Samsung Galaxy A25

Samsung Galaxy A25 Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits peak brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
• Processor: Samsung Exynos 1280 (5 nm) Octa-core CPU with Mali-G68 GPU.
• RAM/Storage: Available in configurations of 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB.
• Cameras: 50MP main camera with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP depth sensor, and a 13MP front-facing camera.
• Battery: 5000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging support.
• Operating System: Android 14, upgradable to Android 18.
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0.
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant Display: The Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and visually appealing experience, with good brightness levels for outdoor use.
• Capable Processor: The Exynos 1280 chipset provides solid performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
• Versatile Camera System: The 50MP main camera with OIS is capable of producing good quality images, and the inclusion of ultrawide and depth lenses add versatility. 4K video recording with EIS is also a plus.
• Long Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day with moderate usage.
• Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos enhance the audio experience.
• Future-Proof Software: Android 14 out of the box with a promise of updates up to Android 18 is great for long-term users.
• NFC Support: Convenient for mobile payments and data transfer.
• Expandable storage: The device has a microSD card slot for additional storage expansion.

Cons:

• Charging Speed: 25W fast charging isn't the fastest in its class and could take over an hour for a full charge.
• No HDR Support: The display doesn't support HDR10 or other HDR standards which could be disappointing for content consumption.
• USB Version: USB Type-C 2.0 is slower for data transfer compared to the latest standards.
• No Wireless Charging: The phone doesn't support wireless charging which is a notable omission for some users.
• Plastic Build: While the phone feels solid, the use of plastic material might not be perceived as premium.
• No Dedicated Telephoto Lens: The camera lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom.

User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy A25 provides a fluid and responsive user experience thanks to its 120Hz Super AMOLED display and capable Exynos 1280 chipset. The screen is bright and vibrant, making it enjoyable for media consumption and gaming. The One UI based on Android 14 is well-optimized and intuitive. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging are handled with ease, and the phone is also capable of running many games smoothly. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and accurate. The battery life is excellent, providing a full day of use without needing a top-up. The phone is comfortable to hold despite its size, thanks to the curved design. The audio experience is great with stereo speakers. However, the charging speed could be faster, and the lack of HDR support is slightly disappointing for the media viewing experience. The phone is available in various colors that cater to different preferences.

Hardware & Design

The Galaxy A25 features a plastic build, with dimensions of 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm and a weight of 197 grams. The device feels sturdy in hand but lacks the premium feel of glass or metal. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button. The front is dominated by the 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera and is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The back houses the triple-camera setup and the LED flash. The USB Type-C 2.0 port is located at the bottom, along with the speaker grille and the headphone jack. The device supports dual SIM functionality and microSD expansion slot. Internally, it features the Exynos 1280 5nm chipset, with variants offering either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, respectively. The cooling system is absent, but it is usually not an issue during normal usage.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A25 is a solid mid-range smartphone offering a balance of features and performance at a medium price point. The vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display, capable processor, versatile camera system, and long battery life make it a good option for daily usage. However, the slower 25W charging, lack of HDR support, plastic build, and outdated USB standard are areas where the phone falls short. If you're looking for a reliable and versatile smartphone with a good display and battery life without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy A25 is a worthy contender.