During its latest Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 phone lineup, which includes the base S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. The devices prioritize a new “integrated AI platform” that performs multiple tasks based on user prompts. Samsung also teased an “Edge” variant of the S25, as well as a pair of AR glasses expected to launch later this year.
Details of the Galaxy S25 lineup
The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are priced at $800 and $1,000, respectively, and their designs resemble that of the iPhone while retaining the characteristic three vertical camera bumps of Galaxy devices. Both phones feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and 12 GB of RAM to support their AI capabilities. While they do not include the larger camera sensors found in the S25 Ultra, they come equipped with new AI functionalities, including “cross-app actions,” Now Briefs, and an Audio Eraser.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out in the lineup with its more rounded corners, distinct from the other models. It shares the same processor and RAM as the S25 and S25+, but adds a 50 MP ultra-wide lens for enhanced landscape photography. Additionally, the Ultra employs the ProScaler technology from Samsung’s TVs to boost on-screen image resolution to QHD+. The device continues to feature the built-in S Pen, though the new version lacks the air actions present in previous iterations.
The new Galaxy S25 Edge is a surprising addition, reminiscent of earlier Samsung mobile devices. Specific details regarding its specifications and camera functionalities have yet to be disclosed. Reports indicate that this model will be slimmer than its S25 counterparts, and further information is anticipated soon.
AI and smart glasses advancements
Samsung emphasized its commitment to AI, showcasing smart glasses with a new conversational AI assistant projected for release later in the year. While details remain scarce, these glasses are expected to support Android XR similar to the company’s Project Moohan AR headset, which was also displayed at the Unpacked event.
The integrated AI platform features a built-in Gemini AI that allows users to conduct “cross-app actions.” By holding the side power button on the S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra, users can access a pop-up assistant to issue voice or text commands. This capability facilitates tasks across both Samsung and Google applications, including email searching and calendar management. Currently, support is limited to WhatsApp and Spotify, with plans for more app compatibility through a new APK.
Samsung also introduced a conversational search functionality for the Gallery and Settings apps to ease the navigation process, though it does not change settings automatically. The Galaxy S25 lineup will come with a “Now Bar” on the lock screen, providing real-time updates, including weather information and personalized health metrics based on user habits.
Further enhancements include an Audio Eraser feature capable of isolating soundtracks in video content, allowing users to adjust the volume of different audio sources. This feature aims to help eliminate background noise in various settings, ensuring clear audio capture during video recordings.
Additionally, Gemini Live allows users to upload images and converse with Google’s AI about those images, offering insights into photo composition or related content. The functionality will extend to files uploaded to the AI and linked YouTube videos.
Circle to Search receives updates, enhancing its ability to provide AI overviews for image and text searches. It will also offer improved recognition of numbers, email addresses, and URLs, as well as the ability to identify sounds from videos.
The Galaxy S25 series includes new AI-supported features for the Gallery app that allow users to conduct audio searches. This capability is similar to that of Shazam, letting users hum melodies to identify songs.
Samsung’s “AI Select” feature simplifies content capture on screen and introduces GIF recording directly from videos without additional software. While it has time constraints for recording GIFs, it streamlines the process for users looking to create and share animations quickly.
Professional videographers will benefit from the ability to shoot in logarithmic format directly through the camera’s Pro mode, supporting 10-bit HEVC recording for advanced post-processing in editing software like DaVinci Resolve.
In health tech advancements, Samsung Health is set to provide enhanced tracking features, including a vascular load indicator and antioxidant index, to support users in dietary management. Future updates will incorporate AI for a more personalized health assistant experience, with further details expected later in the year.
Okay, so Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 phones are all about AI. What you need to know, in summary is this:
- Do more with less effort. You can tell your phone to do stuff across different apps, like searching your email or adding events to your calendar. No more jumping between apps, your phone just takes care of it.
- Find things faster. Looking for a specific photo or setting? Just ask your phone. It’s like having a built-in search engine for everything on your device.
- Sound control in videos. They’ve got this “Audio Eraser” thing that lets you control the different sounds in a video. So you can, like, mute the background noise and make the voices clearer. Pretty cool, huh?
- AI for your photos. Upload a picture and the AI can tell you all about it. It can even find similar photos online.
- Easy GIF making. You can make GIFs straight from videos now. No extra apps or anything.
Featured image credit: Samsung
