Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S25 Series at its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California. The lineup includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
We did not get the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim as earlier leaked but Samsung did tease the Galaxy S25 Edge — a new ultra-slim entry into the Galaxy S25 lineup.
The phone isn’t out yet, and Samsung hasn’t provided any details, but now we know it’s real.
“The S25 Series represents a convergence of groundbreaking AI research and cutting-edge hardware, setting a new benchmark for mobile innovation. With the intuitive Galaxy AI companion, these phones primarily change how we experience technology in our daily lives. They provide us with secured personalized AI experiences that cater to our needs and preferences.’’ said Anthony Hutia, Head of Mobile Experience, Samsung Electronics East Africa.
“Introducing this next-generation technology to our region is a proud moment for us, it empowers users to explore the limitless possibilities of Galaxy AI, redefining what a mobile experience can be.”
Each device features incremental upgrades to hardware, AI capabilities, and software, but certain choices may spark debate among Samsung fans.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Pricing and Availability
In Kenya, here are the prices for the Galaxy S25 Series:
- Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- 12+512GB: KES 188,400
- 12+256GB: KES 172,800
- Galaxy S25 Plus:
- 12+512GB: KES 147,800
- 12+256GB: KES 132,000
- Galaxy S25 Base:
- 12+256GB: KES 116,200
- 12+128GB: KES 108,300
Pre-orders run from January 23 to February 16 at authorized Samsung stores and e-commerce partners. Pre-order bonuses include double storage at no extra cost, KES 5,000 cashback via Loop, and a limited-time Jambojet return ticket.
Hardware Highlights
Samsung has kept its design language minimal. The Galaxy S25 Series devices feature rectangular forms with slim bezels. This year’s improvements include updates to screen size and durability.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra now offers a larger 6.9-inch screen with thinner bezels, retaining nearly the same dimensions as its predecessor.
The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus feature smaller displays at 6.2 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. All models feature Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2, which offers 29% better fracture resistance than the Galaxy S24 series.
The series is powered globally by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, representing a significant upgrade. Samsung reports a 37% CPU boost, 30% faster graphics, and 40% better AI processing with this new processor. Improved thermal management ensures that devices remain cooler during prolonged usage.
Larger vapor chambers help dissipate heat effectively, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra seeing a 40% size increase. This allows for consistent performance, especially during intensive activities like gaming.
Battery remain unchanged across the lineup, with the Galaxy S25 featuring a 4000mAh battery, the S25 Plus a 4900mAh battery, and the S25 Ultra offering a 5000mAh capacity.
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Charging speeds also remain the same as the Galaxy S24 series, with the S25 supporting 25W wired charging and the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra supporting 45W wired charging. Wireless charging is also available across all models.
The camera systems have also seen some adjustments. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s ultrawide lens now boasts a 50 MP resolution, an improvement from the 12 MP found on its predecessor.
This change enhances macro photography capabilities, allowing for detailed close-up shots. The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus retain 50 MP main cameras with advanced features like dual-pixel phase-detect autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS).
Samsung’s next-gen ProVisual Engine uses an advanced spatial-temporal filter to minimize blurring and noise in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the new double-analysis noise removal feature evaluates every pixel and its surrounding eight pixels, effectively reducing noise and improving clarity.
For creators, the Galaxy S25 Series introduces “Galaxy Log” video recording, which supports 10-bit HDR for greater control over color grading and dynamic range.
AI Features
The Galaxy S25 Series incorporates AI extensively, aiming to enhance everyday usability. Cross-app experiences, powered by Google’s Gemini AI, allow tasks to span multiple applications seamlessly.
For instance, you can request Gemini to find the complete football season schedule for Arsenal FC and have it added to your calendar, or take a photo of your fridge contents and ask it to generate recipe suggestions.
Gemini is designed for handling complex queries and general web tasks, while Samsung’s enhanced Bixby assistant focuses on managing device functions, such as adjusting settings.
Having two assistants might feel redundant, and confusion can arise when tasks overlap. In demos, Gemini struggled with functions that Bixby completed effortlessly, highlighting a need for smoother integration between the two systems.
A new feature called “Now Brief” provides proactive assistance by delivering personalized updates and summaries.
The app sends a morning brief detailing weather conditions, calendar events, stock performance, news, and suggested routines.
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In the evening, it recaps the day’s events alongside relevant photos. Integration with email allows it to notify users of expiring coupons and upcoming travel tickets.
The Now Bar widget on the lock screen provides quick access to the Now Brief app and shows live updates, such as sports scores or navigation directions.
Other notable AI features include Drawing Assist, a tool for creating new art styles based on sketches or text prompts, and AI Select, which offers contextual recommendations for selected media.
Audio Eraser, another useful tool, removes background noise from recorded videos, while the updated Generative Edit feature allows for precise removal of unwanted objects in photos, now functioning locally for faster processing.
What’s Missing
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s S Pen has undergone changes, but not necessarily for the better. The stylus no longer includes Bluetooth connectivity, which means users lose access to certain remote-control functionalities.
Samsung argues that these features were rarely used, but the absence of Bluetooth might disappoint longtime S Pen enthusiasts. Battery technology and charging speeds remain the same as last year’s Galaxy S24 Series.
While reliable, these features feel stagnant compared to competitors introducing faster-charging solutions and innovative battery technologies like silicon-carbon cells.
Sustainability Initiatives
Samsung continues its push towards sustainability with the Galaxy S25 Series. Every device in the lineup features at least 50% recycled cobalt in its battery.
Components of the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 are also made from recycled materials, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Although these measures reflect progress, critics may argue that more substantial changes are required to make a meaningful difference.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Series offers a mix of iterative updates and new features, with a strong focus on AI integration and subtle design improvements.
However, the lack of groundbreaking hardware changes or significant innovations may leave some potential buyers questioning whether the upgrade is justified.
The omission of features like Bluetooth in the S Pen and the lack of advancements in battery technology are notable drawbacks.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy S25 Series remains a solid option for those seeking a flagship smartphone with a dependable ecosystem and cutting-edge AI capabilities.
Pre-orders are open now, and Samsung’s promotions might sweeten the deal for early adopters. For those on the fence, the Galaxy S25 Series’ performance in real-world scenarios will likely determine its appeal.
I will be conducting an in-depth review of the Galaxy S25 Series soon, so stay tuned for detailed insights into their real-world performance.
Galaxy S25 Series Specs
