Evolution of the Galaxy S: 2010–2025

Welcome to a deep dive into the history of Galaxy S, from the original device that kicked off Samsung’s flagship line in 2010 to the cutting-edge models of 2025. Over the years, the evolution of Galaxy S phones showcased top-notch hardware breakthroughs, reimagined design choices, and inventive software features that steered the Android market. Each milestone release, whether it introduced curved displays, advanced camera systems, or S Pen integration—pushed the boundaries of what smartphones could deliver. Let’s see how this iconic series reinvented itself time and again, raising the bar for performance and innovation

Galaxy S (2010)

• Chip: 1 GHz Hummingbird (offered 20% faster performance than most Android phones that year)
• Display: 4‑inch Super AMOLED (the first in a Galaxy S device)
• Key Features: Removable 1500 mAh battery, microSD expansion, Android 2.1, TouchWiz UI
• Difference from Previous Model: Debut entry (no predecessor to compare)

The Galaxy S was Samsung’s big entry into Android flagships, standing out with its vivid Super AMOLED screen. It launched with a brisk Hummingbird chip that boosted gaming and overall responsiveness. The removable battery and microSD support were major selling points in 2010. This strong start set the stage for the lineup’s future success.

Galaxy S II (2011)

• Chip: Dual‑core Exynos 4210 (around 40% faster CPU performance than the Galaxy S)
• Display: 4.3‑inch Super AMOLED Plus (brighter and more color‑accurate than the original)
• Key Features: Slim 8.49 mm profile, 8 MP camera with 1080p video, TouchWiz 4.0
• Difference from Previous Model: Thinner design, much faster chip, and upgraded camera

The Galaxy S II refined everything the original started. Its dual‑core processor delivered a big speed jump, while the thinner, lightweight design turned heads. Users also appreciated the sharper camera capable of Full HD video. This phone firmly established Samsung as a serious competitor in the Android market.

Galaxy S III (2012)

• Chip: Quad‑core Exynos 4412 (50% faster CPU and smoother multitasking than the S II)
• Display: 4.8‑inch HD Super AMOLED (bigger and higher‑resolution)
• Key Features: Smart Stay, 2100 mAh removable battery, nature‑inspired design, Android 4.0
• Difference from Previous Model: Larger screen, quad‑core power, new software features like Smart Stay

The Galaxy S III embraced a bigger screen and introduced clever software tricks, reflecting a step up in user experience. Its quad‑core chip gave an extra performance boost, handling Android and TouchWiz with ease. Samsung also added convenience features such as Smart Stay, which kept the screen on when you were looking at it. This model’s huge sales made Samsung the world’s leading smartphone maker.

Galaxy S4 (2013)

• Chip: Exynos 5 Octa / Snapdragon 600 (around 20–30% faster CPU performance compared to the S III)
• Display: 5.0‑inch 1080p Full HD Super AMOLED (first Full HD screen in Galaxy S)
• Key Features: Air Gestures, Smart Scroll, 13 MP camera, S Health integration
• Difference from Previous Model: Boosted resolution from 720p to 1080p, more advanced sensors, feature‑rich software

The Galaxy S4 built on the S III’s success with a bigger, sharper screen and faster internals. It packed a range of new software capabilities like Air Gestures that showed Samsung’s drive to innovate. A slim profile and improved camera further elevated the user experience. Its record‑breaking early sales quickly pushed Galaxy S to global fame.

Galaxy S5 (2014)

• Chip: Snapdragon 801 (~20% faster GPU performance over the S4’s chip)
• Display: 5.1‑inch 1080p Super AMOLED (slightly brighter and more color‑accurate than S4)
• Key Features: IP67 water resistance, fingerprint scanner, heart rate sensor, 2800 mAh removable battery
• Difference from Previous Model: Added durability (waterproofing), fingerprint security, improved battery capacity

The Galaxy S5 aimed for practical features rather than a major design overhaul. Water and dust resistance made it more durable, while the fingerprint scanner boosted phone security. It also introduced health‑focused sensors, aligning with fitness trends. This approach solidified Samsung’s reputation for blending innovation with everyday usability.

Galaxy S6 (2015)

• Chip: Exynos 7420 (~30% faster CPU than the S5, built on 14 nm)
• Display: 5.1‑inch Quad HD Super AMOLED (higher pixel density, 577 ppi vs. 432 ppi on S5)
• Key Features: Metal‑and‑glass build, wireless charging, Samsung Pay
• Difference from Previous Model: No removable battery or microSD, but premium design and higher‑resolution display

The Galaxy S6 completely revamped Samsung’s design language. Moving from plastic to metal and glass gave it a more high‑end feel. Wireless charging and Samsung Pay delivered future‑oriented convenience. Although the loss of removable battery and microSD upset some fans, this shift earned praise for its sleek, modern build.

Galaxy S7 (2016)

• Chip: Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820 (~25% faster CPU compared to the S6)
• Display: 5.1‑inch Quad HD Super AMOLED (always‑on display support)
• Key Features: IP68 waterproofing, microSD return, Dual Pixel 12 MP camera, bigger battery (3000 mAh)
• Difference from Previous Model: Reintroduced water resistance and expandable storage, drastically improved low‑light camera

The Galaxy S7 perfected many elements introduced by the S6. It brought back microSD expansion and strong water resistance, keeping user‑focused features front and center. Meanwhile, the new Dual Pixel camera excelled in low‑light and fast focusing. This blend of style and practicality made it a favorite among critics and consumers alike.

Galaxy S8 (2017)

• Chip: Exynos 8895 / Snapdragon 835 (~20% better efficiency and performance than the S7’s chip)
• Display: 5.8‑inch Infinity Display (nearly bezel‑free, 18.5:9 aspect ratio)
• Key Features: Iris scanner, Bixby assistant, DeX desktop mode, no physical home button
• Difference from Previous Model: Radically reduced bezels, new aspect ratio, and advanced biometric options

The Galaxy S8 was a transformative release, introducing the striking Infinity Display for a futuristic look. Its bezels shrank dramatically, shedding the physical home button in favor of on‑screen navigation. Samsung also introduced Bixby and DeX, which indicated a growing focus on AI and productivity. This phone’s eye‑catching design strongly influenced the next generation of smartphones.

Galaxy S9 (2018)

• Chip: Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845 (~25% faster CPU and ~30% faster GPU over S8)
• Display: 5.8‑inch Infinity Display (similar to S8 but refined)
• Key Features: Variable aperture camera (f/1.5 & f/2.4), AR Emojis, stereo speakers
• Difference from Previous Model: Enhanced camera capabilities (low‑light performance, slow‑motion), improved audio

The Galaxy S9 refined the S8’s groundbreaking look while focusing on camera upgrades. The variable aperture lens captured bright shots in dim settings, and the S9+ added a second rear camera for zoom and depth effects. Stereo speakers offered a better multimedia experience overall. Though not a radical shift, the S9’s camera enhancements kept Samsung at the forefront of mobile photography.

Galaxy S10 (2019)

• Chip: Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855 (~20% faster CPU vs. S9)
• Display: 6.1‑inch Infinity‑O Dynamic AMOLED (punch‑hole camera, HDR10+)
• Key Features: Ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint, triple rear cameras (wide/ultra‑wide/tele), One UI software
• Difference from Previous Model: Punch‑hole display design, expanded camera setup, new in‑screen biometric tech

Marking the 10th anniversary of Galaxy S, the S10 introduced hole‑punch screens and multiple camera lenses. Its triple‑camera array added an ultra‑wide perspective, boosting versatility for photographers. One UI replaced Samsung’s older interface, streamlining large‑screen use and adding a modern aesthetic. These innovations celebrated a decade of Galaxy S by pushing design and functionality further.

Galaxy S20 (2020)

• Chip: Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 (~25% faster performance than the S10’s chip)
• Display: 6.2‑inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED (120 Hz refresh rate)
• Key Features: Standard 5G support, 64 MP telephoto camera, bigger batteries, up to 8K video
• Difference from Previous Model: 120 Hz display, 5G default, major camera upgrades (64 MP for up to 30× zoom)

The Galaxy S20 line ushered in 5G as a standard feature, reflecting a leap in connectivity. All models shared 120 Hz high‑refresh‑rate screens for ultra‑smooth visuals. Samsung’s camera approach evolved again, with higher megapixels and 8K recording capability. These upgrades kept Galaxy S in a leading position among flagship devices.

Galaxy S21 (2021)

• Chip: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 (~20% faster CPU than S20 series)
• Display: 6.2‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (Full HD+, adaptive 120 Hz)
• Key Features: Contour Cut camera housing, improved telephoto, S Pen support on Ultra
• Difference from Previous Model: Sleeker design integration, slightly lower base resolution for cost, advanced zoom features

The Galaxy S21 series refined Samsung’s approach by merging a fresh Contour Cut camera design with powerful internals. The standard S21 moved to a 1080p resolution, balancing battery life and price. Meanwhile, the S21 Ultra supported the S Pen, bridging the gap with the Galaxy Note line. This broader strategy extended Samsung’s flagship appeal to a wider audience.

Galaxy S22 Ultra (2022)

• Chip: Exynos 2200 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (~15% faster CPU, ~30% better GPU than S21)
• Display: 6.8‑inch Edge Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED (1–120 Hz adaptive refresh)
• Key Features: Embedded S Pen, 108 MP main camera, dual telephoto lenses, enhanced Nightography
• Difference from Previous Model: Full Note integration (built‑in S Pen), bigger sensor upgrades, 2× telephoto lenses

The Galaxy S22 Ultra fully merged the Note experience with the S lineup by adding an internal S Pen slot. It kept the high‑resolution 108 MP main camera and improved it for better low‑light shots. Dual telephoto lenses offered extra zoom flexibility, giving photographers more creative options. This combination of power and practicality put the S22 Ultra in a class of its own.

Galaxy S23 Ultra (2023)

• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (no Exynos version), around 20% faster CPU and GPU than S22 Ultra
• Display: 6.8‑inch Edge Quad HD+ AMOLED (adaptive 120 Hz, up to 1750 nits)
• Key Features: 200 MP main camera, improved AI image processing, bigger battery efficiency, One UI 5
• Difference from Previous Model: New high‑resolution 200 MP sensor, exclusive Snapdragon chip, refined low‑light performance

The Galaxy S23 Ultra turned heads with its 200 MP main camera and best‑in‑class Snapdragon silicon. This combination offered remarkable zoom detail and improved battery life. AI played a bigger role, from advanced noise reduction in dark settings to smarter portrait effects. With a fresh approach to processing power, the S23 Ultra continued leading the Android flagship space.

Galaxy S25 (2025)

• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Elite (~25% faster CPU, improved on‑device AI)
• Display: 6.2‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (on base S25, slight bezel reduction vs. S24)
• Key Features: AI‑driven camera features (Audio Eraser, advanced Nightography), up to 200 MP main sensor on Ultra, One UI 7
• Difference from Previous Model: Stronger AI focus, refined hardware design, new software capabilities (e.g. real‑time noise filtering in videos)

The Galaxy S25 places even greater emphasis on on‑device AI for both everyday use and creative photo/video modes. New camera tools like Audio Eraser let users reduce unwanted background noise, and an updated Nightography video setting brightens dark scenes more effectively. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite under the hood, it offers faster, more efficient performance. Building on years of Galaxy S innovation, the S25 family refines Samsung’s flagship formula for a new era.

From compact beginnings to screen-dominating flagships, each Galaxy S generation refined Samsung’s vision of a premium Android experience. Through every leap in display technology, processing power, and user interface, the series consistently stayed at the forefront of mobile innovation. Whether you appreciate the S Pen’s added productivity or the 200 MP camera’s remarkable clarity, the evolution of Galaxy S remains an inspiring showcase of how smartphones can evolve to meet ever-higher expectations. And as we move beyond 2025, it’s safe to say Samsung will continue shaping the smartphone world with new ideas and polished designs.