Samsung Galaxy S25 in for review

ivan, 31 January 2025

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is easily the go-to compact Android phone to get. Yes, you can find small phones with better camera systems - Xiaomi's 15 and vivo's X200 Pro mini come to mind - but those aren't as readily available and we'd argue that they won't be to everyone's liking.

After years of dominating the smartphone market, Samsung feels comfortable to users, an advantage it shares only with the iPhone, which will make the Galaxy S25 an easy choice for the person looking for a new compact Android flagship.

There are no surprises in the retail package. The Galaxy S25 ships with a USB-C cable and a SIM eject tool. Supply your own case and charger. The phone starts off at 128GB for €899/£799/$799 but the 256GB is going for the same price as part of the pre-order bonus (€899/£799/$799/INR 80,999), and there's a 512GB model as well - INR 92,999.

We're impressed by this Navy model. It's a deep and beautiful color and the matte surface takes in and diffuses light. The Galaxy S25 is also impeccably made. It feels solid and premium in a way only matched by the iPhone 16 Pro.

And there's something to be said about software complementing hardware - One UI 7 feels like a substantial step up from version 6. The UI is prettier and more balanced, and it's also tangibly smoother and faster. Well done, Samsung!