Samsung Galaxy A25 review

  Samsung Galaxy A25 Intro At a time when attention is focused on the Galaxy S24 series, we present our review of the Galaxy A25. While the ...

 

Samsung Galaxy A25 Intro

At a time when attention is focused on the Galaxy S24 series, we present our review of the Galaxy A25. While the timing may not be optimal, given Samsung's delayed provision of S24 review units, the Galaxy A25 remains a significant device for both Samsung and budget-conscious users. While flagships often dominate headlines, midrange and value-oriented devices serve as the cornerstone of the business, capable of significantly impacting a company's financial performance.

The Galaxy A25 enjoys global availability, with sales already underway in key markets such as the US, UK, Europe, and India, positioning it as a contender across various midrange segments. Samsung has ensured the device is well-equipped to compete effectively in this space.

Several notable hardware upgrades distinguish the A25 from its predecessor, the A24. Firstly, it now supports 5G connectivity, facilitated by the in-house Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset. This addresses a significant critique of the previous Galaxy A24, which was exclusively available in a 4G version—an unexpected decision considering the lower-end Galaxy A14 featured a 5G variant.

In addition, Samsung has enhanced the display refresh rate of the familiar 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel to 120Hz, a boost from the 90Hz seen on devices like the Galaxy A24 and the Galaxy A15.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Intro Unboxing

The Galaxy A25 is packaged in a straightforward slide-out cardboard box, devoid of extravagant features. While there are reservations about the thinness of the sleeve portion, the phone itself is securely housed within a cardboard cradle, eliminating the need for plastic. Despite its simplicity, the packaging effectively safeguards the phone, reflecting a conscientious effort towards sustainability in the tech sector.

The accessory package for the Galaxy A25 is extremely minimal. Samsung includes only a white USB Type-C to Type-C cable with the phone, along with the SIM ejector tool. This approach mirrors what's offered with the S series, suggesting a standardization across Samsung's product lines. While this simplicity may suffice for some users, it may not necessarily be preferred by all.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Intro Design

As noted, Samsung has maintained a familiar design language for the Galaxy A25, opting not to introduce drastic alterations. However, a notable change lies in the middle frame, which features a distinctively sculpted shape unique to this generation. This design element serves as a clear identifier that distinguishes the Galaxy A25 from its predecessors, such as the Galaxy A24.

We perceive the new frame as more pleasant to touch and offering improved in-hand feel and handling compared to the previous design. However, the difference in feel isn't substantial. Beyond the frame, the familiar triple vertical camera cluster remains on the back, devoid of any noticeable camera island or designated area. The back panel maintains a perfectly flat profile.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Display and Refresh Rate

Samsung remains committed to producing top-tier panels, often outfitting even its more affordable devices with high-quality displays, and the Galaxy A25 is a prime example of this commitment. Like its predecessor, it features a Super AMOLED display, maintaining a 6.5-inch diagonal size.

With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, the display boasts a pixel density of approximately 396 pixels per inch (ppi). In practical use, we find this level of sharpness to be highly satisfactory.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Charger

The Galaxy A25 is compatible with Samsung's 25W Super Fast Charging standard, which relies on Power Delivery technology. While it supports Power Delivery, it's advisable to invest in one of Samsung's chargers to maximize charging speeds and ensure compatibility with PPS (Programmable Power Supply) charging profiles. Notably, the package does not include a charger, so users need to acquire one separately.

Samsung Galaxy Run One UI 6 on Top of Andriod 14

The Galaxy A25 operates on Samsung's latest One UI 6, built on top of Android 14. This version represents the full-featured One UI experience, distinguishing it from the "Core" version found on certain lower-end Galaxy devices. With the full-fat One UI, users can expect fewer, if any, feature omissions, providing a comprehensive and seamless user experience.

The Galaxy A25 is entitled to receive four major OS updates along with One UI updates, totaling four years of support, in addition to five years of security patches throughout its lifespan. This level of support is quite commendable.

Users can enjoy a similar user experience and access most features found in the Galaxy S series, even on a mid-range device like the Galaxy A25. It's encouraging to observe that the distinction between software features reserved for flagships and those available on mid-range devices has diminished over time. Currently, specialized features like Samsung DeX remain among the few exclusives for flagship models.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Camera and Video Quality

The Galaxy A25 boasts a primary 50MP camera equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 2MP macro camera located on the rear, and a 13MP fixed-focus front-facing camera for selfies. One notable enhancement is the transition to an 8MP ultrawide camera on the back, a step up from the 5MP unit featured in the Galaxy A24.

• Wide (main): 50 MP Samsung ISOCELL (S5K)JN1, f/1.8, 27mm, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS; 2160p@30fps
• Ultra wide angle: 8 MP Samsung ISOCELL (S5K)4HA, f/2.2, 120-degree, 1/4", 1.12µm, fixed focus; 1080p@30fps
• Macro: 2 MP GalaxyCore GC02M1, f/2.4, fixed focus.
• Front camera: 13 MP Hynix Hi-1339, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm, fixed focus; 1080p@30fps

Video capture quality

One upgrade afforded by the Exynos 1280 chipset over the Mediatek Helio G99 in last year's Galaxy A24 is the ability to capture 4K@30fps video. The Galaxy A25 can do that on its main camera and only in 1x mode. The 2x zoom mode from the main camera, the ultrawide, and the selfie camera are all limited to 1080p.

By default, video gets saved in an h.264/AVC stream at around 49 Mbps in 4K and 17 Mbps in FullHD. Audio is also standard 48 kHz stereo AAC, and both get bundled together inside a standard MP4 container. There is also the option the save on some space and capture in h.265/HEVC instead.

4K video from the main camera looks great with plenty of detail, practically no noise, good contrast and dynamic range. Colors, just like with stills, are a bit on the saturated side, but not excessively so. The contrast is cranked a bit as well to get that extra "poppy" look.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Final Thoughts

At the time of writing, a base 6GB/128GB Galaxy A25 will set you back about $250/€285/£250/INR 27,000, and the higher-end 8GB/256GB tier will set you back $399/€330/INR 30,000. That's a competitive price bracket with plenty of viable alternatives.

Compared to the Galaxy A25, the A34 offers several upgrades. These include IP67 ingress protection for enhanced durability, the ability to capture 4K video with the selfie camera, and a slightly more robust Dimensity 1080 chipset. However, it's important to note that some features remain comparable across both devices, while others, such as the 3.5mm audio jack, are absent in the A34.

Ultimately, whether the A34 is a better fit depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If durability, advanced selfie capabilities, and a more powerful chipset are significant factors for you, the A34 may indeed be the preferred choice, despite the absence of the 3.5mm audio jack.