The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a small but mighty smartphone. It’s part of Samsung’s premium S25 series, sitting just below the larger S25 Plus and the big S25 Ultra. For people who love a compact phone that still packs powerful cameras, smooth performance, and bright display tech, the S25 could be the perfect fit. It offers a triple camera system, 8K video recording, and Samsung’s latest AI tools in a body that easily fits in one hand or pocket.
While it’s smaller, it doesn’t feel like a “budget” model at all. You get the same camera system as the S25 Plus, a bright 120Hz AMOLED screen, and premium build quality. Of course, there are a few trade-offs, like starting with only 128GB storage and not having a macro camera. But for most people, these won’t be deal-breakers. In this review, we’ll explore what the Samsung Galaxy S25 offers, how it performs in real life, and whether it’s worth your money.
At a Glance – Key Specs
- Main Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, 24mm equivalent, OIS, PDAF
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 13mm equivalent, fixed focus
- Telephoto Camera: 10MP, f/2.4, 67mm equivalent, OIS, PDAF
- Selfie Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, AF, 26mm equivalent
- Video: 8K 30fps (main), 4K from all cameras
- Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, 2600 nits peak brightness
- Battery: 4000mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless charging
- Dimensions: 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm, 162g
- Storage: 128GB (base) or 256GB
- Colors: Silver Shadow, Navy Blue, Coral Red (exclusive), Pink Gold (exclusive)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Deals
USA: was $859.99 now $779.99 at amazon
UK: was £519.50 now £504.00 at amazon
DE: was €735.43 now €614.50 at amazon
Aliexpress: was $1,013.85 now $669.14
How I Test Camera Phones
When reviewing camera phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25, I focus on photography and video performance. I test each lens in bright daylight, low light, and indoor conditions. I also check color accuracy, sharpness, and how well the phone handles tricky lighting.
For video, I record in all supported resolutions and frame rates, looking at stabilization, audio quality, and overall smoothness. I also use the built-in editing tools to see how easy it is to tweak photos and videos without a computer. Finally, I pay attention to real-life usability — how quickly the camera opens, how responsive the shutter is, and how the phone handles casual snapshots as well as more creative shots.
Features
The Samsung Galaxy S25 comes with three rear cameras:
Main 50MP wide-angle lens – Bright f/1.8 aperture, OIS for sharp low-light shots, and PDAF for fast focusing.
12MP ultra-wide lens – Great for landscapes and group shots, though fixed focus means no close-up macro shots.
10MP telephoto lens – 3x optical zoom, OIS, and PDAF for sharp zoomed-in shots.
The selfie camera is 12MP with autofocus, which is a big deal for sharper selfies and better vlogs.
Video is another strong point. The main camera can shoot in 8K at 30fps, while all cameras can record in 4K. You also get HDR video, Super Steady mode, and Pro Video mode with LOG recording for advanced editing.
On the software side, the phone includes Samsung Galaxy AI tools like Photo Assist, Drawing Assist, Audio Eraser, and AI wallpaper creation. You also get Expert RAW support for professional-level photo editing.
S25 vs S25+ – Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Galaxy S25 and S25+ share the exact same cameras and core features. The difference comes down to size, storage, and battery.
- Screen size: S25 has a 6.2-inch display; S25+ has 6.7 inches.
- Battery: S25 has 4000mAh; S25+ has 4900mAh.
- Storage: Base S25 starts at 128GB; S25+ starts at 256GB.
If you like smaller phones that are easy to handle one-handed, the S25 is perfect. If you want longer battery life and more storage without worrying about space, the S25+ is the better choice. Camera lovers can rest easy knowing both models take the same quality photos and videos.
Handling and Design
The Samsung Galaxy S25 feels premium from the moment you pick it up. It has a sturdy metal frame with a polished silver edge, thin bezels, and a flat screen that avoids the accidental touches common with curved displays.
At 162g, it’s light enough for all-day use without feeling cheap. The button placement is comfortable, and the haptic feedback feels solid. While it doesn’t include a screen protector in the box, you can easily add one for extra protection.
Color options are appealing, with Silver Shadow and Navy Blue as standard, plus Samsung’s exclusive Coral Red and Pink Gold if you buy directly from their website.
Battery Life in Real Use
On paper, the 4000mAh battery sounds modest, but with Samsung’s software optimization, it lasts a full day for most users. Light users can push it into a second day.
Streaming videos, browsing social media, and taking photos barely dent the battery. However, extended 8K video recording or gaming will drain it faster. Charging speeds are decent at 25W wired and 15W wireless — not the fastest in the industry but reliable. You can get from 0% to about 50% in half an hour.
Photo App and Shooting Modes
Samsung’s camera app is beginner-friendly yet packed with options. The default Photo mode is simple, while the More section offers Pro, Pro Video, Night, Panorama, Food, Portrait, Hyperlapse, Super Slow-Mo, and Single Take.
The double-press power button shortcut to launch the camera is a time-saver, and pressing it twice again flips between front and back cameras instantly. Volume buttons can be used as a shutter, making selfies easier.
Expert RAW mode is available for those who want the highest image quality for editing later.
Camera Performance
In bright daylight, the Samsung Galaxy S25’s main camera produces crisp, colorful images with balanced exposure. The ultra-wide lens handles distortion well, and the telephoto lens keeps detail even at 3x zoom.
In low light, the main camera’s Night Mode kicks in automatically, producing brighter shots with less noise. The ultra-wide lens struggles a little more in dark conditions, while the telephoto lens performs surprisingly well for its 10MP resolution.
Selfies are sharp thanks to autofocus, and portrait mode does a good job of separating subjects from the background without looking too artificial.
Video Recording Performance
Video is a highlight of the Samsung Galaxy S25. The 8K mode offers incredible detail for cinematic projects, while 4K is sharp and easier to edit. Super Steady mode is great for action shots, and HDR video ensures bright and dark areas are balanced.
The zoom slider is smooth, making it easy to move between lenses mid-recording. Audio recording is clear, and Pro Video mode gives manual controls over focus, exposure, and white balance — plus the ability to record in LOG for advanced color grading.
AI and Editing Features
Samsung Galaxy AI tools make editing photos and videos fun and easy:
Photo Assist: Suggests edits to improve lighting, cropping, and colors.
Drawing Assist: Helps create clean lines or shapes over photos.
Audio Eraser: Removes unwanted background noise from videos.
AI Wallpapers: Generates custom wallpapers from your photos or prompts.
These tools are intuitive and fast, turning casual shots into polished results without extra apps.
Gaming and Everyday Performance
Powered by the latest Snapdragon chip (in most regions), the Samsung Galaxy S25 handles everyday tasks smoothly. Apps open instantly, and multitasking is fluid. Gaming performance is solid, with demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile running smoothly at high settings.
The phone stays cool during normal use, with only slight warmth during extended gaming or 8K video recording.
Value for Money
At around $529 for the base 128GB model, the Samsung Galaxy S25 offers flagship features for a mid-range price. The 256GB version is often discounted on Samsung’s website and is worth the upgrade if you plan on storing lots of photos or videos.
Its closest rivals are the Google Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro, but the S25’s compact size and triple camera setup give it a unique edge.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Deals
USA: was $859.99 now $779.99 at amazon
UK: was £519.50 now £504.00 at amazon
DE: was €735.43 now €614.50 at amazon
Aliexpress: was $1,013.85 now $669.14
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Galaxy S25 is ideal for:
- People who want a compact phone without sacrificing flagship features.
- Photographers and vloggers who need versatile cameras in a small package.
- Users who value long software support — Samsung promises 7 years of updates.
- Those who prefer Samsung’s bright, colorful AMOLED displays.
If you need more storage or longer battery life, the S25+ is worth considering.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is one of the best small flagship smartphones you can buy. It delivers excellent cameras, bright display, smooth performance, and a pocket-friendly design. The lack of a dedicated macro lens and the base 128GB storage are small downsides, but they don’t overshadow the phone’s strengths.
For anyone wanting a compact, future-proof Android device, the S25 is an easy recommendation. With Samsung’s promise of long-term updates, this is a phone you can enjoy for many years without feeling left behind.
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