Hands-On with Every 2025 Samsung Device [User Guide]
Samsung’s 2025 lineup is here and I’ve had my hands on every single new device. Whether you’re eyeing the latest Galaxy phone, a fresh foldable, or a smartwatch, you’ll want to know what stands out. I put each product through daily routines to see what’s new, what’s better, and what still needs work. Here’s a look at what to expect if you’re thinking of upgrading.
I Tried Every New Samsung Product for 2025 [Early Hands-On Review]
Getting early hands-on time with Samsung’s 2025 lineup felt like opening a box of surprises. From the new Galaxy S25 Ultra to the updated foldables, wearables, and fresh smart home tech, there’s a lot to see and plenty to talk about.
This year’s devices come packed with smarter AI tools, sharper screens, and sleek designs that stand out in daily use. After trying each product myself, I’m sharing only what actually impressed me, what’s changed in real life, and what’s just hype. If you want honest, first-hand impressions of what Samsung’s newest gadgets can really do, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to see which models are worth your attention, and which updates truly make a difference.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Still the Gold Standard?
If you want the best Android phone for everyday use, Samsung’s S25 series makes a strong case. This year’s lineup delivers improved performance, display, and cameras while trimming down the design. After weeks of daily use, I noticed the details that matter most—how they fit in your hand, the actual battery life, and if new AI really changes how you shoot pictures or join video calls.
Photo by MOHI SYED
Daily Use and Performance
There’s no learning curve—just pick up and go. Here’s how each S25 model felt after living with them:
- Battery life is better across the board, especially on the S25 Ultra with its 5000mAh battery. On real-world days with navigation, video, apps, and calls, the Ultra and Plus breeze past bedtime. The standard S25 lasts all day with lighter use and dips earlier if you push it hard.
- Display quality impresses, with punchy colors and deep blacks. The S25 Ultra gets brightest in sunlight, but all the screens are more readable outdoors this year.
- Call clarity is a highlight. Voices sound sharp, background noise stays low, and everyone noticed a step up on video calls.
- Speed is top-tier. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip runs cool and fast, handling games and multitasking without a hiccup. The phones stay quick, even under pressure.
The S25 series feels solid and polished, but never heavy or awkward, making it easy to forget you’re holding a flagship.
Read deeper hands-on impressions in this Samsung Galaxy S25 review.
Camera Upgrades and AI Features
Samsung goes big with camera hardware and smarter software this year, especially on the Ultra.
- 200MP main camera (Ultra) takes ultra-sharp shots, even in tough lighting. Zoom is crisp up to 10x, and detail holds up better than I expected.
- Telephoto and ultra-wide both work great, grabbing more scene without warping edges or washing out colors.
- AI editing features save pictures that used to be hopeless—think reflections, photobombers, or clumsy fingers. The phone’s suggestions for photo touch-ups and background blur are useful for quick social shares or pro-level edits.
- AI call tools help for work, too. Live translation and background blurring work well on video calls—not perfect, but miles better than your laptop webcam.
- Video is smoother now, with better stabilization and clearer audio capture across noisy environments.
You can see more about the new camera features on Samsung’s own Galaxy S25 Ultra highlights or browse the full lineup on their official S25 camera features page.
Which S25 Model Fits Who?
Picking a phone shouldn’t be hard. Here’s how to choose the best S25 for your life and wallet:
- Galaxy S25: The most affordable. Picks for those who want a sleek, comfortable phone that still has a flagship display and speed. Pocket-friendly and light, perfect if you have smaller hands or don’t need all the camera bells and whistles.
- Galaxy S25 Plus: For the “just right” crowd. You get a larger screen, bigger battery, and a bit more power, minus the Ultra’s price or size. Great for most people—covers streaming, social, and work without compromise.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra: The all-in heavy hitter. If you want top specs, huge display, the best cameras, and S-Pen support, this is it. Creative pros, power users, and those who need a big phone will love the Ultra.
- Galaxy S25 Edge: If you want the curved display look and slim feel, Edge is your pick. It sits between the S25 Plus and Ultra on size and price.
For more on specs, pricing, and model differences, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 & S25+ features page breaks down what you get.
In short, there’s a Galaxy S25 for every budget, grip, and wishlist.
Foldables Get Serious: Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Reviewed
Samsung’s foldables always catch eyes, but this year feels different. Both the new Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 make big steps in comfort, camera, and durability—yet there’s still a lot to unpack. I put each device through its paces, focusing on how they feel in real life for work, play, and everyday moments. There’s more polish, but some trade-offs remain. Here’s how both foldables stack up after extended hands-on testing.
Z Fold 6: Productivity and Play
Photo by Andrey Matveev
The Z Fold 6 continues to shrink the compromise between a phone and a tablet. Daily email catch-up, editing Google Docs, and watching YouTube or Netflix on break felt easier than ever. The crease is even less visible, and whether I was typing long Slack replies or flipping it open for back-to-back Zoom meetings, the display quality impressed me every time.
- Screen size feels genuinely useful—multitasking with split-screen apps is smooth, and there’s enough room to actually get work done, not just skim messages.
- Streaming on the inside display is a treat. Bright, rich colors and solid speakers make movie nights or game streams actually enjoyable without needing a separate tablet.
- Toughness is up. Samsung’s tweaks to the hinge and frame mean it’s less scary to close the Fold 6 with one hand, and I never worried about the screen. The device holds up to bags, keys, and mild drops.
- Weight sits in a nice spot. It’s lighter than previous years and slimmer too, so holding it for longer doesn’t hurt your wrist. Some will still find it chunky closed, but the trade-off is worth it for the big screen.
The new Z Fold 6 feels like it’s built for both heavy multitaskers and weekend bingers. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a mini tablet in your pocket, this is the closest you’ll get right now. For a deeper dive on how the Fold 6 holds up after real-world use (including how it fits into a tech lover’s routine), I recommend reading this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review. Curious about camera trade-offs? Amateur Photographer’s review covers that side in detail.
Z Flip 6: Pocketable Fun, Real Limitations
The Z Flip 6 is just fun to use. It’s satisfyingly snappy to open, pocketable like no other, and somehow makes the act of answering calls feel new again. In everyday use, though, some quirks show up.
- Daily life with the Flip 6 is about quick flicks open for texts, social media, or snapping a selfie—yes, you’ll do it just for the nostalgia factor.
- Camera quality is fine for most situations, and the small cover screen is handy for quick photos or notifications. But low light brings noise, and pro photographers will want more lens options.
- Battery got a needed boost this year, but heavy days (lots of maps, streaming, camera use) still got me nervous by late evening. Charging is quicker, at least, so a short top-up helps.
- Usability fits those who want true pocket-ability and style over maximum tech. It’s still the clear pick if you want a compact phone with attitude.
The Flip 6 is hard not to like if you value small size, unique style, and a dose of pure nostalgia. But don’t expect flagship cameras or the longest battery life—these are still the main trade-offs for the fun factor. Honest daily impressions and where the Flip 6 stands on feature upgrades are well-explained in this Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review. For broader feedback from real users, this Reddit Flip 6 thread adds helpful color.
Pricing on both models remains premium. The Z Fold 6 stays above most flagship phones, while the Flip 6 comes in below it but is still pricier than traditional slabs. If the unique foldable feel matters most, the investment finally feels justified—but your budget needs to stretch to get there.
Wallet-Friendly Phones: Samsung’s 2025 Midrange and Budget Lineup
If you don’t want to max out your credit card for a new phone, Samsung’s 2025 midrange and budget lineup is worth a real look. The latest Galaxy A models focus on value without feeling like total compromises. Out of all the brand new gear I tried, these models made the biggest difference for everyday buyers and families. Below, I break down how the new Galaxy A56, A16 5G, and similar options actually stack up in real hands-on use—the good, the not-so-good, and who each is really for.
Photo by Andrey Matveev
The 2025 Galaxy A56: Good Enough for Most
Samsung’s A56 lands as a clear pick for those who want more than entry-level but less than flagship pricing. After my week with it, a few things stood out:
- Smooth-enough display. The 6.5-inch OLED panel is bright and colorful. You get sharp visuals when streaming or scrolling social, and outdoor viewing is decent for the price.
- Battery that mostly lasts. The 5000mAh cell can feel like it should last longer, but for standard days (browsing, texting, moderate app use), it gets you through. Heavy gaming or video drains it fast, though.
- Balanced cameras. You’ll get detailed daylight shots and pretty solid selfies, but don’t expect magic in low light or flashy features from the more expensive Galaxy models.
- Speed fits the price. Routine tasks are smooth, but you’ll run into hiccups with heavier gaming or too many apps at once. The processor makes daily life fine but not fast.
What I really like is the phone doesn’t scream “cheap.” It feels sturdy and even stylish, with software that rarely gets in the way. The trade-off for price is some slowness with high-demand apps and a battery that just matches last year’s model. If you want more detail, the Samsung Galaxy A56 review at TechRadar covers daily strengths and weaknesses. Or for a mixed take, check out AndroidCentral’s A56 review.
Galaxy A16 5G: Best for Tight Budgets and Basic Use
The A16 5G is built for value-first buyers, students, or anyone who needs a phone that just works. Don’t expect luxury, but do expect a phone that keeps up with calls, texts, and most daily tasks.
- Big screen, light body. At 6.7 inches, it feels roomy and the new, slimmer build is easy to manage.
- Durable feel. Despite the price, it doesn’t feel flimsy. The IP54 splash resistance adds some peace of mind.
- 5G support. Even on a budget, you get fast data speeds if your carrier supports it.
- Simple performance. Light app use, streaming, and scrolling work fine, but heavy multitasking shows its limits fast.
The A16 5G’s real win is reliability. For under $200, Samsung includes years of security updates, which is rare at this level. It’s perfect for a first smartphone, backup device, or if you need something simple and reliable. If you want a deep dive, the PCMag review of the A16 5G gives a full breakdown.
Real-World Pros and Cons of Samsung’s Midrange Lineup
After testing the A56, A16 5G, and other wallet-friendly Samsung phones, a few trends are clear. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide if these budget models fit your life:
What Impressed Me:
- Long software support for the price.
- Reliable network and call quality.
- Solid screens for the money.
Where They Fall Short:
- No wireless charging or water resistance above IP54.
- Cameras can’t match Google Pixel or premium Samsung models.
- Noticeable slowdowns with gig apps or games.
- Slower charging speeds than premium phones.
Who Should (or Shouldn’t) Get These Phones?
If you want a phone under $200–$350 that covers the basics, lasts a while, and uses Samsung’s familiar controls, these new A series models are easy to recommend. I’d hand them to teens, older relatives, or anyone who refuses to overspend for minor upgrades. If you need heavy gaming, night-out photos, or pro tools, save up for the S25 family or look elsewhere.
To compare the latest models, Android Authority’s budget Samsung roundup lays out which Galaxy A phones stand out this year. For the broadest look at top picks and prices, check CNET’s best Samsung phone guide for 2025.
Samsung’s latest midrange and budget lineup proves you don’t have to pay flagship prices for a phone that works—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Tablets and Wearables: Galaxy Tab S10, Tab S10 Ultra, and More
Samsung’s 2025 tablet lineup puts the spotlight on the Galaxy Tab S10 family, with models that cater to both power users and everyday tasks. Whether you’re reading, sketching, streaming the latest shows, or multitasking with DeX, these new tablets feel ready for just about anything. The company also has refreshed wearables this year, rounding out the ecosystem with smarter connectivity and longer battery life. Here’s how it all stacks up in real, hands-on use.
Galaxy Tab S10 Series: Home and Pro Use
Photo by Gabriel Freytez
Using the new Galaxy Tab S10 and Tab S10 Ultra over a week felt less like testing a tablet and more like using a portable workstation that’s equally at home on the couch or at your desk. The screens are punchy—deep blacks, bold colors, and enough brightness for sunny days. Streaming video, reading comics, and browsing social media all pop, and the bigger Ultra size makes movies look fantastic. I found the sound quality surprisingly full, too, with quad speakers that actually fill a room.
Note-taking and creative work stand out. With the included S Pen, jotting down notes feels smooth and almost paper-like. I drew sketches, marked up PDFs, and took meeting notes, all without lag. The keyboard accessory (sold separately) turns the S10 into a mini-laptop, which was handy for emails or Google Docs. When it came to multitasking, DeX mode really impressed me. DeX lets you run several apps side-by-side in windowed mode, and it felt closer to a laptop than any Android tablet I’ve used before. Switching between a research window, Spotify, and a video call was quick and seamless.
Real-life highlights from the Tab S10 series:
- Sharp, vibrant AMOLED displays across all models
- Excellent S Pen experience for notes and creative work
- DeX mode: true multitasking with mouse/keyboard support
- Fast charging and solid battery life for a full day’s work or play
The hardware doesn’t just look sleek—it stays cool, even with gaming or heavy multitasking. Whether you use it for entertainment, work, or both, the Galaxy Tab S10 lineup brings a polished experience that competes directly with premium tablets from other brands. If you want a deep dive into specs and performance, check out this Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ review for 2025.
Fan Edition and Budget Tablets
Samsung hasn’t forgotten the crowd who wants a reliable tablet without stretching the budget. The Fan Edition (FE) and entry-level models stick to the basics, but for many people, that’s all you really need.
Here’s what stood out on the latest FE and budget tablets:
- Large screens for watching videos or reading, though not as bright as the full S10 line
- Battery life holds up surprisingly well—streaming, browsing, and casual games didn’t drain the juice fast
- Performance fits daily stuff: web, social, video calls, and note-taking all feel smooth
- Cameras are just okay—they work for calls but won’t wow you for photos
You do give up some perks from the premium models, like ultra-slim designs, the brightest screens, or fast fingerprint unlocking. Heavy multitasking or advanced DeX features feel limited, so pros or creators will want to step up to the S10 or Ultra. But for browsing, video, and family use, these models are more than good enough.
For a real-world breakdown of what the Tab S10 FE handles best, read the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE full review at PhoneArena.
Samsung Wearables 2025: What’s New
Samsung also rolled out new wearables, including updates to the Galaxy Watch line. The biggest shifts are smarter health features, smoother phone syncing, and big jumps in battery life. The Galaxy Watch8, for example, brings sleep tracking, activity coaching, and a thinner, lighter design that’s comfortable for all-day wear. All the new watches pair easily with Samsung phones and tablets, giving you quick control over texts, notifications, and music with just a flick of the wrist.
If you’re curious about what’s changed for wearables, get a first look at the Galaxy Watch8’s new features and design. As a bonus, Samsung’s latest software updates promise longer support for the current Watch6 line, so even recent buyers aren’t left behind. Learn about those updates over at 9to5Google’s roundup on Galaxy Watch 6 series updates.
Samsung’s 2025 tablets and wearables complete the package for anyone after a dependable daily device that’s built to keep up with every part of your life.
Samsung’s 2025 Smart Home: AI-Powered Appliances and Better Living?
Moving beyond phones and tablets, Samsung’s 2025 smart home upgrades made me rethink what “helpful” actually means for kitchen and cleaning gadgets. There’s a shiny tech layer everywhere—big colorful screens, voice controls, and surprisingly chatty appliances. But the real question is: Did the AI routines make my life easier, or was it mostly just show? Here’s what stood out when I actually used the latest Bespoke kitchen gear and cleaning tools every day.
Bespoke AI Refrigerators and Kitchens
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki
Samsung’s 2025 Bespoke AI refrigerators come loaded with a massive 9-inch touchscreen, upgraded from past years, that quickly becomes the kitchen’s command center. The screen feels like a smart tablet glued to your fridge: you can check your calendar, leave notes, stream music, or even pull up the news while grabbing a snack. Voice controls are always-on, letting you ask for recipes or control other smart gadgets across the house.
Recipe suggestions and food monitoring are the real stars. The on-board cameras and food tracking software keep tabs on what’s inside—even flagging items as they’re about to expire. Open the fridge, and it pops up meal ideas based on what you actually have, pulling from sites like Samsung Food or connected apps. Yes, it does feel a little futuristic when your fridge nudges you to use the chicken or broccoli before it goes bad. I found myself relying on it often, especially when tired after work. You can learn more about how the smart recipe and meal planning works from this Samsung Family Hub food management guide.
Music and entertainment are built in, making it easy to start a playlist, check weather, or watch a cooking video right on the fridge. The sound is good enough for background music during breakfast or quick podcasts over coffee.
Do all the smart features get used? Not always. I mostly used the camera to avoid repeat grocery shopping and the recipes when short on ideas. My household loved the announcements and reminders, but the novelty of some features faded—especially the more “social” ones. Still, food suggestions, expiry warnings, and one-touch controls save real effort.
To see Samsung’s full approach, check out their Bespoke AI Smart Appliances overview, especially if you want details on kitchen automation and touchscreen tricks.
AI Cleaning and Daily Conveniences
Samsung’s 2025 cleaning gadgets, led by the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum, are made for homes that want to feel a bit more futuristic (and a lot less dusty). Did the AI add convenience or confusion? Here’s what I noticed after a week of non-stop testing.
The Jet Ultra vacuum is packed with sensors. It auto-detects floor types, boosts suction around rugs, and maps out your rooms in a few minutes flat. The built-in AI learns which areas see the most dirt and tweaks its schedule to match—living room carpet gets extra passes, while quieter corners need less. The slim brush head lit up under cabinets and couches, actually making it easy to spot missed crumbs.
Ease of use: The vacuum synced with my phone and the central smart home system (SmartThings), so I could trigger cleaning with voice or phone. Routines worked well: running the vacuum when I left for work, or after dinner. Emptying the bin was a breeze. The only area that annoyed me? If you move a lot of furniture, the mapping gets confused and sometimes needs a reset.
Samsung claims all the gadgets talk to each other—a big plus for busy homes. In practice, I found:
- Auto alerts on spills or messes from the fridge or oven sent the vacuum to clean up nearby.
- Laundry and dishwasher cycles popped up on my kitchen screen, so there was less back-and-forth.
- Everything from lights to air purifiers could get grouped into routines, but only if you take time to set it up right.
Still, the time savings felt real on busy days. The main “frustrating moment” was learning the interface and integrating everything the first time—it’s simple after a while, but not truly instant.
Read Samsung’s own breakdown of the Jet Ultra vacuum features and smart cleaning if you want specs, app highlights, and detailed cleaning tricks.
Key Takeaways:
- AI routines are helpful for food management and daily cleaning, especially once set up.
- Voice and touchscreen control actually save time, but not every feature is equally useful.
- The connected home works best if you stick with mostly Samsung gadgets.
- Be ready for a learning curve—more so if you want every device to “play nice” together.
Samsung’s AI-powered smart home really can make daily life smoother, though some features feel more essential than others.
Conclusion
Samsung played it smart this year by focusing on smoother software, better everyday design, and small but real boosts to battery and speed across the board. Phones feel better in hand, foldables are finally sturdy enough for anyone to try, and tablets turn into real work machines if you want them to. The AI bells and whistles are sometimes a mixed bag—useful for photo fixes and smart home routines, but not always as game-changing as the marketing suggests.
Where Samsung nailed it: comfort, design, solid performance, long-term software support, and making useful upgrades without breaking what people love. Foldables made the biggest leap, especially the Z Fold 6. The A series phones are easy to recommend if you want dependable basics on a budget. Tablets and wearables work great together—no gotchas, just real improvements. But AI features sometimes feel overhyped, and the S25 Ultra’s sky-high price isn’t matched by must-have hardware upgrades.
My real-world favorites this year: the Z Fold 6 for turning into my “always device,” and the A56 for pure value. Surprise win: Bespoke smart home gadgets made daily chores easier, even if some features felt like extras. Biggest letdown? The AI news and Now Brief tools on the S25 Ultra—clumsy, sometimes pointless, and not a reason to upgrade.
If you care about comfort, reliability, and long support, Samsung’s 2025 lineup keeps its promise. If you want wild innovation or big hardware leaps, you might want to wait or shop around. Thanks for reading—let me know what caught your eye or if you had a different favorite in the comments!