Samsung has unveiled its 2025 flagship lineup, introducing three new phones. Leading the charge is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, a strong contender for the best phone title. Following closely is the Galaxy S25 Plus, offering a solid foundation while forgoing some of the Ultra’s premium features. Both models showcase Samsung’s advanced AI capabilities, hinting at the future of smartphone technology.
While both the S25 Ultra and S25 Plus boast top-tier Samsung hardware and software, the Ultra distinguishes itself with extras like an anti-reflective display, a 5X telephoto camera, and the versatile S Pen. However, with a $300 price gap, the question arises: are these specialized features worth the premium?
This comparison will dissect the similarities and differences between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Plus, helping you decide whether the practical S25 Plus or the luxurious S25 Ultra is the right fit for you.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Specifications
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm (6.41 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.28 in) |
| Weight | 218g (7.69 oz) | 190g (6.70 oz) |
| Display | 6.9-inch LTPO OLED, 1440 x 3120 pixels, 1-120Hz, HDR10+, 1,600 nits (typical), 4,500 nits (peak), Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 1440 x 3120 pixels, 1-120Hz, HDR10+, 1,600 nits (typical), 4,500 nits (peak), Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| OS | One UI 7 (Android 15) | One UI 7 (Android 15) |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 12GB + 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Rear Camera | 200MP (wide, OIS), 50MP (ultrawide), 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom), 50MP (periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom) | 50MP (wide, OIS), 12MP (ultrawide), 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, autofocus | 12MP, f/2.2, autofocus |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps (rear), Up to 4K@60fps (front) | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps (rear), Up to 4K@60fps (front) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Samsung DeX | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Samsung DeX |
| Ports | USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery & Charging | 5,000mAh, 45W wired, Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | 4,900mAh, 45W wired, Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Black, Silver, Green |
| Price (Starting) | $1,300 | $1,000 |
Design and Build
The S25 Ultra boasts a more distinctive design with curvier corners and flat rails, setting it apart from the S25 Plus, which shares a familiar Samsung design language. The Ultra’s titanium frame adds to its premium feel, while the S25 Plus features a recycled aluminum alloy. Both devices are slimmer than their predecessors, with the S25 Plus being notably lighter. The S25 Ultra retains the dedicated S Pen slot.
The Ultra’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with an anti-reflective coating offers enhanced durability and readability compared to the S25 Plus’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Both phones have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Display
Both phones feature nearly identical displays, differing primarily in size. The S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch screen, while the S25 Plus offers a 6.7-inch display. Both utilize LTPO AMOLED technology with a QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. They also support HDR10+ for enhanced contrast.
Performance and Battery
Both the S25 Ultra and S25 Plus are powered by the optimized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, promising significant performance gains over the previous generation. They both feature 12GB of RAM and utilize larger vapor chambers for improved heat dissipation.
Battery capacity is similar, with the S25 Ultra having a 5,000mAh battery and the S25 Plus a 4,900mAh battery. Both support 45W wired charging, Qi2 wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
Camera
The S25 Ultra’s camera system is a standout feature, boasting a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The S25 Plus offers a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both phones feature a 12MP front-facing camera with autofocus.
Both phones benefit from AI enhancements for improved image quality and offer 8K video recording.
Software and Features
Both the S25 Ultra and S25 Plus run One UI 7 based on Android 15 and are promised seven years of software updates. They both feature enhanced AI capabilities, including the new “Now Brief” personal assistant and the “Now Bar” dynamic lock screen widget.
Price and Availability
The S25 Ultra starts at $1,300, while the S25 Plus begins at $1,000.
Verdict
The S25 Plus delivers a compelling flagship experience with excellent performance, a refined software experience, and advanced AI features. The S25 Ultra elevates this foundation with premium design elements, a superior camera system, the S Pen, and an anti-reflective display. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether these extras justify the $300 price difference.
