Highlights
Galaxy S25+: A Pixel-Inspired Update from Samsung
Galaxy S25+ exemplifies a Samsung experience that closely mirrors the Pixel, especially with its integration of Google Gemini AI and various AI tools such as Audio Eraser and Drawing Assist. This year, Samsung appears to prioritise software intelligence over mere hardware enhancements.
Remarkably, this approach delivers impressive results.
Although the hardware remains largely consistent with earlier models, One UI 7 demonstrates an extraordinary level of refinement, and the AI functionalities, while not groundbreaking, prove to be genuinely beneficial. Here are the key highlights that have been observed.
The design philosophy of Samsung remains relatively unchanged, yet the Navy colour option is particularly eye-catching. Its deep blue sheen shifts based on lighting conditions, reminiscent of the Galaxy S22’s green variant. The frosted glass rear provides a premium feel, although its overall aesthetic appears more subtle compared to the more vivid offerings like the OnePlus 13.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display retains its sharpness and responsiveness, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and reaching peak brightness levels of 2,600 nits. However, this display is identical to last year’s version, which is somewhat disappointing.
One UI 7: Samsung’s Most Polished Software Yet
One UI 7 is more fluid than before, visually enhanced, and animations operate seamlessly. Samsung has adopted vertical scrolling in the app drawer for convenience, eliminating the need for Good Lock modifications.
The Quick Panel has been redesigned; it now has stacked notifications and incorporates new multitasking gestures that significantly enhance user efficiency. Overall, navigation feels more intuitive.
AI Features: Functional Innovations
The AI functionalities in the Galaxy S25+ genuinely enhance everyday usability:
- AI Select operates like Circle to Search, allowing content extraction for editing, translation, or sharing without reliance on Google.
- Audio Eraser effectively removes unwanted background sounds from videos, echoing features like Google’s Magic Eraser. Although it performs well, results may sometimes exhibit a synthetic quality.
- Now Bar resembles a bottom-placed Dynamic Island, providing quick access to live updates—such as music controls, sports scores, and navigation—although its early implementation appears somewhat limited.
- Now Brief aims to deliver personalised updates throughout the day, though it currently feels underdeveloped.
Samsung evidently aims to rival the Pixel regarding AI capabilities, and even if certain aspects are not fully refined, the groundwork for future development is promising.
Performance & Battery: Speedy, Efficient, and Enduring
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the S25+ boasts remarkable speed, efficiently handling AI-driven features and swift app transitions.
In terms of battery longevity, the performance is superb. The S25+ can easily exceed a day’s usage, and initial evaluations suggest it outlasts the S24+ by several hours. With the introduction of Qi2 wireless charging, compatibility with MagSafe-certified cases becomes essential to leverage this feature.
What Is Lacking?
Despite the refined software, the camera hardware has not undergone changes. The existing 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP 3x telephoto sensors are consistent with previous iterations, although AI enhancements have yielded better night photography and improved digital zoom.
Additionally, the gesture for accessing the assistant has been removed, and reliance on the power button for Gemini AI isn’t a particularly favoured choice.
Pricing and Market Positioning
With a price tag of ₹99,999 for the 512GB/12GB variant, the Galaxy S25+ is reminiscent of a more advanced Pixel, featuring exceptionally smooth software and genuinely practical AI offerings. However, for current S24+ owners, the appeal may not be strong enough to warrant an upgrade.
