Why the Samsung Galaxy S25 is the Perfect Compact Smartphone for Performance Lovers in 2025

In January 2025, Samsung unveiled its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series, comprising three models: the flagship S25 Ultra, the mid-range S25+, and the compact S25, which I’ll focus on in this review. For those who value portability without compromising performance, the S25 is a game-changer. This little dynamo packs a punch, powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset as its Ultra sibling. Let’s dive into what makes the Samsung Galaxy S25 the ideal choice for compact smartphone seekers, and whether the device’s few hiccups are worth the hype.

Price & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is available in two variants:

12GB RAM + 256GB Storage priced at Rs 80,99912GB RAM + 512GB Storage priced at Rs 92,999

At these price points, the S25 offers an enticing blend of performance, design, and longevity, making it a strong contender in the premium compact smartphone category.

Design & Display: A Compact Marvel

What truly sets the Samsung Galaxy S25 apart is its compact design. In an era dominated by large-screen smartphones, the S25 is a refreshing throwback to smaller, pocket-friendly devices that don’t skimp on performance. It’s like a rally car — overpowered for its size, delivering stellar performance in a pocketable form.

The phone feels solid in hand, thanks to its Armor Aluminum 2 frame and IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning it can handle a bit of rough and tumble. I put it under running water just to see how it would hold up, and it worked flawlessly. The icy blue variant I tested adds a touch of sophistication, but there’s also a white and black version for those seeking a more minimalist aesthetic.

Samsung’s reputation for top-tier displays holds true with the Galaxy S25. The 6.1-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a visual delight. With a peak brightness of 2600 nits, it ensures readability even under the harshest sunlight. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ helps protect the screen from everyday scratches and scuffs, adding an extra layer of durability. However, while the display is excellent, users with larger hands might find typing a little cramped on the smaller screen.

One standout feature is the under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which is not only fast but also incredibly responsive. A quick tap, and the phone unlocks without hesitation.

Software & Performance: Smooth & Smart

The Galaxy S25 runs on Android 15, enhanced by One UI 7, bringing a host of new features that make everyday tasks smoother. The Galaxy AI tools stand out, especially Live Translate, which makes real-time communication seamless by translating phone calls and messages instantly.

Another brilliant addition is Gemini Live, a multitasking marvel that lets you interact with multiple apps simultaneously using only voice commands. Need to send a location on WhatsApp or schedule an event in your calendar? Just ask Gemini, and the magic happens in the blink of an eye. This feature truly elevates the user experience, making the Galaxy S25 a powerhouse for those who thrive on productivity.

Samsung has also committed to offering seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring that the device will stay relevant for years to come. This longevity makes the S25 a solid investment, especially for those who like to hold onto their devices for an extended period.

On the performance front, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset powers the S25, ensuring top-tier performance. Whether you're multitasking with multiple apps, enjoying graphics-heavy games like COD: Mobile and Genshin Impact, or simply browsing the web, the S25 handles it all effortlessly.

That said, the phone does get slightly warm after extended gaming sessions. While this isn’t a major issue, it’s something to be aware of. However, the real downside of the S25 is its battery performance and charging speeds.

Battery & Charging: A Minor Hiccup

Equipped with a 4000mAh battery, the S25 offers a solid five+ hours of screen-on time—enough to get you through a full day of moderate use. But the real concern here is the charging speed. While competitors like OnePlus and Xiaomi are pushing out 45W or even 65W charging, the S25 lags behind with just 25W wired charging and 15W Qi 2 wireless charging. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to go from 0-100%, which, in today’s fast-charging era, feels a bit slow.

Storage Options

The S25 comes with 12GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. While 256GB should be more than sufficient for most users, those who store a lot of media or prefer not to rely on cloud storage might want to opt for the 512GB variant.

Camera Review: Versatility on the Go

Samsung continues to impress with the Galaxy S25’s camera setup. It features a 50MP primary sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide camera. For selfies, the 12MP front camera ensures sharp and vibrant shots.

In outdoor conditions, the camera delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent dynamic range, even in bright sunlight. The 3x optical zoom offers added flexibility, allowing you to capture distant subjects with clarity. Indoors, the S25 performs admirably under artificial lighting, with minimal noise and natural color reproduction. Low-light photography benefits from OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and AI-powered Night Mode, producing clearer images in dark settings.

When it comes to video, the S25 can record in 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, offering crisp, professional-quality footage. Super Steady mode helps smooth out handheld footage, making it ideal for content creators. The 12MP front camera also supports 4K video recording, making it a standout for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts.

AI tools like Drawing Assist, AI Eraser, and Audio Eraser further elevate the camera experience. Whether it’s refining sketches, erasing unwanted objects from photos, or cleaning up background noise in videos, these smart tools make the Galaxy S25 a versatile companion for creators on the go.

Verdict: A Compact Marvel with Room for Improvement

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful smartphone. It combines cutting-edge performance with a pocket-friendly design, making it ideal for users who prefer smaller devices without sacrificing features. The Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures that it handles everything with ease, while the camera setup and AI tools cater to content creators and everyday users alike.

However, its battery performance and charging speeds could use some improvement to match the competition. While these may not be deal-breakers, they are worth considering, especially for heavy users who prioritize fast charging.

If you crave a larger display and better battery life, the Galaxy S25+ could be a better fit. But for those who value compact design, powerful performance, and long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is hard to beat.