After reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, I transitioned to the Galaxy S25 Plus. Having previously identified it as the standout model during my hands-on experience, I was eager to confirm my initial impressions. I’m pleased to report they were accurate, although I hadn’t anticipated finding the phone somewhat unexciting. However, this isn’t a negative review. I appreciate its understated nature.
Understated Excellence
My review unit, the Galaxy S25 Plus, is the attractive navy blue color, a subtle yet appealing alternative to the standard black. As expected, the chassis edges are less sharp than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, providing a more comfortable grip and reducing hand fatigue. Its slim and lightweight design makes it effortlessly pocketable.
Performance matches the Galaxy S25 Ultra; it’s incredibly fast. One UI 7 is a fantastic operating system, and both it and my regular apps have been consistently responsive and reliable. Initially, I had concerns about the finish’s durability after observing significant scratches on another review unit caused by a smart ring. However, despite wearing an Oura Ring 4, my Galaxy S25 Plus remains pristine after nearly two weeks.
AI Features: Hit and Miss
I had reservations about the usefulness of Samsung’s AI-powered Now Brief feature during my S25 Ultra review, and unfortunately, those concerns remain. Without a Samsung smartwatch paired and a relatively empty calendar, Now Brief proved entirely redundant. It resorted to displaying generic messages like “Have a nice day” on the lock screen, seemingly acknowledging its lack of utility. And frankly, it wasn’t wrong; I was managing just fine without it.
A Reliable All-Rounder
At first glance, the Galaxy S25 Plus appears somewhat unremarkable. It lacks the S25 Ultra’s camera versatility and S Pen stylus, has a smaller screen, and doesn’t carry the “Ultra” prestige. It’s also pricier than the base Galaxy S25, making the latter more appealing for budget-conscious consumers. However, a closer look reveals the S25 Plus’s true strengths.
Its seamless performance and excellent display have allowed me to fully immerse myself in my current obsession, Magic The Gathering Arena. The phone handles the game’s demanding download size and intricate animations effortlessly, while the screen showcases the graphics beautifully. The comfortable form factor allows for extended gameplay, and it shares the Ultra’s 45W fast wired charging capability.
While the camera isn’t as versatile as the S25 Ultra’s, its everyday performance has been excellent, and it retains all the AI-powered features of its more expensive counterpart. Samsung’s AI object removal is particularly impressive, accurately and efficiently filling in complex shapes without excessive blurring or simply failing. The examples above demonstrate its ability to seamlessly remove objects and reconstruct the background convincingly.
A Practical Choice
The AI object removal feature has been the most valuable AI tool for me, unlike other features like Now Brief. While these additions are welcome, they aren’t necessarily compelling reasons to purchase the phone. So, if Samsung’s AI features aren’t enough to justify the Ultra’s premium price, what about the S25 Plus?
I’ve enjoyed the S25 Plus as much as the S25 Ultra, and if I were buying it myself, I’d likely appreciate it even more considering the $300 price difference. Using the S25 Plus reaffirmed that the S Pen’s lack of Bluetooth remote shutter functionality and the Ultra’s less ergonomic design are non-essential for me. The S25 Plus offers comparable performance in a more manageable form factor.
While not particularly exciting, the S25 Plus is a reliable, highly capable smartphone. For those seeking a dependable, feature-rich device, the S25 Plus is an excellent choice, potentially surpassing the more expensive but not significantly superior S25 Ultra.
However, for those seeking a more visually appealing and distinctive phone, the OnePlus 13, with its Hasselblad camera and vibrant color options, might be a better fit. While I’d personally choose the OnePlus 13, the S25 Plus remains a solid recommendation for those prioritizing functionality over flair.
