Samsung Galaxy S25 Buying Guide: Which Model Should You Get?
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S25 series, including the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and the flagship S25 Ultra. But with incremental updates and a few exciting new features, is it worth upgrading? Here’s everything you need to know to decide which S25 model (if any) is right for you.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE GALAXY S25 SERIES?
The Galaxy S25 series doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but it introduces some key updates:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Processor for Galaxy (Global): For the first time, Samsung has ditched Exynos entirely, bringing a consistent, powerful Snapdragon chip globally.
- New Camera Features: The Ultra model now boasts a 50MP ultrawide sensor, while all models benefit from AI enhancements to image processing.
- Lighter Design: All three phones shave off a few grams, making them easier to hold.
- Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.3: Futureproof connectivity across the range.
- One UI 7 with Enhanced AI: Samsung has crammed in new AI-driven features, including live transcriptions, video upscaling, and customisable Bixby routines.
However, many elements—like charging speeds, battery capacities, and display brightness—remain unchanged.
| Feature | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S25 Plus | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colours | Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Grey, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Black, Titanium Jetblack (Online Exclusive), Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Pinkgold | Icy Blue, Silver Shadow, Mint, Navy, Blueblack (Online Exclusive), Coral Red, Pink Gold | Icy Blue, Silver Shadow, Mint, Navy, Blueblack (Online Exclusive), Coral Red, Pink Gold |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm |
| Weight | 218g | 190g | 162g |
| Max Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Front Camera | 12MP Selfie Camera | 12MP Selfie Camera | 12MP Selfie Camera |
| Rear Cameras | – 50MP Ultra Wide Camera – 200MP Wide-angle Camera – 50MP/10MP Telephoto Camera – Optical Zoom 3x and 5x – Digital Zoom up to 100x | – 12MP Ultra Wide Camera – 50MP Wide-angle Camera – 10MP Telephoto Camera – Optical Zoom 3x – Digital Zoom up to 30x | – 12MP Ultra Wide Camera – 50MP Wide-angle Camera – 10MP Telephoto Camera – Optical Zoom 3x – Digital Zoom up to 30x |
| Battery | 5000mAh (typical) | 4900mAh (typical) | 4000mAh (typical) |
| Video Playback | Up to 31 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 29 hours |
| Display & Size | 6.9″ Quad HD+ | 6.7″ Quad HD+ | 6.2″ FHD+ |
| S Pen Compatibility | Yes | No | No |
| Durability | Titanium frame, Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2, IP68 | Armour Aluminium frame, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, IP68 | Armour Aluminium frame, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, IP68 |
SAMSUNG GALAXY S25 ULTRA: THE FLAGSHIP OPTION
Key Features:
- Display: 6.9-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED, with thinner bezels and curved corners.
- Cameras:
- New 50MP ultrawide sensor (up from 12MP).
- Advanced AI features like spatio-temporal noise reduction and improved HDR.
- Galaxy Log recording in Pro mode for cinematic video editing.
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with improved cooling (40% larger vapour chamber).
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W charging (unchanged from previous models).
- Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better crack resistance (+29%).
Why It Matters:
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces several key improvements over its predecessor, focusing on design, display, and camera capabilities. Here’s why these updates are significant:
Refined Design and Enhanced Comfort
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a more ergonomic design with smoother, rounded corners and a titanium frame, making it lighter at 218 grams compared to the previous model’s 233 grams.
This reduction in weight make for a more comfortable grip and improved durability.
Expansive 6.9-Inch Display for Immersive Viewing
Equipped with a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the S25 Ultra offers a larger and more immersive screen, ideal for media consumption and productivity tasks.
The display supports a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and achieves a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling.
AI-Driven ProVisual Engine for Superior Photography
The introduction of the AI-powered ProVisual Engine enhances the S25 Ultra’s photography capabilities.
This technology improves image processing, delivering clearer and more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions.
The camera system includes a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and telephoto lenses, providing versatile shooting options.
Why It Might Not:
Despite the upgrades, the Ultra’s core specs—like battery size, charging speed, and RAM—remain the same as the S24 Ultra.
The removal of Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen is also a step backwards.
GALAXY S25 & S25 PLUS: THE BEST VALUE
What They Offer:
- Display:
- S25: 6.2-inch Full HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz.
- S25 Plus: 6.7-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz.
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12GB of RAM across the board (up from 8GB last year).
- Battery & Charging:
- S25: 4,000mAh, 25W charging.
- S25 Plus: 4,800mAh, 45W charging.
- Cameras: Same 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto sensors as last year, with improved image quality thanks to the Pro Visual Engine.
- Cooling: Both models get a 15% larger vapour chamber for better thermal management.
Why They’re Great:
Galaxy S25
Starting at £799 in the UK, the Galaxy S25 is the most budget-friendly option in the lineup, but it doesn’t skimp on premium features.
It comes equipped with the latest Snapdragon processor, ensuring top-notch performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use.
AI-driven enhancements improve everything from camera performance to battery optimisation, and the sleek design adds a touch of elegance.
This is the perfect choice for anyone wanting a high-end smartphone without breaking the bank.
Galaxy S25 Plus
For those seeking more without going all-in on the Ultra, the S25 Plus is the ideal choice.
It boasts a larger display, offering a more immersive experience for streaming and productivity, while faster charging keeps you powered throughout the day.
With these added perks, the S25 Plus strikes a great balance between premium features and a more approachable price point.
Limitations:
Unlike the Ultra, the S25 and S25 Plus lack advanced camera hardware upgrades, and they still don’t support LTPO technology for improved refresh rate efficiency.
Charging speeds on the base S25 remain capped at 25W, which feels outdated compared to competitors.
WHO SHOULD BUY THE GALAXY S25?
- S25 Ultra: Best for power users, content creators, and those who want the ultimate flagship experience. If you prioritise the best camera system, largest display, and advanced video features, this is the one to get.
- S25 Plus: Perfect for those who want a large screen and solid performance without spending over £1,000. It’s the sweet spot for price and features.
- S25: Ideal for those looking for flagship power in a compact design. If you’re upgrading from an older device and want great value, this is the best choice.
WHY YOU MIGHT SKIP THE S25 SERIES
While the Galaxy S25 series offers a polished experience, some users might feel underwhelmed by the lack of significant upgrades.
Following the launch, these aspects were the biggest uh-ohs for us:
- No Battery Innovation: The 5,000mAh battery on the Ultra hasn’t changed in years, and rivals now offer larger capacities and faster charging.
- Incremental Changes: For S24 or S23 owners, the upgrades might not justify the cost.
- Removed Features: The loss of Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen on the Ultra is a missed opportunity.
Buying Advice:
- The Galaxy S25 series is basically incremental AF, focusing on AI features, design improvements, and modest camera upgrades.
- The S25 Ultra is the best choice for those who need cutting-edge features and top-tier cameras.
- The S25 Plus is a great mid-tier option for most users, balancing price and performance.
- The base S25 offers excellent value, but slower charging may feel limiting.
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