What to Count on From the Samsung Galaxy...

Time is cyclical. We’re already again on the a part of the yr when Samsung is because of announce its new household of flagship units for the yr. The corporate is predicted to announce the Galaxy S25 to a day of fanfare in San Jose, CA, on Wednesday, January 22. The maelstrom begins at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET for these becoming a member of us stay.

You possibly can comply with with Samsung’s keynote right here at Gizmodo, the place we’ll have the information when it hits. Samsung will likely be streaming the occasion on Samsung.com and its official YouTube channel.

What to anticipate from the Galaxy S25

January’s Unpacked occasion will introduce the Galaxy S25 in two sizes and the Galaxy S25 Extremely, a 3rd cellphone thought-about the final word Samsung-flavored smartphone due to its bells and whistles. A lot to the chagrin of a few of you studying, the “bells” often embody AI software enhancements, which is how each producer on the platform makes an attempt to distinguish itself from its Android daddy, Google.

All the pieces Samsung will announce concerning the Galaxy S25 sequence has been leaked. The telephones have already handed via the FCC. Samsung is sticking to the identical show sizes as earlier than. The Galaxy S25 can have a 6.2-inch display, and the Galaxy S25+ will likely be only a bit greater at 6.7 inches. The large Galaxy S25 Extremely is still set to be the largest within the lineup with a 6.8-inch show. Samsung’s schtick this yr will focus on how a lot thinner and lighter its telephones are compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The Galaxy S25’s chip will undoubtedly be highly effective. Now that the Snapdragon 8 Elite exists, Samsung and Qualcomm will probably collaborate on the chip to make sure the Galaxy S25 has one thing to outperform the remainder of its Android colleagues—particularly the place AI is anxious. Telephones on this technology must show they’re highly effective sufficient to run on-device AI duties whereas delivering improved digicam algorithms, gameplay body charges, and streamlined software program. 

Let’s be sincere: it’s all about AI this yr for each system maker, whether or not we would like it or not. AI will likely be an enormous portion of the keynote since Galaxy AI took up a big portion of the present final yr. There could also be an AI companion that Samsung trots out at this month’s Unpacked that differentiates itself from Google’s AI efforts. An interesting leak that made it out on the final minute seemingly confirms this. It factors to just a little “oi Google Gemini” command, which comes out to, when translated from Portuguese, “Hey Google Gemini.” This implies that Samsung and Google stay in cahoots about this AI factor, although there’s loads of point out about what Samsung will do to supply one thing totally different. Essentially the most vital function appears to be a every day temporary that collects knowledge out of your Samsung apps and presents colourful knowledge summaries. This appears like a type of options that may probably require a ton of dedication to the Samsung system ecosystem in the event you’re going to get something out of it, specifically its wearables.

What to anticipate from the Galaxy S25’s digicam

There isn’t a lot to be enthusiastic about relating to the digicam system within the Galaxy S25 Extremely or the remainder of the Galaxy S25 household. It is going to nonetheless be the identical barely saturated digicam algorithms, with reds trying their reddest and shadows deep all through. One leaker has possibly “confirmed” that solely the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s ultra-wide digicam will get a big replace this yr to allow extra detailed wide-angle pictures. The first digicam on the Extremely can be slated to have the identical 200-MP sensor and tremendous zoom capabilities because the final two generations. If it ain’t damaged, why ought to Samsung attempt to repair it?

We’re nonetheless uncertain whether or not there’s any reality to the chatter about 360-degree digicam capabilities on the Galaxy S25 Extremely as if to compete with the iPhone’s Spatial Video choices.

What to anticipate from Samsung wearables

After the Galaxy S25 smartphones take the stage, Samsung will shift the highlight to different sides of its gadget enterprise. Wearables have been a big focus for the producer, particularly because the introduction of the Galaxy Ring. However it appears too quickly for Samsung to tease something concerning the subsequent technology of its finger-dwelling gadget.

If the Galaxy Ring is talked about at Unpacked, it will likely be to advertise its availability in bigger sizes. Samsung can also announce a second-generation ring later this yr, because it did on the Galaxy S24’s Unpacked showcase, however I don’t count on that.

We’ve got extra of an opportunity of listening to about these supposed XR glasses. With this early Unpacked occasion, Samsung would possibly attempt to beat Meta to the sensible glasses hype. The corporate has been noticed working with Google and Qualcomm on a prototype for a pair of smart glasses. Good glasses have been the secret at CES 2025, the identical manner sensible rings stole the present eventually yr’s annual tradeshow. Samsung is thought to experience the hype practice on the proper time, and this may be the time to introduce itself as a glasses-maker.

No matter is subsequent, “Over the Horizon” (the title of Samsung’s title tune; you most likely have a ringtone of it in your Samsung cellphone), we’ll cowl it right here at Gizmodo. Tune in very, very quickly. It’s nearly too quickly.