Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S25 Plus: Rinse and repeat
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Intro
The Galaxy S25 series is finally official, and there are few surprises in Samsung's new lineup. As expected, we have the same three models: the vanilla Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25 Plus, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Surprisingly, there's an important comparison that doesn’t involve the Ultra model.
The Plus model has always been the "middle child" of the lineup, offering a slightly larger screen and battery compared to the regular version. The newly unveiled Galaxy S25 series continues this tradition, but the question remains: will a bigger battery and screen be enough to convince people pay extra for the Plus instead of opting for the standard Galaxy S25?
Sales of the previous model were just half those of the S24, and the Plus remains the worst-selling of the three. This puts the future of the Galaxy S25 Plus in jeopardy. Let's see how the new model plans to change that.
The Plus model has always been the "middle child" of the lineup, offering a slightly larger screen and battery compared to the regular version. The newly unveiled Galaxy S25 series continues this tradition, but the question remains: will a bigger battery and screen be enough to convince people pay extra for the Plus instead of opting for the standard Galaxy S25?
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S25 Plus differences:
| Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Plus |
|---|---|
| Smaller, lighter and more compact phone | Similar style, but bigger size |
| Smaller screen at 6.2 inches | More screen estate at 6.7 inches |
| Same camera system | Triple camera system with main, ultrawide, and 3X telephoto |
| Base model has 128GB storage | Base model has 256GB storage |
| Qualcom Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, tuned for Galaxy | Exactly the same chipset |
| Smaller 4,000mAh battery potentially resulting in shorter battery life | Larger 4,900mAh battery giving the Plus model a potential edge over the regular S25 |
| Slower 25W charging | Faster, 45W charging |
| Cheaper at $799 starting price | More expensive at $999 for the base model |
Table of Contents:
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Design and Size
More of the same
The design aspect of the equation remains a constant and rather unwavering one. Over the past few generations, Samsung has been refining the design of the Galaxy S series, with the most noticeable changes reserved for the Ultra model. This year, we see more of the same: the familiar glass sandwich design with flat sides, front and back, and three separate camera housings in the upper-left corner on the back.
The Galaxy S Plus has always been an upscaled version of the standard model, and the S25 Plus is no exception. From the right angle and distance, it’s difficult to tell these two apart. The size difference between the S25 and S25 Plus is essentially the same as the previous generation—the 6.2-inch vs. 6.7-inch display limits what can be done with the size.
The Galaxy S Plus has always been an upscaled version of the standard model, and the S25 Plus is no exception. From the right angle and distance, it’s difficult to tell these two apart. The size difference between the S25 and S25 Plus is essentially the same as the previous generation—the 6.2-inch vs. 6.7-inch display limits what can be done with the size.
The vanilla Galaxy S25 measures 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm, while the Plus version is 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm.
In terms of materials, both phones feature the same glass and aluminum sandwich we're all familiar with by now; the titanium treatment is reserved for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, as is the impressive anti-glare coating on the display.
Finally, let’s talk about color variants. Once again, both phones share the same color palette. Below are the available hues, but bear in mind that Samsung has additional exclusive colors reserved for its online store:
In terms of materials, both phones feature the same glass and aluminum sandwich we're all familiar with by now; the titanium treatment is reserved for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, as is the impressive anti-glare coating on the display.
Galaxy S25 / S25+ colors:
- Navy
- Silver Shadow
- Icyblue
- Mint
Also read:
Galaxy S25 colors: here are all the hues
Display Differences
We’ve arrived at the area where the biggest difference between the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus can be observed in its natural habitat: the display. The regular Galaxy S25 features a flat 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a FullHD+ (2340 x 1080) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Plus version comes with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a WQHD (3120 x 1440) resolution and the same 120Hz dynamic refresh rate.
The size and resolution differences favor the Galaxy S25 Plus. The screen on the Plus model is more pixel-dense, with around 513 PPI, while the FullHD+ resolution on the smaller display of the standard S25 results in about 416 PPI. Both models belong to the same generation and boast an advertised peak brightness of 2,700 nits. However, the way companies often arrive at these high numbers typically involves only a tiny fraction of the display being lit, so stay tuned for our legit, real-world display tests.
In terms of biometrics, both models feature the same ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensors as the previous generation, and they work great—no changes necessary in that department.
The size and resolution differences favor the Galaxy S25 Plus. The screen on the Plus model is more pixel-dense, with around 513 PPI, while the FullHD+ resolution on the smaller display of the standard S25 results in about 416 PPI. Both models belong to the same generation and boast an advertised peak brightness of 2,700 nits. However, the way companies often arrive at these high numbers typically involves only a tiny fraction of the display being lit, so stay tuned for our legit, real-world display tests.
Performance and Software
Snapdragon 8 Elite comes to the party
Once again, as part of the same lineup, the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus share the same hardware platform: the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This silicon made headlines by achieving benchmark scores comparable to the current leader in smartphone processing, the Apple A18 Pro, even surpassing it in some tests.
Another bonus for Samsung fans is the "for Galaxy" treatment that Qualcomm applies to its chipsets. This slight overclocking of the performance cores should result in even higher synthetic benchmark scores.
Another bonus for Samsung fans is the "for Galaxy" treatment that Qualcomm applies to its chipsets. This slight overclocking of the performance cores should result in even higher synthetic benchmark scores.
Speaking of which, we’ll need to run our performance tests to get the exact scores. However, we don’t expect any major differences between the two models, apart from fluctuations caused by the larger size and potentially better cooling of the Plus model. Stay tuned for some hard numbers coming soon.
Both models come with Galaxy AI onboard, along with an impressive seven years of support. There are some intriguing new AI features that we’ll explore in detail once we get our hands on the phones, but here are a few highlights. The Now Brief feature provides contextual information at a glance based on the time of day (morning, afternoon, or night).
Gemini can now interact with and issue commands to other apps, edging closer to the dream of a real AI butler. Lastly, Galaxy AI can even summarize YouTube videos.
The phones launch with Android 15 out of the box, with OneUI on top, which means they’ll be supported all the way through Android 23. Amazing!
The phones launch with Android 15 out of the box, with OneUI on top, which means they’ll be supported all the way through Android 23. Amazing!
Camera
Equilibrium
For the third consecutive year, Samsung has decided to leave the camera hardware inside its two flagship models (excluding the Ultra) unchanged. It’s a controversial decision, but considering how crucial post-processing and AI enhancement algorithms are in modern smartphone photography, we’ll hold our judgment until we can snap some image samples.
In the meantime, here are the camera specs for both phones:
Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus camera specs:
Main (wide)—50 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 24mm, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
Ultra-wide—12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚, 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video
3x telephoto—10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus camera specs:
Main (wide)—50 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 24mm, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
Ultra-wide—12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚, 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video
3x telephoto—10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm, 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
Front—12MP, f/2.2, FoV 80˚
Battery Life and Charging
Disappointment?
The status quo in the battery department has also remained unchanged. The smaller Galaxy S25 comes with a 4,000mAh battery, which, in today’s landscape, feels a bit underwhelming (especially when competitors like the OnePlus 13 offer a 6,000mAh cell). The Galaxy S25 Plus has a larger 4,900mAh battery, but even that appears modest compared to the competition.
One puzzling omission is the lack of silicon-carbon battery technology in the new Galaxy S25 series. This could be due to battery regulations or difficulties in securing a supply chain, as these batteries are currently manufactured exclusively in China. Nevertheless, the reality is that the Galaxy S25 series retains the same battery capacities as the previous generation.
Years ago, Samsung promised solid-state batteries in its smartphones, but nothing has come out of this so far, and the wait continues.
Another disappointment lies in the charging speeds, particularly for the standard Galaxy S25 model. It still offers the same 25W wired charging support as its predecessor, while the Galaxy S25 Plus sticks with 45W charging, again unchanged from the previous generation.
We’ll need to conduct our battery tests to get the full picture, but for now, we expect results similar to those of the last Galaxy S generation.
One puzzling omission is the lack of silicon-carbon battery technology in the new Galaxy S25 series. This could be due to battery regulations or difficulties in securing a supply chain, as these batteries are currently manufactured exclusively in China. Nevertheless, the reality is that the Galaxy S25 series retains the same battery capacities as the previous generation.
Another disappointment lies in the charging speeds, particularly for the standard Galaxy S25 model. It still offers the same 25W wired charging support as its predecessor, while the Galaxy S25 Plus sticks with 45W charging, again unchanged from the previous generation.
We’ll need to conduct our battery tests to get the full picture, but for now, we expect results similar to those of the last Galaxy S generation.
Galaxy S25 battery and charging:
- 4,000mAh battery
- 25W wired charging
- wireless charging support
Galaxy S25 Plus battery and charging:
- 4,900mAh battery
- 45W wired charging
- wireless charging support
Specs Comparison
Here's a quick comparison table for the number nerds out there. You can check out the full version on PhoneArena.
| Specs | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm |
| Weight | 162 grams | 190 grams |
| Screen | 6.2-inch Super AMOLED 1-120Hz | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 1-120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM, Storage and Price | 12GB/128GB for $799 | 12GB/256GB for $999 |
| Cameras | 50MP main, f/1.8 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.2 10MP 3X zoom, f/2.4 12MP front | 50MP main, f/1.8 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.2 10MP 3X zoom, f/2.4 12MP front |
| Battery Size | 4,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Charging Speeds | 25W wired 15W wireless support | 45W wired 15W wireless support |
Summary
It's the same old story once again—or at least it seems that way at this preliminary stage. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus look strikingly similar, much like their respective predecessors, with the primary differences being screen size and battery capacity.
This comparison will soon be updated with benchmark scores and camera samples. However, even at this point, it’s evident that Samsung is sticking to its usual formula: offering a slightly larger version of its standard flagship with a bigger battery and a larger screen. Whether people will be willing to pay the extra $200 for the Plus remains to be seen.
This comparison will soon be updated with benchmark scores and camera samples. However, even at this point, it’s evident that Samsung is sticking to its usual formula: offering a slightly larger version of its standard flagship with a bigger battery and a larger screen. Whether people will be willing to pay the extra $200 for the Plus remains to be seen.
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