Samsung’s transition from Android innovator to provider retailer chaff

The Galaxy S25+ is probably the most irritating telephone I’ve reviewed. As a tech journalist, I need to eviscerate Samsung for not giving folks what they deserve from a $1,000 flagship telephone in 2025. The corporate’s innovation strikes at a glacial tempo, and the Galaxy S25+ ought to be a big enchancment over earlier generations.

Nevertheless, as a lot as I need to dig into Samsung, I need to acknowledge that that is nonetheless a very good smartphone. It’s not truthful to bash the telephone when loads of customers will get years of enjoyment from it. I’m going to guage the Galaxy S25+ for what it’s. Whereas I’ll acknowledge the areas the place Samsung fell brief in comparison with the competitors, I’m conscious that the Galaxy S25+ would be the most suitable option for many individuals strolling into their provider retailer trying to pay $30 a month for his or her telephone.

Value, specs, and availability

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is accessible by means of Samsung and Finest Purchase for $1,000. The bottom mannequin consists of 256GB of storage, whereas the 512GB variant prices an extra $120. It is available in varied colours, corresponding to Mint, Icy Blue, and Silver Shadow, though you’re doing it flawed should you don’t purchase the Galaxy S25+ in Navy or Coral, a Samsung web site unique. These two colours are Samsung’s finest in years, and the Navy appears improbable on my evaluation unit.

The Galaxy S25+ comes unlocked for all main carriers, and I had no sign or connectivity points testing it on AT&T.

Design and show

Extra of what you realize and a beautiful panel

In case you’ve seen one Samsung Galaxy, you’ve seen all of them. Nevertheless, that’s solely partial hyperbole, as Samsung carries the identical design language all through each gadget in its lineup, from the cheaper Galaxy A16 to the Galaxy S25 Extremely. It’s not unintentional. Samsung crafted a premium, unoffensive gadget that appeals to the most individuals potential. Nothing concerning the telephone sparks emotion, which is good while you need your product to mix in subsequent to the iPhone and Pixel on provider retailer cabinets.

The Galaxy S25+ just isn’t all bland, and Samsung made some enhancements for 2025. It’s noticeably thinner than its predecessors, at 7.3mm. That is the candy spot for flat-framed telephones, and the Galaxy S25+ has the very best really feel within the hand of any Samsung because the Galaxy S10+. It’s additionally light-weight, tipping the scales at 190g. I’m glad telephone producers have discovered a center floor, proving units will be skinny and highly effective with out sacrificing thermal efficiency and weighing 230g.

The Galaxy S25+ has the same old appurtenances of high-quality residing. Its back and front are protected by Gorilla Glass Armor 2, which Corning claims is 4 occasions extra scratch-resistant than the rivals’ glass. I really like the shift in focus away from shatter safety. It’ll nonetheless defend your telephone from drops, however I’m extra prone to endure from micro-abrasions on the show than to launch my telephone onto a marble floor. Nothing bothers me greater than choosing up my shiny new telephone after every week, solely to understand I’ve a floor scratch.

It could not have the titanium body of its dearer sibling, however Samsung’s Aluminum Armor 2 on the Galaxy S25+ instills confidence the gadget gained’t bend or endure harm regardless of being 7.3mm thick. Samsung did the appropriate factor by color-matching the body to the telephone. It provides one thing to the design and appears improbable with the Navy and Coral variants. I wasn’t joking earlier. You’re doing your self a disservice should you don’t reap the benefits of these colours. Cellphone producers grew afraid of saturation, so I’m glad no less than two vibrant colours made it by means of.

The Navy colorway isn’t the one vibrant facet of the Galaxy S25+. Samsung reversed its current pattern of utilizing screens with extra pure tuning on its telephones. Final 12 months, the corporate gave me hope when it added a software program slider to manage the show vibrancy. Samsung has returned to type with the show on the Galaxy S25+. It’s a beautiful 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+ panel that refreshes at 120Hz. The anti-reflective glass has been improved since final 12 months, making outside viewing simpler.

As well as, the Galaxy S25+ has glorious viewing angles, with little distortion off-axis. It’s an old-school stunner of a Samsung show, reminding me why I fell in love with the corporate’s screens.

Different {hardware} and what’s within the field

I do know Samsung isn’t the one responsible social gathering, however its presentation and included extras are extra barren than most. I perceive the corporate needs to be eco-friendly, however the field appears like somebody forgot to vary a toner cartridge. I’m not asking Samsung to take out a rainforest as a result of I spent $1,000 on a smartphone. Nonetheless, I’m certain there are eco-friendly methods to current higher for folks wanting a premium expertise. I don’t suppose they’re mutually unique.

You’ll discover a slight enchancment to the audio system over the Galaxy S24+. They don’t distort even at increased volumes, and the depth of sound is healthier this 12 months. There is no such thing as a improve in water resistance, because the Galaxy S25+ nonetheless carries an IP68 ranking.

Software program and efficiency

Samsung centered on the flawed issues

In case you purchase a Galaxy S25+, don’t do it due to Galaxy AI. Samsung’s AI gross sales pitch sounds good, however the product is way from completed. Many options weren’t prepared for prime time and aren’t unique to Samsung telephones. Now Temporary does nothing. I’ve been utilizing it for 2 weeks, hoping that one thing would break by means of that feels generative. Nevertheless, I’ve solely been greeted by climate studies and information of violent crimes, not tales I’ve proven curiosity in.

I jumped by means of hoops to arrange Samsung Well being and Information, anticipating Now Temporary to drag in information and supply solutions and curated information, however it’s achieved nothing. At this level, I’d accept Now Temporary telling me that tomorrow will probably be chilly, so I ought to put on a coat or recommend I carry an umbrella as a result of rain is forecast for the afternoon. I’m not saying Now Temporary is a misplaced trigger, however Samsung has work to do earlier than I rely it as a beneficial a part of my consumer expertise.

Now Bar is extra of a combined bag. Google Maps integration capabilities effectively, displaying turn-by-turn navigation on the lock display screen. I really like that I can comply with my favourite sports activities groups on the Now Bar, however the operate doesn’t work appropriately, with scores popping on and off the display screen. I hope Samsung has a Day One patch deliberate as a result of I’ve grown to get pleasure from this characteristic on my iOS units. APIs have been launched to builders, so we’ll see what third-party utility help it receives, however I count on to see some progressive app integrations all through this 12 months.

Samsung highlighted cross-app integration as a promoting level of the Galaxy S25 sequence, however AI assistants aren’t as quick as I’m at finishing duties. I needed to parse queries to make sure Galaxy AI pulled from the proper app I needed after which port the knowledge to the correct calendar. It’s not an intuitive course of, and whereas agentic assistants present promise, they don’t seem to be a characteristic that ought to be the centerpiece of a brand new smartphone. It’s additionally a operate I’ve seen carry out as effectively on the Google Pixel 9 Professional and OnePlus 13 with Google Gemini, so I don’t see a aggressive benefit for Samsung.

Despite the fact that Galaxy AI wants sprucing, One UI 7 has grown on me. Samsung’s software program wanted a contemporary coat of paint, and iOS aesthetics apart, I like what the corporate has achieved. We lastly have a vertical app drawer, one thing customers have needed for years. It additionally runs effectively, and Samsung’s software program help during the last a number of years has been exemplary. Samsung guarantees seven generations of software program help for the Galaxy S25+, which provides to the telephone’s worth no matter whether or not you retain it for seven years.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite powering the Galaxy S25+ is every part it’s marketed to be. It’s a robust chipset that’s extra battery-efficient than I believed. It chews by means of AAA cellular titles and intensive Android apps with out issue. It powers a lot of the on-device AI performance with photograph and video enhancing, and I’m excited to see what desktop-class functions are developed to make the most of this further energy.

It’s additionally the saving grace of the Galaxy S25 lineup. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is the place Samsung packing containers out the Google Pixel 9 sequence in provider shops. In case you’re a hardcore consumer who needs extra uncooked horsepower, particularly for gaming, your decisions are restricted within the US. You’ll be able to change issues up with a OnePlus 13, however provider help turns into a difficulty, and you’ll’t finance one by means of them both.

The Pixel 9 is improbable, however Google’s focus isn’t benchmarks, and let’s face it, you’re not shopping for an iPhone. That leaves Samsung, and the corporate is aware of it. That’s why the design is supposed to not offend anybody and why you see the corporate taking zero probabilities. The times of Home windows Cellphone and BlackBerry are over, Huawei is nowhere to be discovered, and Motorola is barely holding it collectively. Competitors issues, and Samsung doesn’t have any.

I’m much less disillusioned by the dearth of a 16GB variant of the S25+ than by the S25 Extremely’s, however I consider the gadget ought to have had extra RAM. Samsung options AI closely in its units, and extra RAM would guarantee new Galaxy AI capabilities would come to our units for longer and run higher. It appears like deliberate obsolescence. Whereas customers gained’t be restricted by 12GB of RAM in 2025, you may discover your gadget slowed down in two or three years as extra agentic AI options are added — simply in time so that you can go to your provider retailer and begin the cycle over once more.

Google and OnePlus supply 16GB of RAM to futureproof units for a similar worth Samsung expenses for the Galaxy S25+. I hope Samsung doesn’t use the dearth of RAM as an excuse to not carry new options to the telephone in two years, as we’ve seen that recreation tried by Google final 12 months. Phrase of Samsung DeX’s demise was exaggerated, because the fan-favorite characteristic is alive and effectively on the Galaxy S25+.

Cameras

Enhancements on the within

The cameras on the Galaxy S25+ are one other combined bag. I benefit from the pictures I get from the first 50MP f/1.8 sensor. Samsung’s computational software program is improved, and the improved photograph processing of the Snapdragon 8 Elite shines. The colours are improbable, and I’ve observed improved picture readability over earlier Galaxy units. Low-light pictures are crisp with loads of element, though movement seize continues to be problematic, as you’ll discover blurring.

I’m happy to report that Samsung’s infamous shutter lag appears to be gone. Even whereas taking nighttime photographs, I observed the shutter was snappy and responsive, with out the delay we’re used to from earlier generations. I believed pictures of shifting topics would enhance with out shutter points, however they didn’t. I don’t know if it’s a software program situation or if Samsung improved the suggestions after we press the shutter button, however it’s nonetheless processing within the background.

One space the place AI impresses on the Galaxy S25+ is generative edits to pictures. Object (and individual) removing is healthier than ever, with remnants corresponding to shadows and different artifacts accounted for and eliminated. AI enhancements increase video enhancing, permitting customers to isolate particular person audio parts and take away or improve them as wanted. It’s spectacular and works effectively on the Galaxy S25+, which is good for folks frightened about exterior noise ruining a cherished second with their kids.

Like most different issues concerning the Galaxy S25+, there’s a draw back. The three cameras within the Galaxy S25+ are the identical lenses used within the Galaxy S23+. I used to be certain we’d see new {hardware} this 12 months, and I used to be annoyed when the S25 Extremely bought a brand new 50MP ultrawide sensor solely to see it not trickle right down to the S25+. It feels insulting that for $1,000, Samsung didn’t deem S25+ homeowners worthy of latest {hardware}.

Whereas AI has improved photos from the 50MP major lens, you’ll discover a distinction while you change to the telephoto and ultrawide sensors. There’s a detectable downgrade in coloration and readability, particularly in low lighting, when photos develop into noisy and smooth. Samsung appears to be artificially gatekeeping new digital camera {hardware} and attractive customers to pay extra by confining it to the Galaxy S25 Extremely.

Battery and charging

Extra of the identical

I nearly fell off my chair when Samsung mentioned it will hold the battery sizes the identical as final 12 months. Then I gave the corporate the good thing about the doubt, pondering it should use silicon-carbide expertise like OnePlus to get higher efficiency from the same-sized cells. Nevertheless, I used to be flawed. The Galaxy S25+ options the identical 4,900mAh lithium-ion battery as final 12 months’s mannequin. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is a extra environment friendly chipset, and I get higher battery life than on the Galaxy S24+.

Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless restricted in comparison with the equally priced OnePlus 13, which has a bigger 6,000mAh silicon-carbide battery. Each telephones can final right into a second day on a single cost, however my OnePlus 13 completes all the day, whereas the Galaxy S25+ wants a charger by lunchtime.

Charging speeds additionally want to enhance. Samsung has been caught with 45W charging for years whereas rivals abroad routinely double that pace. This makes a distinction while you neglect to plug in your telephone or have solely half-hour earlier than you’re due someplace. This characteristic is prevalent on different telephones. Samsung must step up and add it to its personal.

Competitors

What else is on the market?

I discussed the OnePlus 13 earlier, and I like it as a substitute for the Galaxy S25+. For a similar worth, you get extra storage, extra RAM, a much bigger battery with newer expertise, quicker charging speeds, and an IP69 ranking. It’s a monster, however I perceive it’s not for everybody. Assist isn’t out there by means of all main carriers, and you’ll’t add one to your month-to-month invoice for $30. In case you’re not beholden to a selected ecosystem and know your provider will help it, the OnePlus 13 is value a glance.

I additionally just like the Google Pixel 9 Professional, however it’s a special expertise. Google centered on software program and AI enhancements as an alternative of uncooked energy. The Pixel doesn’t supply higher gaming efficiency, however it has extra RAM and a flexible digital camera system. As well as, many of the AI options Samsung is boasting about for Galaxy AI will finally make their approach to Pixel telephones. In case you’re used to the facility of a Samsung flagship, you could be annoyed with Google’s choices.

Must you purchase it?

I promised I’d be truthful, and whereas it pains me to say it, the Galaxy S25+ is your best option for tens of millions of smartphone customers. In case you don’t just like the smaller display screen of the usual Galaxy S25, the S25+ is a more sensible choice than the Extremely, permitting you to economize and get a lot of the identical efficiency.

Samsung did a superb job narrowing down the options informal customers search for, corresponding to a improbable show, stable battery life, and good pictures, whereas leaving sufficient deficiencies beneath the floor to make a tech journalist lose sleep. I’m sensible sufficient to know Samsung followers ought to decide up a Galaxy S25+ in the event that they’re coming from an older gadget on a typical provider improve cycle, however that doesn’t imply I give Samsung a gold star after I know the corporate is able to doing way more.