A SMALL PHONE WITH A BIG ROLE

Samsung’s most pocketable flagship in years delivers big on performance without the bulk

- Words By: Sohil Nikam

If the Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung's flagship for power users and the Galaxy S25+ is for the ones who want a large phone with fewer camera upgrades, the vanilla Galaxy S25 is for those who've been silently waiting for a compact Android phone that doesn't compromise on performance.

In a world where phones have become mini-tablets, the Galaxy S25 stands out as a flagship wrapped in a manageable form factor. I've been using it as my daily driver for about a month now, and here's my experience with Samsung's most pocketable S-series phone in years.

DESIGN

6.7-inch-and-up is basically the standard display size these days, and that means one-handed use is a lost art. In such times, the Galaxy S25's 6.2-inch display feels like a breath of fresh air. The 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm footprint and 162 g weight allows the Galaxy S25 to fit snugly in one hand and slide effortlessly into a pocket. It's the kind of phone that doesn't announce its presence with weight or bulk but silently earns your admiration every time you pull it out.

The edges are slightly more rounded than the S24, which adds to the comfort factor. And thanks to the flat sides and a reduced overall weight, it offers a grip that feels just right. The matte back finish gives it a premium look without attracting smudges, and unlike many compact phones of the past, the Galaxy S25 doesn't feel like a compromise in hand; rather, it feels intentional. There's no doubt that this phone feels elegant to hold. Its aluminum frame is premium, and its rear surface that's made from Gorilla Glass Victus 2 - none less - is truly a treat. Rounding up the design highlights of the Galaxy S25 is its IP68 dust and water resistance, which is always a great feature to have.

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