Samsung Galaxy Unpacked

All the Rumours at a Glance

• Chipsets: According to the Korean news site Hankyung, Samsung’s new phones will likely feature Snapdragon 8 Elite for most regions, but a Google DeepMind post hints that Exynos or MediaTek chips may be used in select markets.
• Design Updates: In a leaked video, it appears that one of the newest models features a titanium body with slimmer bezels.
• New Models: A photo from noted tipster Ice Universe shows three phones placed side-by-side, which will most likely be the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Plus, and the base model.
• Camera Improvements: Tipster Ice Universe also claims that the new Samsung phones may feature a 200MP main camera, 50MP periscope with 5x optical zoom, and a new 50MP ultrawide lens.
• Software: A now-deleted post on Samsung’s Spanish site suggests that these phones may come with One UI 7 running on Android 15, enhancing its AI capabilities.
• Battery: Galaxy Club reported a 5,000mAh battery life for the Ultra model with 45W fast charging support. But a report from The Elec, a Korean news site, suggests that Samsung is also trying out new battery stacking methods.
• Connectivity: FCC certifications suggest that these new flagships may feature Wi-Fi 7 support and UFS 4.1 storage for faster performance.

Out-of-This-World Design and Display

A known tipster, Revegnus, posted on X last year that Ilhwan Lee, a former Mercedes-Benz designer, has been tasked with bringing a fresh, sleek vibe to the new Galaxy flagship.

For Ultra models, we may see slimmer bezels, a lighter titanium body (just 219 grams according to tipster Ice Universe, compared to the S24 Ultra's 232 grams), and a camera module that borrowed elements from the Galaxy Z Fold for a cleaner look.

Meanwhile, the Plus variant will likely provide a middle-ground option, with similar features to the base model but with extra perks for those who want just a little bit more.

While most people expect Samsung’s new phones to ship with the M14 OLED panel, leaks suggest that might not be the case. According to Android Police, these flagship phones will use the M13 instead, with only 2600 nits peak brightness. This might seem like a letdown, but these phones will also likely feature a new Gorilla Armor cover glass. It’s reportedly more durable than previous Gorilla Glass variants and can cut down on reflections by up to 75%.

Powerful New Chips

The latest Galaxy S models are expected to come packed with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (also known as Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) in most regions, while some may receive the in-house 3nm Exynos 2500 chip. This new Snapdragon chip promises big improvements in both power efficiency and performance, providing a significant boost in CPU and GPU over the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Early benchmarks also hint at big improvements over its predecessor, placing it right at the cutting edge of smartphone technology.

Reports also suggest that Samsung might introduce MediaTek chips in select regions, potentially broadening the chipset variety. However, it’s confident that the Snapdragon 8 Elite will likely be the main performer for the Ultra model, making this one to watch.

Galaxy AI* Intelligence

As expected of the latest Samsung phones, all S25 models will most likely ship with Android 15 and One UI 7. One UI 7 is set to integrate more powerful Galaxy AI* features directly into the system, allowing users to experience advanced on-device AI without compromising performance. The Ultra model, which may offer up to 16GB RAM, might be particularly well-suited for these features, making tasks faster and more intuitive.

With better AI integration, expect improved photo processing, smoother multitasking, and more efficient background updates. Samsung is also reportedly focusing on Galaxy AI* tools to compete with the Google Pixel 9's AI capabilities.

Cameras Designed for the Ultimate Shot

The S25’s camera is shaping up to be a standout feature, with proposed enhancements in both the ultrawide and telephoto segments. The 50MP ultrawide lens and the 50MP telephoto periscope camera with 5x optical zoom and rumoured new Sony Isocell sensors promise to deliver sharp and detailed photos.

Rumours from sources like Ice Universe suggest the S25 Ultra might come with a “variable telephoto lens” to allow for smoother zoom transitions.

The Plus variant will likely have similar camera specs. However, rumours suggest that Samsung's focus is on the Ultra model's superior optical zoom and camera versatility—features that may keep it competitive with Google Pixel 9 Pro and Apple’s latest iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Battery Life that Keeps You Going

As to battery life, the Ultra model is likely to keep the 5,000 mAh capacity found in the S24 Ultra, alongside 45W wired charging speeds and 15W for wireless charging. Even though the capacity hasn't increased, the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite may lead to longer battery life between charges. The Plus variant may have slightly smaller batteries, but power efficiency improvements will likely make these changes barely noticeable in everyday use.

Rumours also suggest Samsung is experimenting with new battery stacking methods similar to those used in iPhone 15 Pro models, which could improve energy density.

Next-Gen Connectivity

Connectivity is expected to get a boost, too. Faster Wi-Fi, likely Wi-Fi 7 support, and enhanced UFS 4.1 storage speeds might make the Galaxy S25 perfect for power users. The Ultra model, in particular, is expected to feature these upgrades, allowing for faster data transfer rates and smoother 4K video recording. The S25 Plus might also see connectivity boosts, making them versatile options for those wanting speed without going for the Ultra model.

Fresh Colour Options

The Galaxy S Series has had its own interesting range of colour options over the years. But for their latest flagships, Samsung seems to be pulling out all the stops. Leaks hint at black, blue, and silver finishes on a titanium body. If these are true, this could be Samsung’s most elegant colour palette yet.

Release Date and Pricing

Samsung's tradition suggests these new phones will be announced early next year. If it follows the pattern of previous Galaxy S releases, the launch date could fall between January and March, during a highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event.

There’s chatter that the Ultra model might carry a similar price tag to the S24 Ultra. While the base and Plus models are expected to retain their prices from last year. Though rumours suggest that MediaTek chipset integration might influence pricing in select regions.