Introduction to Samsung Galaxy S25+ and S24+
If you’re interested in getting a new Samsung Galaxy flagship, you might be considering the Galaxy S25+ or the slightly older Galaxy S24+. Both models are excellent options, but they cater to different needs and preferences. While the Ultra model is often seen as too pricey or feature-rich for many users, the Plus models offer a great mix of value and performance. Historically, the Plus versions have been somewhat overlooked, but they deliver solid specs without the compromises found in the standard models.
Key Features of Galaxy S24+ and S25+
The Galaxy S24+ made a significant impact last year with its QHD+ display, LTPO technology, larger battery, and an impressive 12GB of RAM. All these features have been carried over and improved in the new Galaxy S25+. This latest model includes a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset that enhances performance and connectivity while promising seven major OS updates for longevity.
Size and Build Quality Comparison
Similar Dimensions
The Galaxy S25+ and S24+ are quite similar in size, both sporting a 6.7-inch display. They are relatively compact for the screen size and balance well with the 4,900 mAh battery.
- Galaxy S25+ Dimensions: 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm, Weight: 190 g
- Galaxy S24+ Dimensions: 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm, Weight: 196 g
The difference in size and weight is minimal, resulting in slight bezels on the S25+ for a better screen-to-body ratio. Both phones feature Armor Aluminum frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making them durable.
Water Resistance
Both models come with an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
Display Comparison
The displays on both the Galaxy S25+ and S24+ are allegedly identical. They maintain a top-tier QHD+ resolution leading to sharp visuals at approximately 513 ppi. The 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and an improved LTPO feature allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustments.
- Brightness: Both phones perform well under sunlight, with brightness tweaking between devices being minimal and generally negligible.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Performance
Both the S25+ and S24+ come with the same 4,900 mAh battery. However, the S25+ demonstrates better battery efficiency due to its new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which allows for longer usage times.
Charging Options
Both devices support 45W fast charging. Samsung has simplified this by updating the S25+ so that it can achieve maximum charging speeds with a 3A cable and charger, whereas the previous generation required a 5A setup. This improvement opens up more options for users.
Sound Quality
Both phones use a hybrid stereo speaker system with a bottom-firing speaker and earpiece. They produce clear and balanced sound, particularly in mids and vocals. While they lack heavy bass, they provide very good loudness levels, making them suitable for various media consumption.
Performance Comparison
The S25+ uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which has superior performance and efficiency compared to the S24+’s Exynos 2400 (in most markets) and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in select regions). Both models come with 12GB of RAM and two storage options: 256GB and 512GB with UFS 4.0 technology. However, storage on both phones is non-expandable.
Connectivity Features
- S25+: Supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
- S24+: Comes with Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.3.
Both devices offer dual-SIM support and other advanced features like eSIM and ultra-wideband (UWB) compatibility.
Camera Performance
Hardware
The camera setup between the two models remains the same, consisting of a reliable multi-camera system. While this configuration is known to perform well, it has not gained new features compared to last year’s S24+.
Image Quality
- Main Camera: Both phones produce 12MP images with good detail, but sharpness can be a bit lacking in low-light situations.
- Telephoto and Ultrawide: Photos hold their own but are not industry-leading, with the ultrawide lacking sharpness.
- Night Mode: The phones incorporate automatic night modes, which yield reasonable results but may show noise in darker images.
Video Quality
Both models excel in 4K video quality and maintain consistency across their different camera lenses. However, the ultrawide struggles in low light.
Verdict: Galaxy S25+ vs. S24+
In conclusion, the Galaxy S25+ and S24+ are closely matched in specs and features, making the choice dependent on factors like price and specific needs:
Reasons to Choose Galaxy S25+
- Enhanced design and slightly reduced weight
- Improved battery life and faster charging capabilities
- Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Longer software support
- Powerful performance from its chipset
Reasons to Choose Galaxy S24+
- Similar user experience at a lower cost
- Identical camera capabilities
If you’re looking for a phone that provides premium features without the price tag of the Ultra model, you may lean towards the S24+. However, if you want the most efficient chipset, better battery life, and the latest connectivity features, the S25+ is the way to go. Ultimately, either choice will not disappoint!
