Samsung Electronics has officially unveiled its Galaxy S25 series at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event in San Jose, California. While the new flagship phones—Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra—take center stage with their cutting-edge AI capabilities, the real showstopper was the teaser for the Galaxy S25 Edge, an ultra-thin smartphone set to launch in the first half of this year.
Galaxy S25 Edge: Samsung's Slimmest Smartphone Yet
Samsung ended its presentation with a glimpse of the Galaxy S25 Edge, a handset that boasts an exceptionally thin profile. This strategic move aims to outpace Apple in the ultrathin smartphone category, with the Edge expected to hit the market ahead of Apple’s rumored slim iPhone later this year.
The S25 Edge builds on the foundation of the S25 lineup but focuses on redefining aesthetics while maintaining Samsung’s hallmark features. By combining AI-powered software with a sleek design, Samsung is betting on a device that appeals to both tech enthusiasts and style-conscious consumers.
Samsung Doubles Down on AI and Design
Samsung’s strategy seems clear: lead the way in both AI integration and cutting-edge design. The S25 series, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform and leveraging Google’s Gemini AI model, aims to reinvigorate sales and fend off competition from both Apple in the premium market and Chinese rivals in the lower-end segment.
“We are one step ahead of the industry in terms of offering AI features,” stated Park Ji-sun, the executive vice president leading Samsung’s Language AI team. This confidence reflects Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI in mobile devices.
Galaxy S25 Series: AI-Powered Evolution
- Ultrathin Design: The Galaxy S25 Edge is the clear standout, promising an incredibly slim form factor.
- AI Focus: The entire S25 lineup emphasizes AI-powered features, utilizing Google’s Gemini and Samsung’s own Bixby assistant.
- Qualcomm Power: Samsung has opted for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for the entire S25 series, a significant shift away from using its own Exynos chips in flagship models. This change is rumored to be temporary for the S-series, with Exynos potentially returning for foldable phones later this year.
- Personalized AI Experience: Features like “Now Brief” offer customized recommendations based on on-device data processing, prioritizing user privacy. The phone will also handle complex multi-step tasks with single commands.
- Pricing: Samsung has maintained consistent pricing for the S25 series, ranging from $799 to $1,299.
The AI Challenge and the "Halo Effect"
While Samsung is pushing its AI capabilities, analysts like Thomas Husson from Forrester point out the challenge of creating truly compelling “killer apps” that would drive consumers to choose a phone specifically for its AI features. However, Husson suggests that these AI advancements could create a positive “halo effect” around the Samsung brand, enhancing its overall appeal.
One UI 7: The Next-Gen User Experience
Samsung also unveiled One UI 7, its latest Android-based interface, which integrates deeply with AI. Key features include:
- A more intuitive notification system.
- Advanced generative AI tools for better personalization.
- AI-powered accessibility improvements, making the user experience seamless across devices.
FAQs
The Galaxy S25 series offers cutting-edge AI features powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and Google’s Gemini AI engine. Highlights include:
- Personalized AI with the “Now Brief” service.
- Enhanced multitasking with voice commands.
- A sleek design and upgraded cameras, including a 50MP ultra-wide lens in the S25 Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 Edge, an ultrathin smartphone, is set to launch in the first half of 2025.
The pricing is as follows:
- Galaxy S25: Starting at $799
- Galaxy S25+: Starting at $999
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: Starting at $1,299
The Galaxy S25 Edge features an incredibly thin profile, making it one of the slimmest smartphones on the market. It combines a futuristic design with the same powerful AI capabilities as the rest of the S25 lineup.
“Now Brief” is Samsung’s AI-driven service that offers personalized recommendations, including calendar updates, news, and environmental metrics, while ensuring data privacy by processing information on your device.
The Galaxy S25 series is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, providing superior AI and performance capabilities.
Yes, preorders for the Galaxy S25 series are available now, with shipping starting in February 2025.
Samsung opted for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips to ensure consistent global performance and compatibility, although Exynos chips may return in other models like foldable phones later this year.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event reaffirmed Samsung’s position as a trailblazer in mobile innovation. With the Galaxy S25 series, the company has doubled down on AI integration, and the forthcoming Galaxy S25 Edge could set a new benchmark in smartphone design. As the race for ultrathin, AI-powered devices heats up, all eyes will be on Samsung to see if it can reclaim its crown in the premium smartphone segment.