The Galaxy S25 Extremely does not really feel very Extremely to me for these 5 causes

Samsung unveiled its newest top-of-the-line flagship smartphone, the S25 Extremely, at a Galaxy Unpacked occasion on January 22. The telephone serves as probably the most premium of Samsung’s sweet bar-style lineup, sitting immediately above the usual S25 and its bigger S25+ sibling.

The South Korean tech big additionally teased the existence of a super-slim S25 Edge mannequin at this identical keynote, but it surely’s clear that the S25 Extremely is supposed to be probably the most large-and-in-charge of the brand new product household.

Sadly, post-launch, I used to be left feeling moderately underwhelmed by the S25 Extremely — as a {hardware} refresh, the handset leaves something to be desired. Listed here are the the explanation why I really feel that, total, the S25 Extremely is not a worthwhile improve over final yr’s S24 Ultra.

Associated

Despite minimal upgrades, the Galaxy S25 Ultra pushes impressive pre-order numbers

Early South Korean gross sales figures level to an enormous choice for Samsung’s highest-end Galaxy S25 Extremely mannequin.

1 The Galaxy S25 Extremely lacks ambition within the specs division

Samsung hasn’t endowed its newest flagship with leading edge parts

In some regards, the Galaxy S25 Extremely is a tech powerhouse. The telephone is among the first to ship with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and it one-ups the competitors with its bespoke ‘for Galaxy’ version chip tuning. The S25 Extremely additionally comes with Corning Gorilla Armor 2, which affords anti-reflective properties not discovered on every other mainstream handset in the marketplace.

Nonetheless, for a commanding value of $1,300, I count on extra from Samsung. In no specific order, listed below are a few of the most evident Galaxy S25 Extremely {hardware} omissions:

• No silicon carbon battery tech for elevated energy pack density
• No tremendous speedy wired or wi-fi top-up speeds
• No Qi2 Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) help for MagSafe compatibility
• No IP69 ingress protection certification for assurance in opposition to excessive water situations
• No developments in anti-flicker or pulse width modulation (PWM) show tech for eye consolation functions

If the S25 Extremely have been lacking one or two of those options present in different high-end smartphones, it would not be the largest deal on the planet. Nonetheless, Samsung seems to be stagnating on a number of fronts, which is disappointing for an organization so dominant throughout the trade.

2:27

Associated

Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Now Brief has glaring issues but holds potential

Now Temporary was one of many options that caught our eye when the brand new Galaxy S25 collection was unveiled, however testing the function ourselves pointed to some noticeable points.

2 Samsung has walked again the Extremely’s distinctive {hardware} id

The S25 Extremely’s chassis is a major instance of smartphone homogenization

With the Galaxy S25 Extremely, Samsung has dialed again the distinctive design language of its flagship telephone mannequin. Whereas the S24 Extremely was engineered with sharp, domineering corners, the S25 Extremely opts for a softer and extra muted footprint.

The S25 Extremely’s much less angular proportions are arguably extra appropriate for in-hand use. That being stated, I am unable to assist however really feel disenchanted in Samsung’s resolution to stroll away from the design concerns that made its earlier handsets so distinctive from a bodily standpoint.

Worse nonetheless is the rear digital camera module state of affairs — in an effort to distinguish the S25 Extremely from its predecessor, Samsung has stapled cheesy rings onto every particular person sensor, which is an aesthetic downgrade for my part.

The truth that these digital camera rings might be indifferent from the S25 Extremely’s chassis does not trouble me fairly a lot, but it surely definitely is amusing. This is hoping that Samsung sticks completely to wearable rings sooner or later, moderately than gluing them onto its handsets.

Associated

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s S Pen features an unexpected downgrade

Samsung has eliminated Bluetooth from the Galaxy S25’s stylus, which suggests it now not helps Air Actions.

3 The Extremely’s iconic S Pen stylus has been neutered

The dearth of Bluetooth on this yr’s S Pen is a demonstrable year-on-year downgrade

Imagine it or not, Samsung has actually removed a feature with this yr’s S25 Extremely: the included S Pen stylus now not comes with built-in Bluetooth help.

The S Pen, which harkens again to the times of the Galaxy Word line, has included Bluetooth because the launch of the Note 9 in 2018. The addition of this tech permits the stylus for use as a distant management shutter button, in addition to a makeshift wand for numerous Air Actions.

It may be argued that the addition of Bluetooth throughout the S Pen expertise is a superfluous one, with considerably doubtful utility. However, it is by no means a terrific signal when an organization cuts prices by eradicating beforehand accessible {hardware} options.

Associated

The Galaxy S25 series is still missing this one charging feature

The Galaxy S25 collection technically helps Qi2 charging — however there’s a catch.

4 The Galaxy S25 Extremely does not dwell in a vacuum

The OnePlus 13, the Pixel 9 Professional, and plenty of others are all vying for flagship Android supremacy

Even with all these complaints in thoughts, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is a superb and well-refined smartphone. Its titanium body is high-end, its chipset is best-in-class, and its show is amazingly anti-reflective.

Nonetheless, Samsung is not transport its newest Extremely handset in a vacuum. On the planet of flagship Android smartphones, survival of the fittest is the secret. The just lately launched OnePlus 13 affords an entire {hardware} package deal, whereas undercutting the Extremely by a whopping $400. Google, in the meantime, continues to climb the hardware ranks, with its Pixel 9 collection rising in reputation.

Early gross sales figures for the Galaxy S25 Extremely point to a successful launch, however the firm must do extra subsequent yr if it needs to proceed to justify its yearly Extremely hype cycle.

Associated

Samsung officially teases its much-hyped Galaxy S25 Slim edition

After months of hype surrounding a doable Galaxy S25 Slim mannequin, Samsung has formally teased the S25 Edge.