Samsung Galaxy S25 & Galaxy S25+: Ultimate Buyers Guide
Samsung Galaxy S25 & Galaxy S25+: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide
Released on January 22, 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25+ join their Ultra sibling, offering a compelling range of options. The S25 is the most affordable and compact of the three, sharing many features with its slightly larger counterpart, the S25+. This guide will delve into the details of both phones, comparing and contrasting their specifications and features.
Samsung Galaxy S25 & Galaxy S25+ Specifications
The Galaxy S25 and S25+ share numerous similarities, particularly in their core specifications. Both phones boast the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor – a slightly overclocked version of Qualcomm's flagship 3nm chip, guaranteeing top-tier performance. Both also include a generous 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM for smooth multitasking.
RAM Upgrade for the Galaxy S25
While sharing the same RAM, the storage options differ. The Galaxy S25 offers 128GB and 256GB storage choices, whereas the Galaxy S25+ provides 256GB and 512GB options. Both utilize UFS 4.0 storage technology, though the availability of specific storage configurations might vary depending on your region. Both phones run Android 15 with Samsung's One UI 7 overlay, and both are committed to receiving seven years of software updates, a testament to Samsung's commitment to long-term support.
Other shared features include stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.4, eSIM support, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, and facial recognition via the front-facing camera. Both are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. Even the camera systems are identical: a 50-megapixel main camera (f/1.8 aperture, OIS, 1/1.56-inch sensor), a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FoV), and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera (f/2.4 aperture, OIS, 3x optical zoom, 30x Space Zoom). The front camera on both is a 12-megapixel sensor (f/2.2 aperture).
120Hz Displays on Both Models
While sharing core camera technology and many other features, the displays differ in size and resolution. The Galaxy S25 features a 6.2-inch fullHD+ (2340 x 1080) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the Galaxy S25+ boasts a larger 6.7-inch WQHD+ (3120 x 1440) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both screens offer an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits for exceptional visibility, even in bright sunlight. Both use flat panels protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Battery capacity also varies. The Galaxy S25 has a 4,000mAh battery, supporting 25W wired charging, while the Galaxy S25+ packs a larger 4,900mAh battery with support for 45W wired charging. Both support 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
In terms of dimensions and weight, the Galaxy S25 measures 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm and weighs 162 grams, while the Galaxy S25+ measures 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm and weighs 190 grams.
You can find our full review of the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ here: [Insert Review Link Here]
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S25 starts at $799.99 for the 128GB model, while the Galaxy S25+ begins at $999.99 for the 256GB version. Pre-orders opened on January 22, 2025, with general availability starting February 7, 2025. Pre-ordering in the US includes a 15% discount on Samsung Care+, and trade-in options are also available.
Where to Buy
Both phones are available through major carriers and retailers. Below are some links to popular purchasing locations in the US:
- Samsung: Galaxy S25 / Galaxy S25+
- Amazon: Galaxy S25 / Galaxy S25+
- Best Buy: Galaxy S25 / Galaxy S25+
- AT&T: Galaxy S25 / Galaxy S25+
- T-Mobile: Galaxy S25 / Galaxy S25+
- Verizon: Galaxy S25 / Galaxy S25+
Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy S25 and S25+ maintain Samsung's tradition of broad carrier compatibility. They work seamlessly with all three major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) and their associated MVNOs (Boost Mobile, Cricket, MetroPCS, Straight Talk, and more).
Color Options
Both the Galaxy S25 and S25+ offer the same color choices: Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, and Silver Shadow. Additional, exclusive colors (Blue Black, Coral Red, and Pink Gold) will be available through the Samsung Store.
Upgrades and New Features
While the design remains largely consistent with previous generations, several key upgrades and new features enhance the Galaxy S25 and S25+ experience.
Enhanced Processing Power
The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor provides a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor, offering a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency.
RAM Boost (Galaxy S25 Only)
The Galaxy S25 receives a welcome RAM upgrade, now featuring 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, matching its larger sibling and the Ultra model.
Next-Gen ProVisual Engine
Samsung's improved image processing engine promises to enhance mobile photography. While the hardware remains the same, the software improvements are designed to significantly enhance image quality.
One UI 7: A Refined User Experience
One UI 7 offers a refreshed design, incorporating several new AI-powered features and a smoother overall user interface.
Circle to Search Enhancements
The integrated Google Circle to Search function is improved, offering faster, more accurate, and context-aware searching within the phone's interface.
Now Brief: Your Daily Information Hub
Now Brief provides a centralized information center for weather, schedule, and other important updates, keeping you informed throughout the day.
Audio Eraser: Removing Unwanted Sounds
The Audio Eraser feature helps remove background noise and other unwanted sounds from videos.
Available Cases
Samsung offers a variety of official cases for the Galaxy S25 and S25+, ranging from simple protective options to more stylized designs. Options include the Standing Grip Case, Rugged Case, Flipsuit Case (standard and rugged versions), Silicone Case, Kindsuit Case, Clear Case, and an anti-reflecting screen protector.
Many third-party case manufacturers also offer cases for the Galaxy S25 series, including TORRAS, dBrand, ESR, and CASETiFY.
Should You Buy?
The decision to purchase the Galaxy S25 or S25+ depends on your individual needs and preferences. While both offer improvements over their predecessors, the upgrades are incremental rather than revolutionary. Our full review will offer a more in-depth analysis, but based on initial impressions, they are quite similar to their predecessors.
Security Update History
Updated February 26, 2025: February 2025 Security Update
The February 2025 security update is rolling out, addressing nearly 30 Android vulnerabilities (from Google) and 7 Samsung-specific fixes. The rollout is staggered, so patience may be required.
Updated March 21, 2025: March 2025 Security Update
The March 2025 update addresses 58 security flaws (51 from Google, 7 from Samsung), including 11 critical and 40 high-priority issues.
Updated April 17, 2025: April 2025 Security Update
The April 2025 update includes 56 security fixes (42 from Google, 14 from Samsung), plus improvements to camera, charging, and overall stability. The media playback widget is now visible in the notification shade.
Updated May 2, 2025: May 2025 Security Update
The May 2025 security update rolled out early, surprisingly to carrier-locked US devices first.
Updated May 30, 2025: One UI 8 Beta
The One UI 8 Beta program, offering a preview of Android 16, is now available for the Galaxy S25 series in Germany, South Korea, the UK, and the US. The update is approximately 3GB in size.
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