The Galaxy S25 series offers solid performance and refinements but lacks a wow factor. The review highlights the subtle design changes, improved cooling, and Qi2 readiness, while noting the lackluster camera upgrades and the confusing Qi2 implementation.
There's a certain allure to being someone who dives deep into the world of smartphones. You're either firmly in the 'it's just a phone' camp or you meticulously scrutinize every new feature, staying up-to-date on the latest devices and feeling a sense of pride when you gaze upon your shiny, expensive investment. As someone who covers tech for a living, and has been using smartphones for a decade, I still get excited about new releases.
I remember saving up cash working at my college library to buy my first phone, and that same thrill persists when a new phone arrives on my doorstep, allowing me to explore its novel capabilities, even if the changes seem incremental. This year, the hardware upgrades are subtle; it's all about AI, AI, AI – some of which is genuinely useful, while other aspects feel gimmicky. I also find myself struggling to discern any distinctive character in the phone's design. The launch colors are, frankly, rather boring.That said, the Galaxy S25 series definitely delivers on the performance front. These are powerful, reliable, and well-equipped smartphones. They represent excellent upgrades if you're coming from a three or four-year-old device. However, they lack a certain spark, failing to ignite that sense of excitement or innovation. There are a few notable changes I appreciate, though, particularly in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The phone now boasts flatter edges, rounded corners, and a less protruding S Pen stylus. The bezels are slimmer, giving the screen a larger visual presence without significantly altering the phone's dimensions. The flatter edges make it more comfortable to hold and use with one hand, although the compact design of the 6.2-inch Galaxy S25 remains appealing.One area where I noticed a significant improvement is in the phone's thermal management. In extensive testing of the S24 series, I frequently encountered stutters and overheating in specific areas. With the S25 series, even after nearly an hour of demanding gameplay at maxed-out graphics and 60 Hz, I didn't experience any such issues. The enhanced cooling solutions seem to have addressed this concern. Battery life is also commendable, consistently leaving me with around 40 to 30 percent charge at the end of a typical day, with approximately five to six hours of screen-on time. This aligns with the impressive battery performance that iPhone users have enjoyed for the past few years. Speaking of wireless charging, the Galaxy S25 series is Qi2 Ready. However, it's not a true Qi2 phone because it lacks built-in magnets. To enable Qi2 functionality, you need to pair it with a separate accessory. Thankfully, third-party accessory makers have stepped up, offering numerous options. My experience with these accessories has been somewhat mixed, though. Some cases had weak magnets, causing my phone to detach easily from a car charger during bumpy rides. Others refused to work with my Qi charger despite claiming backward compatibility. If Samsung had simply integrated Qi2 magnets into the phone itself, the experience would have been smoother and less confusing for consumers
GALAXY S25 SMARTPHONE REVIEW SAMSUNG MOBILE TECHNOLOGY AI CAMERA BATTERY LIFE QI2 WIRELESS CHARGING
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