The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G has arrived in Kenya, promising a taste of next-generation connectivity at a budget-friendly price. But is it all hype, or does it deliver a truly compelling experience? We’ve put the phone through its paces to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Specs at a Glance:

Display: 6.5″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700
RAM: 4GB/6GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB
Camera: 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth
Battery: 5000mAh

Sleek Design and Smooth Display:

First impressions matter, and the Galaxy A25 5G doesn’t disappoint. Its slim profile and rounded edges make it comfortable to hold, while the matte plastic back adds a touch of sophistication. The phone comes in three eye-catching colors: black, red, and yellow, catering to various tastes.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate, everything from scrolling through social media to playing games feels buttery smooth. The display also boasts 1000 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even under harsh Kenyan sunlight.

Performance and Battery Life:

Under the hood, the Octa-core Exynos 1280 (5 nm) processor delivers capable performance for everyday tasks. While not a powerhouse, it handles most applications smoothly. However, heavy multitasking or demanding games might reveal its limitations.

The 5,000mAh battery is a true champion, lasting a full day and often stretching into the next on moderate usage. This is a major plus for Kenyans who value long-lasting battery life.

Camera System:

The triple-camera system on the Galaxy A25 5G features a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. While it captures decent photos in good lighting, low-light performance is average. Videography is limited to 1080p, which might be a dealbreaker for some content creators.

5G Connectivity:

The highlight of the Galaxy A25 5G is undoubtedly its support for next-generation connectivity. However, it’s important to remember that 5G rollout in Kenya is still in its early stages. While you might experience faster speeds in select areas, widespread coverage is still limited.

Pros and Cons of the Galaxy A25

Pros:

Superb Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything buttery smooth, while the Super AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. It’s even bright enough for outdoor use.
5G Connectivity: Future-proof yourself with access to blazing-fast 5G speeds, where available.
Long Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with moderate usage.
Clean One UI Experience: Samsung’s One UI is user-friendly and bloatware-free, offering a smooth and polished software experience.
Headphone Jack and FM Radio: These are becoming increasingly rare features, but the A25 5G caters to those who still appreciate them.

Cons:

Average Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding tasks or multitasking.
Basic Camera System: While decent in good lighting, photos lack detail and struggle in low-light conditions.
Plastic Build: While sturdy, the plastic back feels less premium compared to some competitors with glass designs.
No IP Rating: This phone lacks any dust or water resistance, so extra care is needed.

Comparisons with Market Contenders:

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G: Offers similar specs but with a faster processor and a larger screen, though at a slightly higher price point.
Oppo A98 5G: Comes with a cleaner Android experience and slightly better battery life, but the display is not as good and the camera is worse.

Verdict:

The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G offers a compelling package for budget-conscious Kenyans seeking a taste of 5G connectivity. Its sleek design, smooth display, and long-lasting battery are definite highlights. However, keep in mind the average camera performance and limited 5G coverage at this stage. If these aspects are important to you, consider exploring other options. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual priorities and budget.