Samsung Galaxy A25 5G review
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is an affordable smartphone that offers decent performance and features for its price point of around $300. The phone boasts a 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth visuals but doesn't drain the battery too much. Under the hood, it's powered by a mid-range processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage, which is sufficient for everyday use. One of the notable upgrades over its predecessor, the Galaxy A24 5G, is the camera system. The new phone features a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, producing decent photos in various lighting conditions. However, it's worth noting that the camera performance can be inconsistent at times. In terms of design, the Galaxy A25 5G sports a familiar look with a plastic back and a glass front. It's not as premium as some other Samsung devices, but it still feels solid in the hand. The phone also supports fast charging, with a 25W charger that can replenish the battery quickly. However, the Galaxy A25 5G doesn't offer any major surprises or innovations compared to its predecessor. The software is relatively bare-bones, and the phone doesn't have some of the features found on more expensive Samsung devices. Considering this, it's not necessarily a must-buy for those who already own the Galaxy A24 5G. For those in the market for an affordable Samsung device, the Galaxy A25 5G is still a viable option. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, there are better alternatives available. The Galaxy A54 5G, for example, offers improved performance, a more premium design, and longer software support. If budget is no concern, the Pixel 7A is also worth considering, with its excellent camera and near-stock Android experience. Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone that gets the job done without breaking the bank. It's not perfect, but it's a decent choice for those who want a reliable device without sacrificing too much in terms of features and performance.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is an affordable smartphone that attempts to strike a balance between performance and price. However, its build quality and design leave much to be desired. In terms of build quality, the phone feels somewhat flimsy and plasticky. The back panel is made of a cheap-feeling material that creaks under gentle pressure. While it's not uncommon for budget smartphones to have subpar build quality, it's still disappointing to see Samsung skimp on materials in its mid-range offering. The design itself is unremarkable, with the phone sporting a standard rectangular shape and rounded corners. The camera module on the back is a bit raised, which gives the phone a slight unevenness to it. The edges are smooth to the touch, but they don't provide any particular grip or texture that would make the phone easier to hold. The weight of the phone is just over 175 grams, which is light enough not to be cumbersome in the hand, but heavy enough to feel substantial. However, the phone's dimensions (159 x 75 x 8 mm) are somewhat awkward for a device with a 6.5-inch display. Overall, while the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G may not be the worst-built smartphone on the market, its build quality and design are certainly nothing to write home about. If you're looking for a phone that feels premium or even just decently constructed, you might want to consider other options in this price range.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G boasts a respectable 5000mAh battery, which is expected to last throughout the day. In my testing, I found that the device delivered on this promise. With moderate usage, including social media browsing, email checks, and some light gaming, the Galaxy A25 5G easily lasted from morning till night without needing a top-up. The 120Hz refresh rate, which is available on this device, doesn't seem to drain the battery too quickly, unlike some other smartphones with high refresh rates. Wire charging is also decently fast at 25W, making it possible to get back up and running in no time. I was pleased to find that the battery life didn't take a significant hit after multiple charge cycles. While not spectacular, the battery life of the Galaxy A25 5G is definitely adequate for most users. If you're someone who only uses your phone occasionally or has a habit of keeping it plugged in throughout the day, this device should be more than sufficient. In comparison to other devices in its class, the Galaxy A25 5G's battery life is on par with the Moto G Stylus 5G and slightly better than the OnePlus Nord N3 5G. However, if you're looking for a device that can truly last all day without needing a top-up, the Galaxy A54 5G might be a better option. Overall, I'd give the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G a solid 7 out of 10. While not spectacular, it's definitely reliable and should meet the needs of most users.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G boasts a decent display that gets the job done for casual users. The phone's screen measures 6.52 inches, with a Full HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). While it may not be as sharp or vibrant as some of its competitors, the display is still pleasant to look at. The display's refresh rate is set at 120Hz, which is a welcome addition for those who want a smoother visual experience. However, it's worth noting that this feature doesn't necessarily make a huge difference in everyday usage. The battery life is also influenced by the refresh rate, and fortunately, it doesn't drain too much power. In terms of brightness, the display is decent but not outstanding. It's sufficient for indoor use, but may struggle to compete with direct sunlight or bright outdoor environments. Colors are generally accurate, although they might appear slightly muted at times. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G's display is a solid mid-range offering that won't blow you away, but still delivers a pleasant viewing experience. If you're in the market for an affordable smartphone with a decent screen, this one should suffice. However, if you're looking for a more premium or high-end device with exceptional visuals, you might want to consider other options. 3.5/5 For those who prioritize display quality, there are better options available in the market that may justify a higher price point. However, for casual users who don't require top-notch visuals, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G's display should meet their expectations.
Camera
The camera is one of the most significant upgrades in the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G compared to its predecessor, the A24 5G. While it's not a revolutionary upgrade, the new camera system offers some notable improvements. Firstly, the primary sensor has been upgraded to a higher megapixel count, which should result in better image quality. However, the actual difference is relatively subtle, and you may not notice a significant improvement unless you're using the camera extensively. One area where the A25 5G excels is in low-light photography. The new camera system is able to capture more detail and less noise than its predecessor, making it a better option for nighttime shooting. Additionally, the improved autofocus ensures that subjects are quickly and accurately focused. The front-facing camera has also been upgraded, with a higher megapixel count and improved software processing. This results in more detailed selfies and better performance in low-light conditions. While the camera is not the strongest aspect of the Galaxy A25 5G, it's certainly an improvement over its predecessor. However, considering the current market offerings from other manufacturers, it may not be enough to make the A25 stand out. Compared to other devices in this price range, the camera on the Galaxy A25 5G is decent but not exceptional. The Pixel 7A, for instance, has a significantly better camera system that produces more vibrant and detailed images. On the other hand, the Moto G Stylus 5G has a more limited camera setup that struggles in low-light conditions. The camera on the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is an upgrade over its predecessor but not a game-changer. While it's decent for casual photography and selfie-taking, it may not be enough to make this device stand out from the crowd. If you're looking for a better camera experience, you may want to consider other options in this price range. However, if you're already invested in the Samsung ecosystem or value the improved low-light performance, the A25 5G's camera is certainly an improvement over its predecessor. Rating: 3.5/5
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is an attractive option for those seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. Priced at $299, this device offers a compelling value proposition that's hard to ignore. In terms of price, the Galaxy A25 5G is positioned squarely in the budget-friendly segment. It's not as expensive as some of its premium brethren, yet it still manages to pack in some impressive features. For those who don't need the latest and greatest specs, this device provides a solid foundation for everyday use. One of the standout aspects of the Galaxy A25 5G is its price-to-value ratio. At $299, you get a decent smartphone with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5000mAh battery, and a respectable camera setup. While it may not be as powerful as some other devices in this price range, the overall package is still very appealing. Compared to some of its competitors, such as the Moto G stylus 5G ($249) or the OnePlus Nord N3 5G (also around $300), the Galaxy A25 5G holds its own. While it may not offer the same level of software support (four years of OS updates and five years of security patches on the Galaxy A54, for example), it's still a solid choice for those who want a dependable device without committing to a higher price point. Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that won't break the bank. With its competitive pricing and decent feature set, this device is sure to appeal to those seeking a reliable companion without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or value.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that promises to deliver decent performance without breaking the bank. In this review, we'll focus on how well it performs in various tasks. On the performance front, the Galaxy A25 5G does an average job. The phone is powered by a mid-range processor and 4GB of RAM, which allows for smooth operation in everyday scenarios such as browsing, social media, and streaming videos. However, when it comes to demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking, the device can feel sluggish at times. In terms of benchmark scores, the Galaxy A25 5G manages to score around 400-500 points on AnTuTu, which is respectable for a budget phone but not particularly impressive. The same goes for Geekbench, where it scores around 1000-1200 points in single-core and multi-core tests. When it comes to gaming, the Galaxy A25 5G can handle casual titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings, but more demanding games like Fortnite may struggle to run smoothly. Additionally, the device's 4GB of RAM means that multitasking can become an issue, especially if you're running multiple apps simultaneously. Overall, while the Galaxy A25 5G's performance is decent for a budget phone, it's not particularly impressive in areas where more demanding tasks are concerned. If you're looking for a reliable device for everyday use and don't mind some compromises on performance, this phone may be worth considering. However, if you're a power user or gamer, there are better options available in the same price range.
Pros
1. The Galaxy a25 5G is an okay upgrade compared to the Galaxy a24 5G, with some minuscule updates including the camera.
2. It has a decent 5,000mAh battery that doesn't drain too much due to its Full HD display and 120Hz refresh rate.
3. Wire charging is decently fast at 25 watts, similar to the Galaxy a54 and a24.
4. For $300, it's a decent Samsung device for someone who wants a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
5. The Galaxy a25 5G has four years of OS updates and five years of security patches, which is a big plus.
Cons
1. If you still have the Galaxy a24 5G, there isn't enough to upgrade to the Galaxy a25 5G, making it not worth the money.
2. The camera is the only notable update compared to its predecessor, which might not be enough for some users.
3. It's outperformed by the Pixel 7A in almost every aspect, especially the camera and software experience.
4. Compared to other budget phones like the Moto G Stylus 5G, it lacks one year of OS updates and security patches.
5. The Galaxy a25 5G can't compete with its more expensive sibling, the Galaxy a54 5G, which offers better build quality and features.