As we approach the start of the new year, the tech world turns its attention to Samsung, which consistently launches its flagship phones before the end of the first quarter each year—a tradition maintained for the past three years. All eyes are now on the Korean giant, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Galaxy S25, the latest in Samsung’s flagship lineup.
The Evolution of the Galaxy S Series
In January of last year, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24, highlighting its new AI features, which stole the spotlight despite minimal changes in specifications compared to its predecessor. With the imminent release of the Galaxy S25, will Samsung stick to the same philosophy or introduce groundbreaking upgrades?
New Models for the Galaxy S25?
For years, Samsung has adhered to the same naming conventions and lineup structure, offering three variants: a standard model, a slightly larger Plus version with added features like a bigger battery, and an Ultra model that incorporates all the flagship features, including an S Pen, larger screen, and enhanced performance.
However, according to well-known leaker Yogesh Brar, Samsung might revamp its naming strategy this year. The “Plus” model could be rebranded as “Pro,” and the “Ultra” could adopt the “Note” branding, reviving the legacy of the once-iconic Note series. If this holds true, the lineup would include the Galaxy S25 Pro and the Galaxy S25 Note. This change would mirror competitor Apple’s naming structure, potentially adding more premium features to the Pro model.
It’s important to note that these claims remain speculative, as Samsung has not officially confirmed or denied them.
Design Changes in the Galaxy S25
Samsung has maintained a consistent design language across its Galaxy devices, from flagships to budget models. However, rumors suggest that the Galaxy S25 might mark a design shift. The company has reportedly enlisted Ilhwan Lee, a former designer at Mercedes-Benz, to refine its smartphone aesthetics.
Renowned leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, also known as OnLeaks, shared concept renders that appear strikingly similar to the Galaxy S24, with only subtle tweaks giving the phone a resemblance to Sony’s Xperia flagship series.
One significant change involves the dimensions. The standard Galaxy S25 is rumored to be slightly smaller than its predecessor, measuring 146.9 × 70.4 × 7.2 mm, compared to the previous 147 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm, while retaining the same 6.17-inch screen size. Meanwhile, the Pro model could see a slight increase in screen size, possibly reaching 6.3 inches, aligning with the iPhone 16 Pro. Additionally, a new camera design featuring a tubular lens housing has been hinted at, potentially reducing the phone’s weight to 219 grams from the previous 232 grams.
A New Processor
One of the defining upgrades in the Galaxy S25 series will likely be its processor. Rumors suggest the use of either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or the Exynos 2500, depending on the market.
Early performance benchmarks on Geekbench indicate a significant leap, with the new processor scoring 3,069 points in single-core tests and 9,080 points in multi-core tests—representing a 40% improvement over the Galaxy S24’s scores. This performance boost may be attributed to increased RAM, with up to 16GB available in the 512GB storage variant.
AI and Satellite Connectivity
The Galaxy S25 series is expected to leverage AI capabilities through the Gemini Nano V2 model, integrated with Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 7.0. Additionally, Samsung may introduce satellite connectivity for emergency communication, although its availability could vary depending on regional regulations.
Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Camera Features
Cameras have always been a highlight of Samsung’s Ultra models, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception. While early rumors pointed to a complete overhaul, recent leaks suggest a continuation of the existing camera setup. The main and telephoto lenses are expected to remain unchanged, but improvements to the ultra-wide lens, now potentially upgraded to 50MP, could enhance overall performance.
For the standard and Pro models, camera specifications are likely to remain the same as previous generations, despite the inclusion of a new sensor.
Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra Worth the Wait?
It’s challenging to draw conclusions from unverified leaks, especially with three months remaining until the phone’s release. Samsung often introduces features that entice users to upgrade, whether through new hardware, improved cameras, or enhanced software.
If the Galaxy S25 series offers only incremental updates, it might not appeal to those upgrading from the Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, for users with older devices, the S25 series could be a compelling choice.
