Samsung Galaxy S25 series debuts with new AI features and exclusive Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset

Samsung Electronics has officially unveiled its flagship smartphone lineup—the Galaxy S25 series. This latest collection boasts three distinct models: the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. While Samsung has placed a strong focus on cutting-edge hardware advancements, it has equally prioritized the evolution of its software, particularly with the integration of advanced generative AI (GenAI) technologies. Among the standout innovations are its Human-like AI Agents, a unified AI platform, and a suite of personalized AI features.

Enhanced design and performance

The Galaxy S25 series introduces a host of hardware enhancements crafted to elevate the user experience beyond its predecessors. These upgrades include a more streamlined profile with narrower bezels. At the heart of the S25 series is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, which provides a significant performance boost over its predecessor. Samsung claims that the new chipset delivers a 37% faster CPU, 30% faster GPU, and 40% faster NPU compared to the previous generation.

The improved AI computing and processing speeds result in better gaming experiences, more efficient power consumption, and enhanced heat dissipation, further elevating the device's overall performance.

Premium features command premium price

The Galaxy S25 Ultra maintains its starting price of US$1,300, matching last year's Galaxy S24 Ultra. As the largest and most premium model in Samsung's Galaxy S lineup, it features an expansive 6.9-inch display, a high-resolution 200-megapixel main camera, paired with a newly introduced 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, along with the familiar S Pen stylus, setting it apart from its more affordable counterparts—the US$1,000 Galaxy S25+ and the US$800 Galaxy S25.

AI-driven user experience

The software upgrades in the S25 series take center stage over its hardware improvements, with a strong focus on AI-driven features. One UI 7 integrates generative AI tools like one-click image cropping, translation, and album management, while AI Agents enable more intuitive, human-like interactions. Furthermore, Samsung's Knox security system ensures these advanced AI features maintain robust data privacy.

Market outlook

Research firms project that global smartphone shipments will reach approximately 1.24 billion units in 2024, with AI-driven smartphones playing a crucial role in driving this growth. By 2025, global smartphone shipments are expected to grow by 3-5%, with AI smartphones accounting for over 30% of total shipments, up from nearly 18% in 2024.

Future prospects

Samsung's strategic push to integrate generative AI technology into mid- and high-tier models, combined with its flagship offerings, is expected to further boost its market share.

The upcoming Galaxy S26, benefiting from AI-powered features and generative AI enhancements, is projected to outperform its predecessors in terms of sales. Moreover, the expansion of generative AI features across a wider range of smartphones, as well as Apple's upcoming support for generative AI in non-English-speaking regions by the second quarter of 2025, will serve as additional catalysts for the rise of AI-powered smartphones.