Samsung kicked off 2025 with its first Galaxy Unpacked event, unveiling the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 lineup, along with a slew of new AI-driven features, deeper collaborations with Google, and exciting glimpses into the future of XR technology. Here are the nine most important takeaways from the event.
1. Smarter and More Personalized Galaxy AI
Samsung is doubling down on AI with the Galaxy S25 series. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset with 12GB of RAM, the phones feature a dedicated AI-focused core called the Personal Data Engine.
This core powers personalized AI capabilities, creating a local, device-specific language model tailored to the user. Features like Bixby, Gemini, and the new Now Brief functionality help streamline tasks, automate daily routines, and seamlessly integrate with the Galaxy ecosystem. For instance, your phone might turn off your TV when your Galaxy Watch detects you’re asleep or nudge you to enable sleep mode to avoid late-night scrolling.
2. Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Ultimate Flagship
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s most advanced smartphone yet. Though its design closely resembles its predecessor, it boasts bolder camera rings (similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 6), a larger 6.9-inch display (up from 6.8 inches), and 15% thinner bezels.
Additionally, the Ultra is slimmer and 15g lighter, with rounded corners for improved comfort. Equipped with a For Galaxy version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it promises unparalleled gaming and AI performance. Enhancements like a larger vapor-cooling chamber and features such as Now Brief and Audio Eraser further solidify its place as the ultimate Android contender.
3. Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus: Elevated Value
The standard Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus models are getting a significant upgrade in 2025. Both now feature 12GB of RAM, matching the Ultra’s capacity, and are powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset—offering consistent performance across the lineup.
Design improvements include thinner bodies (7% slimmer than their predecessors) and the new bold camera ring aesthetic. Enhanced vapor-cooling chambers promise better gaming performance, while Galaxy AI features like Now Brief come standard.
4. Galaxy S25 Edge: A Remarkably Thin Smartphone
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge, a groundbreaking ultra-thin smartphone that takes innovation to new heights. Though details remain scarce, the Edge offers the same AI capabilities as the rest of the S25 lineup, all housed in a shockingly slim build with matte titanium sides and a sleek camera bump.
While Samsung only teased the Edge at the event, it has already generated significant buzz as one of the thinnest smartphones ever designed.
5. Another Glimpse at Samsung and Google’s XR Collaboration
Samsung and Google gave attendees a fresh look at their Project Moohan Android XR headset. The device promises advanced mixed-reality experiences, including eye- and hand-tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
In addition, TM Roh, Samsung’s head of mobile, confirmed that both companies are developing AR glasses. While no launch timelines were shared, it’s clear that Samsung and Google are heavily invested in the XR and AR spaces.
6. 6-Month Gemini Advanced Subscription with S25 Purchases
Samsung sweetened the deal for Galaxy S25 buyers by including a six-month subscription to Gemini Advanced, valued at $120. This service unlocks the full potential of the phones’ AI capabilities, allowing users to explore advanced features without limits.
7. Borrowing the Best Camera Features from Apple and Google
Samsung has added powerful new photography tools to the S25 lineup, inspired by features from Apple and Google. These include:
- Log Video Shooting: Ideal for professional color grading.
- Best Face: Samsung’s take on Google’s Best Take, ensuring group photos have everyone looking their best.
- Photographic Styles: A feature similar to Apple’s, letting users create custom filters with fine-tuned settings for white balance, saturation, and grain.
Additionally, the Galaxy AI assistant can now provide photo-editing tips, such as improving the composition of your pet photos.
8. SmartThings Gets Smarter with Home AI
Samsung introduced new SmartThings updates under the Home AI banner, including:
- Ambient Sensing: Ecosystem-wide sensors that detect user activity and optimize the environment accordingly. For example, your refrigerator might provide workout tips while you exercise.
- Generative AI Map View: A tool that lets users upload photos of their real furnishings, enabling devices to recognize and interact with the furniture in personalized ways.
These updates will roll out throughout 2025 and 2026, enhancing the intelligence and functionality of Samsung’s smart home ecosystem.
9. The Future of Foldables: A Tri-Fold Smartphone?
Samsung teased what appears to be a tri-fold phone, hinting at a potential new direction for its foldable lineup. While no details were shared, this concept underscores Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone design.
With the Galaxy S25 series, new AI innovations, and cutting-edge hardware, Samsung’s first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2025 set an ambitious tone for the year ahead. Stay tuned as these products and features hit the market!
