Three weeks into using the Galaxy S25 Plus, and my initial skepticism has morphed into grudging respect. I’m a creature of habit, clinging to my tech like a life raft. Upgrading phones is usually a painful process, a necessary evil. But this time? This time, it’s been… surprisingly pleasant.
My old phone died when I was halfway through a particularly engrossing audiobook during my commute. The sudden silence felt profound, a digital void. Forced into the upgrade, I initially balked at the price tag of the S25 Plus. At launch, it was retailing for around $1,099 (USD) for the base model, a figure that still stings. But, desperate for a functioning phone, I swallowed hard and headed to my local Best Buy.
Buying it wasn’t a simple “add to cart” situation. I spent a good hour comparing it to the S25 and the S25 Ultra. The Ultra, with its insane camera capabilities, was tempting, but the size felt unwieldy. The base S25 felt a bit too… basic. The Plus, however, hit the sweet spot. It offered a larger screen than the standard S25, and a slightly better camera system, without the gargantuan footprint and eye-watering price of the Ultra. Plus, Best Buy was running a trade-in promotion for my old, defunct phone, which knocked a significant chunk off the price. I also opted for the Samsung Care+ plan, because, well, I’m clumsy.
Unboxing the S25 Plus was a minimalist affair. The phone itself, a USB-C charging cable, and some basic documentation. The phone’s design is clean and modern. I got the Phantom Black, which looks sleek and sophisticated, but I’m already regretting not going for the green. Black shows fingerprints like nobody’s business. The flat design is a welcome change from the curved edges of previous models, making it easier to hold and use one-handed. The build quality feels premium, with a sturdy aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back.
The display is where the S25 Plus really shines. The 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is vibrant and crisp, with a refresh rate that adapts dynamically up to 120Hz. This means smooth scrolling and animations, which is a godsend for someone who spends way too much time doomscrolling. Sunlight readability is excellent; I could comfortably read emails and browse the web even on the brightest days. Watching movies on this thing is a pleasure. The colors pop, and the HDR support provides a fantastic viewing experience.
The processor is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, and it’s a beast. Everything is lightning fast. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is effortless, and even demanding games run smoothly. I’ve been playing Genshin Impact on it, and the graphics are stunning, with no lag or stuttering. The phone also handles video editing with ease, which is something I do a lot of for my side hustle.
The camera system is another major upgrade. The S25 Plus features a triple-lens setup: a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera. The main camera captures stunning photos in various lighting conditions, with excellent detail and dynamic range. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. The telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, which is useful for getting closer to subjects without losing image quality. The camera software is packed with features, including Night Mode, which significantly improves low-light photography, and Single Take, which captures multiple photos and videos with a single tap. I took some fantastic shots of my cat, Mittens, in various poses, and the detail captured in her fur was remarkable. The video recording capabilities are also impressive, with support for 8K video at 24fps.
Battery life is a significant improvement over my previous phone. The S25 Plus has a 4,700mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. I can usually get through a day and a half with moderate usage, which is a major win. The phone supports 45W fast charging, which means you can quickly top up the battery when you’re running low. Wireless charging is also supported, which is convenient.
One of the things I’ve been most impressed with is the software. The S25 Plus runs on One UI 7.0, based on Android 16. One UI is intuitive and customizable, with a clean and user-friendly interface. Samsung has also improved its software update policy, promising seven years of OS updates and security patches. This is a massive plus, as it ensures that the phone will remain secure and up-to-date for years to come.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The phone is a fingerprint magnet, as I mentioned before. The lack of a microSD card slot is disappointing, especially considering the price. I opted for the 256GB storage option, which is plenty for now, but I can see myself needing more storage down the line. The in-display fingerprint sensor can be a little finicky at times, although it’s generally reliable. I also miss the physical notification slider of my previous phone.
Where to buy? Best Buy, as I mentioned, is a good option, especially if you’re looking to trade in an old phone. Samsung’s website is another option, and they often have promotions and bundles. You can also find the S25 Plus at major retailers like Amazon, although prices may vary. Consider comparing prices and checking for any ongoing deals before making a purchase.
Shopping considerations include the color options (Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, and White), storage capacity (128GB, 256GB, and 512GB), and whether or not to purchase Samsung Care+. Also, think about your usage habits. If you’re a heavy user, the larger battery and faster processor of the S25 Plus are worth the extra cost. If you’re a casual user, the standard S25 might be a better fit.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 Plus is an excellent phone. It’s fast, powerful, and has a beautiful display and a great camera system. The battery life is impressive, and the software is user-friendly. While the price is high, the S25 Plus offers a premium experience that is well worth the investment. I am actually enjoying using a new phone, which is a rare thing for me.
FAQ
Q: What are the main differences between the S25 Plus and the S25 Ultra?
A: The S25 Ultra has a larger screen, a more advanced camera system (including a higher-resolution main sensor and a more powerful telephoto lens), a larger battery, and support for the S Pen. However, the Ultra is also significantly more expensive and larger in size.
Q: Does the S25 Plus have a headphone jack?
A: No, the S25 Plus does not have a headphone jack. You’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Q: Is the S25 Plus waterproof?
A: Yes, the S25 Plus has an IP68 rating, which means it’s water-resistant and dust-resistant. It can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
Q: What kind of charger does the S25 Plus use?
A: The S25 Plus uses a USB-C charging cable.
Q: Does the S25 Plus support 5G?
A: Yes, the S25 Plus supports 5G connectivity.
Q: What are the storage options available for the S25 Plus?
A: The S25 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
Q: What kind of display does the S25 Plus have?
A: The S25 Plus has a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Q: Where can I buy the S25 Plus?
A: You can buy the S25 Plus at major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, as well as on Samsung’s website.
Q: Is the S25 Plus worth the price?
A: Whether the S25 Plus is worth the price depends on your needs and budget. It’s a premium phone with top-of-the-line features, but it’s also expensive. If you’re looking for a high-performance phone with a great display, camera, and battery life, the S25 Plus is a good choice.