Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S25 Plus: Rinse and repeat
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
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 |
| 1080p resolution | 1440p resolution |
| Same camera system | Triple camera system with main, ultrawide, and 3X telephoto |
| Base model has 128GB storage | Base model has 256GB storage |
| Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 12GB RAM | Exactly the same chipset and RAM |
| Smaller 4,000mAh battery | Larger 4,900mAh battery |
| Slower 25W charging | Faster, 45W charging |
| Cheaper $799 starting price | More expensive $999 starting price |
Table of Contents:
Read more:
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.
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.
In terms of brightness and color accuracy, both phones feature almost identical panels (actually, we can attribute the miniscule differences to measurement inconsistency). That said, the Galaxy S25 Plus gets our thumb up, because maintaining high brightness and color accuracy when the size grows is not a walk in the park. You'll be happy with eighter of these phones, but you should know that going bigger doesn't equal sacrifices in this situation.
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.
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.
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. Time to check how good this Elite chip really is.
Power equals heat. At least when there are losses and we're living in an imperfect universe. The Galaxy S25 Plus with its larger body is able to handle heat dissipation better than its smaller brother, which can explain the scores. It's obvious in the stress test where the small S25 throttles under heavy load but even on the first run of all the benchmarks there's a slight advantage for the S25 Plus.
This absolutely won't manifest as lag or any perceivable difference between the two phones when used day to day, but if you want the model that scores higher in synthetic benchmarks (and also beats the A18 Pro), it is the S25 Plus.
In terms of RAM and storage, there’s a slight difference between the two models. The Galaxy S25 starts with a lower base storage option, offering 12GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage in its cheapest variant. It is also available in 256GB and 512GB configurations. On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 Plus starts at 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with an additional 512GB option.
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
PhoneArena Camera Score:
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.
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.
PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:
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.
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.
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.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: