This review analyzes the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, highlighting their iterative nature and focusing on software and AI features. The phones are praised for their overall performance and design, but the reviewers find few compelling reasons to upgrade from previous S-series phones, noting that many AI features will be available on older devices.
The S25 and S25 Plus are considered great phones, worthy of their price tags. Key strengths include a strong camera system (though not upgraded from previous models), seven years of OS updates, and solid battery life. The smaller S25 is noted as the best small Android phone available in the US due to the lack of strong competitors in that size range. AI features like natural language search in settings and noise cancellation are mentioned but described as unpredictable and not consistently reliable.
The software updates are deemed significant, including One UI 7.0 with a new Now Bar and changes to notifications and settings. However, the overall improvements aren't groundbreaking and the AI integration, while promising, is inconsistent. The review notes that many AI features will soon be added to older Galaxy devices.
The design is largely similar to previous iterations, featuring flat edges and curved corners. The camera system is good, but not upgraded from previous models, maintaining Samsung's signature color saturation and a strong portrait mode.
The review concludes that while the S25 and S25 Plus are good phones, they lack significant upgrades to justify an upgrade from recent predecessors. The S25's small size is a highlight, and the phones offer long-term software support, making them a decent choice for those wanting a familiar, reliable phone. The article's final verdict suggests that these phones represent a moment of peak phone iteration, rather than significant advancement.