Samsung Galaxy S25 Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra launched on January 22, 2025. Samsung announced all three phones at its Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, and they became available for purchase the same day in most markets, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Pre-orders had opened earlier that same day following the announcement. If you pre-ordered during the initial window, your phone shipped on the January 22 release date. Retail availability at carriers and retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Samsung's own store began when ready, though stock levels varied by model and color.

Key Takeaways

  • The Samsung Galaxy S25 line launched on January 22, 2025, with three models: the standard S25, the S25+, and the S25 Ultra.
  • Pre-orders opened on the same day as the announcement, and phones shipped to pre-order customers on the official release date.
  • The S25 series introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and deeper integration of Samsung's Galaxy AI features across all three models.
  • Pricing started at $799 for the base S25 model, with the S25+ at $899 and the S25 Ultra at $1,299.
  • All three phones are water-resistant to IP68 standards and support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

What's New in the S25 Series

The S25 generation marked Samsung's shift to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip across all three models, replacing the Exynos processor that had appeared in some previous Galaxy S phones. This processor handles everyday tasks, gaming, and video editing faster than the previous generation, and it uses less battery power to do so.

Samsung also expanded Galaxy AI features—its suite of AI-powered tools for photo editing, writing, and device management—to all three S25 models. The previous generation had limited AI features on the base model. The S25 Ultra gained a new 50-megapixel telephoto lens and improved low-light camera performance across the entire lineup.

Storage and Color Options at Launch

Samsung offered the S25 and S25+ in 256GB and 512GB storage capacities. The S25 Ultra came in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options. Storage cannot be expanded with a microSD card on any of the three models.

Launch colors included Midnight Black, Silver Shadow, and Sparkling Blue across all three phones. The S25 Ultra added Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Orange, and Titanium Yellow as exclusive options. Color availability has shifted since launch, with some shades becoming harder to find or region-specific.

Pricing at Release

The Galaxy S25 started at $799 for the 256GB model. The S25+ began at $899, and the S25 Ultra at $1,299. These prices applied to unlocked versions sold directly by Samsung and through carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in the United States.

Carrier pricing sometimes differed slightly, and many carriers offered trade-in credits or bill credits for customers switching from older phones. Samsung also offered pre-order bonuses during the initial launch window, typically including store credit or free accessories.

Where You Can Buy the S25 Now

The S25 line is available through Samsung's official website, major U.S. carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular), and retailers including Best Buy, Amazon, and Costco. International availability depends on your region, but the phones launched in most major markets on the same January 22 date.

Stock levels and color availability vary by retailer and change regularly. If you are looking for a specific storage capacity or color, checking multiple retailers often yields faster results than waiting for a single source to restock.

How the S25 Compares to the S24

The main differences between the S25 and its predecessor, the S24, are the processor upgrade to Snapdragon 8 Elite, expanded Galaxy AI features on the base model, and camera improvements on the Ultra. Battery capacity remained similar across both generations, though the newer processor's efficiency means real-world battery life often improves.

The S24 is no longer sold new by Samsung or most carriers, but used and refurbished S24 phones remain available through third-party sellers. If you own an S24, Samsung has committed to seven years of software updates and security patches, so upgrading is not necessary for continued support.

Software and Update Timeline

All S25 phones shipped with Android 15 and Samsung's One UI 7 interface. Samsung has committed to providing major Android updates for seven years and security patches for seven years as well, meaning the S25 will receive updates through at least January 2032.

The first major update typically arrives three to four months after launch. Samsung usually releases monthly security patches on the second Tuesday of each month, though timing can vary by carrier and region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy the Samsung S24 instead of the S25?

Samsung stopped selling the S24 new through its official channels after the S25 launched. However, refurbished S24 phones are available through Samsung's certified refurbished program and third-party retailers. Carrier inventory of S24 stock varies—some still have units, others have cleared them out.

What's the difference between the S25 and S25+?

The S25+ has a larger 6.7-inch screen compared to the S25's 6.2-inch display, a bigger battery, and faster charging speeds. The processor and camera system are the same. The S25+ costs $100 more. Choose the S25 if you prefer a smaller phone; choose the S25+ if you want longer battery life and a larger screen.

Does the S25 come with a charger in the box?

No. Samsung removed the charger from the S25 box to reduce packaging waste. You will need to purchase a USB-C charger separately, though most modern chargers work with the S25. The phone supports 25W wired charging on the standard S25 and S25+, and 45W on the S25 Ultra.

Is the S25 waterproof?

The S25 is water-resistant to IP68 standards, which means it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. This protects against accidental spills and brief dunks, but it is not designed for swimming or saltwater exposure. Damage from water is not covered by Samsung's standard warranty.

How long will the S25 receive software updates?

Samsung guarantees seven years of major Android updates and seven years of monthly security patches for the S25, extending support through January 2032. This is longer than most Android phones, which typically receive three to five years of updates.