Samsung is kicking off its first Unpacked event for 2025 on Wednesday, January 22. Although there is about a week until airing (at the time of this writing), we have a pretty good idea of what will be revealed. Spoiler: The Galaxy S25 series will undoubtedly be the star of the show.
Also: Samsung Unpacked 2025: How to watch and what to expect
New Galaxy smartphones are usually shown off during the first Unpacked of the year. Plus, Samsung revealed the topic in its formal invitation. The company stated that “the new Galaxy S series is about [to reset] the bar once again”. Artificial intelligence (AI) is probably set to be the second-biggest topic, as Samsung referred to the “new AI developments as premium Galaxy innovations.”
But what about the rest of the show? Well, there’s a good chance more will be unveiled at the event, even if it’s in the form of a short teaser image or video. Samsung has been working on all sorts of devices outside of its wheelhouse for the past few years, and they could make a surprise appearance at Unpacked 2025. Below is a list of four potential candidates.
1. Galaxy S25 Slim
Is this the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim?
OnLeaks/SmartPrix
The Galaxy S series normally consists of three devices: a base, a Plus, and an Ultra model. However, if you look at the teaser trailer for the event, there’s a fourth. I believe this mystery smartphone is the Galaxy S25 Slim.
Recently, notable insider OnLeaks, in collaboration with SmartPrix, posted multiple images of this potential mobile device. According to the leak, it’ll have a 6.7 to 6.8-inch screen, similar to the S25 Ultra, but much skinnier. The S25 Slim measures 6.4mm thick (about a quarter of an inch), whereas the Ultra will be 8.2mm (roughly 0.3 inches).
Also: The most exciting Samsung Galaxy S25 model likely won’t be announced at Unpacked
Keep in mind that those numbers do not factor in the camera bump. The lenses add heft to the S25 Slim, but it doesn’t increase in size much — only to 8.3mm. Possible features include a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 12GB of RAM, and support for OneUI 7 over Android 15.
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It’s unknown why Samsung has been working on a skinny Galaxy phone, but it could be due to Apple. Rumors from the past few months suggest the existence of an iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim (the name bounces between the two). Samsung seemingly wants to get ahead of the curve by releasing a lightweight phone first.
2. Galaxy Ring 2
Samsung Galaxy Ring with charger and packaging.
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
The Galaxy Ring 2 could appear at the event even though the first model launched less than a year ago in July. Competition from rivals like Oura may be forcing the tech giant’s hand. So, what can you expect to see?
Last December, DigiTimes claimed the wearable would introduce several improvements, including a battery life of up to seven days, “more accurate health data sensors,” and improved AI functions. The report also mentioned “two new sizes,” although there is some debate regarding its form factor. Dutch website Galaxy Club found a Korea patent for a prototype Galaxy Ring with a malleable design.
Also: Samsung’s Galaxy Ring 2 at Unpacked? What we know and features I’m hoping for
Instead of a rigid body, the inner ring is elastic, allowing the wearable to stretch over or contract the user’s finger. This one-size-fits-all design eliminates the need for different ring sizes.
Another Samsung patent from May 2024 showed the tech giant was working on a “ring type wearable” sporting two outside screens that display different app icons. Tapping one of these icons would show “relevant information.” What this information is exactly is unknown. Showing app notifications is one possible option. The May patent hints at potential sensors, such as ones for measuring heart rates and body temperature.
3. Project Moohan XR headset
Project Moohan could be appearing soon.
Google/ZDNET
Not one to fall behind industry trends, Samsung has been developing an augmented reality headset, code-named Project Moohan. Very little is known about the headset. Dimensions, screen resolution, and hardware remain a mystery, although Qualcomm is a named development partner, meaning the device could run on a Snapdragon chipset.
Google shared an image of a prototype last month. At a glance, it’s reminiscent of the Apple Vision Pro, albeit “with a larger face cover to prevent light bleeding and a Meta-esque head strap for comfort”.
Also: Apple Vision Pro’s killer feature is finally here – and made my $3,500 investment more worth it
In addition to Samsung’s photograph, Google demonstrated Android XR, which will be Moohan’s operating system. ZDNET’s Senior Review Editor Kerry Wan pointed out that the OS “is centered around spatial computing applications.” It utilizes overlays to display information “and visual cues onto [a] real-world environment.” Browser windows, for example, can be anchored in the air to help with multitasking or communicating with Gemini.
Entertainment is also a large focus. Users can watch their favorite YouTube channel on a big digital screen and access Google Play Store apps.
4. Samsung’s Ray-Ban Meta competitor
Alongside Moohan, Samsung has been working on a pair of smart glasses. Once again, details are scarce, but some nuggets of information floating around help paint a picture. Online tipster Jukanlosreve claims the Samsung device will function similarly to Meta Ray-Bans (pictured above). They won’t have a display because “micro-LED technology is [apparently] still immature.” Instead, the glasses will look like a pair of regular sunglasses.
Also: The best wearable tech we’ve seen at CES
Korean outlet Yonhap News provides additional information, stating that the facility will house an AI assistant (probably Google Gemini), gesture recognition, and even the “ability to make payments.” Reports state the Samsung device will weigh 50g, about the same weight as a pair of Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses.
Personally, I don’t think the smart glasses or Moohan will appear at Unpacked 2025. It feels too early. This type of tech takes a long time to bake in the oven. If anything, the company might show a teaser, but a full-on reveal? That will likely be held onto until later in the year. But I’m all for surprises, Samsung.
Samsung Unpacked
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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
