Samsung’s Galaxy S series remains a benchmark in the flagship phone market.
With the recently unveiled Galaxy S25 series, Samsung offers a range of sizes, features, and prices to cater to diverse preferences.
Here’s how the S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra stack up and what sets them apart.
What are the differences between the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Galaxy S25 phones have plenty in common, but also more differences than you might think. Here are the key ways in which they differ.
Design & Display
The Galaxy S25 is the smallest and lightest of the trio, making it ideal for those who prefer a compact flagship.
Its 6.2-inch flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, matt-finished back, and durable aluminium frame ensures a premium feel without adding bulk.
It’s a phone that should easily fit in your pocket but doesn’t compromise on build quality.
The S25+ offers a 6.7-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, placing it firmly in the middle of the lineup.
It’s slightly larger and heavier than the S25, but its rounded flat edges and streamlined design should maintain comfort during extended use.
It shares the same durable Armour Aluminium build and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 as the standard S25.
For those who want it all, the 6.9-inch S25 Ultra is Samsung at its most ambitious. Its titanium frame and flat QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display exude luxury and durability.
Luke Baker / Foundry
However, at 218g, it’s noticeably heavier compared to 190g of the S25+ and 162g of the S25. The Ultra also features an integrated S Pen, catering to productivity and digital art enthusiasts.
Cameras
The S25 and S25+ share a 50Mp main sensor, 12Mp ultrawide, and 10Mp 3x telephoto camera.
Luke Baker / Foundry
This is the same setup found on the S24 and S24+, which offers a reliable balance of detail, colour, and zoom capabilities. There are AI enhancements that supposedly improve low-light shots and dynamic range as well.
Both phones also support 4K video recording and AI-based editing tools, such as object removal and reflection adjustments.
Luke Baker / Foundry
The Ultra takes imaging to the next level with a 200Mp main camera, a 50Mp 5x telephoto lens, a 10Mp 3x telephoto from the S24 Ultra, and a new 50Mp ultrawide lens with macro capabilities that replaces the previous 12Mp camera.
Night mode, detailed macro shots, and 8K video recording make it the ideal choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery & Charging
With a 4000mAh battery, the S25 should handle a full day of moderate use. It supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.
Luke Baker / Foundry
The S25+ increases the battery to 4900mAh, ensuring longer usage between charges.
It also upgrades to 45W wired charging, allowing for faster refills. Wireless charging remains at 15W.
Luke Baker / Foundry
The Ultra packs a 5000mAh battery, promising excellent endurance even with its large screen.
It matches the S25+ with 45W wired charging but supports reverse wireless charging, letting you top up accessories like earbuds.
Other differences
The S25 offers up to 256GB, while the S25+ goes up to 512GB of storage, and the Ultra reaches 1TB. None of them, however, have expandable storage, so choose wisely.
The latter is also the only one that includes an integrated S Pen and next-generation DX anti-reflective glass.
What they have in common, however, is that all models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and benefit from Samsung’s class-leading seven years of updates, ensuring great longevity.
Price & Availability
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 series are live now, ahead of all three phones shipping on 7 February.
The standard Galaxy S25 starts at £799/$799.99 for the cheapest 128GB version. Meanwhile, the S25+ costs £999/$999.99 for the entry-level 256GB option and the the S25 Ultra starts at £1,249/$1,299.99 for the same storage variant. US pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the figures are likely to be very similar.
Verdict
If you can afford the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it offers the best Samsung experience in a smartphone. However, the standard Galaxy S25 is a fantastic choice if you prefer smaller devices or have a tighter budget, as it includes the same update support and AI features for much less.
Luke Baker / Foundry
The S25+ mainly adds a bigger screen and battery, which may not justify the $200/£200 more for most users. Unless you specifically want a larger display but not the Ultra, the S25 is the smarter option.
Whichever model you choose, you’ll enjoy an excellent display, premium build, smooth software, and seven years of updates.
