Android 15 may bring super HDR to more Samsung phones, plus a first look at the Galaxy S25

Key Points:

1. Super HDR Expansion: Android 15 could push Samsung to add Super HDR support to more mid-range phones.
2. Galaxy S25 Leak: New images reveal a design similar to the S24, with slight refinements.
3. Chip Debate: Uncertainty remains if Samsung will choose Snapdragon or Exynos for its Galaxy S25 models.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 lineup introduced Super HDR, a feature built on Google’s Ultra HDR format. This technology enhances image quality on HDR displays by using metadata, while standard displays fall back to SDR. However, Samsung has announced that older devices won’t get Super HDR, leaving it exclusive to newer models.

For future smartphones, Super HDR might only come to Samsung’s high-end models. But with Android 15’s arrival, Google could push for broader Ultra HDR support, even on mid-range devices. Android 15 includes a new performance standard, called Performance Class 15, which could make Ultra HDR support a requirement.

What Is Performance Class?

Starting with Android 12, Google introduced “Performance Classes” with each new Android version, creating benchmarks that devices must meet to provide a high-quality user experience. For example, a device launching with Android 13 needs to meet Performance Class 13, ensuring it delivers the required features for that class.

Samsung could adopt Performance Class 15 with Android 15, bringing Super HDR capabilities to more mid-range phones. However, it’s also possible that Samsung could stick with Performance Class 14 for these devices, which would mean no Super HDR support.

Galaxy S25 First Look

Alongside the software updates, leaked images of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 have emerged. The design is nearly identical to the S24, with subtle tweaks. The most visible change is a textured ring around all three rear cameras, first seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Dimensions are slightly altered, with the S25 being a bit thinner at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2mm. Despite the slimmed-down profile, the Galaxy S25 will keep the same 4,000 mAh battery found in the S24.

Chipset Decisions for the S25

The chipset powering the Galaxy S25 remains a mystery. While the Galaxy S24 featured both Exynos and Snapdragon processors, Samsung might drop its Exynos chip next year in favor of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This decision could hinge on the cost of Snapdragon, as it is rumored to be more expensive. Whether Samsung sticks with Exynos or transitions fully to Snapdragon, the decision could affect both performance and pricing for the Galaxy S25 lineup.