Samsung Galaxy S25+

Manuel Masiero and team at Notebookcheck highlight the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a reliable, high-end Android smartphone that excels in performance, display quality, and battery life, making it a “safe bet” for users seeking longevity and premium features. The review praises its bright LTPO AMOLED display, solid build quality, good triple-camera setup, and notably long 7-year update support—an industry-leading commitment. Connectivity options like WiFi 7, UWB, and Auracast add modern versatility. However, the S25+ shows only incremental improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy S24+, with a faster Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip and Android 15 but no major innovations. Criticisms include limited Bluetooth codec support, conservative PWM dimming, and a camera system that, while good, lacks the top-tier sharpness of flagship rivals. Thermal throttling under heavy load and modest zoom capabilities also temper enthusiasm. Overall, the Galaxy S25+ is positioned as a well-rounded, dependable flagship with few surprises but strong fundamentals.

Abrar Al-Heeti from CNET highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus as reliable, practical smartphones that prioritize consistency over radical innovation. While the design closely mirrors last year’s models, the reviewer appreciates the subtle yet effective AI enhancements, such as AI Select for text actions, conversational search in the Gallery, and the Google Gemini assistant, which pleasantly grew on them despite initial AI fatigue. The phones excel in core areas like camera quality—with impressive portrait mode and AI-powered editing tools—and battery life, delivering solid endurance and fast charging. However, some AI features like Portrait Studio and Now Brief feel more gimmicky or underdeveloped. The reviewer recommends the baseline S25 for most users, noting the Plus offers little extra beyond size and slightly better charging. Overall, the Galaxy S25 series offers a balanced blend of familiar strengths and thoughtful AI integration, making it a worthwhile upgrade for older Galaxy users but less compelling for recent S24 owners.

C. Scott Brown from Android Authority assesses the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus as a competent but uninspired smartphone that struggles to justify its existence. While the phone delivers tangible performance improvements thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and offers useful software innovations like AI-powered search within Gallery and settings, its design and hardware remain largely unchanged from the Galaxy S24 Plus. The lack of camera upgrades for three consecutive years and minimal battery improvements are notable disappointments. Brown highlights that the new software features, though impressive, will soon be available on older Galaxy models, further diminishing the S25 Plus’s appeal. He suggests the phone mainly benefits users upgrading from much older devices like the Galaxy S22 or earlier, but for most others, the Galaxy S24 or even the S24 FE offers better value. Ultimately, the review conveys a tone of cautious disappointment, praising the phone’s strengths but criticizing Samsung’s complacency and lack of meaningful innovation.

Iyaz Akhtar from PCMag highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a compelling mid-tier flagship that delivers nearly all the benefits of the pricier S25 Ultra in a slightly smaller, lighter, and more affordable package. Praising its stunning high-resolution display, blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and advanced Galaxy AI features, Akhtar emphasizes the phone’s excellent performance in real-world benchmarks and smooth gaming experience. While the design feels familiar and somewhat stale after several years, build quality remains excellent, and the vibrant color options add personality. The camera system closely matches the Ultra’s in most scenarios, though it lacks the Ultra’s superior zoom capabilities and S Pen stylus. Battery life is solid but not class-leading, and charging speeds lag behind some competitors. Akhtar also notes minor biometric limitations and suggests Samsung could improve face unlock security. Overall, the S25+ strikes a strong balance of size, features, and price, making it a smart choice for those who want flagship power without the Ultra’s premium cost or bulk.

John Velasco from Tom’s Guide highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus as a capable and feature-rich smartphone, particularly praising its powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, improved Galaxy AI features, and a thinner, lighter design. However, he expresses clear reservations about its value proposition, noting that it shares nearly identical cameras and AI capabilities with the cheaper Galaxy S25, making the $200 price gap hard to justify. The review points out the phone’s dimmer display compared to its predecessor and only modest battery life improvements, which fall short of expectations given the larger battery capacity. Camera performance, especially the 3x optical zoom, lags behind competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x zoom, which is a significant drawback at this price point. Velasco appreciates the practical AI additions such as Call Transcript and Audio Eraser but calls for broader third-party app support to unlock their full potential. Ultimately, he recommends the standard Galaxy S25 over the Plus unless a larger screen is a priority.

GSMArena Team highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a well-balanced flagship that carves out its niche between the standard S25 and the Ultra model, primarily thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This overclocked processor delivers a notable 30% performance boost, alongside upgraded Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support, marking the most significant improvement over the Galaxy S24+. The phone retains the premium design, vibrant 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and versatile camera setup from its predecessor, while modestly enhancing battery charging capabilities with Qi2.1 wireless support. Software updates bring AI-driven features via One UI 7 and Android 15, though these are shared with the previous generation. While praised for its performance leap and balanced feature set, the review expresses some disappointment over the lack of durability improvements and camera enhancements, particularly in the ultrawide lens, which have been deferred. Overall, the Galaxy S25+ is positioned as a compelling, feature-rich option for those seeking a mid-tier flagship experience.

Chris Hall from Trusted Reviews highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus as a refined and powerful smartphone that excels in daily use, offering a great display, solid design, and long-term software support. While the phone impresses with its slim, lightweight build and vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED screen enhanced by ProScaler AI upscaling, it largely carries over the hardware and camera setup from its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Plus. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset delivers smooth performance, though the device can warm under heavy load. Hall notes that Samsung’s AI features feel oversold and add little practical value, and the 3x optical zoom lags behind competitors offering 5x zoom. Battery life is strong, with sensible charging speeds that prioritize longevity. Overall, the S25 Plus is a solid choice for those upgrading from older models, but less compelling for recent owners seeking major innovations. The review balances praise for reliability and polish with measured criticism of incremental updates and AI hype.

Dan Seifert from WIRED highlights that the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is a technically solid and reliable smartphone, offering smooth performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and improved thermal management, which notably benefits mobile gaming. However, the review conveys a tempered enthusiasm, emphasizing that the S25+ and its siblings lack significant innovation or excitement compared to previous models. While the design tweaks—such as flatter edges and slimmer bezels—improve usability, the overall aesthetic and color options feel uninspired. The camera system remains largely unchanged, with the 3X optical zoom telephoto lens feeling outdated against competitors’ advancements. AI features, including the new Gemini assistant, show promise but are limited in scope and third-party integration, reducing their impact. Wireless charging with Qi2 support is hindered by the absence of built-in magnets, complicating user experience. Ultimately, the Galaxy S25+ is a dependable upgrade for older devices but falls short of delivering compelling reasons to upgrade from recent models or justify its premium price.

Stephen Radochia from Android Police delivers a measured and somewhat conflicted assessment of the Samsung Galaxy S25+. While acknowledging it as a solid, reliable smartphone with a gorgeous 6.7-inch AMOLED display, smooth software experience, and impressive seven years of software support, he expresses clear frustration with Samsung’s cautious approach to innovation. The review highlights the phone’s thin, lightweight design and improved battery efficiency but criticizes the lack of hardware upgrades in the camera system and the stagnant battery capacity. Samsung’s AI features, particularly Galaxy AI and Now Brief, are described as underwhelming and unfinished, detracting from the overall experience. Radochia also points out slower charging speeds and the absence of a 16GB RAM option, which competitors offer at similar prices. Despite these shortcomings, he concedes the Galaxy S25+ remains the best practical choice for many users upgrading through carriers, though he laments Samsung’s failure to push boundaries in 2025.

Anyron Copeman from Tech Advisor highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a refined, well-balanced flagship that excels through top-tier performance, a gorgeous and versatile display, and a superb, AI-enhanced software experience. While the design is deliberately understated, it offers durability and timeless appeal rather than flashiness. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset delivers exceptional speed and gaming prowess, though extended sessions cause some warmth. The camera system remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, with a strong main lens but less impressive telephoto and ultrawide shooters, making it a step behind ultra-premium rivals. Battery life is solid but not outstanding, with relatively slow 45W charging and wireless charging requiring a separate case. One UI 7, powered by Google Gemini AI, stands out as a major strength, offering intuitive customization and useful AI tools. Overall, the S25+ is positioned as the sweet spot in Samsung’s lineup—ideal for users upgrading from older models but not for recent Galaxy owners—delivering iterative excellence with few real weaknesses.

Peter Kostadinov from PhoneArena highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus as a refined, reliable flagship that excels through steady, incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking innovation. While the phone closely resembles its recent predecessors, it delivers excellent overall performance, great battery life, and a polished software experience with One UI 7. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powers the device impressively, especially in gaming and graphics, positioning it ahead of many competitors. The camera system remains largely unchanged in hardware but benefits from improved image processing that favors natural, true-to-life photos, albeit with slightly reduced sharpness compared to the Galaxy S24 Plus. Unique software features like AI-powered ProScaler and enhanced video editing tools add subtle value, though their real-world impact is limited. Despite minor drawbacks such as a lack of major upgrades and a camera that feels like a slight step back in sharpness, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers excellent value at $999 and stands out as the best choice for users who don’t need the S Pen or Ultra’s premium extras.

Chris Hall from T3 highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus as a solid, well-rounded flagship that excels through refinement rather than radical innovation. While the phone closely resembles its predecessor in design and camera hardware, it benefits from the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, delivering smooth and responsive performance. The display remains vibrant and bright, with the new ProScaler AI upscaling feature offering subtle enhancements, though not groundbreaking. Battery life is reliable, though charging speeds lag behind some competitors. Hall notes Samsung’s heavy AI marketing, but finds the actual AI features underwhelming and somewhat cluttered due to overlap with Google’s AI tools. The camera system, unchanged from the previous model, performs well for everyday use but doesn’t surpass rivals like the Pixel 9 Pro. Ultimately, the Galaxy S25 Plus is praised as a dependable, manageable flagship with a strong software update promise, recommended for those seeking a polished experience rather than cutting-edge novelty.

Mike Andronico from CNN Underscored highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a beautifully reliable and high-performing smartphone that excels in battery life, camera versatility, and AI-enhanced features, though it offers few groundbreaking changes from previous models. He praises its stunning design, lightning-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and best-in-class battery endurance, which comfortably lasts through heavy daily use. The camera delivers vibrant, saturated photos and impressive zoom capabilities, especially in daylight and low-light stills, though low-light video quality falls short compared to competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro. Andronico finds some of the new AI tools genuinely useful—such as Google Gemini assistant and Audio Eraser—while others feel gimmicky or underwhelming. Ultimately, he views the S25+ as a solid, future-proof flagship ideal for Samsung loyalists or those upgrading from much older devices, but he cautions that incremental improvements and a largely unchanged design may not justify an upgrade for recent Galaxy owners.

Cory Gunther from How-To Geek highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a solid, well-rounded flagship that strikes a near-perfect balance between performance, design, and usability. While the phone is easy to overlook due to its strong resemblance to last year’s S24+ and minimal hardware innovation, it offers meaningful upgrades like a slimmer bezel, lighter frame, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Gunther praises its beautiful 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, excellent battery life, and reliable camera system that delivers consistently punchy photos, making it a compelling choice for most users. He uniquely emphasizes that the S25+ provides nearly all the benefits of the larger Ultra model but in a more manageable size, which ultimately led him to keep the Plus over the Ultra. Criticisms include underwhelming AI features, a lack of significant camera improvements, and some questionable software UI changes. Overall, the review conveys a cautiously positive tone, recommending the S25+ especially for those upgrading from older Galaxy models.

Allison Johnson from The Verge highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a solid, reliable flagship that continues the brand’s recent trend of incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking innovation. She emphasizes that the device excels in delivering a polished user experience with smooth performance, quality photography, and a premium feel that justifies its $999 price tag. The promise of seven years of OS updates stands out as a significant value proposition, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to longevity. However, Johnson also notes a sense of familiarity and repetition compared to previous models, suggesting the S25+ offers little in the way of fresh features or dramatic hardware advancements. Overall, the review conveys a moderately positive but measured enthusiasm, appreciating the phone’s dependability and software focus while acknowledging its iterative nature within a mature product cycle.

Kerry Wan from ZDNET highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus as a surprisingly compelling middle option in Samsung’s flagship lineup, quickly becoming their favorite among the S25 models. Praising its balanced design with rounded edges and a slimmer profile, Wan finds it more comfortable and charming than the larger S25 Ultra, especially noting the attractive new Navy color. The review emphasizes the S25 Plus’s strong feature set, including a 256GB base storage, a large 4,900mAh battery, and a QHD+ display with Samsung’s ProScaler technology, which enhances visual clarity over the standard S25. Wan points out that the S25 Plus shares nearly all core hardware and software features with the Ultra, except for the high-end 200MP camera and stylus functionality, which are not critical for most users. The review’s tone is measured but positive, suggesting the S25 Plus offers excellent value and performance, making it a smart choice for those seeking flagship capabilities without paying a premium for the Ultra’s niche extras.

Paul Thurrott from Thurrott.com highlights the Samsung Galaxy S25+ as a standout smartphone that strikes a compelling balance within Samsung’s 2025 flagship lineup. He praises its stunning design, lightweight build, and industry-leading 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which rivals top competitors in brightness and clarity. Performance is described as silky smooth, powered by a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with excellent thermal management. The camera system, while not as advanced as the Ultra model, impresses with consistent, natural-looking photos and an intuitive app interface, making it the reviewer’s favorite for photography. Connectivity and audio features are solid, though the USB data speed and speaker balance have minor drawbacks. Battery life is the main disappointment, requiring midday charging under heavy use. Thurrott also notes Samsung’s software bloat and complex AI features but appreciates the evolving One UI experience and long-term update support. Overall, he finds the Galaxy S25+ a highly recommended, well-rounded Android flagship that pleasantly surprised him.