Generative Data Intelligence

I tested the standard Galaxy S25, and it beats Google and Apple’s offerings in several ways

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might not be as flashy as the Ultra, but it’s still the best compact phone you can buy right now. It refines an already great formula with a slimmer, lighter design, better battery life, and smarter AI features. But with minimal hardware upgrades over its predecessor, is it still worth $799? 

Also: I replaced my iPhone 16 Pro with the Galaxy S25 Ultra – and there’s a clear winner

It helps that Samsung is counting on an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor this year, which not only brings speed improvements but also better image clarity and more efficient battery life — arguably the three most important aspects for consumers. I’ve spent the past week testing the device, and while the spec sheet may not excite you, the real-world experience tells a different story.

The Galaxy S25 is slimmer and lighter than last year’s Galaxy S24. In fact, it’s one of the most comfortable phones I’ve held and used. Unlike the larger Galaxy S25 Ultra, the flat sides don’t feel unwieldy, and the curved edges keep it handy. I’d go as far as to say it offers a better in-hand feel than the Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 16. 

Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: I compared the base models that most people should buy

On the front, there’s a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution, which, on paper, is less sharp than the QHD+ screens found on the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra. But in practice, it’s still sharp and vibrant for its size. From scrolling through Reels on Instagram to browsing on Chrome to watching movies on Netflix, the Galaxy S25 display delivers a satisfying content consumption experience.

Prakhar using the camera app on the Galaxy S25.

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

Like the charging, Samsung hasn’t updated the cameras on the Galaxy S25 this year. It features the same optics as the Galaxy S24, which are the same as the Galaxy S23 from the year before. Instead, Samsung continues to lean on the latest processor to enhance its camera hardware, which keeps the devices market-relevant, but nothing more.

For a refresher, the camera system includes a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide-angle sensor.

Also: These useful One UI 7 features are coming to the Galaxy S25 series – and older models too

The phone offers good dynamic range and consistent colors across its sensors. I’ve found my image samples to be slightly more detailed than those from last year’s model. Samsung has also worked on delivering more accurate human skin tones, along with better low-light results in terms of clarity and lesser noise in challenging environments.

Samsung Galaxy S25 camera module

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

The Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15-based One UI 7, which will soon roll out to the older Galaxy S24 series, bringing most, if not all, of the features I’m about to mention to last year’s phones.

Starting with AI Select, my most-used AI feature over the past few days. It works like Circle to Search, allowing you to highlight on-screen content and suggest on-device actions based on the information.

Also: This $300 Samsung phone looks as good as the Galaxy S25 – at a fraction of the price

For example, if you receive an event invite via text or email with time, date, and location details, you can tap on AI Select from the Edge Panel, highlight the invite details, and the phone will suggest an “Add to Calendar” option. Tap on it, and the time, date, and location are automatically filled in within your Calendar app.

There’s also a new Galaxy AI feature called Now Brief, an app-widget hybrid that consolidates important data in one place. In theory, it can show weather updates, suggest taking the day easy if Galaxy Health detects poor sleep, recommend Spotify playlists from your favorite artists, display news and calendar events, and suggest YouTube Shorts.

. My only gripe is its inability to capture moving subjects well without adjusting the shutter speed in Expert RAW. If you can overlook that, this is a solid phone for $799 — and an even better deal if you can snag it with a trade-in offer or promotion.

Compared to Google and Apple, the Galaxy S25 offers a better display, the best in-hand feel in its segment, a more versatile camera setup, and good battery life. It’s better than the similarly priced Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 — and my top pick for anyone looking for a compact flagship right now.

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