Abstract
- The Galaxy S25 Extremely has a surprising design with minimized bezels and rounded edges.
- The cellphone’s digital camera high quality is top-notch, providing nice efficiency throughout the board.
- Whereas missing main new options, it is nice for customers upgrading from older Galaxy S sequence telephones.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Extremely will probably be among the best smartphones of 2025.
It seems nice because of its minimized bezels and extra rounded design, feels strong, and snaps glorious photographs that rival the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro— it is the whole bundle. Alternatively, the cellphone is almost similar to the Galaxy S24 Extremely and embodies the quickly plateauing high-end smartphone completely.
Any method you take a look at it, the Galaxy S25 Extremely is a boring handset know-how lovers like myself haven’t got many causes to get enthusiastic about. There’s no flashy new feature this year like a questionably helpful devoted digital camera button, and whereas the design upgrades are welcome, they’re undeniably refined. Oh, and people new AI options Samsung is pushing? They don’t seem to be nice.
However you already know what? That is okay to some extent. Should you’re shifting from a Galaxy S24 Extremely to the S25 Extremely, there is not so much to get enthusiastic about right here. However when you’re a Galaxy S20 Extremely, S21 Extremely, S22 Extremely, and even S23 Extremely person, you will actually really feel the upgrades right here. And in at the moment’s market the place persons are hanging onto their smartphones for a number of years earlier than upgrading, the Galaxy S25 Extremely is a top-tier bundle.
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Galaxy S25 Extremely
The very best-end variant of Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup for 2025, the S25 Extremely ships with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a large 6.9-inch show, and a quad digital camera setup.
- Gorgeous design
- Snaps nice photographs
- Minimized bezels look nice
- Similar to the Galaxy S24 Extremely
- Now Transient is not nice
- Most Galaxy AI options aren’t helpful
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Value, availability, and specs
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Extremely begins at $1,300 and is obtainable from a number of retailers, together with Samsung, in silverblue, grey, black, whitesilver. This yr’s Samsung Retailer unique colours embody jetblack, jadegreen, and pinkgold.
The S25 Extremely includes a model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chip particularly designed for smartphones. Samsung says this chip provides a 40 p.c AI increase, a 37 p.c effectivity enchancment, and a 30 p.c visible efficiency leap over the Galaxy S24 Extremely’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip (try my very own Geekbench 6 benchmarks beneath). The cellphone’s AMOLED show measures 6.9 inches and has a 3120 x 1440 Pixel decision. Lastly, the system additionally includes a 5,000 mAh battery that is similar to the Galaxy S24 Extremely’s.
Concerning its cameras, the Galaxy S25 Extremely options the identical array because the S24 Extremely, together with an f/1.7 200-megapixel (extensive) fundamental shooter, an f/2.4 10-megapixel 3x (telephoto), and an f/3.4 50-megapixel 5x (telephoto). New for this yr is the ultra-wide digital camera being kicked as much as f/1.9 50-megapixel.
Galaxy S25 Extremely construct and design
It is nonetheless a familiar-looking Notice with one other identify
This yr, Samsung made minimal adjustments to the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s design. In truth, at first look, it is tough to seek out any variations between the S24 Extremely and the S25 Extremely. Let’s begin with the again first — the identical rear digital camera array returns, and fortunately, there nonetheless is not a large bump underneath the lenses like with the iPhone 16 Professional and different smartphones, with every lens sitting independently. As an alternative, Samsung has added a subtly lined black rim round every lens, identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Am I keen on this transformation? Not likely, but it surely’s so minor I do not actually care, and I guess most individuals will really feel the identical method.
The perimeters of the Galaxy S25 Extremely are additionally barely extra rounded, giving the cellphone a friendlier, extra iPhone-like look that matches the remainder of the Galaxy S25 sequence and the Galaxy S24 line. It additionally struck me as odd that final yr’s Extremely was somewhat extra squared-off than the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, however now, that is now not the case. I like this new look, however once more, like a number of issues with the S25 Extremely, it is a minor shift some folks may not even discover.
The S Pen is again once more and has a handy slot contained in the Galaxy S25 Extremely, much like the now-dead Note line. Nonetheless, this yr, Samsung has ditched Bluetooth from the stylus, which suggests it now not works with “Air Gestures,” together with utilizing the stylus as a distant shutter for snapping photographs. This can be a disappointing and perplexing downgrade to what’s purported to be Samsung’s top-tier smartphone. Realistically, most customers will not discover that change since Air Gestures aren’t that fashionable, but it surely does not make it any much less of an odd cost-cutting resolution on Samsung’s half.
So far as design adjustments go, there actually is not something new in regards to the S25 Extremely whenever you pit it straight in opposition to the S24 Extremely.
It is price mentioning that the Galaxy S25 Extremely is simply “Qi2 Prepared,” which, in the identical vein as ditching Bluetooth from the S Pen, feels very bizarre. Whereas the cellphone helps the brand new wi-fi charging customary, together with sooner wi-fi charging speeds, you want a Qi2-compatible case. Meaning if you need iPhone-like MagSafe-style magnetic charging, equipment, and sooner wi-fi charging speeds, you will want a Qi2 case with a built-in magnet. This seems like an adjunct money seize on Samsung’s half, although there are already third-party circumstances obtainable (try the dear however strong Casetify case beneath). Can we simply deliver Qi2 to each Android system already, please?
And that is it — critically. So far as design adjustments go, there actually is not something new in regards to the S25 Extremely whenever you pit it straight in opposition to the S24 Extremely. I do know we’re firmly within the period of iterative smartphone updates, however how related each gadgets look is wild.
Apple created the Qi2 charging customary alongside the Wi-fi Energy Consortium, which incorporates corporations like Google, LG, Toshiba, Panasonic, and, after all, Samsung. The one Android system that at present helps Qi2 is
HMD’s Skyline
.
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Galaxy S25 Extremely show
The minimized bezels and larger display are its finest new options
The display is my favourite Galaxy S25 Extremely improve over its predecessor and earlier variations of Samsung’s Extremely-tier smartphone. Due to its almost non-existent bezels, the cellphone’s 3120 x 1440 pixel decision, 6.9-inch AMOLED show seems extremely trendy, particularly sitting beside the Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional, its two key rivals within the US market.
It is really the very best smartphone show I’ve ever seen.
Like in years previous, Samsung’s display prowess is on show right here. This show seems completely implausible. All the things from its vivid, vibrant colours to its 2,600 nits of peak brightness and even its dynamic 1Hz – 120Hz refresh price (which is not new, to be clear) is flawless. That is an costly smartphone, however you get what you pay for within the display division, with the show surpassing the Pixel 9 Professional/9 Professional XL and iPhone 16 Professional/16 Professional Max when it comes to sheer high quality. It is really the very best smartphone show I’ve ever seen.
It is price mentioning that the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s smaller bezels have sometimes induced me to by accident press the show with my palm once I’m holding it. It does not occur typically, however it will possibly get annoying, so it is price noting.
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Galaxy S25 Extremely digital camera
The brand new ultra-wide digital camera is spectacular
I have been fairly outspoken about my dislike for Samsung’s out-there pictures and video post-processing. I am simply not a fan of blown-out highlights and vibrant colours that appear like they have been shot on one other planet, however I perceive why some persons are — the photographs can typically look very cool, in spite of everything. This aesthetic is toned down with the Galaxy S25 Extremely, however I nonetheless miss the iPhone 16 Professional’s extremely customizable Pictures Types and the Pixel 9 Professional sequence’ extra grounded tackle photographs and movies. I am hoping Samsung finally brings a equally intuitive characteristic to the Galaxy sequence that means that you can tweak photographs precisely the way you need earlier than you shoot them.
There are a couple of extra pro-focused additions this yr, together with Log video assist, which supplies you a flat video profile whereas retaining info associated to highlights and shadows.
On the {hardware} entrance, the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s lenses are similar to the S24 Extremely’s, together with the f/1.7 200-megapixel (extensive) and f/2.4 10-megapixel telephoto, with optical zoom maxing out at 5x (I nonetheless miss the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s 10x optical zoom). The identical f/2.2 12-megapixel digital camera can be again. New for this yr is the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s f/1.9 50-megapixel ultra-wide digital camera, a step above final yr’s f/2.2 12-megapixel shooter. I do not shoot ultra-wide photographs typically, however the photographs shot with the Galaxy S25 Extremely look nice, providing extra definition and improved low-light efficiency over the Galaxy S24 Extremely.
Typically, when you like Samsung’s pictures and video type, you will benefit from the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s cameras. Personally, I like Google’s and Apple’s extra grounded tackle smartphone pictures, but it surely all is dependent upon your choice. Any method you take a look at it, the Galaxy S25 snaps nice photographs and may even get clear pictures when there’s ample movement within the scene, a difficulty I’ve encountered with previous Galaxy S sequence gadgets.
There are additionally a couple of extra pro-focused additions this yr, together with Log video assist. This characteristic provides you a flat video profile whereas retaining info associated to highlights and shadows, making it simpler to tweak the footage exactly the way you need. This characteristic is aimed extra at filmmakers and creators than the typical person, so it is unlikely most Galaxy S25 Extremely customers will reap the benefits of it.
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Galaxy S25 Extremely efficiency
All-day (after which some) battery is again
Excessive-end telephones (and most telephones, for that matter) have featured energy overkill for roughly half a decade or extra, and the Galaxy S25 Extremely is not any exception. This yr, Samsung’s top-tier smartphone includes a customized model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip alongside 12GB of RAM. Would I’ve most well-liked the system to supply 16GB of RAM given its “Extremely” moniker? You guess — however general, the S25 Extremely is lots highly effective. Whether or not you are working questionably helpful Galaxy AI options, taking part in high-end video games, or simply watching the world finish on social media, the expertise is silky easy.
For people who care about benchmarks, the Galaxy S25 Extremely hits a powerful 3,104 for single-core and 9,831 for multicore on Geekbench 6. I’ve additionally been impressed with the smartphone’s battery life. With common use, together with a cellphone name or two, some digital camera testing, and scrolling social media, the S25 Extremely’s 5,000 mAh battery holds up like a champ, lasting nicely into the night with 20-30% leftover on most days.
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Galaxy S25 Extremely software program
The brand new Now Transient disappoints
Look, I get it. AI is a progress space for tech giants and is pegged as the following massive factor. This business strikes in huge cycles and AI is simply the factor proper now. I am additionally conscious that each one of this know-how may be very a lot a piece in progress. With that out of the way in which, Galaxy AI nonetheless feels half-baked in comparison with Google’s and even Apple’s AI choices.
I genuinely suppose it may very well be the primary instance of smartphone-powered AI that matches into my life, however in its present state, it feels fairly ineffective.
This yr’s marquee characteristic is the “Now Bar,” which reveals up on the cellphone’s lockscreen, and the “Now Transient,” an AI-powered widget that lives on the house display. The idea is that it pulls information out of your cellphone, together with your calendar, electronic mail, photographs, and extra, and delivers a snapshot of data you care about, all pulled from a number of apps.
After a few weeks and making a concerted effort to combine Google’s app suite into Now Transient, it solely reveals me the climate, assumes I am continually touring, and hasn’t even began pulling in information tales I care about. No different info has appeared within the widget, which may be very disappointing. The concept of Now Transient is spectacular, and I genuinely suppose it may very well be the primary instance of smartphone-powered AI that matches into my life, however in its present state, it feels fairly ineffective. Hopefully, Now Transient will enhance the extra the cellphone is used. I am additionally curious if this Galaxy S25 series-exclusive characteristic will make its approach to earlier S sequence gadgets within the coming months.
On a extra constructive observe, OneUI 7 seems nice — it is simplistic and stripped again and includes a revamped, easier-to-use digital camera app.
Sticking with this theme, whereas the S25 Extremely’s cross-app performance powered by each Gemini and Bixby is spectacular (you are able to do a number of this with different Android telephones with simply Gemini and Google, to be clear), it does not at all times work reliably. For instance, I requested Gemini to make a Google Calendar itemizing for an upcoming work occasion with my work electronic mail, and could not differentiate between the 2 accounts I had signed in on the system. There’s potential right here if Samsung can iron out the problems and make its AI brokers extra succesful, however because it stands at present, it is simpler and much more dependable to carry out duties like this your self.
On a extra constructive observe, OneUI 7 seems nice — it is simplistic, stripped again, and includes a revamped, easier-to-use digital camera app. It additionally form of seems like iOS (sorry, Samsung followers), which, so far as I am involved, is an effective factor. I’ve a number of points with Apple’s smartphones, however the clear format of iOS 18 is not certainly one of them.
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Must you purchase the Galaxy S25 Extremely?
It is dependent upon what cellphone you at present personal
One of many largest questions surrounding the Galaxy S25 Extremely is why you’d go for it over the Galaxy S25 or 25+. Except you are actually into the S Pen and snap a number of telephoto pictures, you would in all probability go for certainly one of Samsung’s very succesful Galaxy S25 gadgets, relying in your show measurement choice. This yr, the hole between Samsung’s different gadgets and the Extremely is tiny, much like the Pixel 9/9 Professional and the iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Professional.
Whether or not the Galaxy S25 Extremely is actually price it for you’ll rely upon what Samsung system you are at present utilizing. These rocking a Galaxy S24 Extremely will not discover a lot right here, and the identical will be stated for Galaxy S23 Extremely house owners to some extent. Nonetheless, when you’re utilizing an earlier Galaxy Extremely cellphone, just like the S20, S21, or S22, you will get so much out of the Galaxy S25 Extremely.
Regardless of the minimal upgrades, the Galaxy S25 Extremely is likely one of the most strong all-around smartphones Samsung has launched in years.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely
This system was supplied to Pocket-lint by Samsung.
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