Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship lineup, the Galaxy S25 series during its annual Galaxy Unpacked event on 22 January 2025.
Featuring three models – the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra – Samsung has already opened pre-orders in South Africa for the range of devices.
Samsung also teased a new Galaxy S25 Edge, a slimmer devices that we’ve seen rumours about. It was on display in San Jose, California at the in-person event where it took place, without any additional info given.
New Galaxy AI features on the S25 Series
Over and above last year’s Galaxy AI introduction, this year’s upgrades include what Samsung calls AI agents with multimodal capabilities. You can use AI across your apps, called “cross app actions”.
So you can ask it to search for vegan, pet-friendly restaurants nearby and send it to a contact via Whatsapp, or to find your favourite football team’s next match and add it to your calendar.
AI select is another feature that will intuitively suggest apps and actions based on what you’re doing, similar to Honor’s Magic Portal. It can be accessed from the Edge Panel on the side and it pulls up app shortcuts, and when you tap the button, it brings up context-aware suggestions.
If you’re watching a video, it can recommend creating a GIF to share; if you’re looking at an invite, to share it to your calendar; or to make a photo into your wallpaper.
Circle to Search has been updated to recognise the results, which lets you make calls, visit a website or send an email with a single tap.
Calls are now organised with Call Transcript and summaries; and personalised option with a Now Brief summary tailored to you, and a Now Bar on the lock screen. It uses info from your photo to offer tailored experiences.
On the camera front, the addition of Audio Eraser will let you remove background sound, similar to Apple’s Audio Mix, and the ability to shoot in Log for precise colour grading.
These are just some of the new updated AI additions. If you’re dropping your hard-earned money on the South Korean’s latest slabs, here’s what you can expect.
Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25+
The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are your non-Ultra fighters this time around. Both models boast the brand’s polished aluminum frames, glass backs and AMOLED displays we’ve come to love.
The Galaxy S25 features a 6.2-inch screen, while the S25+ offers a larger 6.7-inch display, both supporting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, these devices are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM.
Buckle up for everyone’s favourite feature: AI is baked right into each of the S25-series in a variety of ways. These AI-enhancements offer features like on-the-fly generative photo editing, real-time language translation and Gemini AI courtesy of Google – and Samsung’s newest digital assistant.
Gemini integrates seamlessly with your daily workflow, assisting with tasks such as scheduling, note-taking and smart home controls.
Both models also support Samsung’s latest Qi2 wireless charging system for faster, more efficient recharging when paired with compatible accessories.
On the camera front, users can expect exceptional photography thanks to the upgraded AI processing, which enhances details, reduces noise, and delivers professional-level results even in low light.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
On to the flagship in the range – the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a showstopper. It’s packed with an impressive 6.9-inch AMOLED 2x display and slimmer bezels than its predecessor.
At the heart of the S25 Ultra is the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and up to 16GB of RAM and storage options that go up to 1TB. It looks like South Africans won’t be treated to the 16GB version unfortunately.
The Ultra introduces even more advanced AI-driven features thanks to what the company calls Galaxy AI. Expect to see something called Portrait Studio, which ‘intelligently’ enhances portrait photos with professional-quality lighting effects. Its AI concierge also helps users automate workflows – a pretty cool tool for productivity enthusiasts.
The Ultra’s camera system is impressive – its quad-camera setup includes a 200MP main sensor, an upgraded 50MP ultra-wide lens, up from last year’s 12MP, and 50MP dual telephoto lenses capable of 10x and 100x zoom. Samsung has also added 10-bit HDR video recording for more lifelike colours and advanced audio isolation for crisp, clear video recordings.
All of the new devices feature the company’s stronger Corning Gorilla Armor 2 which can, according to Samsung, withstand drops from heights of up to 2.2 meters.
Sustainability making an appearance
Samsung’s latest also features a handful of sustainable designs. The Galaxy S25 series incorporates recycled cobalt in its batteries and sustainable materials throughout its construction. Packaging has also been streamlined to reduce waste, using 100% recycled paper and soy-based ink. These eco-friendly choices align with the company’s environmental responsibility.
South African pricing and availability
Samsung has confirmed the following pricing for the Galaxy S25 series in South Africa:
- Galaxy S25 (256GB): R19 999
- Galaxy S25+ (256GB): R23 499
- Galaxy S25 Ultra:
o 256GB: R29 999
o 512GB: R31 999
o 1TB: R34 999
Preorders for the Galaxy S25 series are now open on the Samsung South Africa website, with official availability starting 7 February, 2025. Customers who trade-in select handsets between 23 January and 13 February will get up to R10 000 back.
Preorder customers can add the Galaxy Watch7 BT to their order for R1 999.
Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 18-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. info@recharged.co.za
