[Korea View] Galaxy S25: Are We Entering the AI Era?
Despite Rising Costs, the Price Remains Frozen—What’s Behind the Record-Breaking Pre-Sale?
The hottest topic in the mobile market right now is undoubtedly Artificial Intelligence (AI). Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 series seems to be riding this wave just right. Despite facing pressures from raw material costs and exchange rates, the company kept prices the same as the previous model, and during the domestic pre-order period (January 24–February 3), it surpassed 1.3 million units—an all-time high for the Galaxy S series. Consumers scouring retail inventories and extended activation periods to get their hands on a pre-order testify to the high expectations for this “AI phone.” So, what exactly has changed in the Galaxy S25, and what kind of value does it offer?
Recently, the atmosphere has been heating up. Starting February 7, it launched in over 120 countries, including the U.S., U.K., South Korea, India, and more—rapidly establishing a foothold overseas as well. In Korea, the pre-order activation period was even extended from seven days to twelve days (until February 12). In this article, we’ll look into the Galaxy S25’s key strengths, its challenges, and the points consumers should pay attention to.
Current Market Situation & Key Data
The Galaxy S25 series is showcasing some meaningful figures:
- Domestic Pre-Order Volume: Approximately 1.3 million units
- Even considering the fact that the pre-order period this time was four days longer than the previous generation, an increase of around 90,000 units is beyond expectations.
- Early Favorite Model: “Ultra” accounts for more than half of all reservations
- There are even reports that 7 out of 10 customers have chosen the Ultra.
- Price Freeze:
- The base model starts at 1,155,000 KRW, the Plus at 1,353,000 KRW, and the Ultra at 1,698,400 KRW—maintaining the same pricing structure as the previous model.
Above all, the biggest talking point is the label “AI phone.” Built on the integrated AI platform “One UI 7,” the Galaxy S25 series allows users to work across multiple apps with voice commands alone. For instance, you can say, “Find the fastest route, and send it to my friend via messenger,” and the phone will open Maps, find the route, and share it. Thanks to Google’s “Gemini,” the device reportedly supports a total of 46 languages, including Korean.
Hidden Issues & Challenges
- AI Ecosystem Competition
- Apple’s iPhone 16 series, with Siri integrated with ChatGPT, is moving to seize the market. As the competition hinges on “hardware specs vs. AI integration,” the Galaxy S25 must maintain competitiveness through ongoing software updates and strategic partnerships.
- Stagnation in the Premium Market
- The global smartphone market is increasingly dominated by budget devices. Even so, the Galaxy S25 series beat its previous record in pre-sales. Still, some users claim they don’t feel a “big change.” Striking a balance between genuine innovation and price competitiveness will be critical in the long run.
- Spread of Unlocked Models
- More consumers now purchase unlocked models and opt for low-cost plans. This is a concern for telecom providers due to customer churn and reduced subsidy budgets, but it gives consumers more choices. Samsung’s subscription program (“New Galaxy AI Subscription Club”) reflects this trend, offering trade-in value guarantees and accessory discounts.
Potential Solutions & Key Takeaways
- Continuous Updates to Enhance the AI Experience
- The company needs to expand the scope of the AI assistant and strengthen API connections with third-party apps, providing more robust user scenarios. This shifts the focus from “spec differentiation” to “service experience,” appealing directly to consumers.
- Ecosystem Expansion & Subscription Model Activation
- Ongoing improvements in linking with wearables such as Galaxy Watch and Buds, along with the S Pen, are essential. Also, building a subscription model that allows consumers to use the latest devices at a rational price—through guaranteed residual value or membership perks—will be important for retaining user loyalty.
- Smoother Offline–Online Service
- With some retail outlets running out of stock for pre-sale units, improving inventory management systems is critical. Such experiences directly impact brand trust.
Outlook & Suggestions
The Galaxy S25 series is solidifying its foothold in the premium smartphone market. Having set a new high mark for pre-sales, the real question now is how well users experience and utilize the AI features in their daily lives. If consumers accumulate positive usage stories, Samsung could expand its share in the global premium market—long dominated by Apple.
Consumers’ expectations for AI phones are high. They may not be tolerant of incomplete features or early bugs. Therefore, Samsung must keep refining and updating the Galaxy S25 series so it becomes the standard for smartphones in the AI era. Next time, we’ll explore real-world user feedback and various app integrations to see how the Galaxy S25 is reshaping everyday life.
(This article was written with the help of AI.)
Simple Glossary
- AI Agent: Intelligent software that processes commands (text or voice) and coordinates tasks across multiple apps or services.
- Integrated AI Platform (One UI 7): Samsung’s user experience, deeply embedded with AI features.
Keyword Tags
#GalaxyS25 #AI #PreSaleRecord