Samsung S25 Review: Is This Galaxy Phone Worth It?

The Samsung S25 has arrived, and it's turning heads in the smartphone world. As the latest addition to the Samsung Galaxy lineup, this flagship brings impressive upgrades that make it stand out among Samsung phones released this year. But does it justify the premium price tag?

After spending three weeks with the Samsung S25 as my daily driver, I've tested everything from camera performance to battery endurance. Here's what you actually need to know before making your purchase decision.

       

Design and Build Quality

Samsung nailed the design with the S25. The phone feels substantial without being bulky, weighing in at 6.2 ounces. The aluminum frame paired with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back gives it a premium feel that matches its price point.

Key design highlights include:

• 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate

• IP68 water and dust resistance for peace of mind

• Slim bezels that maximize screen real estate

• Four color options: Phantom Black, Cream, Lavender, and Green

• Comfortable grip despite the large screen size

The display is absolutely gorgeous. Colors pop without being oversaturated, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through apps buttery smooth. Outdoor visibility is excellent thanks to the 2,600 nits peak brightness—I had no trouble reading the screen in direct sunlight.

Performance: Snapdragon Power

The Samsung S25 packs Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM in the base model. This combination handles everything I threw at it without breaking a sweat.

During my testing period, I played graphically demanding games, edited 4K videos, and juggled multiple apps simultaneously. The phone never stuttered or showed signs of slowing down. Gaming performance is particularly impressive—titles like Genshin Impact ran at high settings with consistent frame rates.

Benchmark Comparison

While the iPhone still leads in single-core performance, the S25 holds its own and delivers real-world speed that most users won't find lacking.

Camera System: Triple Lens Excellence

Samsung phones have always excelled in photography, and the S25 continues that tradition. The triple camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.

Daylight photos are stunning. The main camera captures incredible detail with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range. The AI processing has improved—photos look natural rather than overly processed, which was an issue with previous Samsung Galaxy models.

Low Light Performance

Night mode has seen significant improvements. The S25 captures bright, clear shots in challenging lighting conditions without excessive noise. The larger sensor and improved processing algorithms make a noticeable difference compared to the S24.

Video recording supports up to 8K at 30fps, though 4K at 60fps is more practical for most users. The stabilization is excellent—handheld footage looks impressively smooth.

Battery Life and Charging

The 4,000mAh battery might seem modest on paper, but real-world performance tells a better story. With moderate use—browsing social media, taking photos, streaming music, and occasional video calls—the S25 consistently lasted a full day with 15-20% remaining.

Heavy users pushing the phone hard with gaming and video streaming might need a top-up by evening. The power-efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate help conserve battery when you're not actively using demanding apps.

Charging capabilities:

• Wired charging: 25W (0-50% in about 30 minutes)

• Wireless charging: 15W Qi-compatible

• Reverse wireless: 4.5W for charging accessories

Note that Samsung doesn't include a charger in the box, so factor that into your budget if you don't already have a compatible one.

Software Experience: One UI 6.1

The S25 ships with One UI 6.1 based on Android 14. Samsung's software skin has matured beautifully—it's feature-rich without feeling bloated. Customization options are extensive, letting you tweak nearly every aspect of the interface.

Standout features include:

• AI-powered photo editing tools built directly into the gallery app

• Enhanced multitasking with improved split-screen functionality

• Samsung DeX for desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor

• Secure Folder for keeping sensitive apps and files private

Samsung promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches. This long-term support makes the S25 a solid investment for customers who keep their phones for several years.

       

Storage and Connectivity

The Samsung S25 comes in three storage configurations: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. There's no microSD card slot, so choose wisely based on your needs. The 256GB model hits the sweet spot for most users.

Connectivity is comprehensive with 5G support across all major bands, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. Call quality is excellent, and 5G speeds are impressive where available.

Price and Value Analysis

Starting at $799 for the 128GB model, the Samsung S25 sits firmly in flagship territory. The 256GB version costs $859, while the 512GB tops out at $979. These prices are competitive with other premium Samsung phones in the Galaxy lineup.

Compared to the competition, the S25 offers strong value. You're getting flagship performance, an excellent camera system, beautiful display, and years of software support. Trade-in deals from Samsung and carriers can significantly reduce the upfront cost.

Who Should Buy the Samsung S25

This phone is perfect for Samsung customers who:

• Want a compact flagship without compromising on features

• Value camera quality for photography and video

• Appreciate a vibrant display for media consumption

• Need long-term software support and security updates

• Are already invested in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem

Consider alternatives if you need maximum battery life (look at the S25 Plus or S25 Ultra), want the absolute best camera zoom capabilities, or prefer a larger screen for productivity tasks.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung S25 earns its place among the best Samsung phones released this year. It refines the Galaxy formula with meaningful upgrades in performance, camera quality, and software experience. The compact size makes it appealing for those who find modern smartphones too large.

Minor complaints aside—the charging speed could be faster, and the battery capacity feels conservative—the S25 delivers where it counts. Daily performance is smooth, the camera rarely disappoints, and build quality inspires confidence.

For Samsung customers loyal to the brand or Android users seeking a premium experience, the S25 won't disappoint. It's a complete package that handles everyday tasks and demanding workloads with equal grace. This Samsung Galaxy flagship proves that bigger isn't always better—sometimes refinement matters more than raw size.