Samsung Galaxy A25 5G Review: Best Value Phone in 2024?

The Samsung Galaxy A25 emerges as a notable contender in the fiercely competitive mid-range smartphone market. As the latest addition to Samsung’s esteemed Galaxy A series, the A25 aims to strike a balance between affordability and performance, a mantra that has been central to the series’ ethos. This review delves into the nuances of the Galaxy A25, dissecting its features, performance, and overall value proposition to determine its standing in the current market.

Targeted primarily at the budget-conscious, who are not willing to compromise on quality and performance, the Galaxy A25 encapsulates Samsung’s endeavor to bring premium features to a more accessible price point. Where features once reserved for high-end models trickle down to budget devices, the Samsung Galaxy A25 stands out with an impressive display, robust chipset, and versatile camera setup, all hallmarks of Samsung.

Samsung Galaxy A25 Features

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A25 continues Samsung’s legacy of sleek and modern smartphone design, offering an aesthetic that is both eye-catching and functional. When examining the front design of the Galaxy A25 5G, it becomes evident that Samsung has focused on creating a modern and user-friendly interface that resonates well, and features a large 6.5-inch display, this sizeable screen accounts for an impressive 84.2% screen-to-body ratio, minimizing bezels to provide an immersive viewing experience. The front camera is housed in a drop notch. Despite being a budget device, it does not compromise on build quality. The front glass is durable and capable of withstanding everyday use.

This model, while retaining the core design ethos of the Galaxy A series, introduces subtle yet significant enhancements that set it apart from its predecessors. The device features a unique pattern on the back, coupled with a haze finish. Color options include a range of appealing shades like blue, light blue, black, and yellow, ensuring the device stands out in a crowded market.

While the back and frame are constructed from high-quality plastic. This choice of materials contributes to the device’s resilience against everyday wear and tear while keeping it lightweight and comfortable to hold. One notable design evolution is the flat edges around the volume rocker and power button. The ability of the phone to stand on its own, thanks to these flat edges, is a small but appreciated feature, especially for those who consume media or engage in video calls frequently.

Samsung has included a hybrid micro SIM card slot in the Galaxy A25. This feature offers users the flexibility to choose between dual SIM functionality or a combination of a single SIM and a MicroSD card. Also, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature, especially in an era where many manufacturers are omitting this component.

Display and Visual Experience

The Samsung Galaxy A25 sets a new benchmark for what you can expect from the display of a budget smartphone. It brings features once reserved for flagship models, like a Super AMOLED screen and a high refresh rate, into a more accessible price bracket. So, at the heart of the Galaxy A25’s visual appeal is its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which offers a full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. This results in a crisp and clear visual experience with vibrant colors and deep blacks that AMOLED displays are renowned for, this display ensures that every image is rich and lifelike. The contrast ratio is significantly higher than that of traditional LCD screens, bringing out subtleties in dark scenes and maintaining crisp details in bright images.

Samsung has always been known for its excellent display technology, and the Galaxy A25 is no exception. The viewing angles are wide, with minimal color shift, ensuring that the display looks consistent and accurate from various angles. This quality is particularly beneficial when sharing content on the screen with others or when viewing the phone from off-center positions.

Another key aspect of the A25’s display is its peak brightness, reaching around 1,000 nits. This high brightness level ensures that the screen remains legible and clear even in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for those who frequently use their phones outdoors. The color reproduction is vivid and lively, making the viewing experience enjoyable for various multimedia content.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy A25’s display is its 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate, a feature more commonly found in higher-end models, means that the motion on the screen is exceptionally smooth. It’s most noticeable when scrolling through content or during fast-paced gaming sessions. For upgrading from a 60 Hz display, the difference is pleasantly noticeable, making the Galaxy A25 5G feel more responsive and agile.

The Galaxy A25 features the Infinity-U display, with a U-shaped notch at the top. I did not like the waterdrop notch, but then that depends on individual choice. This design choice might feel a bit dated to some users, especially when compared to the punch-hole or notch-less displays prevalent in the market. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall experience, as the notch is relatively unobtrusive and the bezels, although noticeable, are not excessively thick.

Performance and Hardware

At the core of the Galaxy A25 lies the Exynos 1280 chipset. This mid-range processor, previously seen in the likes of the Galaxy A33 and A53 brings a blend of efficiency and power to the table. Designed on a 5nm process with 2 primary Cortex A78 cores with 2.4GHz clock speed and the remaining 6 Cortex A55 cores with 2.0GHz clock speed, it promises not just improved performance but also enhanced power efficiency compared to its predecessors.

The base model comes equipped with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. For those craving more space and smoother multitasking, there’s an option with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. However, if you’re a heavy user and anticipate keeping your phone for several years, investing in the 256GB/8GB model could be worthwhile for its added responsiveness and future-proofing. An additional feature is its virtual RAM expansion, it’s important to note that while this feature improves multitasking, it can’t compensate for the physical RAM limitations when dealing with highly demanding apps. Son the device can handle switching between apps reasonably well.

In Geekbench 6’s single-core and multi-core tests, the Galaxy A25 5G (top variant with 256GB storage and 8GB RAM) scored 950 and 2029 points, respectively. In AnTuTu, a comprehensive benchmark that tests various aspects of performance including CPU, GPU, memory, and UX, the phone score is around 430,000 to 450,000 points.

Gaming and Multitasking:

Considering the price point of the smartphone, the results of benchmark tests are decent. We used the Galaxy A25 5G for a while and the smartphone performs everyday tasks well. This includes scrolling through social feeds, simultaneous usage of apps, content streaming, light gaming, and more. I have talked about light gaming here as it can run heavy games like COD or Asphalt 9 but the device starts heating up after around 30 minutes of gaming. Frames start dropping so one has to play with medium graphics and frame rates.

Multitasking is a breeze on the Galaxy A25. Switching between apps, browsing the web, and streaming media are handled with ease, thanks to the ample RAM and the efficient management of resources by the One UI interface. The device manages to maintain a balance between performance and battery life, ensuring that users can get through their day without constantly reaching for the charger.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy A25 comes equipped with the latest Android 14 operating system, offering users access to the newest features and security updates from Google. The Android 14 platform is known for its improved efficiency, enhanced privacy controls, and a more intuitive user experience. Coupled with this is Samsung’s One UI 6.0, a skin known for its clean, user-friendly design that enhances Android’s base functionality.

The One UI 6.0 on the Galaxy A25 is praised for its intuitive and feature-rich interface. It offers a range of customization options, allowing users to tailor their experience to their preferences. From adjustable themes, icons, and fonts to customizable always-on display settings, the UI is versatile and user-centric. A notable feature is the ‘Edge Panel,’ a handy tool for quick access to frequently used apps and tools. This feature exemplifies Samsung’s focus on efficiency and ease of use, as it allows users to swipe and access various functionalities without navigating through the home screen or app drawer.

Samsung also integrates comprehensive digital well-being tools into the Galaxy A25. These include features like Wind Down mode and focus assistance, helping users manage their screen time and reduce distractions. Additionally, the device boasts robust accessibility features, making it more inclusive and user-friendly for people with disabilities.

Software Update Policy

Samsung’s commitment to software updates is a significant aspect of the Galaxy A25’s appeal. The company promises four major operating system updates, ensuring that the device stays current with the latest advancements in technology and user experience. Beyond these, Samsung extends its support with an additional year of security updates.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy A25 is equipped with a versatile rear camera array, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor, complemented by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The 50-megapixel primary sensor is the star of the show. It captures detailed and vibrant images, particularly in well-lit conditions. The sensor’s high resolution ensures that photos retain clarity even when zoomed in, making it ideal for capturing everything from panoramic landscapes to intricate details.

The 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor expands the field of view, ideal for capturing expansive scenes. While it doesn’t match the main sensor’s sharpness, it provides a valuable perspective for landscape and architectural photography. The 2-megapixel macro lens allows for close-up shots, revealing intricate details often missed by the naked eye. While it’s a nice addition, it’s more of a supplementary feature than a primary selling point.

The front-facing camera, a 13-megapixel sensor, excels in taking clear and bright selfies. It’s particularly adept at handling skin tones and offers a good balance of detail and smoothing. This makes it a solid choice for social media enthusiasts and selfie lovers.

Video Recording Features

The Galaxy A25 steps up its game in video recording. It supports up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second from the rear camera, ensuring high-quality video capture. The front camera, however, maxes out at 1080p. An important feature to note is the lack of stabilization in 4K mode; users need to switch to 1080p to access this feature. This stabilization ensures smooth footage, particularly in motion.

Camera Software

Samsung’s camera software plays a pivotal role in enhancing the photography experience. The interface is user-friendly, offering easy access to different modes and settings. Features like night mode, portrait mode, and pro mode add versatility to the shooting experience.

One area where the A25 camera software shines is in its scene optimization. It automatically adjusts settings based on the subject, be it food, landscapes, or portraits, ensuring the best possible shot in various scenarios. However, there’s room for improvement in edge detection in portrait mode, especially in challenging lighting conditions. This could potentially be addressed in future software updates.

Audio and Connectivity

The presence of the 3.5 mm headphone jack is particularly noteworthy at a time when many manufacturers are phasing out the headphone jack. This feature allows you to connect a wide range of headphones and earphones, ensuring compatibility with high-quality wired audio devices for a great listening experience.

Beyond the wired capabilities, the Galaxy A25’s speaker system is also a point of discussion. While it may not boast the most advanced audio system in the smartphone market, the device holds its own within its price bracket. The audio output through the speakers is balanced and clear, suitable for casual music listening, video playback, and gaming. The presence of Dolby Atmos support is a significant plus, enhancing the overall audio experience.

In terms of connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy A25 stands out with its support for 5G networks. This future-proofs the device, ensuring that you can take advantage of faster data speeds and improved network efficiency as 5G becomes more widespread. The inclusion of 5G in a budget-friendly device like the A25 is a commendable move by Samsung. Furthermore, it is well-equipped with standard connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.3, and NFC.

Battery Life and Charging

The Samsung Galaxy A25 is equipped with a substantial 5,000 mAh battery. This capacity is becoming increasingly standard in modern smartphones. In heavy use engaging in activities like gaming, streaming, and extensive app usage, can expect the battery to last a full day. For average use, the phone extends its endurance to about a day and a half. When it comes to charging, it supports 25W fast charging. This feature is a significant upgrade, especially in the budget smartphone category, where slower charging speeds are common. With this fast charging capability, the A25 can be juiced up from 0 to 100% in approximately 85 minutes. It’s important to note, however, that Samsung does not include a charger in the box.

Price and Value Proposition

After thoroughly examining the Samsung Galaxy A25, it’s clear that this smartphone is a strong contender in the budget category for 2024. When comparing it to its competitors in the budget smartphone sector, the Galaxy A25 holds its ground impressively. Its pricing is competitive, especially considering the brand value and post-purchase support Samsung is known for. In a market where often have to compromise on certain features to fit within a budget, the Galaxy A25 offers a well-rounded package without a hefty price tag.

The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G impresses with its stunning 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate that ensures vibrant colors and smooth animations. For camera setup is versatile, with a 50MP main camera capable of 4K video recording, but in low-light conditions, the camera’s performance dips, particularly in edge detection and clarity.

Performance-wise, the Exynos 1280 chipset provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, This SoC while competent for routine tasks, may not suffice for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking. One of the biggest advantages is the long-term software support promised by Samsung, offering four years of OS updates, ensuring the device stays up-to-date. Additionally, have a substantial 5,000 mAh battery coupled with 25W fast charging.

The Galaxy A25’s design may not appeal to all, as it sports a basic, all-plastic build that lacks a premium feel. The absence of an IP rating for water and dust resistance raises questions about its durability in challenging environments. Moreover, the device’s U-shaped notch design is a step behind the current trend of punch-hole or under-display cameras, which might detract from its aesthetic appeal.