Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 have a headphone jack?

At the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled its new range of high-end smartphones, the Galaxy S25 models. Although there weren't many surprising updates, the Ultra version of the Galaxy S25 features a more polished design and improved performance that includes greater battery life, thanks to Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. However, a lingering question that accompanies the Galaxy S series every year remains: will this be the moment for the return of the headphone jack?

Despite the popularity of Bluetooth headphones and the release of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which perfectly complement the company's high-end smartphones, many users prefer wired connections for their reliability and superior sound quality. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S25 does not include a headphone jack.

Samsung had criticized Apple for removing the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 in 2016, but over time, the company changed its stance and adopted this trend, especially in its high-end models like the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 in 2019. The Galaxy A1x series held on to the jack for a longer time, recognizing that budget-conscious consumers relied on wired headphones. It wasn't surprising that the Galaxy A16, alongside the new Galaxy Buds FE launched in 2023, joined the trend of omitting the jack, suggesting that its disappearance is definitive.

In recent years, the 3.5 mm audio port has become characteristic of budget phones, distancing it from the prestige of the Galaxy S25 series. However, users who prefer wired audio are not left completely stranded. While the 3.5 mm connector seems to be a thing of the past, Samsung has been a pioneer in adopting USB-C, first introduced in the Galaxy Note 7 in 2016. Since then, most of its flagship smartphones have transitioned to this new standard, making USB-C headphones available, and even adapters that allow the use of traditional headphones.

USB-C audio offers a significant advantage over the 3.5 mm connector, as it provides an almost lossless digital pathway. Despite the existence of external improved DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that many audiophiles prefer, most people can resort to affordable USB-C dongles, although their quality does not surpass that of the old jack. The key, however, is the type of streaming services used, as many limit audio quality, which could diminish the need for a high-end DAC.

For those prioritizing audio quality, Samsung's Galaxy Buds provide an exceptional experience by utilizing the Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC), which delivers nearly lossless bit rates over Bluetooth. While only these earbuds support SSC, the Galaxy S25 series can also utilize Sony's LDAC codec, found in high-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM5. Although no wireless alternative will match the quality of a good pair of wired headphones with a high-performance DAC, many quality wireless models can outperform what a standard 3.5 mm connector or basic dongle offers. However, for those seeking an affordable and practical option, wired headphones will remain unbeatable.