Zdnet’s main takeout
- The $ 799 Samsung Galaxy S25 is for users who want a flagship experience in a smaller form factor.
- This year’s hardware upgrade is quite limited, but Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy improves battery and camera quality.
- The camera is still suffering from the shutter delay, which is less ideal for capturing fast -moving subjects.
More purchase selection
that Samsung Galaxy S25 It’s not as gorgeous as ultra, but it’s the best small phone you can buy now. It is a thinner and lighter design, a better battery life and a smarter AI feature. But is it still worth $ 799 with a minimum hardware upgrade than a predecessor?
In addition, I replaced the iPhone 16 Pro with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
It will help Samsung to believe in the upgraded Qualcomm SnapDragon 8 Elite processor this year, which provides not only speed improvement but also better image clarity and more efficient battery life. Perhaps it is the three most important aspects for consumers. I sent a device to test the device last week, and the specification sheet may not excite you, but the actual experience tells me different stories.
The Galaxy S25 is thinner and lighter than last year’s Galaxy S24. In fact, it is one of the most comfortable calls I have and used. Unlike the larger galaxy S25 Ultra, the flat side is difficult to handle and the bent edge is convenient. I will say that it provides a better feeling than Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 16.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: Compared the basic models that most people should buy.
On the front is a 6.2 -inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, and the paper is less sharper than the QHD+ screen found in the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra. But in reality, the size is still sharp and vivid. Galaxy S25 displays, from scrolling the reel of the Instagram to Chrome search, offer satisfactory content consumption experience.
I hope that the anti -reflection coating of the Galaxy S25 Ultra Gorilla Armor 2 will allow you to use the screen in a bright environment. It is a quality upgrade of life that has made a compact telephone experience truly one of the kinds. That is, as shown in the image above, the screen can still be read quite a bit in direct sunlight.
In the Galaxy Pool, I was impressed that Samsung was exaggerated by the SNAPDRAGON 8 elite processor to provide a significant upgrade compared to the Galaxy S24 this year. During the time of reviewing the Galaxy S25, the lifetime of battery life that has never been seen in the smallest Samsung model may have been disbanded too quickly.
also: I tested all samsung Galaxy S25 models, but my favorite is not The Ultra.
In my test, the Galaxy S25 lasted at least an hour and a half longer than a predecessor, according to similar use. It is usually a one -day phone for users. People who explore, use social media and use messages frequently. Navigation and using cameras drain the battery faster, but most people are satisfied with the battery life.
I like Samsung’s thinner and lighter design that it provided a better battery life, but it would have preferred the charging speed faster than 25W this year. Keep equal to the Galaxy S25 Plus and Ultra ‘S 45W!
Like charging, Samsung did not update the camera of the Galaxy S25 this year. It is characterized by the same optical as the Galaxy S24, the same as the Galaxy S23 of the previous year. Instead, Samsung continues to rely on the latest processors to improve camera hardware, which is related to the device’s market, but there is nothing more.
To re -educate, the camera system includes a 50MP default camera equipped with optical image stabilization, a 10MP telephoto camera with a three -fold optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra -sensor.
In addition, this useful UI 7 feature is provided in the Galaxy S25 series and previous models.
This phone offers a good dynamic range and a consistent color in the sensor. I knew that my image sample was a bit more detailed than last year’s image sample. Samsung also delivers more accurate human skin shades, and in a challenging environment, it provided a better low light result with low clarity and noise.
1X, 3X and 5X photos of Galaxy S25.
PRAKHAR KHANNA/ZDNET
Compared to iPhone 16 and Pixel 9, I prefer the Galaxy S25 cameras. Three times the telephoto camera is essential. However, if the infant or pet is captured on the camera, the iPhone can provide a better service because the iPhone suffers from the fast -moving subject. Unless you adjust the shutter speed of all photos using the Expert Raw App, this is not the best camera system for capturing small humans and fur friends.
Some of the biggest camera upgrades are available in video mode. Now you can take a log video with the Galaxy Log, and Cinematography can apply LUTS to apply 10 -bit scenes to color grade.
Also: Compare all samsung galaxy S25 models: How to make a call to buy
The Galaxy S25 also introduces a new post -editing function called Audio Eraser, which uses AI to recognize and remove unwanted noise such as wind, water or public chat. Similar features can be used on Apple and Google phones, so Samsung finally caught it and is happy to work well.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 operates the Android 15 -based One UI 7 and is soon released in the old Galaxy S24 series, offering the most features of the features you want to mention on last year’s mobile phone.
AI function is the most commonly used for the last few days, starting with AI SELECT. It works like a circle to emphasize search contents and propose device measures based on information.
In addition, this $ 300 Samsung Phone looks good as the Galaxy S25.
For example, if you receive an event invitation through a text or email containing time, date, and location details, tap the AI SELECT in the Edge panel and emphasize the invitation information. . Taps, time, date and location are automatically filled in the calendar app.
There is also a new Galaxy AI feature called NOW Brief, an App-Widget hybrid that integrates important data in one place. Theoretically, you can show the weather update, Galaxy Health detects bad sleep, recommends a list of spotify players of your favorite artists, displays news and calendar events, and suggests Youtube shorts.
But in my experience, it was mostly glorious weather apps. I couldn’t detect Google Fit data synchronized with Galaxy Health and did not show news. The proposed SPOTIFY playlist was not based on my preference. Samsung insists that the service will improve over time, so we will update this review if we find the changes.
One UI 7 introduces NOW BAR, a new way to mark the active app notification on the lock screen. If you have a timer, a music player or a navigation run, it appears as a stacked card of a lock screen that can be interacted with a swipe.
It recalls the iPhone’s dynamic islands and live activities, and supports a limited number of apps in a similar way. As the developer integrates the product, we expect to support more apps. Now it feels like a nice feature in the early stages.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: Compared the basic models that most people should buy.
Other Galaxy AI party tricks include portrait studios, sketches, and images for creating 3D cartoons and sketches from portraits. These features are more sophisticated and consistent, but tasks, such as the creation of the gallery app and the expansion of the background, can still take more than 10 seconds to handle.
Galaxy S25 also includes Gemini AI upgrades. The new converted Google Assistant version can be triggered by a long press of side buttons. This allows you to request information, plan your plans, and send whatsApp messages are sent to your contacts. It is a good idea to handle multiple commands in one line. We look forward to a wider third -party app support.
Zdnet’s purchase advice
It looks like an overwhelming upgrade on paper Samsung Galaxy S25. My only grip is that I can’t capture the moving subject without adjusting the shutter speed of the expert RAW. If you can overlook it, this is a solid call for $ 799, and if you can do it with a trade proposal or promotion, it is a better deal.
The Galaxy S25 has a better display, the best in segment, more versatile camera settings and battery life compared to Google and Apple. It is better than Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 at similar prices.