Samsung’s Galaxy lineup continues to dominate the Android smartphone market, with the 2025 releases, particularly the Galaxy S25 series and foldables like the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, generating significant buzz. But with premium price tags and a crowded market, are Samsung’s latest mobile phones worth upgrading to? In this review, we’ll dive into the key features, performance, and value of Samsung’s newest offerings to help you decide.
Overview of Samsung’s 2025 Lineup
Samsung’s 2025 portfolio includes the flagship Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and the innovative foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. These devices promise cutting-edge hardware, advanced AI features, and long-term software support. Let’s explore what makes these phones stand out and whether they justify an upgrade.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Premium Powerhouse
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s top-tier offering, boasting a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and an anti-reflective coating for exceptional clarity. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it delivers blazing-fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks. The 200MP main camera, paired with a 50MP ultrawide and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x), offers unmatched versatility, excelling in low-light photography and professional-grade video recording, including 8K at 30fps and Log format support.
However, the $1,299 price tag and the removal of Bluetooth connectivity from the S Pen (limiting remote features) have sparked some debate. For users with a Galaxy S23 Ultra or older, the improved battery life (lasting 64% after intensive testing), upgraded cameras, and Galaxy AI features like Live Translate and Circle to Search make it a compelling upgrade. If you own an S24 Ultra, the incremental changes may not justify the cost unless you prioritize the enhanced screen or camera refinements.
Pros:
- Best-in-class 120Hz AMOLED display
- Exceptional 200MP camera system
- Long-lasting battery and seven years of software updates
- S Pen for productivity and creativity
Cons:
- High price of $1,299
- No Bluetooth in S Pen
- Minimal upgrades for S24 Ultra owners
Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus: Balanced Excellence
The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus cater to users seeking flagship performance at a lower price point. The base S25, priced at $799, features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, while the S25 Plus ($999) offers a larger 6.7-inch QHD+ panel. Both are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, ensuring smooth performance and support for Galaxy AI features. The S25’s 4,000mAh battery and the S25 Plus’s 4,900mAh battery performed similarly in tests, with the Plus offering a slight edge for heavy users.
Camera upgrades include a 50MP main sensor and improved ProVisual Engine for better color accuracy and low-light performance, though they lack the Ultra’s advanced zoom capabilities. The S25 series shines for its compact design, brighter displays (up to 2,600 nits), and seven years of Android updates, making them future-proof. If you’re upgrading from a Galaxy S22 or older, the improved battery life (outlasting the S24 by over two hours) and processing power are significant. However, S24 owners may find the upgrades too modest.
Pros:
- Affordable flagship performance
- Bright, smooth AMOLED displays
- Long software support
- Improved battery efficiency
Cons:
- S25 Plus has minimal upgrades over S25
- No significant camera hardware changes from S24
Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7: Foldable Innovation
Samsung’s foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, push boundaries with their unique designs. The Z Fold 7, priced at $1,999, features a thinner build, a 6.5-inch cover screen, and an 8-inch inner AMOLED display for multitasking. Its 200MP main camera rivals the S25 Ultra, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts who want a tablet-like experience. The Z Flip 7 ($1,099) introduces a full-screen cover display and improved battery life, appealing to those who prioritize portability and style.
Both foldables support seven years of updates and Galaxy AI features, but their high prices and concerns about durability (IP48 rating for the Flip 7) may deter some. They’re ideal for early adopters or those upgrading from older foldables like the Z Fold 5 or Flip 5, but traditional phone users may hesitate due to battery life and charging speed limitations.
Pros:
- Innovative foldable designs
- High-quality displays and cameras
- Multitasking capabilities (Z Fold 7)
- Seven years of software updates
Cons:
- Expensive (starting at $1,099)
- Mediocre battery life and slow charging
- Durability concerns for foldables
Budget Options: Galaxy A35 5G and A55 5G
For budget-conscious buyers, the Galaxy A35 5G ($400) and A55 5G stand out. The A35 offers a 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and exceptional battery life (65% remaining after testing), outperforming even the S25 Ultra in endurance. The A55, with its Exynos 1480 processor and metal-glass build, provides a premium feel and reliable performance for daily tasks. Both support four years of OS upgrades, but their cameras and processing power lag behind flagships. These are excellent choices for those upgrading from older budget phones or seeking value without flagship prices.
Pros:
- Affordable with premium features
- Excellent battery life (A35)
- Long software support for budget phones
Cons:
- Mediocre camera performance
- Not as powerful as flagship models
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Who Should Upgrade?
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Ideal for power users with older devices (S22 Ultra or earlier) who want the best screen, cameras, and AI features. The high price and minor upgrades may not justify a switch for S24 Ultra owners unless you need specific enhancements.
- Galaxy S25/S25 Plus: Perfect for users with older flagships (S22 or earlier) seeking compact designs, improved battery life, and long-term support. S24 owners may not see enough difference to upgrade.
- Z Fold 7/Z Flip 7: Best for tech enthusiasts or those with older foldables who want cutting-edge designs and multitasking. Traditional phone users may find the cost and durability concerns outweigh the benefits.
- A35/A55 5G: Great for budget buyers or those upgrading from older A-series phones, offering strong value and battery life.
Who Should Skip?
If you own a 2024 Samsung phone (S24 series, Z Fold 6, or Z Flip 6), the incremental upgrades in performance and cameras may not warrant the cost. Consider waiting for discounts or the rumored Galaxy S25 Edge, a super-thin model expected later in 2025.
Key Features to Consider
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite (S25 series) and Exynos 1480 (A55) offer top-tier speed for gaming and multitasking.
- Cameras: The S25 Ultra’s 200MP camera and the foldables’ upgraded sensors excel for photography, while the A-series cameras are adequate but not flagship-level.
- Battery Life: The A35 and S25 Ultra lead in endurance, with the foldables lagging slightly.
- Software: Seven years of Android updates for flagships and foldables ensure longevity, while the A-series offers four years.
- Design: Foldables offer unique form factors, while the S25 series balances sleekness and durability with Gorilla Glass and titanium builds.
Samsung’s 2025 phones cater to diverse needs, from the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra to the budget-friendly A35 5G. The S25 series offers excellent value for flagship buyers, while the foldables appeal to those seeking innovation. Budget options like the A35 and A55 deliver impressive performance for their price. If you’re upgrading from a device older than two years, the enhanced displays, cameras, and AI features make these phones worth considering. For recent Samsung owners, waiting for deals or the next release may be wiser.
Ready to upgrade? Check Samsung’s trade-in offers or explore retailers like Amazon and T-Mobile for deals on the Galaxy S25 series and foldables.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability may vary. Always check with retailers for the latest offers.