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Samsung Galaxy S25+ Review: A Refined Upgrade with Smarter AI & Long-Term Support
March 24, 2025 AF

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ builds on the foundation of last year’s S24+, bringing incremental upgrades rather than a major overhaul. While the design remains largely unchanged, Samsung has introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, One UI 7.0, and enhanced Galaxy AI features, making the device faster, smarter, and more efficient. With 7 years of software updates, improved AI-powered photography, and better integration with Google’s Gemini, the S25+ still holds its ground as a solid flagship option—but does it justify the price?

Same Design, New Colors

Samsung has refined rather than reinvented the S25+, sticking with a flat-edge design that feels comfortable to hold and premium in hand. While some may find the familiar look uninspiring, it remains durable with an IP68 rating and now comes in fresh new color options. The design is minimalist and functional, but those expecting a radical new aesthetic may be disappointed.

Vibrant Display, But Lacking a Wow Factor

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED LTPO 2X display delivers vibrant colors, deep contrast, and smooth 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring a great visual experience for watching content, gaming, and everyday use. The brightness levels are impressive, making it easy to view even under direct sunlight. However, at this price point, some competitors offer more advanced display technologies, and Samsung could have included the anti-glare coating from the S24 Ultra to further enhance visibility.

One UI 7.0 & Galaxy AI: Smarter, More Intuitive

One UI continues to evolve, and One UI 7.0 brings a cleaner interface, deeper AI integration, and better productivity features. Galaxy AI now works seamlessly with Google’s Gemini, offering tools like real-time transcription, AI-enhanced search, and advanced photo editing. Features like Now Brief and Now Bar introduce a more dynamic way to interact with notifications and alerts, improving usability.

Samsung has also introduced AI-powered settings search, allowing users to navigate system settings with natural language commands. Whether you need to connect a hotspot for a friend or adjust privacy settings, the AI assistant makes it faster and easier.

Performance: Fast & Reliable

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers smooth performance, handling multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven tasks efficiently. While real-world usage doesn’t feel drastically different from the previous generation, thermal management has improved, and AI-powered optimizations help with power efficiency. For gaming, the S25+ performs consistently well, offering stable frame rates and minimal heat buildup.

AI-Enhanced Photography: Smart & Capable

The 50MP main camera, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide setup may seem similar to last year’s, but thanks to AI-powered image processing, the Galaxy S25+ produces better colors, improved HDR, and sharper night shots. Features like Portrait Studio allow users to generate animated and 3D avatars, while AI Select makes photo editing easier than ever.

Samsung’s approach to computational photography feels inspired by Google’s Pixel lineup, but with its own unique AI enhancements. While the hardware remains unchanged, the software-driven improvements make a noticeable difference, especially in low-light conditions.

Battery Life & Charging: Reliable for a Full Day

With a 4,900mAh battery, the S25+ offers solid battery life, easily lasting a full day of use. 45W fast charging ensures quick refueling, while the introduction of Qi2 Ready wireless charging allows for MagSafe-like magnetic charging at 15W. However, Samsung still doesn’t include a charger in the box, which may be a downside for some buyers.

Long-Term Software Support: A Major Selling Point

Samsung continues to lead the industry with its 7-year OS and security update policy, making the Galaxy S25+ a future-proof investment. This level of long-term support ensures users will receive new Android features, security patches, and AI upgrades well into the future.

Final Verdict: A Smart & Reliable Flagship, But Not a Game-Changer

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is a polished and capable flagship that offers strong AI features, reliable performance, and industry-leading software support. While not a revolutionary upgrade, it delivers refinements where they matter, making it a great option for those upgrading from older devices.

However, with a starting price of RM4,999, competition from brands like OnePlus and even Apple’s iPhone 16e makes it a tough sell for those looking for the best value. If you want cutting-edge AI features, a smooth One UI experience, and long-term updates, the Galaxy S25+ is a solid choice—but if you’re looking for a radical design change or major camera advancements, you might want to wait for the next big leap.

Pros:

Refined One UI 7.0 with fast & smooth performance
Useful AI features better than Apple’s AI
Improved camera AI for easy content creation
7 years of software updates
Deep Android & Gemini integration
Supports Qi2 Ready magnetic wireless charging

Cons:

Repetitive design that hasn’t changed since the S23+
Lacks better zoom capabilities
No IP69 rating
Qi2 Ready, but no full Qi2 support
Display could be better for the price

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