The Samsung Galaxy S25 series continues the journey started with the Galaxy S24, aiming to transform smartphones into AI companions. Samsung claims that the new phones offer a more context-aware and personalized user experience through multimodal AI. They even suggest a paradigm shift in how we interact with smartphones.
The Galaxy S25 series collaborates with Google to integrate new AI features, utilizing Google’s multimodal AI model, Gemini 2.0, announced in December 2024. Samsung seems to be the first to use this AI at the system level. Besides, Samsung has its own AI models and interfaces that play a role in the new user interaction methods. The Bixby voice assistant is still present and interacts with Gemini to control system functions, create calendar entries, or send messages.
In demonstrations, Samsung showed how users could ask for the best nearby Mexican restaurant and simultaneously ask a friend if they want to join. The phone suggested a restaurant and created a text message for the friend. This works with the Messages app and WhatsApp, according to Samsung.
The AI models can capture content from images, like creating an event from a concert poster. The camera can also help identify fridge contents and suggest recipes. This feature is similar to what Meta showcased with its AR glasses prototype.
System functions like screen brightness can be controlled by voice, and users can get guidance on settings like eSIM. This feature is especially helpful for those 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” in Dynamic Island, displaying relevant app activities like Maps, Music, and Stopwatch.
The “Now Brief” feature in the Now Bar proactively offers suggestions, learning from user behavior over time. It summarizes sleep quality, reminders, and more. Samsung ensures this data remains private and secure in the “Knox Vault.”
Many features are part of the One UI 7 update, which will also be available for other Galaxy smartphones. It’s unclear which features will be available on which models, but many are expected on Galaxy S24 devices.
Samsung promises that Galaxy AI features will remain free on supported devices until the end of 2025, with no fees expected in 2026.
The Galaxy S25 series also brings hardware updates. The new devices are slightly lighter and thinner, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chips for a performance boost. The design of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is more compact and less angular than its predecessors, with slimmer screen edges.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than the S24 Ultra’s 6.8 inches, while the S25 and S25 Plus retain their 6.2 and 6.7-inch sizes. All models feature bright LTPO displays with adaptive refresh rates between 1 and 120 Hz.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra includes an anti-reflective coating for better visibility in sunlight. Samsung claims the new Corning Armor Glass is more robust than before.
New accessories include support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard, requiring a special case for magnetic alignment, costing around 35 Euros. Charging speeds remain at 25 watts for the S25 and up to 45 watts for the other models, slower than competitors like Oneplus or Xiaomi.
The cameras see minor upgrades, with the Ultra model’s ultra-wide camera increased to 50 megapixels for macro photos. The Snapdragon chip enhances camera performance, allowing better low-light video recording.
Samsung introduces new photo features like improved generative editing for cleaner object removal and “Best Face” for selecting the best expression in group photos.
The Galaxy S25 series ships with One UI 7, based on Android 15, offering new features and a visual refresh. Quick settings are separated from notifications, but users can merge them if desired. The app drawer now supports vertical scrolling, similar to Google’s Pixel.
Samsung guarantees software updates for seven years, ensuring device usability until 2032 if battery and processor performance hold up.
The Galaxy S25 models are priced similarly to their predecessors: the base model with 128 GB storage starts at 850 Euros, the Plus with 256 GB at 1,150 Euros, and the S25 Ultra with 256 GB at 1,450 Euros.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 series offers incremental improvements, with AI features needing real-world testing to prove their value. Prices remain consistent with previous models, maintaining Samsung’s premium positioning.
