The Samsung Galaxy S25 series continues the journey started with the Galaxy S24 to transform smartphones into AI companions. Samsung claims that the new phones offer a more context-aware and personalized user experience through multimodal AI. This is seen as a paradigm shift in how we interact with smartphones.
The Galaxy S25 incorporates Google’s new multimodal AI model, Gemini 2.0, announced in December 2024. Samsung is the first manufacturer to use this AI at the system level. Alongside, Samsung’s own AI models and interfaces play a role, including the voice assistant Bixby, which interacts with Gemini to control system functions and create tasks like calendar entries or sending messages.
In demonstrations, Samsung showed how users could ask for the best nearby Mexican restaurant and simultaneously ask a friend to join. The phone suggested a restaurant and drafted a message to the friend, working initially with the Messages app and WhatsApp.
The AI models can also interpret images, such as creating an event from a concert poster. The camera can scan the fridge contents to suggest recipes based on available ingredients. This feature is similar to Meta’s presentation of the AR glasses prototype, Oryon.
System functions like screen brightness can be controlled by voice, and settings such as eSIM configuration can be explained. This is particularly helpful for users who are not tech-savvy.
The Galaxy S25 models retain AI features introduced with the Galaxy S24. New is the “Now Bar” on the lock screen, similar to Apple’s “Live Activities,” showing activities from various apps like Maps, Music, and Stopwatch.
The “Now Brief” feature in the Now Bar offers proactive suggestions, learning user behavior over time to provide information like sleep quality and reminders. Samsung assures that this data remains private and secure within the “Knox Vault.”
Many features are part of the One UI 7 update, which will also be available on other Galaxy smartphones. However, it’s unclear which features will be available on which models. For Galaxy S24 devices, many features are expected to be included.
Samsung has stated that Galaxy AI features will remain free on supported devices until the end of 2025, implying potential charges afterward. However, Samsung Germany’s marketing chief, Mario Winter, clarified that no fees will be charged in 2026.
Design-wise, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is lighter and thinner, with a more compact and less angular design. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chips promise a performance boost of 30 to 40 percent in CPU, GPU, and AI processing.
The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus retain their screen sizes of 6.2 and 6.7 inches, while the Ultra model grows slightly from 6.8 to 6.9 inches. All models feature bright LTPO displays with adaptive refresh rates from 1 to 120 Hz. The Ultra model includes an anti-reflective screen coating for better readability in sunlight.
The Galaxy S25 series supports the new Qi2 wireless charging standard, requiring a special charging case. Wired charging remains at 25 watts for the base model and up to 45 watts for the others, slower compared to competitors like OnePlus or Xiaomi.
Camera upgrades are modest, with the Ultra model’s ultrawide camera upgraded to 50 megapixels, now capable of macro photos. The Snapdragon chip enhances video quality in low light.
One UI 7, based on Android 15, comes with the new models, offering new features and a refreshed look. Quick settings are separated from notifications, and apps can be vertically scrolled in the app drawer.
Samsung promises a long update guarantee, with devices receiving Android updates and security patches for seven years, ensuring use until 2032.
The Galaxy S25 series is priced similarly to its predecessors, with the base model starting at 850 euros, the Plus at 1,150 euros, and the Ultra at 1,450 euros.
The new Galaxy models are a subtle update in hardware, akin to an “S” series in iPhones. The real test will be the practical utility of the AI features, which cannot be judged by a short demo. While AI is increasingly integral, it should provide genuine value and be easy to use.