In a groundbreaking move, Samsung is anticipated to introduce a “Slim” variant within its flagship Galaxy S series next year, dubbed the Galaxy S25 Slim. Despite its skinny profile, rumors suggest this device will boast superior zoom capabilities compared to even the Galaxy S25+, thanks to the integration of a cutting-edge telephoto lens developed by Samsung. This innovative approach promises to deliver enhanced photographic reach without compromising the phone’s sleek and streamlined design.
Galaxy S25 Slim uses ALoP telephoto zoom lens
A new report indicates that the Galaxy S25 Slim will feature Samsung’s innovative All Lens on Prism (ALoP) telephoto zoom lens. Developed by the ISOCELL team and unveiled just last month, this cutting-edge technology is expected to be a key selling point for the upcoming slimline flagship. Samsung plans to showcase the ALoP technology at CES 2025 in Las Vegas early next year, giving attendees a firsthand look at its capabilities.
In an interview last week, Samsung’s Younggyu Jeong (Task Leader) and Minook Kim (Staff Engineer) shed light on the inner workings of an ALoP lens. They explained that the technology involves placing all lenses atop a periscope prism, utilizing a 40-degree tilted prism reflection surface and a 10-degree tilted sensor assembly.
A key limitation of conventional folded zoom lenses in smartphones is their inability to accommodate wider lenses without increasing the overall device thickness. This restriction arises from the vertical placement of the lens assembly within the phone’s body.
ALoP technology overcomes this hurdle by positioning the lenses horizontally, allowing for wider lenses without adding bulk. This design is particularly advantageous for achieving a slimmer phone profile while maintaining impressive zoom capabilities.
Samsung previously revealed that its ALoP lens boasts an F2.58 aperture at an 80mm focal length (approximately 3x optical zoom), a significant improvement over the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s conventional folded zoom lens with its F3.4 aperture.
A wider aperture and a slim assembly make ALoP a seemingly ideal solution for the rumored Galaxy S25 Slim, which is expected to measure less than 7mm thick. This technology could allow Samsung to achieve a remarkably thin device without compromising on zoom performance, potentially setting a new standard for slim and powerful camera phones.
While previous rumors hinted at a potential unveiling of the Galaxy S25 Slim at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, recent discoveries within the One UI 7.0 codebase suggest a later launch. Despite the anticipation surrounding this slimmed-down flagship, it seems enthusiasts will have to exercise patience.
The unearthed code snippets, while not explicitly naming the S25 Slim, strongly indicate that Samsung’s official announcement and subsequent release are likely slated for sometime in the second quarter of 2025. This postponement, though potentially disappointing for eager fans, could allow Samsung to further refine the device, particularly its groundbreaking ALoP zoom technology, ensuring a polished and compelling product upon its eventual debut.
