Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S25 Plus: Which Flagship Should You Buy?
Introduction
Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 series offers two compelling non-Ultra options: the compact Galaxy S25 and the larger Galaxy S25 Plus. While both share flagship DNA, they differ in screen size, battery life, charging speeds, and pricing.
If you’re torn between the two, this in-depth comparison will help you decide which model suits your needs.
Design & Build: Nearly Identical, But Different Sizes
- Materials:
- Both feature Armor Aluminum 2 frames for durability.
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back.
- IP68 rating (1.5m water resistance for 30 minutes).
- Size & Weight:
- Galaxy S25: 6.2-inch display, lighter and more compact.
- Galaxy S25 Plus: 6.7-inch display, ~30g heavier.
Verdict: If one-handed use is a priority, the S25 wins. If you prefer a larger screen, the S25 Plus is the choice.
Display: Bigger & Sharper vs. Compact & Efficient
| Feature | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Resolution | FHD+ (1080p) | QHD+ (1440p) |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120Hz LTPO | 1-120Hz LTPO |
| Brightness | 1,400 nits (peak) | 1,400 nits (peak) |
- Both support HDR10+ and adaptive refresh rates (1Hz to 120Hz).
- The S25 Plus offers higher resolution, but the S25’s screen is still vibrant and sharp.
Verdict: If media consumption is key, the S25 Plus is better. For compact efficiency, the S25 suffices.
Battery & Charging: Plus Model Leads
| Feature | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 4,000mAh | 4,900mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25W | 45W |
| 0-50% in 30min | ~56% | ~75% |
| Full Charge Time | ~70 mins | ~52 mins |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (Qi2) | Yes (Qi2) |
- The S25 Plus charges significantly faster (45W vs. 25W).
- Battery endurance is better on the Plus due to the larger cell.
Verdict: If battery life and fast charging matter, the S25 Plus is superior.
Performance: Identical Flagship Power
- Both models run the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite for Galaxy (overclocked variant).
- 12GB RAM across the board.
- Same benchmark scores—no performance difference.
- Thermal throttling observed in stress tests (typical for flagships).
Verdict: Performance is identical—choose based on size and battery, not speed.
Cameras: Same Hardware, Same Results
Both phones share identical triple-camera setups:
- 50MP main sensor (pixel-binned to 12MP).
- 10MP 3x telephoto.
- 12MP ultrawide.
Photo Quality Highlights:
✅ Daylight shots: Excellent detail, dynamic range, and colors.
✅ 3x zoom: Solid performance, good low-light capability.
✅ Ultrawide: Decent sharpness, well-matched colors.
✅ Selfies: 12MP with autofocus—sharp and natural.
Note: Some S25 units may have ultrawide focus issues (manufacturing defect).
Video Performance:
- 4K recording (main & selfie cams) is sharp and detailed.
- Low-light video is impressive for a flagship.
Verdict: No difference in camera quality—pick based on other factors.
Software & AI Features
- One UI 7 (Android 15) on both.
- Same AI tools (Circle to Search, Live Translate, etc.).
- 7 years of software updates promised.
Verdict: Identical experience—no advantage for either model.
Storage & Extras
- Galaxy S25: Starts at 128GB (cheaper entry point).
- Galaxy S25 Plus: Starts at 256GB (no 128GB option).
- No microSD expansion on either.
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support only on S25 Plus.
Verdict: If you need more storage out of the box, the S25 Plus is better.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
✅ Choose the Galaxy S25 if:
✔ You prefer a compact, lightweight phone.
✔ Budget is a concern (cheaper starting price).
✔ You don’t need ultra-fast charging or UWB.
✅ Choose the Galaxy S25 Plus if:
✔ You want a larger, sharper display.
✔ Battery life and charging speed are priorities.
✔ You need Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for smart home/accessory control.
Bottom Line
Both the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus deliver flagship performance, great cameras, and long-term software support. The S25 Plus justifies its higher price with a bigger battery, faster charging, and UWB, while the S25 remains a great compact alternative.
Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments!
