Galaxy S25+ review

A familiar look with a few fresh colors — Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

At first glance, the Galaxy S25+ is a spitting image of its predecessor, and that's not entirely a bad thing. The slim, high-quality case retains its IP68 dust and water resistance, so you don't have to worry about splashes or dunks. Samsung has kept the same basic design language, which means no radical new looks—just a polished version of what came before. The phone is available in four finishes: Navy, Icyblue, Silver Shadow, and Mint.

Those last two offer a welcome pop of personality if you're tired of boring black slabs. If you're the type who keeps a phone in a case, you might not care about the color choice. But if you like to show off your device, the Icyblue and Mint options are genuinely attractive. The phone also feels lighter and slimmer than last year's model, which is a nice bonus for daily handling. While the design might not turn heads, it's undeniably well-built and functional.

A display that's bright, sharp, and smooth — Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

The 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is one of the best reasons to choose the Galaxy S25+ over the standard S25. It offers the same pixel count as the larger Ultra, but packed into a slightly smaller screen, making it technically Samsung's sharpest display. The 120Hz LTPO refresh rate keeps scrolling and animations buttery smooth, while the high brightness means you can read it easily outdoors, even in direct sunlight. The screen is bright enough under any condition, according to early analysis.

One minor drawback is the conservative PWM dimming, which might bother users sensitive to flicker. But for most people, this is a top-tier viewing experience. Whether you're streaming video, browsing social media, or editing photos, the display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything look fantastic. It's a screen that genuinely enhances your daily use.

Performance that flies with the Snapdragon 8 Elite — Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip makes the S25+ one of the fastest Android phones you can buy right now. Apps open instantly, multitasking is effortless, and even demanding games run smoothly. The phone comes with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage, which is plenty for most users. Battery life is a standout feature here. The 4,900mAh cell actually outperformed the Ultra in some phone reviews, lasting ten minutes longer in endurance tests.

Charging speeds top out at 45W wired and 15W wireless, which is competitive but not class-leading. Software support is excellent: Samsung promises seven generations of Android updates and monthly security patches. That means you can keep this phone for years without worry. The only software letdown is that some AI features don't fully deliver on their promises, but the core Android 15 experience is clean and fast. If you're looking for a powerful, large-screen phone that won't break the bank, this is a smart pick. Check our phone directory to compare it with other models.

Cameras that are strong but haven't changed — Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

The Galaxy S25+ carries over the same triple-camera setup from 2023: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. In practice, this means you get reliable, consistent photos in most lighting conditions, but there's no hardware leap forward. The camera system is perfectly capable for everyday shooting, and Samsung's AI tools help bridge the gap to the Ultra's more versatile setup. However, if you were hoping for a major camera upgrade, you won't find it here.

The phone also lacks the Ultra's advanced zoom capabilities, and its PWM dimming is conservative, which may matter to sensitive users. For a deeper look at how this phone compares to other models, use our phone finder to see what else is available.

Battery life that outlasts the Ultra — Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

One of the biggest surprises with the Galaxy S25+ is its battery performance. Despite having a slightly smaller 4,900mAh cell than the Ultra, it actually outlasted its bigger sibling in testing by about 10 minutes. That's a remarkable achievement, and it makes the Plus a fantastic choice for heavy users who need all-day endurance. Charging is also faster than the standard S25, with support for 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.

The phone's Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip is efficient, and the bright 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate is both sharp and power-conscious. If battery life is your top priority, this phone delivers. Want to see how it stacks up against another model? Check out our side-by-side comparison.

Is the Galaxy S25+ right for you? — Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S25+ review: The middle child that gets it right

The Galaxy S25+ is the Goldilocks of Samsung's 2025 lineup, but it's more than just a compromise. It offers the same sharp display pixel density as the Ultra in a slightly smaller 6.7-inch package, making it technically Samsung's sharpest phone screen. The build quality is excellent, with an IP68 rating and a choice of four colors: Navy, Icyblue, Silver Shadow, and Mint. Performance is top-tier thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and Samsung promises seven years of software updates.

The design hasn't changed much from last year, and the cameras are the same as 2023, but the phone excels where it matters most: display, battery, and speed. If you can live with a familiar look and last year's camera hardware, the Galaxy S25+ is one of the best Android phones you can buy. It's a smart, well-rounded choice that doesn't force you to pay for features you don't need.