The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has arrived, and after spending several hours with each model, I’ve made my decision: The Galaxy S25 Plus is the one I’d buy. This might surprise some, especially considering I’ve been using the S24 Ultra for the past year. However, this year, the enhanced in-hand feel of the S25 Plus trumps the potential camera advantages of the Ultra.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S25.
The Perfect Fit: Size and Design
While the S25 Ultra is more manageable than its predecessor, Samsung’s design choices regarding the flat sides and lack of a curved frame aren’t ideal for my hand. This became even clearer when I revisited all three phones at the Galaxy Unpacked event. The S25 Plus, with its slender frame and subtle curve around the flat edges, is simply a joy to hold. The S25 is compact, but I prefer the larger screen of the Plus. That slight 0.5mm reduction in thickness and 5g weight reduction compared to the S24 Plus makes a significant difference.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus on a stand.
Vibrant Hues: Color Options
Samsung has reserved the most appealing color options for the S25 and S25 Plus. The exclusive Coral Red is stunning, and the retailer-exclusive Mint is a close second. The S25 Ultra’s color palette, on the other hand, feels rather muted. While a case might be necessary for the S25 Ultra due to its sharper edges, it would also obscure those less vibrant colors.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus.
Performance and Features: No Compromises
Beyond aesthetics, the S25 Plus offers comparable performance to the Ultra. All three models boast the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, 12GB of RAM, and the same impressive screen technology. One UI 7 felt incredibly fast and responsive across the board. While the S25 has a slower 25W charging speed, the S25 Plus supports the faster 45W charging and offers up to 512GB of storage.
All seven colors of the Galaxy S25 including the three online exclusive colors
Crucially, Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features, including the Now Brief and Now Bar, are available across the S25 lineup. I’m eager to experience these potentially game-changing AI functionalities on the S25 Plus, with its comfortable design, optimal screen size, and high-end performance.
Camera Considerations
The biggest trade-off with choosing the S25 Plus over the Ultra is the camera system. However, with the primary change on the S25 Ultra being the new wide-angle lens, I don’t feel like I’m missing a revolutionary upgrade. The S25 Plus still retains a 3x optical zoom, a feature I find myself using more frequently than the wide-angle lens.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Verdict
Battery life is always a concern, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency in devices like the OnePlus 13 suggests that the S25 Plus’s slightly smaller battery might not significantly impact longevity. Considering the price difference between the $999 S25 Plus and the $1,299 S25 Ultra, the S25 Plus emerges as a strong contender. While full reviews will ultimately determine the best overall value, the S25 Plus currently feels like the Goldilocks phone of the S25 lineup – just right. You can read our Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on here, and our Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus hands-on here.
