer and provides more usable photos than prior models.

If you’re interested in utilizing an additional camera app, Samsung’s Expert RAW offers another new feature: a virtual aperture. I found it challenging to notice a significant difference when photographing with the S25. It resembles an enhanced iteration of Portrait mode, without necessitating the device to recognize a person or subject for a soft background blur. While moderately successful, it demands ample lighting, faltering in darker settings.

This feature is unfortunately relegated to the experimental section of Samsung’s Expert RAW camera app, which must be downloaded separately. This app is geared towards power users who require manual controls and is a great addition. However, many potential S25 purchasers may not need it or even be aware of its existence.

Another internal improvement lies within the S25’s gallery, where the search function boasts enhanced categorization, simplifying the task of locating images. As I searched, the app suggested WhatsApp photos, locations, among others. Samsung indicates it has added 2.7 times more keywords, which makes finding specific items much easier.

While photographic specs on the S25 remain largely unchanged, Samsung has made significant enhancements in video capabilities for seasoned videographers. This year’s models will now capture HDR video by default, and a new Galaxy Log mode allows for improved dynamic range in videos. This feature means you can apply more precise color grading for those who edit and refine their videos. However, it’s important to note that these features are primarily intended for users already familiar with LUTs and have a compatible editing application in hand.

With the addition of Audio Eraser, Samsung has caught up to both Apple and Google. This feature serves as post-processing for recording video in noisy environments, utilizing AI to eliminate specific background sounds like wind, water, and traffic. However, the real-world effectiveness of the Audio Eraser didn’t quite match the impressive demo provided during the S25 launch.

During a noisy street scenario, the automatic Audio Eraser dramatically compressed the sound, making my voice slightly muffled and distorted. It closely resembled the audio quality from noise-canceling features on services like Google Meet and WhatsApp voice notes. Although I was clearly audible, the listening experience was subpar.

While these enhancements are appreciated, when compared to the latest features from the iPhone 16, such as its Camera Control button, or the Pixel 9’s new software features like Add Me, it’s clear Samsung’s camera capabilities lag behind the competition.

Software Insights

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Curiously, only eight apps (or functionalities) can be displayed on the Now Bar, which include the clock, sports updates from Google, and a voice recorder. This limitation feels somewhat lackluster. If developers of third-party apps (or more Google applications) could integrate into the Bar, it might enhance its usefulness, but as it stands, it’s barely more than a lock-screen widget.

The Now Brief could also benefit from additional features. I hate to draw another comparison to Apple, but it resembles a simplified version of the iPhone’s notification summaries. The Now Brief gathers relevant notifications, weather reports, and traffic alerts, proving especially handy during mornings. It can also create daily summaries available through a widget on the S25’s home screen. I plan to pair it with a Galaxy Watch to explore how these features sync with fitness tracking, so stay tuned for that.

(As a side note: Google Discover, accessed by swiping left from the home screen, also provides a similar feed of news, notifications, and smartphone-related information. This feature has been around for years.)

Other features appear to be rebranded variations of earlier functionalities. AI Select (formerly Smart Select) is now part of the Edge Panel and screenshot toolbar, suggesting actions when you select or circle something on the screen. It can provide useful recommendations when contextually related events are detected, such as adding a calendar item or translating text. While I can’t say AI Select is considerably improved over Smart Select, it is at least enabled by default now, whereas the previous version required activation in Settings for the Edge Panel. Although it’s not entirely intuitive, AI Select works well as a shortcut, offering translation services or calendar inputs.

This functionality ties into Gemini AI enhancements, which are being introduced first on the S25 before rolling out to other Android devices compatible with Gemini AI. By pressing and holding a button, your voice commands to Gemini can retrieve information and perform tasks such as setting reminders, planning routes, or sending messages via text or WhatsApp to others. I’m excited for future updates that will incorporate additional third-party applications and services, as I’ve been anticipating seamless AI usage for some time. This is certainly a positive step forward.

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I remain cautiously optimistic about the Now Brief feature. It has potential for improvement, particularly with Samsung’s Personal Data Engine, which aims to connect your smartphone interactions more effectively. While finalizing this review, the Now Brief started suggesting audio highlights from The Guardian, even though I had yet to install the publication’s app. Whatever the reasoning behind it, Galaxy AI made an accurate choice: I don’t read the Daily Mail Online. I wish Google and Apple News could reach similar conclusions without my needing to actively block certain sources.

Performance and Battery Efficiency

Has Samsung finally addressed the challenge of battery longevity in smartphones? The Galaxy S25 recorded over 28 hours of video playback, surpassing last year’s S24 by nearly four hours, which speaks volumes about the efficiency improvements of the processor this year. With routine usage, it managed to last two days between charges, which is far beyond what I typically experience during smartphone reviews—color me impressed.

Thanks to the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, efficiency gains extend beyond just battery life. The multi-core CPU performance reached 8,950 (an increase from 7,049 on the S24), while the GPU performance climbed to 19,158, up from 15,082 last year. Not that there was overwhelming demand for such a leap.

Once again, the Galaxy S25 showcases impressive speed and effortlessly handles all tasks thrown at it. However, I did notice it began to heat up during consecutive generative AI requests and while shooting and uploading 4K video—lacking the expanded vapor chamber that is present in the S25 Ultra.

Conclusion

With the Galaxy S25, the iterative nature of the Galaxy S series has never felt more pronounced. Fortunately, Samsung’s premium smartphones are in a robust position, so even with elements like the display (and cameras) that are now two years old, the Galaxy S25 remains a commendable device. In fact, it’s a very capable smartphone.

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I’ve characterized the S25’s cameras as consistent, and that sentiment applies to the entire device. The screen offers vibrancy, smoothness, and brightness, while the battery life is nothing short of remarkable, and both the performance metrics and my personal experience confirm that this is a potent flagship smartphone.

I appreciate the streamlined capabilities of Gemini AI, which can convert a voice command into a calendar entry, reminder, or even plan a route with ease. Features like Portrait Studio in Galaxy AI produce more refined (and consistent) 3D sketches based on my portrait photos. However, I’m uncertain if the AI features alone would justify a subscription for most users—it’s doubtful that many would opt to pay for them in their current form.

This leads me to a broader question: apart from the powerful new chip and AI enhancements, why isn’t the S25 offered at a lower price? The Galaxy S25 is priced at $799 at launch, maintaining the same price point as the S24 and even the S23. The comparison stretches beyond just the latest iPhone; potential buyers should also consider more affordable Android options, such as the $499 Pixel 8a, or the now-year-old Galaxy S24. Unless you’re in dire need of enhanced processing power and battery performance, it may be wise to observe how significantly last year’s models are discounted in the upcoming months.