Samsung is leaning heavily into the trade-in racket as a way of dropping prices for its new smartphones. Virtually any deal the company runs will include wildly high trade-in valuations. It even launched a new standalone trade-in scheme in Korea and France that doesn’t require the purchase of a new device.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25+ are some of the best Android phones yet, though current Galaxy owners may not find a ton of reasons to upgrade.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces subtle design tweaks, such as slightly rounded corners and flat side rails, giving it a modernized look. Slimmer bezels enhance the immersive display, while the updated camera ring design adds a touch of distinction. However, these changes come with trade-offs:

But this is Samsung’s first proper attempt at AI that focuses solely on the device. If the company sticks with it, Bixby could become an essential part of the Galaxy experience. Gemini could only act on a couple of these commands because its focus is entirely different to Bixby’s.

Samsung's about to release a completely irrelevant smartphone, which will reuse a ton of hardware from the existing Galaxy S25 lineup... and I think that's a problem.

Discover the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 7 groundbreaking upgrades, from titanium design to AI tools, redefining flagship smartphones.

Want a small, snappy, and sleek $800 phone? The Galaxy S25 is a fantastic deal. Just don’t waste brain cells over concepts like upgrades or competitive value.The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your In

Can the phone compete in the crowded smartphone market? - Enhanced AI and impressive camera zoom capabilities make the S25 Ultra a standout in the flagship category