The Galaxy S25 series arrives with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, promising console-level gaming on mobile. Yet, actual user tests reveal a nuanced picture: impressive peak performance, but with challenges in heat, frame consistency, and battery life. Let’s break it down with verified data and real-world benchmarks.
Quick Summary for Gamers
- All models use Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) — no Exynos variant at launch
- Ultra sustains higher FPS, but throttling can reach ~50% after long sessions
- Battery life is best-in-class on Plus and Ultra, but base S25 charges slower
Heat and Thermal Control
Independent reviews confirm that the Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps surface temperatures under 43.5°C during heavy gaming, but still loses ~50% performance in extended 3DMark stress tests . This means short sessions feel ultra-smooth, but marathon gaming sees throttling.
Why Does It Heat Up?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers cutting-edge GPU features like ray tracing, but high power draw in a slim chassis limits thermal headroom. Samsung’s vapor chamber in the Ultra improves dissipation, but the base S25 is more prone to warmth.
Update Impact on Heat
Firmware patches have already improved temperature management, with reports of 15–20% lower device temps after gaming updates. However, results vary by game optimization.
Practical Tips to Reduce Heat
- Enable “Pause USB-PD Charging” when gaming plugged in
- Lower screen brightness and refresh rate when not needed
- Use Game Booster’s balanced mode instead of max performance
Frame Rates and Gaming Experience
The Ultra excels in GPU-heavy benchmarks, outperforming Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max by ~30% in 3DMark Steel Nomad Light . In real games, Notebookcheck measured ~60fps in Genshin Impact and ~120fps in League of Legends: Wild Rift, with minimal drops .
✔How to Prevent Galaxy S25 Gaming Overheating Settings
Base Model Limitations
With a 6.2″ screen and smaller cooling, the base S25 hits smooth 60fps in lighter titles but struggles with sustained load. Frame dips appear faster due to throttling.
Ultra Advantage
The Ultra, with its larger chamber and 16GB RAM option, sustains higher performance. Competitive gamers note its closer parity with iPhone in stability, with peaks even higher in some optimized engines.
Game-Specific Reports
User threads mention micro-stutter in casual titles like Clash of Clans and Fire Emblem Heroes. These seem linked to app optimization, not raw hardware, and often resolve after patches. Adjusting per-game Game Booster profiles also helps.
Battery Endurance and Charging
Battery sizes vary by model: S25 4,000mAh, S25+ 4,900mAh, Ultra 5,000mAh . Tests show the Ultra lasting 17h 15m in web browsing (Tom’s Guide) and the Plus achieving nearly 20h Wi-Fi browsing and 30h video playback (Notebookcheck) .
Charging Speeds
The base S25 supports 25W wired charging, taking ~94 minutes for a full charge (ChargerLAB test). The Plus and Ultra upgrade to 45W wired, hitting ~65% in ~30 minutes. Wireless charging tops at 15W (Qi2 Ready).
Gaming Battery Runtime
In demanding titles, the Ultra delivers ~6 hours continuous play, the Plus ~5.5 hours, and the base ~4.5 hours. Enabling “Pause Charging” while plugged in prevents overheating and extends battery lifespan.
| Model | Battery | Charging (wired) | Avg Gaming Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 | 4,000mAh | 25W (~94 min full) | ~4.5h |
| Galaxy S25+ | 4,900mAh | 45W (~65% in 30 min) | ~5.5h |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | 5,000mAh | 45W (~65% in 30 min) | ~6h |
FAQ
Q. Does the Galaxy S25 overheat easily?
No. It stays below ~43°C on the Ultra, but long sessions cause throttling. Heat is more noticeable on the base model.
Q. How long does the S25 Ultra last in gaming?
Roughly 6 hours of heavy play at 120Hz, one of the best among 2025 flagships.
Q. Is S25 Ultra faster than iPhone 16 Pro Max?
In GPU-heavy benchmarks, yes. But CPU single-core and overall stability still favor Apple in some cases.
Q. Can updates fix stuttering?
Yes, Samsung has reduced thermal throttling with patches, but game-specific stutters rely on developer optimization.
Q. Does charging while gaming harm the battery?
It accelerates wear. Samsung’s “Pause Charging” option in Game Booster helps preserve battery health during play.
In short, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the clear choice for long gaming sessions, with verified benchmark wins and longer battery endurance. The base model remains a strong compact flagship but benefits most from Samsung’s optimization updates and smart Game Booster settings.
