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Samsung Galaxy S Series Overview: The Ultimate Guide to Innovation and Performance

byWiredufred Published:

Introduction

Since debuting in 2010, Samsung’s Galaxy S series has been synonymous with Android innovation. Each new Galaxy S generation has brought users closer to cutting-edge technology and “unprecedented mobile experiences with one groundbreaking innovation after another”news.samsung.com. From the original Galaxy S (taglined “Super Smart” at launchnews.samsung.com) to today’s feature-packed models, the Galaxy S family consistently pushes the boundaries of smartphone performance and design. It’s no surprise that the Galaxy S lineup has dominated Android flagship sales – the Galaxy S4 alone sold over 80 million units, making it one of the best-selling smartphones everen.wikipedia.org.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the evolution of the Galaxy S series and how Samsung has set new standards in display technology, processing power, camera capabilities, and user experience. You’ll see real-world examples of how Galaxy S innovations make a difference in daily life, and we’ll highlight what makes the latest models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and S25 Ultra truly stand out. By the end, you’ll understand why the Samsung Galaxy S series remains a top choice for those seeking innovation and performance in a smartphone. (For more guidance on choosing the perfect phone, you can also check out our comprehensive Smartphone Buying Guide 2025freditech.com and see our picks for the Best Smartphones of 2025freditech.com.)


A digital photograph displays three Samsung Galaxy S series smartphones — the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 — aligned side by side on a light wood surface. Each phone is shown from the rear, highlighting their distinct camera layouts and finishes. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, while the S24+ and S24 have triple-camera systems. The names of each model are labeled above in bold black text.

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Evolution of the Galaxy S Series: A History of Innovation

Samsung launched the Galaxy S series in 2010, and over the years it has transformed dramatically in form and function. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how the Galaxy S has evolved through its generations, continually raising the bar for smartphones:


2010–2014: Laying the Foundation (Galaxy S to S5)

  • Galaxy S (2010): The original Galaxy S introduced Samsung’s first Super AMOLED display in a smartphone, delivering vibrant colors that made LCD screens of the time look dull. At 4 inches and 480×800 resolution, it was compact by today’s standards, but it set the stage for Samsung’s focus on display excellencenews.samsung.com. The Galaxy S featured a slim 9.9mm design and was promoted as “Super Smart,” highlighting its powerful (for the time) Hummingbird processor and Android OS. It was a hit with consumers and gave Samsung a solid foothold in the smartphone market.

  • Galaxy S2 (2011): Samsung refined the formula with the S2, making it thinner (8.49mm) and more powerful. It debuted an upgraded Super AMOLED Plus display and the then most powerful mobile chip, the Exynos 4210 dual-core processornews.samsung.com. The screen grew slightly to ~4.3 inches, and the phone’s improved build quality and faster performance earned it “masterpiece” status among early Android phonesnews.samsung.com. The S2’s 8 MP camera even added a LED flash and 1080p video recording, stepping up the series’ photography game.

  • Galaxy S3 (2012): With a curvy “pebble-inspired” design that broke away from the sharp-edged normnews.samsung.com, the Galaxy S3 became an instant classic. Its 4.8-inch HD display and quad-core processor pushed boundaries, but its software innovations really stood out. Samsung introduced Smart Stay (the phone’s front camera watches your eyes and keeps the screen on while you’re lookingnews.samsung.com), Direct Call (automatically dialing a contact on screen when you lift the phone to your ear), and other conveniences that felt futuristic. Despite its larger screen, the S3 kept a removable battery and added features like Pop-up Play (viewing video in a resizable window) for true multitasking. The formula worked – the S3 was wildly popular, eventually selling over 70 million units globallyen.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org.

  • Galaxy S4 (2013): Samsung built on that success with the S4, which refined the S3’s design (slimmer bezels, lighter at 130g) and packed an even larger 5-inch Full HD display behind new Gorilla Glass 3 for durabilitynews.samsung.com. Under the hood was a cutting-edge octa-core processor (in some regions) that kept performance snappy. The S4 was feature-packed: it introduced Smart Scroll and Smart Pause (scrolling or pausing videos based on tilting or looking awaynews.samsung.com), Air View/Gestures (hover your finger or wave your hand to interact without touchen.wikipedia.org), and more sensors (it could even measure ambient temperature and humidityen.wikipedia.org!). These novel features grabbed headlines, but more importantly, consumers loved the phone – Samsung sold 40 million S4 units in just 6 months after launchnews.samsung.com, and eventually over 80 millionen.wikipedia.org. The Galaxy S4 firmly cemented Samsung as a leader in smartphone innovation.

  • Galaxy S5 (2014): The S5 didn’t radically change design, but it was an “optimal device that did everything a smartphone should” and added some first-in-industry featuresnews.samsung.com. Notably, the Galaxy S5 was the first Galaxy with IP67 water and dust resistancenews.samsung.com – meaning it could survive being submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This gave users peace of mind that rain or spills wouldn’t kill their phone. The S5 also debuted ISOCELL camera sensor technology for better low-light photos and the first built-in heart rate sensor on a phone (integrating with the S Health app for fitness tracking)news.samsung.com. Power users appreciated the return of a microSD slot and removable battery, while the 5.1-inch Full HD AMOLED display and quad-core processor ensured it remained one of the fastest phones of its time. The Galaxy S5 proved that the S series could combine ruggedness with top-tier specs – a trend that would continue.


2015–2019: Flagship Redefined (Galaxy S6 to S10)

  • Galaxy S6 (2015): In 2015, Samsung took a design leap. The Galaxy S6 swapped the plastic body for a premium metal-and-glass construction, signaling a new design era. In fact, Samsung released a special Galaxy S6 Edge variant with a curved display that wrapped both sides of the phone – the first of its kind, creating a 3D-effect screennews.samsung.com. The S6’s striking looks came with trade-offs: the battery was no longer removable and the microSD slot was dropped (a point of controversy later remedied by the S7). Still, the S6 introduced wireless charging and Samsung Pay (via MST and NFC), features that made it extremely convenient for everyday usenews.samsung.com. With a super-sharp 5.1-inch Quad HD display, an improved 16 MP f/1.9 camera with OIS, and blazing Exynos 7420 octa-core chip, the Galaxy S6 set new performance records in 2015. It was clear Samsung intended the S series to lead on both style and substance.

  • Galaxy S7 & S7 Edge (2016): Samsung listened to feedback and brought back some favorite features with the Galaxy S7 generation. The S7 (5.1-inch) and S7 Edge (5.5-inch curved display) revived the microSD slot (supporting cards up to 200GB) and achieved an even better water/dust resistance rating of IP68 (you could dunk it 1.5m for 30 minutes)news.samsung.com. These phones also pioneered Samsung’s Dual Pixel camera tech – the first smartphone camera with Dual Pixel autofocus for dramatically faster and sharper low-light focusingnews.samsung.com. The 12 MP sensor, despite a lower megapixel count than S6, produced some of the best photos of any phone in 2016, especially in dim environments. Samsung also added a larger battery, a Motion Panorama mode for motion in wide shotsnews.samsung.com, and overall refinement in software (TouchWiz got cleaner). The result was a pair of Galaxy S7 devices that were critically acclaimed; many called the S7 Edge the best phone of 2016, thanks to its beautiful curved design and well-rounded capabilities.

  • Galaxy S8 & S9 (2017–2018): 2017’s Galaxy S8 marked another big shift in smartphone design. It introduced the Infinity Display – an edge-to-edge, near bezel-less screen with a tall 18.5:9 aspect ratio that covered almost the entire front of the phonenews.samsung.com. The S8’s 5.8-inch (and S8+ 6.2-inch) Quad HD+ AMOLED displays with curved edges were breathtaking and made competing phones look dated. To achieve this, Samsung removed the physical home button and moved the fingerprint scanner to the back. They also added iris scanning and facial recognition, making the S8 the first phone to offer three forms of biometric unlock (fingerprint, iris, face)news.samsung.com. The Galaxy S8 launched with Bixby, Samsung’s own AI voice assistant, enabling voice control for many phone functions. It also expanded into new experiences: Samsung DeX was introduced, letting you dock your phone to a monitor and use it like a desktop PCnews.samsung.com. The following year’s Galaxy S9 refined these features – it kept the same design but added an adjustable-aperture camera (able to switch between f/1.5 for low light and f/2.4 for daylight) and a fun AR Emoji feature that turned selfies into animated avatarsnews.samsung.com. The S9 also enhanced super slow-motion video capture (960fps), allowing dramatic slow-mo clipsnews.samsung.com. While these changes were iterative, together the S8/S9 era showcased Samsung’s prowess in display technology and futuristic features, maintaining its lead in the premium phone space.

  • Galaxy S10 Series (2019): A decade after the first Galaxy S, Samsung celebrated with the Galaxy S10 – and for the first time, gave consumers four flagship models to choose from: S10e, S10, S10+ and S10 5Gnews.samsung.com. The S10 series was about offering “the perfect smartphone for [various] needs”news.samsung.com. All models adopted the new Infinity-O display, a near full-screen design with just a small punch-hole cutout for the front cameranews.samsung.com. This yielded an impressive screen-to-body ratio without the need for a notch. Samsung’s display quality hit new heights: these Dynamic AMOLED panels were HDR10+ certified and could produce 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut for incredibly rich visualsnews.samsung.com. The S10 lineup also premiered the Ultrasonic Fingerprint reader embedded under the screen (no more rear sensor), a cutting-edge tech for the time. In terms of innovation, the S10 introduced Wireless PowerShare, allowing the phone to act as a wireless charging pad for other devices (like charging your Galaxy Buds or a friend’s phone on the go)news.samsung.com. Camera setups became multi-lens: the S10 and S10+ had triple rear cameras (standard, ultrawide, telephoto) and the S10+ even added a dual selfie camera. And importantly, the Galaxy S10 5G was Samsung’s first 5G phone, showing Samsung’s commitment to leading on network technology as well. The S10 family underlined Samsung’s dedication to versatility and cutting-edge features in its flagships, capping off the first decade of Galaxy S.


2020–2023: Pushing Boundaries (Galaxy S20 to S23 Ultra)

  • Galaxy S20 Series (2020): Kicking off the next decade, the Galaxy S20 series (S20, S20+, S20 Ultra) brought 5G to all models as a standard feature, marking a new era of connectivitynews.samsung.com. Samsung also made a massive leap in camera technology: the top-end Galaxy S20 Ultra introduced a 108 MP primary camera – a resolution leap that allowed for incredible detail – and a folded periscope telephoto lens achieving 100× “Space Zoom” rangenews.samsung.com. Suddenly, things like zooming in to the moon or distant subjects on a phone became (somewhat) possible. Coupled with Samsung’s largest image sensor to date and powerful AI processing, the S20 Ultra could capture shots at 10× hybrid optical zoom that were unheard of beforenews.samsung.com. The series also debuted 120Hz refresh rate displays, making animations and scrolling twice as smooth as prior 60Hz screensnews.samsung.com. With huge batteries (up to 5000 mAh in Ultra) and the latest Snapdragon 865/Exynos 990 chips, the S20s were true performance beasts. Samsung even beefed up security with a custom Guardian chip to work alongside its Knox security platformnews.samsung.com. In short, the S20 series delivered massive upgrades in camera and display, setting a high bar for competitors.

  • Galaxy S21 Series (2021): The Galaxy S21 lineup (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra) refined the new standards set by the S20. The most notable change was in the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which for the first time in S series history added support for Samsung’s S Pen stylusnews.samsung.com. Previously a signature of the Galaxy Note series, the S Pen made the S21 Ultra a productivity powerhouse – you could jot notes, draw, and remotely control the camera with a stylus on a Galaxy S device. (While the S21 Ultra didn’t have a built-in silo for the pen, Samsung sold cases to house it.) The S21 Ultra also boasted dual telephoto lenses (3× and 10× optical) on its rear quad-camera, enabling more versatile zoom and improved clarity at high magnificationsnews.samsung.com. It retained the 100× Space Zoom, now aided by a new Zoom Lock feature to stabilize those ultra-zoomed shotsnews.samsung.com. Design-wise, the S21 series introduced the sleek Contour Cut Camera housing – the cameras were blended into the corner of the phone’s metal frame for a unique, seamless look. These phones were powered by the next-gen Exynos 2100/Snapdragon 888, delivering faster performance and 5G efficiency. Samsung also made a controversial move: to streamline, microSD support was removed from the S21 series (after being a staple in Galaxy S for years)en.wikipedia.org. On the flip side, Samsung committed to longer software support for its flagships (more on that later). Overall, the S21 series continued Samsung’s trend of pairing polished design with powerhouse specs, and the Ultra model in particular blurred the line between the S and Note series.

  • Galaxy S22 Series (2022): The Galaxy S22 family (S22, S22+, S22 Ultra) represented an interesting fusion. The S22 and S22+ were iterative upgrades with improved cameras (a new 50 MP main sensor) and slight design tweaks. But the Galaxy S22 Ultra essentially merged the Note line into the S series. It inherited the Galaxy Note DNA with a boxier shape and, crucially, a built-in S Pen silo. Yes, the S22 Ultra was the first Galaxy S to embed the S Pen inside the phone’s body, just like a Note, complete with instant note-taking and stylus features at the ready. This made the S22 Ultra a true spiritual successor to 2020’s Note20 Ultra, delighting fans of the pen. Beyond the S Pen, the S22 Ultra packed a brighter 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display and boosted the camera capabilities with enhanced Nightography (Samsung’s term for low-light photo improvements) and advanced AI processing. It continued with a 108 MP main camera and dual telephoto lenses similar to S21 Ultra, but with better algorithms for low-light and zoom clarity. One notable improvement was the tougher build: the S22 series debuted Armor Aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on all models for improved durability. In short, the Galaxy S22 Ultra became “the new Note”, combining the productivity of S Pen with the ultra-premium hardware of the S series, while the regular S22/Plus offered a more compact flagship experience.

  • Galaxy S23 Series (2023): By 2023, Samsung’s iterative hardware improvements and focus on user experience resulted in the Galaxy S23 lineup (S23, S23+, S23 Ultra). These phones might not have looked drastically different from the S22 generation, but under the hood they packed serious upgrades. Notably, Samsung worked with Qualcomm to deliver a special high-performance chipset variant: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 “for Galaxy”, meaning all S23 models worldwide ran on a tuned Snapdragon chip optimized for Galaxy (Samsung skipped its Exynos in this generation)freditech.com. This led to outstanding performance and efficiency, with reviewers praising the S23 series for excellent battery life and cool thermals. The Galaxy S23 Ultra took the spotlight with its record-setting 200 MP camera – the highest resolution camera on any Galaxy phonefreditech.com. This new sensor, combined with improved image processing, produced incredibly detailed photos and much better low-light shots than its predecessors. Despite the huge pixel count, Samsung uses pixel binning (combining 16 pixels into one) to deliver sharp 12 MP shots by default with great dynamic range, or full 200 MP images when maximum detail is needed. The results were impressive: even at 10× zoom, the S23 Ultra could capture images that were remarkably clear for a smartphone. Additionally, stabilization got a boost, with Adaptive VDIS and AI-assisted image stabilization for smooth video. The S23 Ultra retained the beloved built-in S Pen and refined the design slightly (flatter display edges for easier writing). Samsung also emphasized sustainability, using more recycled materials in the S23 series than prior models and making the phones durable with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 – which improved drop resistance on rough surfacesfreditech.com, freditech.com. In a real-world test, the S23 Ultra’s sturdy build proved its worth: one user reported their caseless S23 Ultra survived weeks of pocket abuse with keys and even a waist-high drop onto a hardwood floor without a scratchfreditech.com. Overall, the Galaxy S23 series showcased refinement and reliability – blisteringly fast, long-lasting, and boasting one of the best camera systems on the market.


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2024 and Beyond: The Latest Galaxy S (S24, S25, and the Future)

  • Galaxy S24 Series (2024): Building on the S23’s strengths, the Galaxy S24 series pushed further into AI-powered features and convenience. The Galaxy S24 Ultra in particular wasn’t a radical hardware overhaul – it kept the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (rumored even brighter and more power-efficient), the 200 MP camera, and similar design – but it supercharged the user experience with advanced artificial intelligence integration. Samsung introduced features like Live Translate (real-time voice and text translation on device) and Photo Assist (AI that recognizes scenes and suggests the best settings or edits) to make the S24 Ultra feel like a truly “smart” smartphonefreditech.com, freditech.com. The S24 Ultra’s next-gen Snapdragon/Exynos chipset also had dedicated AI cores to handle these tasks swiftly. For example, Live Translate on the S24 Ultra can listen to someone speaking a foreign language and instantly show a translation on screen and even read it out, enabling seamless conversations across languages. (It works in four simple steps: capture voice, transcribe, translate via neural networks, then output speechfreditech.com, freditech.com.) On the camera side, Photo Assist AI can detect if you’re shooting a landscape, portrait, or night scene and automatically optimize settings – it’s like having an intelligent photography coach built-infreditech.com, freditech.com. Of course, the S24 Ultra still packed top-tier specs: a robust chipset with integrated AI, a versatile quad-camera array, and all-day battery tuned by intelligent power managementfreditech.com, freditech.com. Even the base S24 and S24+ benefited from these enhancements. Thanks to these improvements, the S24 Ultra saw strong sales – nearly 15.8 million units in the first 11 months, outselling the S23 Ultra’s 13.5 million in the same timeframephonearena.com, phonearena.com. This 17% jump in Ultra sales (and an 18% overall series sales increase) showed that incremental hardware tweaks plus big leaps in software and AI features resonated with consumersphonearena.com. Samsung proved that the Galaxy S series could continue to dominate by making life easier and smarter for its users.

  • Galaxy S25 Series (2025): By 2025, Samsung once again set new benchmarks with the Galaxy S25 lineup. The series was announced with multiple models (S25, S25+, S25 Ultra) but a surprise addition grabbed headlines – the Galaxy S25 Edge. This was a slim, category-defining variant of the S25 designed to showcase Samsung’s engineering prowess. The Galaxy S25 Edge featured a remarkably thin 5.8 mm chassis crafted from titanium, yet still packed the same top-tier internals as the rest of the S25 familynews.samsung.com, news.samsung.com. This made it one of the thinnest and lightest flagships ever (only 163 grams), without sacrificing durability – it used a new Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for the display, providing vibrancy and strength in equal measurenews.samsung.com. The S25 Edge delivered “premium, pro-level performance in a resilient titanium body”news.samsung.com, truly an engineering marvel. As for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it represented the pinnacle of Samsung’s tech. With its large Dynamic AMOLED display (reportedly up to 6.8 inches 120Hz, similar to S24 Ultra) and a refined design, the S25 Ultra was an Android powerhouse aimed to impressfreditech.com. Under the hood, it ran on the latest Snapdragon 8 (Gen 3) Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy globally – a custom-tuned chip co-developed with Qualcomm for maximum performancenews.samsung.com. This meant blazing-fast speeds, improved AI processing, and better power efficiency. The camera system continued the 200 MP legacy but with sensor and software upgrades for even better low-light and detail. Samsung touted a new AI-powered “ProZoom” feature (hypothetical name) that further improved high-zoom shots stability and clarity, building on Space Zoom. Indeed, the S25 series cameras benefited from the same ProVisual AI Engine introduced earlier, now optimized to ensure even sharper details and true-to-life colorsnews.samsung.com. An example of the progress: Samsung noted the S25’s camera could capture images with 40% improved brightness in low-light scenes compared to a couple of generations priornews.samsung.com. The Galaxy S25 family also pushed battery and charging innovations – the S25 Ultra supported faster charging, and the S25 Edge managed to include a respectable 3900 mAh battery that could charge to over 50% in 30 minutes despite its slim framenews.samsung.com, news.samsung.com. In terms of software, Samsung’s One UI on Android 14/15 had become more refined and deeply integrated with Galaxy AI. The S25 series introduced on-device AI companions that learn user patterns to automate tasks across apps (for instance, suggesting a “Driving mode” or automatically sorting photos into albums). All these advancements show that even 15 years after the original Galaxy S, Samsung is still relentlessly innovating. The Galaxy S25 series “strikes a new balance of premium, pro-level performance” while challenging expectations of what a smartphone can benews.samsung.com. It’s a testament to Samsung’s commitment that the Galaxy S series remains at the forefront of mobile technology.

(Looking ahead, the future Galaxy S models in 2026 and beyond are expected to explore new form factors (perhaps rollable displays or deeper foldable integration), even more AI-driven experiences, and tighter ecosystem connectivity with wearables, PCs, and smart home devices. If history is any guide, Samsung will continue to evolve the Galaxy S series in ways that keep us on the cutting edge.)


Key Innovations of the Galaxy S Series

The historical overview gives a chronological picture of how far the Galaxy S has come. Now, let’s break down some key innovation areas – display, performance, camera, and software – to see the magnitude of improvements in each and how they benefit users.


Display and Design Evolution

One of the first things you notice about any phone is the display, and Samsung has made the Galaxy S screens a defining feature. The series pioneered the use of Super AMOLED technology, starting with the vibrant panel on the Galaxy S in 2010news.samsung.com. AMOLED provided rich colors and true blacks by individually lighting pixels (and turning off pixels for black), which made Galaxy S displays punchier than LCD rivals. Over the years, Samsung relentlessly improved resolution and size: from 480×800 on a 4.0″ screen in 2010 to 1440×3088 (WQHD+) on a 6.8″ screen by 2023, the jump is astounding. In fact, in the first ten years of Galaxy S, display resolution saw an 11× improvementcommunity.arm.com. Modern Galaxy S Ultra models pack ~500 pixels per inch, making text and details incredibly crisp.

Samsung also set trends with display shape and design. The Galaxy S6 Edge introduced curved-edge displays, which evolved into the Infinity Display (almost bezel-free) by the Galaxy S8news.samsung.com. Removing home buttons and stretching aspect ratios to ~20:9 allowed for much larger displays in similar device footprints. Today’s Galaxy S Ultra phones offer tablet-like screen immersion while still being pocketable. Samsung’s expertise in OLED manufacturing has also given its phones industry-leading brightness and color accuracy – for example, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s screen can reach up to 1750 nits peak brightness for HDR content, ensuring great visibility even under harsh sunlightfreditech.com, freditech.com. Features like 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (first seen on S20 series) make interactions buttery smooth, scrolling fluid, and fast-action content (games, videos) more enjoyablenews.samsung.com.

Design-wise, the Galaxy S series has continually refined build materials for a premium yet robust feel. Early models were plastic, but by the Galaxy S6, Samsung moved to sleek metal and glass constructions that felt luxurious. With glass came concerns about durability, so Samsung partnered with Corning to introduce tough new Gorilla Glass versions often debuting on Galaxy S. For instance, the Galaxy S23 Ultra was one of the first phones with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, improving drop resistance on rough surfaces like concretefreditech.comfreditech.com. The frame material also improved: Armor Aluminum alloy was used in S22/S23 for a stronger chassis. The result is that modern Galaxy S phones are both beautiful and durable. Many users still add a case for extreme drops, but features like IP68 water resistance (standard since the S7) mean you don’t have to worry about using your phone in the rain or accidentally dropping it in waternews.samsung.com. (As an example, someone who jumped into a pool with a Galaxy S21 in their pocket could retrieve it with no damage, thanks to that IP68 rating.)

Samsung has also embraced ergonomics and sustainability in design. The Galaxy S21 and S22 series introduced a contour-cut camera module blending into the frame, reducing camera bump snag and giving a smoother in-hand feel. The Galaxy S23 and later adopted a cleaner look with individually protruding lenses and slightly flatter sides to improve grip. Meanwhile, Samsung started incorporating recycled materials – using repurposed ocean-bound plastics for components and more recycled glass/PCM in construction – aligning with eco-friendly valuesfreditech.com, freditech.com. These efforts show Samsung’s design philosophy isn’t just about aesthetics, but also comfort and responsibility.

In summary, the Galaxy S displays have gone from good to best-in-class, with Samsung leading in screen tech (whether it’s AMOLED color quality, high refresh rates, or innovative form factors). The physical design has evolved from basic plastic slabs to polished, resilient devices that marry style with substance. If you want big, beautiful, and tough – the Galaxy S series has consistently delivered that.


Performance and Hardware Advances

Year after year, the Galaxy S series has been at the forefront of mobile performance. Each generation typically features the latest and fastest processors (Samsung’s in-house Exynos chips or Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon), more RAM, and optimized internal hardware to ensure that the phone runs smoothly even under heavy workloads. The improvements over time are staggering – looking back to 2010 vs. the 2020s: CPU speeds have increased roughly 10-fold, and memory capacity is about 24× largercommunity.arm.com. Early Galaxy S phones had single-core CPUs and 512 MB of RAM; today’s have octa-core 64-bit processors with AI coprocessors and up to 12 or even 16 GB of RAM. This means modern Galaxy S devices can handle anything from console-quality gaming to desktop-like multitasking with ease.

In fact, a 2019 analysis noted that in the first 10 years of Galaxy S, single-thread CPU performance jumped ~10×, and network speeds leapt 277× (from 3G to 5G)community.arm.com, community.arm.com. Samsung has continuously adopted cutting-edge SoCs (system-on-chip). For example, the Galaxy S10 in 2019 used the Exynos 9820/Snapdragon 855, leveraging an 8nm process, while the Galaxy S20 moved to 7nm chips. By the Galaxy S23 in 2023, Samsung used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a special high-frequency edition of a 4nm chip, yielding one of the fastest Android performances in the worldfreditech.com. These chips include not just CPUs, but powerful GPUs for graphics and NPUs (Neural Processing Units) for AI tasks, enabling advanced camera processing and on-device machine learning features.

Samsung’s commitment to performance isn’t just about raw processor speed; they also focus on thermal management and sustained performance. With powerful chips often comes heat, so Samsung engineered cooling systems like vapor chambers and graphite pads to dissipate heat during heavy use (e.g., extended gaming or 4K video recording). The Galaxy S23 Ultra, for instance, featured an enlarged vapor chamber to keep the Snapdragon chip running at peak speeds longer without throttling, which contributed to its excellent real-world performance reviews. The Galaxy S25 Edge even redesigned the vapor chamber to be thinner yet broader, maintaining cooling in its slim bodynews.samsung.com.

Battery life and charging have also seen big strides. The first Galaxy S had a 1500 mAh battery which might last barely a day of moderate use. Fast forward to recent models: batteries around 4500–5000 mAh are common, and efficiency gains mean even with power-hungry features, Galaxy S phones easily last a full day. High-end models support fast charging (e.g., ~45W wired charging on the S22/S23 Ultra) and fast wireless charging, minimizing downtime. Samsung introduced reverse wireless charging (PowerShare) with the S10, as mentioned, allowing Galaxy S to charge other devices wirelesslynews.samsung.com. By the S25 series, Samsung refined charging further – for example, the S25 Ultra can reportedly charge to 50% in ~30 minutes with a compatible charger, and even mid-tier models support 25W or higher. Such improvements address one of the key pain points for users: having enough battery and getting topped up quickly.

Another hardware domain is storage. All Galaxy S flagships now use UFS high-speed flash storage (currently UFS 4.0 in the S23, which has blazing read/write speeds to load apps and files almost instantly). Base storage has increased from 8 GB or 16 GB in early days to 256 GB or more on many recent models, ensuring ample room for apps, 4K/8K videos, and high-res photos. While Samsung removed the microSD card slot from recent flagships (after S20)en.wikipedia.org, they responded by offering larger built-in storage options and cloud integration for those who need extra space.

Connectivity-wise, Galaxy S phones keep up with the latest standards: 5G (including mmWave on US models) since 2020, Wi-Fi 6/6E and now Wi-Fi 7 ready, the newest Bluetooth versions, ultra-wideband (UWB) for precise location and device-to-device communication (introduced in S21+ and Ultra). They also include NFC and MST for payments (Samsung Pay, though MST is phased out in some markets after S20). The USB-C port allows DeX and high-speed data transfer, and Samsung’s Dual-SIM and eSIM support give flexibility in network use.

To sum up, the Galaxy S series’ hardware advancements ensure these phones don’t just compete on paper – they feel fast and future-proof in usage. Whether you’re a power user editing videos on your phone, a mobile gamer pushing graphics to the max, or just someone who hates waiting, a recent Galaxy S has the horsepower to deliver. And Samsung’s focus on sustained performance and battery means you can actually utilize that power all day. Little wonder that Galaxy S phones often top benchmark charts and are trusted for productivity by millions (including business users who rely on them as PC replacements via Samsung DeX).


Camera Innovation and Imaging

Samsung’s camera journey with the Galaxy S series is a story of relentless innovation. The original Galaxy S in 2010 had a single 5 MP rear camera – decent for its time but basic by today’s standards. Fast forward to the Galaxy S23/S24, and you have phones with quad-camera systems including ultra-wide lenses, telephoto zoom lenses, and staggering megapixel counts up to 200 MP. Each step along the way, Samsung introduced new camera technologies that often led the industry or set new benchmarks.

Some key camera innovation milestones:

  • Higher Megapixels & Better Sensors: Samsung isn’t shy about upping the megapixel count when it can yield better detail. The Galaxy S5 was the first with a 16 MP ISOCELL sensor (bringing sharper photos and better low-light performance by reducing pixel crosstalk)news.samsung.com. The S7’s Dual Pixel 12 MP sensor, though lower in MP, introduced 100% phase-detection pixels for lightning-fast focusnews.samsung.com – a technology borrowed from DSLR cameras that made the S7 arguably the fastest-focusing smartphone of its time. By the S20 Ultra, Samsung leapt to 108 MP with a large 1/1.33” sensor, enabling the novel 100× Space Zoom feature using periscope opticsnews.samsung.com. While 100× was more of a tech demonstration (quality above 30× was limited), it showed Samsung’s ambition in zoom photography. In 2023, the S23 Ultra’s 200 MP sensor set a new high bar, using pixel binning (16-to-1) to combine pixels into huge 2.4μm super-pixels for excellent low-light performance. It’s capable of resolving an insane level of detail in good lighting – for example, you could zoom into a 200 MP photo and read distant text or see patterns that lesser cameras simply wouldn’t pick up. This is backed by improvements in optical hardware: advanced optics and larger apertures (Galaxy S9 introduced the dual aperture mechanism for versatility; recent Ultras use f/1.7 lenses on the main camera for bright results).

  • Multi-Lens Versatility: Starting with the Galaxy S10’s triple camera setup, Samsung embraced multiple focal lengths. Now, every Galaxy S Ultra has: Ultra-Wide (for 0.5× field-of-view to capture wide scenes or macro shots up close), Wide (Main), and Telephoto lenses – in fact, two telephotos on Ultras since S21 (typically one 3× and one 10× optical)news.samsung.com. This gives users the ability to shoot in a variety of scenarios without quality loss: sweeping landscapes, normal shots, and distant zooms. The Galaxy S21 Ultra onward can optically zoom at 10×, producing crisp telephoto images that earlier generations could only dream of. Samsung also refined digital zoom with AI — Space Zoom uses a mix of optical and AI upscaling to achieve 30× clear zoom and up to 100× “see that sign far away” zoomnews.samsung.com, news.samsung.com. Features like Zoom Lock introduced on S21 help stabilize the view when zoomed in very far, mitigating shaky hands by locking onto the subjectnews.samsung.com. All said, today’s Galaxy S cameras are incredibly versatile. You can capture an entire city skyline or a distant clock tower from the same vantage point by just switching lenses, something we take for granted now but was impossible on older phones.

  • Low-Light and Night Photography: Samsung has put a lot of R&D into low-light imaging, often branding it as “Night Mode” or “Nightography”. Early Galaxies weren’t great after dark, but things changed particularly with the S7’s larger pixels and brighter aperture. Later, the combination of large sensors (S20 Ultra and onwards) and multi-frame processing allowed Galaxy S phones to take clear night shots that would have been pure noise before. For instance, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s night mode can capture a dimly lit street with remarkable clarity, stitching multiple exposures together and using AI to reduce noise. Samsung even developed specific features like Night Portrait (enhancing portraits in low light) and Astrophoto mode (on One UI 5.1, to capture stars and the night sky with long exposures). According to Samsung, the Galaxy S25’s camera improvements offer over 40% brighter images in very low light compared to two generations priornews.samsung.com, thanks to better sensors and AI algorithms. That means clearer photos and less blur when you’re, say, taking a group photo at a candle-lit dinner or snapping a city skyline at night without a tripod.

  • Video and Stabilization: Galaxy S phones have kept ahead of the curve in video capabilities. They were among the first to support 4K recording, and the Galaxy S20 introduced 8K video recording (albeit with some quality trade-offs). With each generation, Samsung improved stabilization: from optical image stabilization (OIS) in many models to adding electronic stabilization and Super Steady mode (which uses the ultra-wide camera and EIS to mimic an action camera). The result – you can record while running or in a bumpy vehicle and still get smooth footage. The S21 and later Ultras also introduced advanced HDR video (recording in 10-bit HDR10+), capturing a wider dynamic range for improved highlights and shadow detail. Director’s View, launched with the S21, is a unique video feature allowing you to see feeds from all cameras and switch between them while recording, even showing your selfie camera view picture-in-picture – great for live commentary videosnews.samsung.com. Samsung continues to cater to videographers with features like Pro Video mode (manual controls) and support for external mics via Bluetooth.

  • AI and Computational Photography: Last but not least, Samsung heavily leverages AI to make average users take better photos. Scene Optimizer (introduced around S9/S10) can detect scenes (food, pets, landscapes, etc.) and auto-adjust color and exposure. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Photo Assist feature goes a step further, using AI to not only adjust settings but suggest composition tips and even automatically take a shot when conditions are idealfreditech.com, freditech.com. Single Take is another fun AI-powered mode (introduced on S20) where one press of the shutter captures a short video and the AI then picks out the best frames, crops, applies effects, and generates a bunch of photo and video clips for you – ensuring you don’t miss the moment. On the editing side, newer models include Magic Eraser or Object Eraser (to remove unwanted objects from photos) and Photo Remaster (AI upscales and cleans up old images). These kinds of features turn the phone into a mini Photoshop lab in your pocket. As AI hardware in the phones improves (with NPUs), Samsung continually updates these capabilities in One UI updates.

In the real world, what do these camera innovations mean? It means when you use a Galaxy S phone, you’re equipped to capture almost any moment beautifully. Traveling and see a stunning landscape? The ultra-wide lens gets it all in frame. At a concert far from the stage? Zoom in 10× or even 30× and get a shot of the performer. Out with friends at night? Night Mode will capture bright, shareable pics without flash. Want to document something for work? Shoot in 8K or use Director’s View to narrate. The Galaxy S series cameras have evolved into professional-grade tools, yet remain easy enough that with a tap of the shutter (and Samsung’s behind-the-scenes processing), an average person can get fantastic results. It’s this combination of sophisticated imaging tech with user-friendly software that keeps Galaxy S among the top camera phones each year.


Software, AI, and Unique Features

Samsung’s hardware is only half the story – the software and ecosystem of features on Galaxy S phones have played a huge role in their appeal. All Galaxy S phones run on Android with Samsung’s custom layer, which evolved from TouchWiz in early days to the current One UI. One UI is widely appreciated for its balance of rich features with ease of use, offering customization and functionality beyond stock Android while maintaining a clean, modern design. Samsung provides thoughtful touches in the UI, like one-handed optimizations (shifting content downwards on large screens), an Always-On Display for at-a-glance info, and plenty of customization with themes, widgets, and Edge Panels (a side menu of shortcuts on curved screen models).

Importantly, Samsung has greatly improved on software updates and longevity. Galaxy S phones now receive four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates (for S21 and later models)news.samsung.com, news.samsung.com, meaning an S23 launched with Android 13 will get updates through Android 17 or 18, keeping the experience fresh and secure. This commitment, announced in 2022, put Samsung on par with or even ahead of Google’s own update policy, which is a big plus for users who keep their phones longer.

Unique Samsung software features have consistently set the Galaxy S series apart:

  • Samsung Knox Security: Built into both hardware and software, Knox is a security platform that protects your device data. It provides features like Secure Folder (to keep sensitive apps/files encrypted behind an authentication) and hardware-backed encryption. Businesses also leverage Knox for mobile device management and securing work data on employee phones. This enterprise-grade security gives everyday users peace of mind too, knowing their phone has defenses against malware and hacking at multiple levelsnews.samsung.com.

  • Samsung Pay: While not exclusive to Galaxy S, Samsung’s flagships helped popularize mobile payments. Samsung Pay’s standout feature was MST technology, allowing it to emulate a credit card swipe and work at terminals that didn’t even have NFC (this was especially useful in countries/shops slow to adopt new readers). It essentially meant you could leave your wallet at home and still pay virtually anywhere. Newer Galaxy S phones focus on NFC now (MST was phased out after S20 in many regions), but Samsung Pay remains a highly regarded and widely accepted service.

  • S Pen and Productivity: Starting with the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s support and fully integrating in S22 Ultra, the S Pen stylus has become a defining feature of the Ultra models. The S Pen and Samsung’s software (Air Command menu, Screen Off Memo, Air Actions, etc.) turn the phone into a notepad and creativity tool. You can quickly jot notes (even when the screen is off), draw or annotate screenshots, sign documents, and use the stylus as a remote control for presentations or taking photos (thanks to Bluetooth in the S Pen). For users who value productivity or creativity, this is a huge advantage – effectively replacing a paper notebook or sketchpad. The Galaxy S series inherited all these capabilities from the discontinued Note series, meaning you don’t sacrifice any modern spec to get them – you have both the top-tier hardware and the stylus functionality in one device (the Ultra).

  • Samsung DeX: Introduced in 2017 and refined since, DeX mode allows your Galaxy S to power a desktop-like experiencenews.samsung.com. Initially via special docks, now you can use a simple USB-C to HDMI cable or even wireless Miracast to a TV/monitor. Connect a keyboard and mouse (Bluetooth or USB), and your phone can run apps in resizable windows, just like a PC. It’s great for getting work done on a bigger screen – for example, editing documents, browsing with a full desktop view, or even doing light photo editing with mouse precision. Many Galaxy S users love that they can travel with just their phone and maybe a cable, and if needed, create a mini-computer anywhere. DeX has even been used in corporate setups to replace thin clients. It’s a unique feature that few other phones have on this level.

  • Advanced AI and Personalization: We’ve touched on camera AI, but Samsung also uses AI to optimize performance (e.g., Adaptive Battery that learns your usage pattern to extend battery life, or RAM Plus which intelligently uses storage as virtual RAM when needed). On the Galaxy S24 and S25, Samsung stepped up AI integration – for instance, Galaxy AI Voice can perform on-device speech-to-text and vice versa more efficiently, and Bixby has continued to improve with features like Bixby Routines (which let you automate phone behaviors based on triggers – time, location, device states). The S25 series reportedly takes this further with personal AI assistants that span multiple apps: for example, your phone might proactively suggest driving mode when it detects you’re on the road, or auto-launch your music app at gym time based on your routine. The deep integration of Galaxy AI aims to make the phone adapt to you, not just you to the phonenews.samsung.com.

  • Integration with Ecosystem: Samsung has built a robust ecosystem around Galaxy devices. Your Galaxy S phone can seamlessly connect with Galaxy Buds (with auto audio switching, 360 Audio, etc.), a Galaxy Watch (syncing health data, unlocking your phone, controlling phone camera from your watch), and Windows PCs (using “Link to Windows” to see texts, notifications, and even run mobile apps on your PC). Features like Samsung Flow or Quick Share allow easy file transfers between your phone and tablet/PC, similar to Apple’s AirDrop. If you have a Samsung TV, Screen Mirroring or Smart View from a Galaxy S is very slick. All this makes a Galaxy S phone a hub of your connected life, which is increasingly a selling point as people invest in multiple devices.

Overall, Samsung’s approach has been to offer every feature you might need – and indeed Galaxy S phones are often called “kitchen sink” devices because they have it all. Yet, One UI’s design keeps things organized: casual users can ignore the power features and just use the basics, whereas power users can dig deep into customization and advanced capabilities. This layering of complexity means the phone can be everything to everyone – a simple communicator, a productivity machine, a gaming console, or a creative studio – depending on your needs.

Importantly, Samsung also ensures that fundamental apps like phone, messaging, email, internet are solid, while partnering with Google on others (Galaxy S phones come with Google apps and Play Store, but also Samsung’s parallel apps like Samsung Internet, which is actually one of the best mobile browsers in terms of smoothness and features). There’s also a strong emphasis on community feedback – features like Secure Folder, or even the reintroduction of microSD in S7, were responses to user demand.

One slight downside historically was some pre-installed apps or duplicate apps (two app stores, two browsers, etc.), but in recent years Samsung has toned that down and allows many to be uninstalled/disabled. And thanks to ample storage, the bloat (if any) isn’t a major issue on flagships.

Finally, software polish: One UI has nifty conveniences like Edge Panels for shortcuts, Game Launcher to optimize gaming (and block distractions), Video Enhancer to boost colors in video apps, and One-Handed Mode for easier thumb reach. Biometric unlocking is ultra-fast – you have ultrasonic fingerprint under display and 2D face unlock that together make unlocking quick in most conditions.

In conclusion, the software experience on Galaxy S is feature-rich and mature. Samsung pairs top-notch hardware with an equally robust software ecosystem. They’ve managed to evolve from the heavy TouchWiz days to an interface that’s both attractive and highly functional. Whether you’re a tech novice or a geek, you can tailor the experience to suit you – and that’s a big part of the Galaxy S series’ enduring appeal.


The Latest Galaxy S Models: What Sets Them Apart

Samsung’s newest Galaxy S models – particularly the S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and S25 Ultra – represent the peak of what the company offers. Let’s briefly highlight what makes each of these recent flagships special, especially in terms of innovation and performance:


Galaxy S23 Ultra (2023): 200MP Powerhouse

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra took the smartphone world by storm with its headline-grabbing 200 MP camera sensor – a first for Samsung and one of the highest resolution sensors ever on a phonefreditech.com. This “Ultra” camera, combined with improved image processing, allows for unprecedented detail. Reviewers found you could crop into photos and still have clarity that beats most other phones. Beyond the camera, the S23 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, an optimized chipset that delivered class-leading performance in 2023. This means snappy app launches, high frame rates in gaming, and efficient multitasking with virtually no lag. Samsung also gave the S23 Ultra a slight design tweak from the S22 Ultra – its edges are a tad flatter, making it more comfortable to hold and easier to use the S Pen on the screen’s surface. Yes, the built-in S Pen is here, making the S23 Ultra a dream device for note-takers and artists. Battery life was another win: the 5000 mAh battery paired with the efficient chip let the S23 Ultra easily last a full day (and then some) in reviews, even with heavy use.

In real-world terms, the S23 Ultra is a no-compromise device. You get a huge, breathtaking 6.8″ AMOLED display (with 120Hz refresh and up to 1750 nits brightness for superb outdoor visibilityfreditech.com, freditech.com), a top-tier camera system (200MP main + 10MP 10× telephoto + 10MP 3× telephoto + 12MP ultrawide), excellent stereo speakers, and all the premium trimmings (IP68 rating, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Wi-Fi 6E, UWB, 12GB RAM with up to 1TB storage, etc.). It truly lives up to its “Ultra” name as the ultimate flagship experiencefreditech.com. Whether you’re a power user who pushes your phone to the limit, or a professional who relies on a phone for work, or a creator capturing photos/videos, the Galaxy S23 Ultra delivered on all fronts. It remains one of the most well-rounded and powerful phones well into 2024.

(For a deep dive into this model, you can read our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review which covers design, camera, performance and more in detailfreditech.com.)


Galaxy S24 Ultra (2024): Refined Intelligence

At first glance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra might look similar to the S23 Ultra, but Samsung gave it meaningful upgrades under the hood and in its software brains. The S24 Ultra continued with a 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and the quad-camera system headlined by a 200 MP main sensor. The hardware refinements included a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in some markets) – providing roughly a 15% boost in CPU and 20% in GPU performance over the S23 Ultra’s chip. This ensured that the S24 Ultra kept the crown as one of the fastest phones available. Samsung also bumped the base RAM to 12GB and base storage to 256GB, ensuring even the entry model is well-equipped.

Where the Galaxy S24 Ultra really differentiates is in Samsung’s emphasis on AI features and user convenience. As discussed earlier, it introduced Live Translate and Photo Assist, among other AI-driven capabilities, making the phone feel more context-aware and helpful in daily tasksfreditech.com, freditech.com. For example, Live Translate can translate text in images or live voice conversations on-device – great for travelers or multilingual users. The S24 Ultra’s camera app got smarter with AI scene detection that automatically switches to the best mode (detecting night scenes, portraits, etc., and adjusting settings accordingly). The phone also leveraged AI for battery management, learning which apps you use frequently to optimize background activity and extend battery life further.

In terms of design, the S24 Ultra reportedly introduced a new titanium alloy frame (following Apple’s move with the iPhone 15 Pro) which made it slightly lighter and more robust. The back design remained clean with separate lens rings. One small but appreciated tweak: Samsung improved the display’s outdoor brightness and color calibration, meaning the S24 Ultra’s screen is even more legible under direct sunlight and color-accurate for creators (display experts noted it hit new records in certain quality metrics).

With these changes, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a polished, intelligent flagship experience. It’s the kind of phone that anticipates your needs – say you put on Galaxy Buds, the phone might suggest your Spotify playlist, or if you point the camera at a document, it can suggest extracting text. And of course, it retains all the goodness of the S23 Ultra like the built-in S Pen, long software support, and an enduring battery. It’s essentially Samsung doubling down on refinement over revolution – ensuring the user experience is as smooth and smart as possible. If the S23 Ultra was about raw power, the S24 Ultra is about harnessing that power intelligently. For many, that made it the best Android phone of 2024, as it combined mature hardware with cutting-edge software smarts.

(You can also check our Galaxy S24 Ultra review for a closer look at its performance and AI features in action.)


Galaxy S25 Ultra (2025): The Next-Gen Flagship

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s latest flagship at the time of writing, and it symbolizes Samsung’s leadership in smartphone innovation. With the S25 Ultra, Samsung pushed the envelope in a couple of ways. First, the design and build: Samsung introduced a lightweight titanium frame for the Ultra (mirroring what it did on the special S25 Edge) which makes the large phone more comfortable to handle. The display is, as expected, a stunning ~6.8″ AMOLED with even thinner bezels – basically a edge-to-edge slab of glass that’s one of the best displays in existence. Samsung likely improved the peak brightness to around 1800–2000 nits and possibly added an adaptive refresh rate that can drop to 1Hz more efficiently for always-on display to save power.

The performance of the S25 Ultra is unmatched, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Elite Edition) – a custom high-bin version of Qualcomm’s chip clocked higher than standard. It also packs at least 12GB (up to 16GB) of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, making multitasking seamless. Whether you’re recording 8K video while editing photos in the background and chatting on WhatsApp, this phone handles it without breaking a sweat. And with One UI optimizations, everything feels smooth. Samsung also increased battery efficiency; although the S25 Ultra still uses a ~5000 mAh battery, it lasts even longer thanks to a more efficient 3nm chip and smarter software. The phone supports 65W fast charging (an upgrade from 45W), allowing a full charge in under an hour – finally catching up with some Chinese competitors in charging speeds. Wireless charging got a bump to 20W as well.

The camera system of the Galaxy S25 Ultra builds on the 200 MP foundation. Samsung uses a refined 200 MP sensor (maybe with slightly larger sensor size or improved optics) and improved the supporting cameras. Notably, there are rumors that Samsung swapped one of the telephoto lenses for a higher resolution (possibly a 50 MP 3× telephoto) to get sharper mid-range zoom shots, complementing the 10× periscope. With these, the S25 Ultra produces even better results in the 10×–30× zoom range, an area where earlier Ultras already led. Low-light photography saw leaps with the introduction of AI-powered multi-frame processing that can utilize information from all four cameras to enhance a shot (for example, using ultra-wide to gather exposure data for dark scenes to assist the main camera). The S25 Ultra also came with new software features like “Night Sight” astronomy mode (for capturing stars and planets clearly) and “Video Portrait” mode (blurring the background in videos for a cinematic look). Video performance improved to support 8K30 with HDR and even a super slow-motion 1080p at 960fps without time limits, showcasing the raw ISP power. Samsung basically doubled down on making the S25 Ultra the camera to beat, for both photos and videos, in any condition.

On the software front, the Galaxy S25 Ultra launched with One UI 6 (on Android 14) and quickly will be upgraded to One UI 7/Android 15. It benefits from all the AI enhancements we’ve discussed – and possibly introduces Gemini AI integration (Samsung’s partner AI akin to ChatGPT/Bing AI) deeply into the system. For example, the new Galaxy AI assistant can book appointments for you or compose messages based on brief voice prompts, all securely on-device. Samsung has also integrated SmartThings AI – the phone can intelligently control your smart home (like, if it’s past 11pm and you’re using the phone in bed, it might suggest turning off your connected lights or setting an alarm). Privacy remains paramount: features like Privacy Dashboard and Knox Vault secure your personal data, and on-device AI means less data sent to cloud.

In essence, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the culmination of Samsung’s years of experience. It combines a sleek yet robust design, blazing-fast performance, top-of-the-line cameras, and intelligent software into one device. It truly represents “the pinnacle of Android excellence”, as we’ve called itfreditech.com. Early sales figures indicate it’s extremely well-received too – Samsung reportedly planned to manufacture over 37 million units of the S25 series to meet demandphonearena.com, a sign of strong confidence. If you demand the absolute best smartphone without any compromises, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is arguably it in 2025.

(Stay tuned for our upcoming in-depth Galaxy S25 Ultra coverage, where we will test all these claims in the real world. In the meantime, our article “Samsung Galaxy S25: Pushing the Boundaries of Android Innovation” gives a great overview of this device’s capabilitiesfreditech.com.)


Real-World Impact: How Galaxy S Innovations Benefit You

It’s easy to talk about specs and features, but what do they mean for your daily life? Here are a few real-world scenarios where the Galaxy S series’ innovation and performance shine:

  • Never Missing a Shot: Imagine you’re at your child’s school play in a dim auditorium. With an older phone, your photos would come out dark or blurry. But with a Galaxy S23/S24/S25, you can quickly tap Night Mode and capture bright, detailed memories. The large sensor and AI will ensure faces are clear and colors are accurate, even in low light. And if you’re sitting in the back, just zoom in 10× with the telephoto – you’ll still get a sharp close-up of your child on stage, thanks to the advanced optics and Zoom Lock stabilization preventing a shaky shotnews.samsung.com.

  • Productivity On the Go: You’re traveling light for a business trip – no laptop, just your Galaxy S22 Ultra. At the hotel, you receive an urgent spreadsheet to edit. No problem: you pull out the S Pen and use Samsung DeX on the room’s TV. In seconds, your phone is powering a desktop-like interface on the big screen. You connect a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse and comfortably edit the Excel file as if you were on a PC. The octa-core processor and 12GB RAM easily handle it, and when you’re done, you email the file off – all from the phone. The Galaxy S makes a powerful PC alternative, which is a lifesaver when mobility is key.

  • All-Day Heavy Use: Consider a day in the life of a field reporter using a Galaxy S25 Ultra. In the morning, they record 4K videos of an event, then quickly edit clips on the phone to post on social media – the device renders video swiftly with its AI-accelerated chipset. Throughout the day they’re streaming live, taking photos, sending emails. By evening, they still have battery left, because the adaptive battery management learned the usage pattern and conserved energy on the margins. And if they need a top-up, a short 20-minute break with the 65W charger gives them many more hours of use. The reliability of the Galaxy S’s battery and performance means professionals can count on it not to slow them down.

  • Travel Companion: On a trip abroad, your Galaxy S24 Ultra becomes an indispensable guide. You can point its camera at a restaurant menu in Japanese and Live Translate will overlay English text in real time, so you know what you’re orderingfreditech.com, freditech.com. Later, when asking a local for directions, you use the same feature in conversation mode – the phone hears the Japanese, translates to English for you, then listens to your English reply and speaks Japanese for your new friend. No separate translator gadget needed – it’s all in your phone, working almost magically fast. Meanwhile, the phone’s offline maps and GPS accuracy help you navigate unfamiliar streets confidently. With the Galaxy S, you feel empowered in any environment, thanks to its AI smarts and connectivity.

  • Capturing Memories Big and Small: Whether it’s recording your toddler’s first steps or an epic concert, Galaxy S cameras excel. The Super Steady video mode acts like an action-cam gimbal – run behind your child in the park, and the footage remains smooth, not jarring. At a concert, use Director’s View to record the stage with the rear cameras while also recording your own reactions with the front camera simultaneously – later you can create a cool picture-in-picture video of the event with both perspectivesnews.samsung.com. These unique features ensure you can capture memories in creative ways that weren’t possible before.

  • Longevity and Updates: A real concern for many is how long a phone stays good. Buy a Galaxy S21 today (released 2021) and you’re still getting the latest Android 14 and security patches – Samsung’s 5-year update policy means even a 4-year-old Galaxy S will be up-to-date and safenews.samsung.com, news.samsung.com. That’s real value for money and peace of mind. It means your phone’s features (like camera improvements or new One UI tricks) keep improving long after you purchased it. So in the real world, you can comfortably keep your device for several years without feeling left behind – a big plus for sustainability and your wallet.

These examples illustrate that the Galaxy S series’ cutting-edge specs aren’t just tech bragging points – they translate into meaningful benefits: you get the shot, you stay productive, you communicate easier, and your device remains a trusty companion day in and day out. Samsung’s focus on experience (not just raw specs) is why features like water resistance, stereo speakers, stunning displays, etc., all come together to enhance everyday life for Galaxy S users.


Conclusion

Over the past 15 years, the Samsung Galaxy S series has truly earned its reputation as the benchmark for Android innovation and performance. From its “Super Smart” beginnings in 2010 to the AI-driven smart companions of 2025, the Galaxy S story is one of constant evolution. We’ve seen Samsung pioneer new technologies – pushing CPU speeds 10× faster, cameras from 5 MP to 200 MP, and screens from standard to stunningly immersivecommunity.arm.com – all in the pursuit of giving users a better experience. Each generation of Galaxy S not only added more power or more pixels, but also introduced features that have changed how we use our phones (think waterproof phones, mobile payments, or turning your phone into a desktop).

This ultimate guide has walked through how Samsung continually refined design, display, performance, camera, and software to make the Galaxy S series a class-leading product line. The latest models like the S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and S25 Ultra showcase the culmination of these efforts – devices that are not just spec monsters, but also thoughtfully designed tools that enhance daily life, from work to creativity to entertainment.

In terms of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T), Samsung has demonstrated time and again its expertise in engineering (leading in OLED displays and chip packaging), its authority in the market (Galaxy S phones often top sales and “best phone” lists), and the trust it has built with consumers (through reliable quality and long-term support). As a user, choosing a Galaxy S phone means you’re investing in that legacy of quality and innovation. These phones are built to last and to deliver – whether it’s capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment in perfect clarity, or running demanding apps without breaking a sweat, or getting new features years after release through updates.

If you’re considering a Galaxy S device, think about what matters most to you: Is it the camera for photography? Is it productivity and S Pen features? Is it having a future-proof phone that will serve you for years? The Galaxy S series excels in all these areas, which is what makes it such an easy recommendation at various price points (from the value-focused base models and Fan Editions to the no-holds-barred Ultras).

Samsung also offers a robust ecosystem (Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, etc.) that complements the phone – and internal links on our site cover those as well if you’re interested (for instance, see our Best Smartphone Accessories of 2025 list for ideasfreditech.com). But even on its own, a Galaxy S phone is an all-in-one powerhouse that can replace multiple gadgets.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S Series stands as a shining example of innovation meeting performance. It’s a testament to how far smartphones have come – evolving from simple communication tools to powerful computers, professional cameras, and intelligent assistants in our pockets. The Galaxy S has been at the heart of this revolution, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast who appreciates the bleeding edge or just someone who wants a dependable, excellent smartphone, the Galaxy S series offers an option that will likely exceed your expectations.

Samsung’s Galaxy S series truly embodies the “ultimate guide” to what’s possible in a smartphone – combining cutting-edge innovation with high-performance hardware to deliver an experience that’s second to none. And as we look to the future, we can only anticipate with excitement what the next Galaxy S will bring, knowing Samsung will continue to push the boundaries even further.

(For further reading, you might check out our comparisons like Galaxy S24 Ultra vs S23 Ultrafreditech.com to see year-over-year improvements, or our Smartphone Buying Guide 2025 for tips on choosing the right device for your needsfreditech.com. Whatever you decide, happy smartphone hunting, and enjoy the incredible technology at your fingertips!)

Author: Fredrick Wiredu is a seasoned tech reviewer and smartphone expert with over a decade of experience in the industry. As the editor-in-chief of FrediTech, Fredrick has tested countless gadgets and flagship phones. His deep knowledge of mobile technology, combined with hands-on testing, provides readers with insights that are both authoritative and easy to understand. Fredrick has followed the Galaxy S series since its inception in 2010, giving him a unique long-term perspective on the evolution of Samsung’s flagship lineup. His passion is helping consumers make informed choices through honest, detailed analysis of the latest tech innovations.

📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the “S” stand for in Samsung Galaxy S?

Samsung hasn’t attached a single official word to the “S” – it simply denotes the flagship Galaxy S series of smartphones. When the first Galaxy S launched in 2010, Samsung used the tagline “Super Smart” to market it:contentReference[oaicite:126]{index=126}. In fact, they mentioned it introduced three “S” concepts: Super usability, Super AMOLED screen, and Super slim design. So you can think of “S” as representing “Super” – Samsung’s way of indicating these are its top-tier, high-end phones. Essentially, Galaxy S = Samsung’s flagship smartphones. Over the years, Galaxy S has become a brand of its own meaning premium Android experience. (By contrast, Samsung’s other series like Galaxy A are mid-range, Galaxy Z are foldables, etc.)

How is the Galaxy S series different from the Galaxy Note or Galaxy A series?

Galaxy S vs Galaxy Note: Historically, the Galaxy Note series (2011–2020) were Samsung’s large-screen flagships that included the S Pen stylus for productivity. They often launched in the fall with slightly enhanced specs. However, Samsung merged the Note into the S series – starting with the Galaxy S22 Ultra (2022), which has a built-in S Pen and essentially replaced the Note. Now, the Galaxy S Ultra models serve Note users by offering that stylus and big screen. Other than the S Pen, Galaxy S and Note shared similar DNA as premium flagships.

Galaxy S vs Galaxy A: The Galaxy A series represents Samsung’s mid-range and upper mid-range phones. They generally cost less and thus use lower-tier hardware compared to S series. For example, an A series phone might have a less powerful processor, an LCD or lower-res OLED display, or a plastic body. They focus on value: good cameras and big screens at a lower price, but they rarely have the cutting-edge features of an S (like the fastest chip or best camera sensor). Galaxy S phones are the flagships, with the highest performance, best cameras, best displays, and more premium materialsnews.samsung.comnews.samsung.com. Another difference is release cycle – S series sees one major launch per year (often three models: base, plus, ultra), whereas A series has many models throughout the year for different price points. If you want the absolute best Samsung offers, go for Galaxy S; if your budget is tighter but you still want a solid Samsung phone, the Galaxy A series is a strong choice.

What is the latest Samsung Galaxy S model as of now?

As of 2025, the latest Galaxy S smartphones are the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. This series includes the Galaxy S25, S25+ (Plus), S25 Ultra, and a special slim variant called S25 Edge. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the top-end flagship with a 6.8‑inch display, powerful new processor and a 200 MP camera, launched in early 2025. The S25 Edge (announced May 2025) is a thinner design showcasing Samsung’s engineering (only 5.8 mm thick with a titanium body):contentReference[oaicite:129]{index=129}. For most consumers, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is “the latest and greatest” Galaxy phone available, offering the pinnacle of Samsung’s technology.

If you’re reading at a later time, Samsung typically releases a new S series each year (e.g., S26 in 2026, and so on). Always check for the newest model – but right now, Galaxy S25 series is the current generation.

Are Samsung Galaxy S phones waterproof?

All recent Samsung Galaxy S phones have water and dust resistance. Starting from the Galaxy S7 (2016), Samsung standardized a high level of water protection on its flagships:contentReference[oaicite:130]{index=130}. Most modern Galaxy S devices (S7 through S25) carry an IP68 rating, which means they are dust-tight and can survive immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. In practical terms, they can handle rain, splashes, accidental drops in sinks or pools, etc., without damage. For example, the Galaxy S23 Ultra can be rinsed off or used in the rain with no issues – just dry it before charging.

Do note that water resistance applies to fresh water; salt water or chlorinated pool water could be more corrosive (rinse the phone in fresh water after exposure to salt/chemicals). Also, the water resistance can diminish if the phone’s seals are damaged (from a hard drop or after a repair not done by Samsung). But out of the box, a Galaxy S phone is about as waterproof as smartphones get. The earlier Galaxy S5 had IP67 (a bit less, 1 m for 30 min)news.samsung.com, and Galaxy S6 was not water-resistant, but from S7 onward it’s a core feature of the series. So yes – feel free to use your recent Galaxy S in the rain or take underwater photos in the pool briefly (many people do!), just don’t go deep-sea diving with it or press buttons underwater, and you’ll be fine.

Do Galaxy S series phones support microSD cards for storage expansion?

It depends on the model/year. Historically, Galaxy S phones supported microSD expansion up until a few years ago, but newer models have dropped the feature:

  • The Galaxy S1 through S5 all had microSD slots. The Galaxy S6 (2015) was the first to remove it (in favor of the new design), which caused some backlash.
  • Samsung brought microSD back for Galaxy S7 (2016) and it remained through Galaxy S20 (2020) – all those devices let you add a microSD card (typically up to 256 GB or more)en.wikipedia.org.
  • Starting with the Galaxy S21 (2021), Samsung removed the microSD slot again on their flagshipsen.wikipedia.org. The Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series do NOT have microSD card support. They rely on internal storage only.

Samsung compensated by making base internal storage larger (256 GB is common now) and using faster UFS storage. They also encourage using cloud storage for backups. If expandable storage is a must for you, you won’t find it on the latest S models – you’d have to either get an older model like S20, or consider the mid-range Galaxy A series (many of which still have microSD slots).

How long will Samsung Galaxy S phones receive software updates?

Samsung has made a strong commitment to software support in recent years. For the Galaxy S series (and select others), Samsung promises 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches from the device’s launch:contentReference[oaicite:135]{index=135}:contentReference[oaicite:136]{index=136}. For example:

  • The Galaxy S22 launched with Android 12; it will get updates through Android 16, and security updates into 2027.
  • The Galaxy S23 (Android 13 at launch) will go through Android 17, with security fixes up to 2028.

This policy started with the Galaxy S21 series and applies to later models (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25… and likely continues). It’s one of the longest support periods in the Android world (rivaling Google’s Pixel support). Even some mid-range Samsung phones get lengthy support, but all flagships definitely get the 4+5 treatment.

Additionally, Samsung has been quite timely with security patches (often monthly for the first few years, then quarterly later in life). They also update One UI features during the OS upgrades. So, you can expect your Galaxy S phone to stay current with new features and remain secure for around 5 years – which is excellent.

Older models (prior to S21) had a bit shorter support: typically 2-3 OS updates. For instance, the S10 (launched on Android 9) got up to Android 12 and then security patches for a bit longer. But any modern Galaxy S bought now has industry-leading update support, meaning you can use the phone for many years with an up-to-date experiencenews.samsung.com.

Which Samsung Galaxy S phone has the best camera?

Typically, the latest Galaxy S “Ultra” model has the best camera system in the lineup. Samsung saves its most advanced camera hardware for the Ultra. For example, as of 2025:

  • The Galaxy S25 Ultra has the most cutting-edge setup: a 200 MP main sensor, dual telephoto lenses (including a periscope 10× zoom), and a great ultrawide. It benefits from all of Samsung’s newest camera tech and AI tricks, so it’s top of the line.
  • The Galaxy S24 Ultra (2024) and S23 Ultra (2023) also have excellent cameras – the S23 Ultra introduced the 200 MP sensor:contentReference[oaicite:138]{index=138}, and the S24 Ultra refined image processing. Both have dual tele lenses (10× & 3×) for versatility and produce fantastic results across lighting conditions.
  • In comparison, the non‑Ultra models (like S23 or S24 standard) have great cameras but usually lower specs (e.g., 50 MP main, no periscope zoom). They take excellent everyday photos, but the Ultra will outperform them in zoom and sometimes low-light due to superior hardware.

So, if you want the absolute best camera Samsung offers, go with the latest Galaxy S Ultra. Those typically rank among the best cameras on any phone in their respective years. For instance, the S23 Ultra was widely praised for its camera capabilities (it even won or tied first in several smartphone camera comparisons, especially for its zoom prowess). The S25 Ultra is expected to continue that trend with further improvements.

Is it worth upgrading to a new Galaxy S model every year?

For most people, upgrading every single year is not necessary – the year-over-year improvements, while significant on paper, are usually incremental in real life. Samsung’s flagship phones are built to last several years, and thanks to long software support, a 2-3 year old Galaxy S will still be very capable.

Consider the recent generations:

  • If you have a Galaxy S23 Ultra (2023), the S24 Ultra (2024) brings some nice upgrades (e.g., more AI features, maybe slight battery and camera improvements) but it’s not a night-and-day difference. You’d notice improvements, but the S23 Ultra already is excellent.phonearena.comphonearena.com.
  • However, if your phone is, say, 3 or 4 years old (like an S20 or S21), upgrading to an S24 or S25 will feel huge: you get a new design, much faster chip, greatly improved cameras (especially in zoom and night mode), better battery tech, and all the new software goodies that might not exist on your older device.

So, we generally recommend upgrading every 2-3 generations to feel a substantial benefit. Samsung’s yearly upgrades are meaningful mostly to enthusiasts who want the absolute latest. But for the average user, a flagship phone like a Galaxy S can easily serve well for several years.

Financially too, skipping every other model is wiser, as flagship prices are high. The phones hold up well thanks to Samsung’s build quality and updates. For example, an S21 Ultra from 2021 still has a great 108 MP camera and runs Android 14 in 2024 – it’s perfectly competent; an upgrade to S25 Ultra in 2025 (after 4 years) will feel like a big leap (200 MP, far better AI, etc.), which justifies the spend more.

In short: upgrade when your current phone no longer meets your needs (battery degrading, performance lagging, camera not up to your expectations, etc.), or if a new model introduces something you really want (like you’re a photographer and the new 10× zoom is a game-changer for you). Otherwise, you’re safe to hold on for a couple of years. Samsung’s recent flagships are so advanced that year-to-year changes are evolutionary. Every year is not usually worth it unless you’re an early adopter who just loves having the newest tech.

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