Galaxy S25 review

Design and Build: Sleek, Lightweight, and Waterproof — Samsung Galaxy S25

The Galaxy S25 carries forward Samsung's refined design language, feeling polished and solid in hand. At just 162 grams, it's impressively lightweight for a compact flagship, and the new aluminum edges add a premium touch. The phone is available in Navy, Icyblue, Silver Shadow, and Mint, giving buyers a few fresh color options. It also keeps the IP68 water and dust resistance rating, so it can handle splashes and brief submersion without worry. While the overall silhouette hasn't changed dramatically from previous models, the build quality remains top-notch.

Some may find the design predictable after three years of similar looks, but the combination of a slim profile, sturdy materials, and waterproofing makes it a reliable daily companion. For those who value a phone that feels both durable and easy to carry, the S25 delivers. Check out our other phone reviews to see how it stacks up against rivals.

Display: Bright and Smooth 120Hz AMOLED — Samsung Galaxy S25

What this means for Samsung Galaxy S25

The 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S25 is a highlight, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything from web pages to photos pop. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, which is especially noticeable when navigating the interface or playing supported games. Brightness is ample for outdoor use, and the panel's overall quality remains among the best in its class. While the screen itself hasn't seen a major upgrade over the previous generation, it's still a pleasure to use daily. If you're comparing options, our phone directory can help you find other devices with similar display specs.

Performance: Blazing Speed with a Custom Chip — Samsung Galaxy S25

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a custom chipset that delivers top-tier performance across the board. With 12GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps without any lag. This is the fastest phone available at launch in its price range, and it even outperforms the iPhone 16 in raw speed. Battery life is also a strong point, lasting longer than many competitors despite the 4,000mAh capacity.

However, charging speeds remain modest at 25W wired and 15W wireless, which feels slow compared to some rivals. The camera hardware is unchanged from previous years—a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto—so while photo quality is solid, it's not a leap forward. Some AI features, like the Now Brief, feel incomplete at launch, but the core experience is fast and reliable. For a compact phone that doesn't compromise on power, the S25 is a compelling choice.

Cameras: Familiar Hardware but Improved Photos — Samsung Galaxy S25

The Galaxy S25 uses the same camera hardware as its predecessor: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto. That means no new sensors for the fourth generation in a row, which some may see as a lack of innovation. However, Samsung has refined the photo processing. Images now look more grounded and natural, showing the company has learned from competitors while keeping its own style. The 3x optical zoom remains a highlight for a compact phone, giving you real reach without digital tricks.

Low-light shots are solid, and the main camera captures plenty of detail. The ultrawide is decent for scenes, though it can struggle in dim conditions. If you're upgrading from an older Galaxy, you'll notice better color and exposure balance. But against rivals like the Vivo X200 Pro Mini, the camera system feels dated. For most people, the photos will be more than capable enough, but camera enthusiasts may want to look at the Ultra model or a phone finder for alternatives with newer sensors.

Battery and Charging: Solid Endurance, Slower Charging — Samsung Galaxy S25

The Galaxy S25 packs a 4,000mAh battery, and in real-world use it delivers long battery life that outlasts the iPhone 16. You can comfortably get through a full day of mixed use, and even heavy users will find it reliable. The efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip helps here, keeping power draw low during everyday tasks. However, charging speeds haven't improved. wired charging tops out at 25W, and wireless at 15W.

That's slower than many competitors, especially Chinese phones like the Xiaomi 15 that offer much faster charging. A full charge takes over an hour, which feels sluggish in 2025. There's no charger in the box, so you'll need to supply your own. If you're comparing it to the Galaxy S25 FE, a side-by-side comparison shows the FE has a larger battery but similar charging limits. The S25's battery life is a strength, but the slow charging is a clear weakness.

Is the Galaxy S25 right for you? — Samsung Galaxy S25

The Galaxy S25 is a refined, powerful compact phone that delivers top performance and long battery life in a sleek, lightweight body. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip makes it one of the fastest phones you can buy, and the 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED display is bright and smooth. The design feels polished and solid, with an IP68 rating for water resistance. Samsung promises seven generations of Android updates, which is excellent for longevity.

But the S25 doesn't change much from last year. The cameras are the same hardware, charging is still slow at 25W, and some of the new Galaxy AI features feel incomplete at launch. The Now Brief and health advice aren't as useful as promised. For $799, it undercuts key competitors like the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 Pro, making it a strong value for a compact flagship. If you want the best performance in a small phone, the S25 is a strong choice. But if you're hoping for major camera or charging upgrades, you may want to wait or look elsewhere.