Samsung’s Unpacked 2025 event showcased the future of mobile: the agentic era. AI takes center stage, transforming everything from photography to app functionality. The stars of the show were the Galaxy S25 series smartphones, headlined by the camera-focused Galaxy S25 Ultra. The entry-level Galaxy S25 receives a significant hardware boost for generative AI tasks, while SmartThings gets a major sensing upgrade.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Camera Powerhouse
The Galaxy S25 Ultra adopts rounded corners and a fresh design. The camera system receives a significant upgrade with a 50MP ultrawide sensor, a 200MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom.
Similar to Apple’s ProRes, the S25 Ultra introduces “Galaxy Log” video recording for greater control over color grading and tonal adjustments. Samsung also adds “analog-style filters” for a film-like aesthetic in photos and videos.
Different Galaxy AI options on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
“Night Video with Audio Eraser” minimizes noise in low-light videos by isolating human speech, crowd noise, nature sounds, and wind, much like Google’s Audio Magic Eraser. ProScaler upscales images for high-resolution displays. The Expert RAW mode integrates a “Virtual Aperture” system for professional-level manual controls.
The S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED display with Gorilla Glass Armor 2 and an anti-reflective coating. Despite its size, it’s the thinnest, lightest, and most durable Galaxy S phone yet, utilizing titanium construction like Apple’s latest flagships. A 5,000mAh battery supports 45W wired and wireless charging, though Qi 2 compatibility is absent.
Taking the S Pen stylus out of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Compact and Powerful
The Galaxy S25 retains a compact 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a dynamic refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz. The battery remains at 4,000mAh, lagging behind competitors utilizing silicon-carbide battery technology.
A welcome upgrade is the standard 12GB RAM across all S25 models. However, storage still starts at 128GB. The camera system carries over from its predecessor: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens.
Samsung Galaxy S25 online-exclusive colors.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: The Middle Ground
The Galaxy S25 Plus differentiates itself with a 6.7-inch QHD+ display, a 4,900mAh battery, and 45W wired charging. The camera hardware remains the same as the S25, but storage starts at 256GB. Note that a charger is not included in the box.
Performance and Software
All S25 models are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy SoC, optimized for performance and AI processing. Samsung’s mDNIe manages display power consumption, and a larger vapor chamber cooling system improves heat dissipation.
SmartThings HomeAI: A Smarter Home
SmartThings evolves with HomeAI, utilizing mmWave and other sensors to analyze activity patterns and offer personalized insights. The system can detect workouts, sleep, and work, suggesting improvements to posture and scheduling.
Samsung SmartThings upgrade with HomeAI implementation.
Real-time monitoring provides feedback, encouraging breaks and better posture. Integration with other devices automates tasks like vacuuming after hair drying. Upon arrival home, SmartThings adjusts lighting, air purification, and temperature. Generative AI enhances in-home map views and natural interactions.
Conclusion: The Future is Intelligent
The Galaxy S25 series and the updated SmartThings platform mark a significant step towards an AI-driven future. From enhanced photography and personalized insights to automated home management, these innovations promise a more intelligent and seamless user experience. Samsung’s commitment to seven years of OS and security updates further solidifies its commitment to long-term support.
