Galaxy S25 Extremely Assessment: Stellar, however extraordinarily boring

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Extremely will seemingly be probably the greatest smartphones of 2025.

It appears nice because of its minimized bezels and extra rounded design, feels strong, and snaps wonderful pictures that rival the Pixel 9 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro— it is the whole package deal. However, the telephone is almost similar to the Galaxy S24 Extremely and embodies the quickly plateauing high-end smartphone completely.

Any approach you take a look at it, the Galaxy S25 Extremely is a boring handset expertise fanatics like myself haven’t got many causes to get enthusiastic about. There’s no flashy new feature this year like a questionably helpful devoted digicam button, and whereas the design upgrades are welcome, they’re undeniably delicate. Oh, and people new AI options Samsung is pushing? They are not nice.

However you recognize what? That is okay to some extent. In the event you’re shifting from a Galaxy S24 Extremely to the S25 Extremely, there is not loads to get enthusiastic about right here. However should you’re a Galaxy S20 Extremely, S21 Extremely, S22 Extremely, and even S23 Extremely consumer, you may actually really feel the upgrades right here. And in at present’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 package deal.

Beneficial

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, an enormous 6.9-inch show, and a quad digicam setup.

Professionals & Cons

• Gorgeous design
• Snaps nice pictures
• Minimized bezels look nice

• Similar to the Galaxy S24 Extremely
• Now Temporary 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 on the market 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 contains a model of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chip particularly designed for smartphones. Samsung says this chip affords a 40 p.c AI enhance, a 37 p.c effectivity enchancment, and a 30 p.c visible efficiency soar over the Galaxy S24 Extremely’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip (take a look at my very own Geekbench 6 benchmarks under). The telephone’s AMOLED show measures 6.9 inches and has a 3120 x 1440 Pixel decision. Lastly, the system additionally contains 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 (vast) important 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 digicam being kicked as much as f/1.9 50-megapixel.

Galaxy S25 Extremely construct and design

It is nonetheless a familiar-looking Observe with one other title

This yr, Samsung made minimal adjustments to the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s design. In reality, at first look, it is troublesome to search out any variations between the S24 Extremely and the S25 Extremely. Let’s begin with the again first — the identical rear digicam array returns, and fortunately, there nonetheless is not a large bump beneath the lenses like with the iPhone 16 Professional and different smartphones, with every lens sitting independently. As a substitute, 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? Probably not, however it’s so minor I do not actually care, and I guess most individuals will really feel the identical approach.

The sides of the Galaxy S25 Extremely are additionally barely extra rounded, giving the telephone 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 slightly 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 variety of issues with the S25 Extremely, it is a minor shift some folks won’t even discover.

The S Pen is again once more and has a handy slot contained in the Galaxy S25 Extremely, just 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 pictures. It is a disappointing and perplexing downgrade to what’s alleged to be Samsung’s top-tier smartphone. Realistically, most customers will not discover that change since Air Gestures aren’t that well-liked, however it would not make it any much less of an odd cost-cutting choice on Samsung’s half.

It is value stating that the Galaxy S25 Extremely is barely “Qi2 Prepared,” which, in the identical vein as ditching Bluetooth from the S Pen, feels very bizarre. Whereas the telephone helps the brand new wi-fi charging customary, together with quicker wi-fi charging speeds, you want a Qi2-compatible case. Which means in order for you iPhone-like MagSafe-style magnetic charging, equipment, and quicker wi-fi charging speeds, you may 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 (take a look at the expensive however strong Casetify case under). Can we simply deliver Qi2 to each Android system already, please?

And that is it — severely. So far as design adjustments go, there actually is not something new in regards to the S25 Extremely if you pit it instantly towards the S24 Extremely. I do know we’re firmly within the period of iterative smartphone updates, however how comparable each units look is wild.

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Galaxy S25 Extremely show

The minimized bezels and greater 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 practically non-existent bezels, the telephone’s 3120 x 1440 pixel decision, 6.9-inch AMOLED show appears extremely fashionable, particularly sitting beside the Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional, its two key opponents within the US market.

Like in years previous, Samsung’s display prowess is on show right here. This show appears completely implausible. Every part from its shiny, 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 most effective smartphone show I’ve ever seen.

It is value mentioning that the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s smaller bezels have sometimes induced me to by accident press the show with my palm after I’m holding it. It would not occur usually, however it may well get annoying, so it is value noting.

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Galaxy S25 Extremely digicam

The brand new ultra-wide digicam is spectacular

I have been fairly outspoken about my dislike for Samsung’s out-there images 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 pictures can typically look very cool, in any case. This aesthetic is toned down with the Galaxy S25 Extremely, however I nonetheless miss the iPhone 16 Professional’s extremely customizable Images Types and the Pixel 9 Professional sequence’ extra grounded tackle pictures and movies. I am hoping Samsung finally brings a equally intuitive characteristic to the Galaxy sequence that lets you tweak pictures precisely the way you need earlier than you shoot them.

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 (vast) 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 digicam can also be again. New for this yr is the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s f/1.9 50-megapixel ultra-wide digicam, a step above final yr’s f/2.2 12-megapixel shooter. I do not shoot ultra-wide pictures usually, however the pictures shot with the Galaxy S25 Extremely look nice, providing extra definition and improved low-light efficiency over the Galaxy S24 Extremely.

Typically, should you like Samsung’s images and video model, you may benefit from the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s cameras. Personally, I like Google’s and Apple’s extra grounded tackle smartphone images, however it all depends upon your desire. Any approach you take a look at it, the Galaxy S25 snaps nice pictures and may even get clear photographs when there’s ample movement within the scene, a problem I’ve encountered with previous Galaxy S sequence units.

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 consumer, so it is unlikely most Galaxy S25 Extremely customers will benefit from 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 isn’t any exception. This yr, Samsung’s top-tier smartphone contains 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 total, the S25 Extremely is loads highly effective. Whether or not you are operating questionably helpful Galaxy AI options, enjoying high-end video games, or simply watching the world finish on social media, the expertise is silky clean.

For those who care about benchmarks, the Galaxy S25 Extremely hits a formidable 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 telephone name or two, some digicam testing, and scrolling social media, the S25 Extremely’s 5,000 mAh battery holds up like a champ, lasting effectively into the night with 20-30% leftover on most days.

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Galaxy S25 Extremely software program

The brand new Now Temporary disappoints

Look, I get it. AI is a development space for tech giants and is pegged as the following massive factor. This trade strikes in huge cycles and AI is simply the factor proper now. I am additionally conscious that each one of this expertise could be very a lot a piece in progress. With that out of the best way, Galaxy AI nonetheless feels half-baked in comparison with Google’s and even Apple’s AI choices.

This yr’s marquee characteristic is the “Now Bar,” which reveals up on the telephone’s lockscreen, and the “Now Temporary,” an AI-powered widget that lives on the house display. The idea is that it pulls knowledge out of your telephone, together with your calendar, electronic mail, pictures, 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 Temporary, it solely reveals me the climate, assumes I am continuously touring, and hasn’t even began pulling in information tales I care about. No different info has appeared within the widget, which could be very disappointing. The thought of Now Temporary is spectacular, and I genuinely suppose it might be the primary instance of smartphone-powered AI that matches into my life, however in its present state, it feels fairly ineffective. Hopefully, Now Temporary will enhance the extra the telephone is used. I am additionally curious if this Galaxy S25 series-exclusive characteristic will make its strategy to earlier S sequence units within the coming months.

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 variety of this with different Android telephones with simply Gemini and Google, to be clear), it would not all the time 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 be aware, OneUI 7 appears nice — it is simplistic, stripped again, and contains a revamped, easier-to-use digicam app. It additionally sort of appears like iOS (sorry, Samsung followers), which, so far as I am involved, is an effective factor. I’ve a variety of points with Apple’s smartphones, however the clear structure of iOS 18 is not certainly one of them.

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Do you have to purchase the Galaxy S25 Extremely?

It depends upon what telephone you at present personal

One of many greatest 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 variety of telephoto photographs, you can in all probability go for certainly one of Samsung’s very succesful Galaxy S25 units, relying in your show dimension desire. This yr, the hole between Samsung’s different units and the Extremely is tiny, just like the Pixel 9/9 Professional and the iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Professional.

Whether or not the Galaxy S25 Extremely is really value 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 may be mentioned for Galaxy S23 Extremely house owners to some extent. Nonetheless, should you’re utilizing an earlier Galaxy Extremely telephone, just like the S20, S21, or S22, you may get loads 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.