Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Review: Worth the Upgrade?
In the competitive landscape of flagship smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus finds itself in a precarious position. Priced at $999, it treads a fine line between the more affordable Galaxy S25 and the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra. While boasting impressive specifications, such as the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and enhanced AI features, the S25 Plus struggles to distinguish itself amidst growing competition from rivals like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro. In this review, we’ll delve into its strengths and weaknesses, exploring whether this device truly justifies its price tag or if the standard Galaxy S25 is a more sensible choice.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Review Author | John Velasco, Tom’s Guide |
| Verdict | The Galaxy S25 Plus is a powerful phone but struggles against the cheaper Galaxy S25 and premium Galaxy S25 Ultra. |
| Starting Price | $999/£999 |
| Display | 6.7″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP selfie |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery | 4,900 mAh, up to 18 hours in standard mode |
| Charging | 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Operating System | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 |
| Size | 6.23 x 2.98 x 0.28 inches / 1158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 6.7 ounces / 190 grams |
| Colors Available | Navy, Icyblue, Mint, Silver Shadow, Blueblack, Coralred, Pinkgold |
| Pros | More helpful Galaxy AI features, powerful performance, capable cameras, thinner and lighter design |
| Cons | Battery life could be better, dimmer screen |
Understanding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a powerful smartphone that stands out with its impressive Snapdragon 8 Elite performance and advanced AI features. It offers a larger display and more storage compared to the standard Galaxy S25, making it appealing to users who enjoy big screens and multitasking. However, it’s essential to weigh these advantages against the price tag of $999, which places it in direct competition with other flagship models like the iPhone 16 Pro.
Despite its strengths, the Galaxy S25 Plus faces challenges that make it a tough sell. With a dimmer display and battery life that could be better, many buyers may wonder if they should opt for the cheaper Galaxy S25 instead. This model seems to have a unique position in Samsung’s lineup, offering some features of the premium S25 Ultra while still being more affordable than it. Understanding these aspects helps potential buyers make informed choices.
Design Features of the S25 Plus
The design of the Galaxy S25 Plus remains consistent with previous Samsung models, featuring a sleek, recycled design. Weighing just 6.7 ounces and measuring 0.28 inches in thickness, it is thinner and lighter than the S24 Plus, making it comfortable to hold. The flat edges can feel a bit sharp in the hand, but the overall build quality feels solid and luxurious, which is typical for Samsung’s flagship phones.
Available in several attractive colors like Navy and Mint, the S25 Plus appeals to a broad audience. However, some users may prefer rounded edges for a more comfortable grip. While the design may not have drastically changed from earlier models, the new Enhanced Armor Aluminum 2 gives it a modern look and feel, ensuring that it remains a stylish choice for smartphone users.
Display Quality and Performance
The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display that promises vibrant colors and sharp images. However, in testing, it achieved a peak brightness of only 1,350 nits, which is lower than its predecessor. This means that while the screen looks good in most conditions, it may struggle in bright sunlight compared to other flagship phones. Users looking for the brightest displays might find this a drawback.
Despite the brightness concerns, the S25 Plus offers vivid color reproduction and a smooth experience with its 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling and gaming enjoyable, as animations appear fluid and responsive. Overall, while the display may not be the brightest on the market, it still provides an excellent viewing experience for most everyday tasks like watching videos and playing games.
Camera Capabilities of the S25 Plus
The camera system on the Galaxy S25 Plus includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens, which work together to capture stunning photos. Even though these cameras are similar to those in previous models, improvements in software and processing power enhance their performance. Users can expect great detail and color accuracy when taking pictures in good lighting conditions.
However, when compared to competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the S25 Plus may not hold up as well, especially in low-light conditions or when zooming in. The S25 Plus’s 3x optical zoom is less impressive than the 5x zoom found in other flagship phones. This difference can be significant for photography enthusiasts who prioritize camera quality in their smartphone choices.
Battery Life and Charging Efficiency
The Galaxy S25 Plus retains the same 4,900 mAh battery size as its predecessor but aims to provide better efficiency. In testing, it managed to last around 16 hours and 55 minutes with adaptive mode, which is an improvement but still disappointing for users expecting more. This performance, while decent, indicates that Samsung may have missed an opportunity to enhance battery life significantly with the new model.
Charging options are robust, with support for 45W wired and 15W wireless charging. This means that users can quickly recharge their devices as needed. However, the battery life could deter those who spend a lot of time using their phones for gaming or streaming. Overall, while the S25 Plus offers decent battery performance, some users might find it lacking compared to its competitors.
Software and AI Features
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S25 Plus is its software, running on One UI 7 built atop Android 15. This latest version introduces a fresh look and new functionalities that enhance user experience. For example, multitasking has improved significantly, allowing users to access apps more efficiently through the edge panel, making it easier to switch between tasks.
The new Galaxy AI features are particularly noteworthy, offering tools that help simplify daily tasks. Features like Call Transcript and cross-app actions leverage advanced technology to provide a more intuitive experience. Users who enjoy using voice commands will find these enhancements particularly useful, as they streamline operations and make the phone feel smarter and more responsive to individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus?
The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, triple rear cameras, and a 4,900 mAh battery.
How does the camera perform on the Galaxy S25 Plus?
The S25 Plus has a 50MP main camera and captures great details, but its performance is slightly behind competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro.
Is the Galaxy S25 Plus worth the $999 price tag?
While the S25 Plus has powerful features, the value may not be clear as the cheaper Galaxy S25 offers similar capabilities.
What improvements does the Galaxy S25 Plus have over its predecessor?
The S25 Plus is thinner and lighter, with enhanced AI features, but the display brightness and battery life have not significantly improved.
What storage options are available for the Galaxy S25 Plus?
The Galaxy S25 Plus comes in two storage options: 256GB and 512GB, catering to different user needs.
How does the Galaxy S25 Plus compare to other flagship phones?
The S25 Plus competes with models like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro, but its camera zoom capabilities are less advanced.
What new software features does the Galaxy S25 Plus include?
It runs on One UI 7 over Android 15 and introduces innovative Galaxy AI features for multitasking and quick app access.
Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a powerful smartphone priced at $999, but it faces tough competition from cheaper models like the Galaxy S25 and premium options like the iPhone 16 Pro. While it boasts a large 6.7-inch display and enhanced Galaxy AI features, the phone struggles with a dimmer screen and modest battery life improvements. Despite its capable cameras and Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, the S25 Plus may not offer enough value over the base model. The device features a sleek design and improved multitasking capabilities, making it a smart choice, but potential buyers might consider saving money with the standard S25.