FIRST LOOK, HANDS ON: What’s new with the Samsung Galaxy S25 series?

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 series introduces notable improvements in design, performance, and features, solidifying its position as one of the most advanced smartphone lines on the market. We got our first look at the new Galaxy S25 series along with several select media members at a closed-door preview session of the device weeks before the launch.

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Design-wise, Samsung did some nifty updates with the phone. The series now looks more cohesive with the redesign of the S25 Ultra to look a lot more like its other siblings with rounded corners and thin profile, yet still maintaining that trademark signature S-series look that remains virtually unchanged over the years.

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The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with its refined titanium build and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 protection. This combination ensures greater resistance to drops and scratches while maintaining a premium aesthetic. The weight distribution inside the phone is literally better than last year, as it feels lighter to the hand.

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An anti-reflection surface treatment reduces glare, making the display more usable in bright environments. The device feels robust yet surprisingly lightweight, offering a comfortable grip despite its large size. The standard S25 and S25+ models share similar attention to durability and ergonomics, making the entire lineup a design success.

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With all models in the series powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, Samsung’s promise of enhanced performance is evident. The chipset, optimized specifically for Samsung devices, delivers up to 40% improvements in CPU, GPU, and NPU performance compared to the S24 series.

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Everyday tasks feel snappier, multitasking is seamless, and gaming performance is a delight, with the device handling high-refresh-rate games and intensive applications effortlessly. The AI improvements, backed by the upgraded NPU, also translate to faster and smarter functionality across the device.

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The camera system has been significantly upgraded. A new 50MP ultrawide lens joins the 200MP wide and 50MP telephoto sensors, enhancing versatility. Macro shots are awe-inspiring, capturing up to 4x more detail than the S24 series. The ProVisual engine’s real-time interframe analysis and pixel-level data processing ensure stunning image quality with less noise, even in challenging lowlight conditions. HDR video is a welcome addition, delivering vibrant footage, while the Galaxy Log recording mode gives enthusiasts more control over color grading and editing.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the new Audio Eraser feature, which isolates environmental sounds and removes unwanted chatter from videos. This innovation, coupled with AI-driven virtual aperture adjustments, elevates the videography experience. Portraits also benefit from advancements in the Portrait Studio, producing more natural and realistic results. Samsung’s software enhancements extend to its AI Eraser, which now works faster and with greater accuracy.

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Samsung has introduced new AI features with the Galaxy S25 series and OneUI 7 based on Android 15, emphasizing utility and personalization. The Circle to Search function now includes text recognition, making information retrieval easier. The Recap briefing section provides tailored insights, growing smarter with daily use. The Now Bar consolidates essential updates like weather and notifications, offering a convenient overview. Voice commands with the Personal Concierge enable seamless action across apps, streamlining tasks further. AI Select, another addition, simplifies content sharing by turning video snippets into gifs.

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Battery life across the S25 series is reliable, lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. Fast charging capabilities ensure minimal downtime, and the device supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging, adding to its versatility. The software, based on Samsung’s One UI, integrates these features seamlessly, maintaining a clean and intuitive interface.

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We’ve just seen four colors of each phone at the preview session we had, but Samsung has relayed that they will be releasing three additional more exclusively available at their own website. This may be Samsung’s biggest release in terms of colorways, at a whopping 8 colors for each phone.

Here are the prices of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series in the Philippines, as well as the colorways available nationwide and exclusive online at Samsung’s official online store:

ModelVariantPriceColors
Samsung Galaxy S25256GBPHP 51,990Navy, Icyblue, Mint, Silver Shadow

Online Exclusive: Pinkgold, Coralred, Blueblack
512GBPHP 60,990
Samsung Galaxy S25+256GBPHP 67,990Navy, Icyblue, Mint, Silver Shadow

Online Exclusive: Pinkgold, Coralred, Blueblack
512GBPHP 76,990
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra256GBPHP 84,990Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Black

Online Exclusive: Titanium Pinkgold, Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Jetblack
512GBPHP 93,990
1TBPHP 110,990

Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series will be available from January 23 to February 13 online at the Samsung Philippines store and offline at Samsung Experience Stores and authorized dealers. Full availability and payment options, as well as pre-order rewards are at our other story.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is a significant leap forward, particularly for those seeking top-tier performance, innovative camera features, and practical AI tools. The upgrades to durability, usability, and personalization make it a compelling option for power users and casual consumers alike. Would this series meet your smartphone needs, or is there another feature you want?

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Carl writes for WalasTech when he's not working full-time. Give him tips and/or leads at [email protected].