Introduction to Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
After years of reviewing Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series, I’ve noticed a pattern. The latest model, the Galaxy S25 Plus, doesn’t seem to drastically change the formula established by its predecessors. While each new release has its own set of features and minor upgrades, the overall experience remains quite similar to previous versions like the Galaxy S22 Plus and Galaxy S23 Plus.
A Journey Through the Galaxy S Series
Reflecting on the past models, I felt a range of emotions from denial, anger, bargaining, and finally acceptance when comparing these devices. With the Galaxy S21 Plus, I expected significant improvements, only to find some disappointing downgrades in specs and design. The mixture of upgrades and downgrades with the Galaxy S22 Plus left me frustrated about the S Plus line’s future. The Galaxy S23 Plus made me reconsider my stance, but the subsequent Galaxy S24 Plus truly confirmed my worries about the series’ stagnation.
Now, as I hold the Galaxy S25 Plus, I must accept that it sticks closely to its predecessors, offering a mix of minor upgrades while not revolutionizing the series in any meaningful way.
Overview: Is the Galaxy S25 Plus Worth It?
After a few days of usage, it is evident that the Galaxy S25 Plus is an excellent device that delivers great value. For those who aren’t specifically looking for an S Pen feature, the Galaxy S25 Plus emerges as a compelling alternative to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This recommendation is particularly strong for individuals upgrading from much older Galaxy devices or new users interested in the Samsung ecosystem.
Key Features That Highlight the Galaxy S25 Plus
- Design and Build Quality
- Display Performance
- Camera System
- Performance Specifications
- Software Interface
- Battery and Charging Capabilities
- Price and Overall Value
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S25 Plus features a sleek design that retains the familiar elements consumers have come to expect from Samsung. Utilizing Armor Aluminum for its frame and Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both front and back panels, the device feels premium in hand. While the design remains largely unchanged from the previous model, Samsung has made subtle improvements that enhance ergonomics.
Size and Weight
The S25 Plus has slimmed down to 7.3mm thick and weighs just 190 grams, making it slightly lighter and thinner than the Galaxy S24 Plus. The design is flat with rounded edges, ensuring a comfortable grip without the fear of sharp corners poking at your palm.
Color Options
The Galaxy S25 Plus is available in a range of attractive colors, including:
- Navy
- Ice Blue
- Silver Shadow
- Mint
- Blue Black (Exclusive)
- Coral Red (Exclusive)
- Pink Gold (Exclusive)
Display Performance
The device houses a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that supports HDR and features a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It offers a remarkable peak brightness of 2,600 nits, ensuring vivid colors and deep contrasts. While the hardware hasn’t changed from the previous generations, the display is still magnificent, capable of providing smooth visuals for everything from gaming to video streaming.
Additional Features
One new software feature is the Samsung ProScaler, which uses AI to upscale content, improving less-than-perfect videos and enhancing overall viewing experiences.
Camera System
The camera setup on the Galaxy S25 Plus hasn’t undergone any major changes. It includes:
- 50MP main camera (with 2X optical zoom)
- 12MP ultra-wide camera
- 10MP telephoto camera (with 3X optical zoom)
- 12MP selfie camera
Although the hardware remains the same, Samsung has introduced new software enhancements for improved image processing and video capture. For instance, users can now shoot in 10-bit HDR video and apply the new Audio Eraser feature for better audio quality.
Image and Video Quality
In tests, the Galaxy S25 Plus demonstrated improvements in producing natural-looking photos, removing earlier excessive sharpness that sometimes resulted in artificial-feeling images. While the older S24 and S23 models exhibited sharper detail, the S25 Plus offers richer, more life-like images.
Performance Specifications
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, this phone delivers exceptional performance. This is the first 3nm chipset available to Android users, designed to handle demanding tasks and high graphics performance without overheating.
Benchmarks
In various benchmark tests, the Galaxy S25 Plus outperformed most rivals and handled gaming and multitasking impressively. With a consistent 12GB of RAM across all regions, it offers uniform performance regardless of where you purchase it.
Software Interface
Running on Android 15 with One UI 7, the Galaxy S25 Plus boasts updated visual features and user-friendly enhancements. One exciting feature is the new Gemini-powered Cross App Action functionality, enabling users to perform multi-app actions efficiently.
Long-Term Software Updates
Samsung commits to supporting the Galaxy S25 Plus with seven years of updates, which is superior to many competitors, ensuring your device remains current over time.
Battery and Charging Capabilities
The Galaxy S25 Plus retains the same 4,900mAh battery size as the Galaxy S24 Plus, showing no significant changes in this department. In general usage, the battery life is robust, offering impressive performance in web browsing and video playback tests.
Charging Speed
Supporting 45W wired and 15W wireless charging, it provides convenient charging options, allowing fast replenishing of battery power without compromising on performance.
Pricing and Overall Value
With a price tag starting at $999 (256GB) and $1,119 (512GB), the Galaxy S25 Plus positions itself as a strong contender against its peers like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro. Delivering solid features and performance, it offers excellent value for anyone looking to stay within the Samsung family without needing additional features found in the Ultra model.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 Plus?
Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Plus is an incremental upgrade that does not drastically change the existing Galaxy S flagship experience. However, it stands out as a refined and dependable device with a great camera, excellent performance, and strong battery life.
For those already in the Galaxy ecosystem or looking to join, the Galaxy S25 Plus is a solid choice. But if you own a recent model like the S24 or S23, there might not be sufficient reason to rush for an upgrade. In summary, the Galaxy S25 Plus is an attractive option that offers quality without drastic changes.
