Experts at Canalys said that the Korean phone maker – Samsung – has set a new direction for itself even as it leads the global generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) adoptions on mobile phones.

AI and software capabilities take front and center stage

Sheng Win, an analyst based in Canalys’ Singapore office, said that at its first Galaxy Unpacked event 2025, Samsung sent a clear message – it should no longer be viewed solely as a consumer hardware company.

In contrast to last year’s event unveiling the S24, TM Roh, Samsung’s president and Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind CEO, kicked off this year’s Samsung Galaxy Unpacked by highlighting a deeper Samsung-Google partnership on AI capabilities for devices.

Samsung executives gave a 30-minute demonstration of new AI features powered by Google’s Gemini, promising intuitive and personalized actions.

The highlight was the Personal Data Engine developed by Samsung, which analyzes on-device data to adapt features to individual preferences and usage patterns.

This enables contextual app suggestions, actionable searches and seamless app transitions for greater usability and efficiency.

Win writes:

“The emphasis on integrating AI into systems, UI and software signals Samsung’s future direction. It realizes that a challenging yet critical shift is coming – reducing hardware dependency and building more software and services capabilities. Samsung leads in hardware user base but must expand software innovation. The AI capabilities may not yet be monetizable or be a key sales driver. However, Samsung is laying the foundations for a software-driven future.

Samsung and Google synergy

“Many of Google Gemini’s latest features, such as Gemini Advanced and Gemini Live, will debut on the Galaxy S25 rather than Google’s own Pixel devices. Samsung and Google have natural synergies between hardware and software competencies, so it makes sense for them to continue building a strong long-term partnership.

“One example where this synergy materialized with the Galaxy S25 is with Gemini Advanced. Costing around US$20 per month, Galaxy S25 users will get Gemini Advanced free for six months. This is a win-win for both companies – it provides an extra US$120 in perceived value for Galaxy S25 users and gives Google the potential to turn 40 million Galaxy S25 users into Gemini Advanced subscribers.

“However, this arrangement has drawbacks. Providing Gemini Advanced free to so many users could devalue it for some people. For Samsung, tying its AI features so closely to Google may hinder its ability to create its own proprietary AI software suite.

Deepened partnership with Qualcomm for flagship silicon needs

“Qualcomm, as the exclusive silicon partner for Samsung’s premium S25 range, is also in the news. Samsung emphasized its deep partnership with Qualcomm, allowing a range of customization of the Snapdragon 8 Elite for the Galaxy chipset.

“This is critical for enabling many new software solutions on the Galaxy S25. For example, the chipset is optimized for the Galaxy display, enhancing image quality and power efficiency, including sharper low-light video capture.

“However, excluding Exynos from the Galaxy S25 (which was in the S24) raises concerns about Samsung’s decades of in-house SoC investments. Samsung hopes to strategically leverage its ability to vertically integrate the Exynos SoC with its own hardware ecosystem (displays, memory, cameras and others). But Samsung’s in-house semiconductor strategy remains an Achilles heel. The most powerful consumer electronics company still has limited control over its AI hardware roadmap, relying on external parties for its most cutting-edge devices.

Leveraging the device ecosystem is increasingly important

“Samsung’s past investments in businesses such as Knox, Smart Things and Samsung Health are starting to come together as one holistic solution. One practical example is how Samsung Health can adjust the air-conditioner temperature based on your sleep pattern or switch off the television when you fall asleep.

“This integration across multiple devices is made possible through Smart Things. With the infusion of AI, we can expect more companies this year, not just Samsung, to invest more in smart home areas, providing more intuitive solutions across all IoT products.

GenAI – Samsung Outlook and forecast

“Canalys and Omdia forecasts predict shipments of less than 40 million units for the S25, similar to last year’s Galaxy S24. While the hardware-improved standard S25 model is expected to see a mild shipment increase over the previous version, the Plus model shipments are expected to remain flat or decline slightly due to reduced distinction from the standard model compared with previous generations.

“The Ultra model is forecast to account for 47% of total S25 series shipments, a slightly lower share than its predecessor.

“Samsung’s ability to expand its premium user base through the Galaxy S series is of vital strategic importance for long-term leadership. Premium device users have a higher propensity to spend and are highly valued by online marketers and internet service providers.

“Capturing more of this premium segment allows Samsung to better position itself to generate lucrative high-margin revenue from Internet services,” according to Win.

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At Galaxy Unpacked in San Jose, on Wednesday, Google showed the audience how they’re continuing to reimagine the Android smartphone experience with AI at the core.

These features are highlighted in a blog post authored by Menaka Shroff, senior director, Global Android Product Marketing, titled “All the Android updates coming to the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and more“:

1.    Experience the power of Gemini in more ways

With Gemini on Android, you get a more powerful mobile assistant that provides contextual help based on what’s on your screen.

And now, Gemini is easily accessible on your Samsung devices, with a simple press of the side button.

Caption: Ready. Press. Gemini.

A blue hotspot long presses the Samsung Galaxy S25 power button and a Gemini prompt box appears at the bottom of the phone screen.

Extensions in Gemini tap into apps and services across your device, helping you quickly complete tasks. In addition to Google Maps, YouTube, Google Messages, Spotify and more, we’re introducing new Gemini Extensions for Samsung Reminder, Samsung Calendar, Samsung Notes and Samsung Clock. This means you can ask Gemini to tell you about an upcoming appointment, save a note or set a reminder.

In a single prompt, you can now ask Gemini to take multiple actions across apps and services. For example, if you’re looking for outdoor restaurants nearby and want to share the options with a friend, Gemini can connect to Google Maps to find the perfect spots and draft a ready-to-send text via Google Messages.

The prompt  “Hi Google Gemini, find a few Italian, pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating nearby and text them to Luca” is added to the Gemini prompt box followed by Gemini finding a short list of restaurants that fit the criteria.

Gemini Live is a conversational experience that helps you brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics and rehearse for important moments with real-time, spoken responses. Starting to roll out today, you can now add images, files and YouTube videos to the conversation, making Gemini Live more multimodal, personal and contextual to you.

An image of a painting is added to Gemini Live and the user asks, “What makes this painting so famous?”

Also in the coming months, we’ll introduce Project Astra capabilities like screen sharing and live video streaming first to the Gemini app on Android and the Galaxy S25 series.

2.    Stay up to date on sports and directions with Galaxy S25’s Now Bar

Galaxy S25’s Now Bar brings relevant updates right to your lock screen. For sports fans, Galaxy S25’s Now Bar will ensure you are clued into all the action by bringing key match updates about the teams you follow on Google right to your lock screen. With a single glance at your phone, you’ll know when a match is on and be able to follow live with scores and more. If you want to dive deeper, simply tap the card to get perspectives, stats and news on Google Search.

A sport score of 1-0 is shown on the lock screen.

With Google Maps in the Now Bar, you can also save time and stay on schedule. See directions at a glance when you’re on the go and get timely notifications on events, like when to leave for an appointment based on current traffic.

3.    Get more helpful information with AI Overviews and one-tap actions in Circle to Search

Last year, we launched Circle to Search as a new way to search anything on your phone without having to switch between apps.

The team is expanding AI Overviews to even more visual searches on Circle to Search so you can quickly and easily see a snapshot of information about your search with links to learn more from the web.

Whether you circle an image of a viral dish, a landmark or a rare antique you saw online, you’ll get an AI Overview for more responses — so you can find what you need, faster and more effortlessly.

Circle to Search is invoked on a green dessert. An AI Overview appears in Search identifying the dessert as a Matcha Mont Blanc cake.

And Circle to Search now has one-tap actions, so it’s easier to get things done on your phone. Circle to Search automatically identifies phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on your screen. Simply tap the chip that appears to call, email or visit a website.

Circle to Search is invoked and an action chip showing a phone icon appears over a phone number.

4.    Enjoy improved hearing aid and braille display experiences on Android

For people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, Google has brought LE audio features, the next generation of Bluetooth, to Galaxy S25 devices.

This update enables hands-free calling, easy-to-use personalized audio adjustments and a low-latency connection to GN Hearing and Oticon Intent hearing aids when paired with a Galaxy S25 device using Android 15.

Android phone settings with hearing aid controls including altering presets to outdoors and the charge level of right and left.

And for people who are blind or have low vision, TalkBack 15 on Galaxy S25 devices will  now be compatible with braille displays that use HID, a popular way to connect to Bluetooth devices.

Following feedback from the community, this compatibility will ensure people can use their braille displays without additional steps, making Galaxy S25 devices even more accessible.

In the coming weeks, TalkBack on Galaxy S25 devices will also provide more detailed image descriptions, powered by Gemini models.

5.    Stay connected with the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience

With Google Family Link, parents can use their phone to set up and manage Galaxy Watch7 LTE smartwatches with a Galaxy Watch for Kids experience.

This allows parents to approve contacts, monitor their child’s watch’s location, manage apps and set up school time to limit distractions during school hours.

This update starts rolling out today in the U.S. with support from major carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.

Three Galaxy Watch7 LTEs with colourful kids bands featuring watch faces from Groot, Crayola and Barbie.

Learn more about Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 smartphones now.

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Introducing multimodal AI agents, the Galaxy S25 series is the first step in Samsung’s vision to change the way users interact with their phone – and with their world.

A first-of-its-kind customized Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset delivers greater on-device processing power for Galaxy AI and superior camera range and control with Galaxy’s next-gen ProVisual Engine.

With One UI 7, the Galaxy S25 series is a true AI companion that understands the context of your needs and preferences and provides personalized AI experiences with privacy assured at every turn. It’s the starting point of a shared vision with Google to imagine Android with AI at the core, bringing together developers and partners from around the world.

AI agents with multimodal capabilities enable Galaxy S25 to interpret text, speech, images and videos for interactions that feel natural. Upgrades to Google’s Circle to Search make searching your phone screen more helpful, fast and contextual. Circle to Search now quickly recognizes phone numbers, email and URLs on your screen, letting you call, email or visit a website with a single tap.

With Galaxy S25 series, you can also perform actionable searches with context-aware suggestions for next steps. Plus, Galaxy S25 makes it frictionless to switch between apps for quick follow-up actions, like sharing a GIF or saving event details.

Galaxy S25 represents a breakthrough in natural language understanding, making everyday interactions easier. Simply ask and intuitively find a specific photo in Samsung Gallery or adjust the size of display fonts in Settings.

In the era of AI, personalization goes hand-in-hand with privacy. On Galaxy S25, the Personal Data Engine powers personalized AI features by safely analyzing your data on-device to deliver highly tailored experiences that reflect your preferences and usage patterns.

These insights enable tailored experiences such as searching for an old photo in the Gallery using natural language, or being guided through the day with Now Brief, which proactively offers suggestions accessible via Now Bar on the lock screen. All personalized data is kept private and secured by Knox Vault.

Combined with enhanced on-device processing capabilities, this creates a powerful, protected AI experience that is unique to Galaxy.

Galaxy’s Most Powerful Performance Ever

The Galaxy S25 series is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. With unique customizations by Galaxy, this is the most powerful processor ever on Galaxy S series, delivering a performance boost of 40% in NPU, 37% in CPU and 30% in GPU compared to previous generation.

This power fuels the Galaxy S25 series’ ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise, including previously cloud-based AI tasks such as Generative Edit.

10-bit HDR recording is now applied by default, offering four times richer color expression compared to 8-bit. Galaxy S25 can thus capture details in any lighting conditions. Plus, low-light videos have never been clearer than with Galaxy S25.

Based on powerful processor, Galaxy S25 analyzes movement and time to reduce noise more effectively. This integration allows detecting both moving and static objects with greater precision, ensuring sharper, cleaner footage in any scenario.

Galaxy S25 also introduces a range of tools once limited to specialized software, making advanced editing accessible for all. Now anyone can be a pro at editing photos and videos. Audio Eraser simplifies the removal of unwanted noise in videos.

By isolating categories of sounds – including voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise – you can control what to tone down or eliminate entirely.

Durable Design Embracing a More Circular Approach

The Galaxy S25 series builds upon Galaxy’s ‘Essential Design’ grounded in ‘Simple, Impactful and Emotive’ elements.

Galaxy S25 Ultra refines this essence into the slimmest, lightest and most durable Galaxy S series yet, with a rounded edge for a comfortable grip that complements the series’ aesthetic identity.

Galaxy S25 Ultra features durable titanium and the new Corning Gorilla Armor 2, a first-of-its-kind material that is more durable than glass. It combines Corning’s glass-ceramic with a proprietary anti-reflective surface treatment, helping to ensure advanced drop protection alongside anti-reflection surface treatment and scratch resistance.

Combined with seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, the Galaxy S25 series ensures a reliable and optimized performance over a longer lifespan.

For greater peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, repairs, and replacements, ensuring peace of mind for Galaxy users.

Colour:

The Galaxy S25 series is available to order. Galaxy S25 Ultra will be available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Gray. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ will be available in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue and Mint.

Prices of Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S25+ | Galaxy S25 in Nigeria:

In Nigeria, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three configurations. The Recommended Retail Price [Device Only] are as follows:

• 12GB/1TB is priced at ₦2,570,000,
• 12GB/512GB model costs ₦2,210,000, and
• 12GB/256GB variant is available for ₦2,029,000.

Galaxy S25+

• 12GB/512GB model costs ₦1,739,000
• 12GB/256GB variant is available for ₦1,560,000

Galaxy S25

• 12GB/256GB model costs ₦1,370,000
• 12GB/128GB variant is available for ₦1,286,000.

Outside Nigeria? Check prices here.

PreOrder:

You can pre-order the devices across retails stores in Nigeria like Slot or visit Samsung outlets… Check link here too.

The post Galaxy S25 Ultra | Galaxy S25+: Samsung Sets New Standard in Smartphone with AI Companion appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Revealed during the Galaxy Unpacked event on 22 January, the devices integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) properties, bringing users a highly personalised and seamless experience.

Great User Interaction

The Galaxy S25 series introduces cutting-edge multimodal AI agents capable of interpreting text, speech, images, and video for fluid and natural interactions. 

A collaboration with Google has enabled Samsung to deliver an AI-integrated operating system, enhancing both productivity and convenience. For example, the new “Circle to Search” feature makes it easier to perform actions like calling, emailing, or visiting websites directly from on-screen content.

TM Roh, president and head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung, described the vision behind these innovations: “The greatest innovations are a reflection of their users, which is why we evolved Galaxy AI to help everyone interact with their devices more naturally and effortlessly while trusting that their privacy is secured.”

Privacy-Driven AI

Samsung emphasises privacy in its AI advancements. The Personal Data Engine ensures all targeted experiences, such as photo searches in the Gallery using natural language, are processed on the device itself. The integration of post-quantum cryptography strengthens data protection, while new features like the Knox Matrix dashboard provide users with greater oversight of their device’s security.

Power and Performance

Powered by the customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the Galaxy S25 series delivers 40% faster neural processing unit (NPU) speeds, alongside significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance compared to previous models. 

This enhanced processing property supports advanced on-device AI tasks, such as noise reduction in videos and professional-grade photo editing tools like Audio Eraser and Virtual Aperture.

Redefining Photography

The Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with a new 50MP ultrawide camera sensor, an upgrade from its predecessor’s 12MP sensor, enabling exceptional clarity in all lighting conditions. 

The devices also feature default 10-bit HDR recording for richer colour expression and low-light video capabilities. For creative users, features like Galaxy Log allow precise colour grading, while Generative Edit removes unwanted objects or sounds from photos and videos with ease.

Sustainable Design

Samsung continues its focus on sustainability, using recycled materials across the Galaxy S25 series. For instance, the device’s metal frames incorporate recycled aluminium, and the batteries are made with reused cobalt sourced from discarded electronics. 

Again, users can expect a longer device lifespan with seven generations of operating system updates and seven years of security patches.

Availability and Extras

The Galaxy S25 Ultra will be available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver, and Titanium Grey. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ come in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icy Blue, and Mint. Each device includes six months of Gemini Advanced access and 2TB of cloud storage at no additional cost.

Pricing Breakdown

In Nigeria, The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three configurations: the 12GB/1TB model is priced at ₦2,570,000, the 12GB/512GB model costs ₦2,210,000, and the 12GB/256GB variant is available for ₦2,029,000.

The Galaxy S25+ is also available in two configurations. The 12GB/512GB model is priced at ₦1,739,000, while the 12GB/256GB version is available for ₦1,560,000.

Lastly, the Galaxy S25 comes in two options. The 12GB/256GB model costs ₦1,378,000, and the 12GB/128GB variant is priced at ₦1,286,000. 

In the United States, the Galaxy S25 starts at $800 for the 12GB/128GB model, while the 12GB/256GB version is priced at $860. The Galaxy S25+ begins at $1,000 for the 12GB/256GB model and $1,120 for the 12GB/512GB configuration. The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,300 for the 12GB/256GB model, $1,420 for the 12GB/512GB version, and $1,660 for the 12GB/1TB option.

In Europe, the Galaxy S25 is priced at €900 for the 12GB/128GB variant and €960 for the 12GB/256GB option. The Galaxy S25+ starts at €1,170 for the 12GB/256GB version and €1,290 for the 12GB/512GB model. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is available for €1,470 with 12GB/256GB, €1,590 for 12GB/512GB, and €1,830 for the 12GB/1TB variant.

In the United Kingdom, the Galaxy S25 is available for £800 for the 12GB/128GB version and £860 for the 12GB/256GB model. The Galaxy S25+ starts at £1,000 for 12GB/256GB and £1,100 for 12GB/512GB. For the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the pricing begins at £1,250 for 12GB/256GB, £1,350 for 12GB/512GB, and £1,550 for the 12GB/1TB configuration.

In Canada, the Galaxy S25 starts at CAD 1,200 for the 12GB/128GB variant and CAD 1,300 for the 12GB/256GB option. The Galaxy S25+ begins at CAD 1,440 for the 12GB/256GB version and CAD 1,620 for 12GB/512GB. The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at CAD 1,920 for 12GB/256GB, CAD 2,100 for 12GB/512GB, and CAD 2,460 for the 12GB/1TB variant.

In Australia, the Galaxy S25+ starts at AUD 1,700 for 12GB/256GB and AUD 1,900 for 12GB/512GB. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at AUD 2,150 for 12GB/256GB, AUD 2,350 for 12GB/512GB, and AUD 2,750 for the 12GB/1TB configuration.

The post Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: 50MP Camera, 40% Faster AI Processing, 7-Year Updates + Pricing appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event will be streamed live on Samsung’s official website, YouTube channel, and other platforms, showing the tech giant’s latest innovations.

The spotlight of the event will undoubtedly be on the Galaxy S25 series, the next-generation flagship lineup, comprising the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra.

Galaxy S25 Series: Specifications at a Glance

While Samsung has kept official details under wraps, leaks and rumours suggest the following features:

• Display: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.9-inch display with a slimmer and more refined design, potentially shaving 1-2 millimetres off its predecessor’s thickness.
• Processor: All models are anticipated to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for superior performance.
• Camera: The S25 Ultra may come with a new 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, adding to its already commendable photography credibility.
• Storage and Memory: Options are expected to include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage, paired with 16GB of RAM in the Ultra model.
• Colours: Seven colour variants are rumoured, including Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, and Titanium Jade Green, with some colours exclusive to Samsung’s online store.
• Charging: The devices are likely to support Qi2 wireless charging, a step forward in convenience and compatibility.

Advancements in Galaxy AI

Samsung has teased some upgrades in AI capabilities for the S25 series. These enhancements are expected to make device interactions more intuitive and efficient, building on features like the Sketch-to-Image tool and natural language updates to the Galaxy Notes app. This push into AI aims to bolster Samsung’s work in mobile technology.

Pre-Order Benefits and Launch Timeline

Samsung has opened pre-reservations for the Galaxy S25 series, allowing customers to secure their devices with refundable deposits. The pre-order window is expected to open immediately after the event, with deliveries beginning on 3 February 2025. 

Customers who pre-reserve stand to gain store credits and trade-in offers, including up to $900 in additional credits for eligible devices.

Surprises and Additional Announcements

Apart from the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung may provide updates on other projects, including the Galaxy Ring wearable and Project Moohan, a mixed reality headset co-developed with Google. Both products represent Samsung’s exploration into new technology categories.

The Galaxy Unpacked event promises to usher in Samsung’s 2025 vision, with the Galaxy S25 series leading the process. Stay tuned for updates as the event comes closer.

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