The Samsung Galaxy S25 stands out with its ultra-compact design and revamped aesthetics. In this full review, I’ll share my impressions of this smartphone, which could very well be the best choice in the S25 lineup.
A Compact and Lightweight Design
The Galaxy S25 is the smallest model in the S25 series. Compared to the S25 Ultra, it looks tiny. Samsung has managed to create a compact smartphone that fits perfectly in hand. The flat and rounded edges provide a comfortable grip, without the sharp edges found on the S25 Ultra.
This model is also remarkably light. Weighing just 162g, it’s even lighter than the S24 (167g). Its reduced thickness makes it ergonomic and easy to carry.
Samsung has also redesigned the rear camera layout. The lenses are now larger and standardized across the entire S25 range. This aesthetic change adds a modern touch.
A High-Quality Display
The Galaxy S25 features a 6.2-inch Full HD+ screen with a density of 416 ppi. While it doesn’t offer Quad HD like the S25 Ultra, the display quality remains excellent. Even the Ultra model is calibrated to Full HD+ by default, making this difference negligible.
The brightness of this screen is impressive. It far surpasses the S24, offering nearly twice the brightness. Even in direct sunlight, readability remains perfect. The “Vivid” and “Natural” display options let you adjust colors to your preference.
One downside is the absence of the anti-reflective coating found on the S25 Ultra. This feature significantly enhances outdoor usability, making its omission unfortunate.
Samsung Galaxy S25 : Improved Battery Life
The battery life of the Galaxy S25 is a pleasant surprise. With a 4000 mAh battery, it benefits from optimized power management thanks to its new chipset. Unlike the S24, which struggled in this area, the S25 offers about three extra hours of battery life.
However, fast charging is still limited to 25W. In 2025, this feels outdated, especially when some smartphones charge much faster. A full charge takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes, which could be improved.
Outstanding Performance
Samsung has equipped all S25 models with the Snapdragon 8 Elite—a great decision, as this processor vastly outperforms the Exynos 2400 in the S24. With 12GB of RAM, the S25 runs smoothly, even with the most demanding games.
Tested on Dokkan Battle during long sessions, it remains cool and exceptionally fluid. Regardless of the app, this smartphone delivers outstanding performance.
A Capable Camera System
If you’re looking for the ultimate camera phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still the best choice. However, the standard S25 offers solid photography capabilities with:
- A 50 MP main sensor (24mm equivalent)
- A 12 MP ultra-wide lens (120°)
- A 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom
Colors and dynamic range are well managed, especially in night mode. The 3x zoom works flawlessly, but beyond that, image quality deteriorates.
For video, it supports 8K recording and includes the Log option like the Ultra model. In 4K 60 fps, results are impressive, particularly with the selfie camera, which rivals that of the S25 Ultra.
Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25?
With a starting price of €811 (via a Samsung Premium account), the Galaxy S25 offers excellent value for money. Its compact design, bright display, powerful performance, and solid camera system make it a well-balanced choice.
The only questionable aspect is the relevance of the S25 Plus. In my opinion, Samsung should have introduced an S25 Ultra Mini instead of an intermediate model.
