Phones
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim Likely to Miss Early 2025 Release
Samsung may not release the Galaxy S25 Slim early next year. The company could stick to its usual launch strategy of introducing new Galaxy S flagships. The additional Slim-branded variant could come out a few months later.
According to MaxJambor, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim won’t release alongside the Galaxy S25 lineup. The source confirmed that the S25 Slim “exists behind closed doors,” suggesting that the phone is still under consideration.
Apart from this, Max also claimed that the Galaxy S25 Slim won’t replace the Galaxy S25 FE. That said, pro-grade hardware specifications are highly likely on Samsung’s rumored Slim-branded flagship smartphone.
Max Jambor on Galaxy S25 Slim debut
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim exists behind closed doors, but if it’s set to launch at some point, it won’t be released alongside the rest of the S25 lineup.
IceUniverse recently revealed that the Galaxy S25 Slim could pack an “Ultra” camera. The cryptic X post hints at a 200-megapixel sensor on the S25 Slim. However, the other camera specifications remain yet to be known.
Recently, Samsung’s SM-S937U was spotted on the GSMA IMEI database. The model number hints at a fourth Galaxy S25 variant that could be Slim or Special Edition. The phone is said to feature a thinner design than the other S25 flagships.
Samsung is considering bringing the Galaxy S25 Slim to compete with Apple’s iPhone 17 Air. It is reported that Apple has finalized the iPhone 17 Air with a slimmer design and single camera, but it could replace the iPhone 17 Plus.
The South Korean tech giant might drop the first hint at the Galaxy S26 design with the Galaxy S25 Slim. Korean media reported that the S25 Slim’s market response will decide how Samsung will design the Galaxy S26 series to be released in 2026.
Samsung has bold new color picks for the next Galaxy flagships including the S25 Ultra. The company will introduce the S25 series early next year. However, the standard colorways of the new phones have already been leaked.
TechnizoConcept revealed a new set of Galaxy S25 Ultra, showcasing Samsung’s bold new color hues. Based on the leaked information, the smartphone is rendered in four striking colorways with the Titanium impression.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra could be available in Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, and Titanium Silver. You can look at the nearly final colorways of the next Ultra flagship in the image below.
Credits – Technizo Concept
Galaxy S25 Ultra Titanium Blue:
Samsung’s Titanium Blue colorway could feel like the Violet hue on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The signature color is expected to be Titanium Gray, while the other three standard color options will also be worth looking at.
The middle frame apparently features the natural Titanium color shade. The rear panel will be painted in the respective colors. The render also features a re-imagined camera ring that looks like a hybrid variant of the Z Fold 6 and S24 Ultra.
Credits – Technizo Concept
Galaxy S25 Ultra Release and Specs (Rumored)
The Galaxy S25 Ultra could debut alongside the S25 and S25 Plus in the first quarter of the next year. Samsung will use Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which brings a significant boost in terms of performance.
The ultrawide camera will be upgraded to a new 50-megapixel sensor. The other four sensors (including the selfie) will likely be the same as the S24 Ultra. Battery and charging aspects are also nearly confirmed to remain intact.
Samsung is bringing a fruitful design change to the next Ultra. The middle frame will go flatter, featuring an iPhone-like design. The sharp corners will also be removed in favor of slightly rounded corners to enhance handling.
Most upcoming Android flagships will use Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Qualcomm switched to a 3nm TSMC process node for the Snapdragon 8 Elite this year, and the chip production cost may further increase in 2025; impacting Android flagships too.
Recently, a Chinese tipster revealed on Weibo that TSMC will raise N4 and N3 process prices in 2025. Increased 3nm and 4nm TSMC chip costs could put pressure on Android flagships slated to come out in late 2025 to be pricey.
TSMC’s N3 (3nm) and N4 (4nm) processes could rise by 4%. As Qualcomm and MediaTek manufactured their latest flagship SoCs using TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process, their product prices have risen significantly compared to the last year.
Source: Smart Chip Consultant / Weibo via CNMO
Previously, Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the Snapdragon 8 Elite cost increased by 15%, reaching $180. MediaTek has also produced the latest Dimensity 9400 on TSMC’s 3nm process node, however, the price is yet to be known.
If TSMC continues to increase production costs, all Android vendors in the cost aspect will also bear greater pressure, which possibly cause them to continue to adjust the smartphone’s selling price or adjust other aspects.
It’s worth mentioning that the Vivo X200 series starting price rose $41.90, the OPPO Find X8 series starting price rose $27.93, the Xiaomi 15 series starting price rose $69.83, Honor Magic 7 series starting price rose $13.97.
Samsung Foundry
Samsung will also utilize the Snapdragon 8 Elite across the Galaxy S25 series. The company has been facing yield rate issues with its 3nm process. As a result, it’s nearly impossible to commence mass production that’s far below the threshold.
Samsung’s limited edition Galaxy Z Fold SE is a master of crease control. The new foldable phone’s screen crease is nearly perfect. It even outpaces Oppo’s Find N3 and OnePlus Open apart from Samsung’s own Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Tipster Ice Universe recently showcased how perfect the Galaxy Z Fold SE’s crease is. Despite having a larger foldable display, the company’s Special Edition device features a nearly invisible crease, outpacing its Chinese rivals.
The video shows Samsung W25 crease is very shallow, making it the best foldable on the market. Unfortunately, the smartphone is exclusively sold in South Korea and China, and currently, there’s no plan for the United States debut.
@UniverseIce / X showcases W25 (Z Fold SE) crease
The crease of Samsung W25 is very shallow, almost the best on the market. pic.twitter.com/zMnDfJoJHX
— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) November 7, 2024
As compared to the Oppo Find N3 (OnePlus Open), the Galaxy Z Fold SE has a less visible crease. The foldable area of the panel looks flat from multiple viewing angles, that’s a pretty big development in Samsung’s history.
While Oppo’s foldable displays the screen bumps, the aspect is much better on Samsung’s. The waterdrop hinge requires a wider portion of the display to flex and fold, but Samsung managed to significantly limit the crease bumps.
@UniverseIce / X compares Z Fold SE crease with Find N3/Open
The Galaxy Z Fold SE could remain limited to South Korea and China only. However, these upgrades could be introduced on the next-gen standard foldable i.e. the Galaxy Z Fold 7 so a broader audience can experience the foldable advancements.
Samsung is selling the Galaxy Z Fold SE (W25) in record numbers. The company sold Z Fold SE stocks within minutes twice in South Korea. The first batch of units was also finished in the Chinese market, which is excessively competitive.