As details emerge about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25, expected to launch early next year, anticipation is building around whether it can maintain the momentum sparked by the Galaxy S24, a model that introduced the era of AI-powered phones. Amid concerns over weakening performance and competitiveness, Samsung hopes the Galaxy S25 can shift the narrative, bolstering its position as the world’s leading smartphone brand.
In the third quarter, Samsung’s MX (Mobile Experience) division, which handles smartphones, tablets, and wearables, saw steady year-over-year revenue growth. Total sales this year are expected to surpass last year’s numbers. On Oct. 23, Roh Tae-moon, also known as TM Roh, head of the MX division, highlighted in a town hall meeting that strong Galaxy S24 sales have set the division on track for annual growth.
Industry analysts project that Galaxy S24 series sales will reach 35 million units this year, exceeding earlier estimates of around 30 million units from market research firms like Counterpoint Research. The Galaxy S24′s integration of Samsung’s first generative AI features has been well received, setting high expectations for the Galaxy S25′s capabilities.
According to industry tipster @UniverseIce, the Galaxy S25 will feature Qualcomm’s latest application processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. During Qualcomm’s recent Snapdragon Tech Summit 2024, TM Roh’s appearance further signaled the likelihood of this advanced chipset in the Galaxy S25. The Snapdragon 8 Elite promises a 45% performance boost in CPU and GPU, supporting more efficient multitasking, gaming, and generative AI functions.
Design-wise, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to include a flat panel with rounded corners and an M14 OLED display for improved brightness and efficiency. The camera is expected to feature a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 200MP main sensor, and it will retain its 5,000mAh battery with fast-charging capabilities. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus models will introduce new colors like “Sparkling Blue” and “Green,” while the Ultra model will offer premium options such as Titanium Black and Titanium Blue.
The Galaxy S25, however, has more to prove beyond upgraded specs. Following recent struggles in the foldable phone market and some quality issues impacting consumer trust, Samsung is relying on the Galaxy S25 to restore its premium brand image and deliver an enhanced user experience.
Despite the Galaxy S24′s success, the MX division’s third-quarter operating profit is estimated to have declined over 20% year-over-year to around 2.5 trillion won, impacted by weak foldable sales and rising component costs. Additionally, global competition is heating up, especially with Chinese manufacturers. Xiaomi has rapidly expanded its market share in regions like Europe, India, and Africa by focusing on affordability, and with the launch of the premium Xiaomi 15 series, the Galaxy S25′s role in maintaining Samsung’s competitive edge has become even more essential.
