The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is right here. Whereas Samsung’s advertising and marketing machine is in full swing, touting its digicam and glossy new options, I discover myself surprisingly unfazed. Whereas it is lovely and ergonomic, I do not see sufficient compelling causes to ditch my trusty Galaxy S23 Extremely after contemplating what it provides. It looks like an incremental improve (even for a two-year flagship), and my present cellphone nonetheless feels snappy and succesful.
From a downgraded S Pen to the identical battery woes, I see extra of the identical slightly than true innovation. Earlier than you rush to pre-order, let me share a number of key the explanation why I’m sticking with my Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely.
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This is not the trail, Samsung
7
Galaxy S25 Extremely is underwhelming
The Galaxy S25 Extremely, regardless of the hype, feels surprisingly underwhelming. It lacks that “aha” second that was once an indicator of Samsung Unpacked occasions. Talking of the design, the South Korean big rounded the corners and flattened the sides, however that is hardly revolutionary. The digicam structure can be the identical on the again.
Samsung is touting an anti-reflective coating, which is sweet, however what about high-frequency PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)? Moreover, my S23 Extremely’s show is attractive. This looks like a minor tweak, not a significant improve.
Coming to the specs, 12GB of RAM was nice in 2023, however it’s 2025. The place is the 16GB possibility for energy customers? Even Google (which is usually late in {hardware} specs) provides 16GB of RAM on the Pixel 9 sequence.
6
The battery dimension and charging speeds are nonetheless the identical
The S25 Extremely boasts the identical 5,000mAh battery because the Galaxy S23 Extremely. We’re caught with the identical capability even after two years of supposed innovation. It is a enormous letdown, particularly for energy customers who push their telephones to the restrict.
The competitors is zooming forward with a 6,000mAh battery and 100W+ speeds, and Samsung continues to be caught within the gradual lane. Do not get me began on the 15W wi-fi charging. It is slow-paced in 2025. Samsung additionally dropped the ball with Qi2 wi-fi charging. I wished built-in magnets, however the firm is pushing magnetic circumstances as a substitute. This looks like a half-hearted try.
5
A downgraded S Pen on Galaxy S25 Extremely
There was a time when Samsung launched new S Pen options yearly (like fast off-screen memos from the lock display). Now, the S25 Extremely’s S Pen not has Bluetooth connectivity. This implies not utilizing it as a distant management for shows or as a digicam shutter button.
For individuals with shaky fingers (myself included), the S Pen’s digicam shutter performance is a godsend. It permits for regular, blur-free pictures with out counting on a timer or voice instructions. Samsung’s suggestion of utilizing wave gestures as a alternative looks like a poor excuse. It is laborious to not see this as a cost-cutting measure by Samsung, which we do not anticipate on gadgets costing $1,300.
4
Snappy efficiency on Galaxy S23 Extremely
I’ve solely identified a number of misses on the Galaxy S25 Extremely. Now, let me elaborate on why my present machine continues to be going robust. It is simple to get caught up within the hype of recent processors and benchmarks, however the actuality is that, for a lot of customers, the efficiency beneficial properties are negligible. Take the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, for instance. It is no slouch and lots highly effective to deal with my on a regular basis duties.
I am an influence consumer and push my cellphone to its limits. The Snapdragon 8 Elite within the S25 Extremely would not supply a noticeable real-world distinction.
3
The replace state of affairs continues to be robust
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely was launched with One UI 5.1 primarily based on Android 13. The corporate guarantees as much as 4 main software program updates (as much as Android 17). Wanting on the firm’s document, I am certain Samsung will not break its phrase.
Core Android updates can even carry the most recent variations of One UI. One UI 7 appears implausible, with refined options, efficiency enhancements, and a recent new look. Why rush to the S25 Extremely when my S23 Extremely will get the most recent software program for years to come back?
2
A sturdy digicam setup on Galaxy S23 Extremely
The digicam setup on my Galaxy S23 Extremely continues to be robust and ok for my images wants. A brand new ultrawide sensor on the Galaxy S25 Extremely is ok, however is it a game-changer? Ultrawide lenses are enjoyable, however they don’t seem to be for my on a regular basis images. The principle sensor and the 3X telephoto lens on the S25 Extremely are primarily the identical because the S23 Extremely’s.
As for 8K video recording, it looks like a advertising and marketing gimmick. In any case, how many people have 8K shows to look at it on? I am pleased with the 4K@60fps video recording on my S23 Extremely. It is crisp, easy, and greater than sufficient for my wants.
1
I am nonetheless not offered on Galaxy AI novelties
This complete “Gemini” expertise combining Google and Samsung apps sounds attention-grabbing. It appears cool, however is {that a} motive to purchase a brand new cellphone? Right here is the factor: Samsung is sweet at bringing new software program options to older gadgets. I would not be shocked if many of those AI-powered capabilities make their approach to the S23 Extremely by means of software program updates.
Moreover, I am closely invested within the Microsoft ecosystem and use apps like OneNote, Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. I do not see these apps getting Gemini integration anytime quickly.
Samsung, you did not persuade me
The Galaxy S25 Extremely has deserves however would not supply sufficient to justify an improve from my still-fantastic S23 Extremely. As a Samsung fan, I hope the S26 Extremely would be the game-changer we’re ready for. Perhaps it’ll carry a revolutionary battery, a mind-blowing digicam system, or a revamped S Pen that redefines productiveness. Till then, I will fortunately maintain onto my S23 Extremely.
The Galaxy S25 sequence is all set to debut One UI 7 Android pores and skin. Try our devoted information to study the prime One UI 7 options.