Galaxy S23 Vs Galaxy S25+

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:249.00

Versus €959.00 new

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Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:624.00

Versus €1,401.57 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23, released in early 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in early 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S25 Plus introduces advancements in display technology, processing power, and extended software support, building upon the solid foundation established by its predecessor.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. Both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 Plus offer robust construction and significant software commitments from Samsung.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 was released in February 2023, while the Galaxy S25 Plus followed in February 2025. This two-year difference means the S25 Plus benefits from a more recent hardware foundation and a longer period before its technology might be considered outdated.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S23 is promised 4 major Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates, extending its support until approximately 2028. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers an extended commitment of 7 years of both OS and security updates, projecting support until 2032. This longer support period for the S25 Plus provides a more future-proof experience for users.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates Gorilla Armor for its display, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance, while the S23 also utilizes durable glass protection.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in modern smartphones is about more than just raw speed; it encompasses how smoothly applications run, how efficiently the device handles multitasking, and its overall responsiveness in daily use. Both the Galaxy S23 and S25 Plus deliver capable performance, but the newer model offers generational improvements.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 is powered by a processor designed for its generation, enabling smooth operation for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a next-generation processor, which provides a noticeable increase in speed and efficiency, resulting in faster app loading times and more fluid transitions, particularly beneficial for intensive tasks and advanced AI features.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 comes with 8 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for managing multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The Galaxy S25 Plus elevates this with 12 GB of RAM, allowing for more aggressive multitasking and ensuring that background applications remain active and ready for instant access.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The Galaxy S23's 128 GB model uses UFS 3.1 storage, while 256 GB and 512 GB variants utilize the faster UFS 4.0 standard. The Galaxy S25 Plus starts with 256 GB of storage, all utilizing the UFS 4.0 standard, contributing to quicker data access and app performance.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S23 and S25 Plus offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with distinct differences in size and clarity.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks in a compact form factor. The Galaxy S25 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which enhances the viewing experience for media consumption and productivity tasks.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The S23 provides a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), delivering sharp images and text for its screen size. The S25 Plus steps up to a WQHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), offering a higher pixel density and even finer detail, which can be particularly noticeable on its larger screen.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S23 achieves a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S25 Plus significantly increases this to a peak brightness of 2600 nits, providing superior outdoor visibility and enhanced HDR content viewing.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120 pixels

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 Plus are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a wide range of photographic and videographic content, with the S25 Plus benefiting from newer processing enhancements.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 Plus maintains a similar hardware configuration with a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto camera. However, the S25 Plus integrates an updated image-processing engine, which aims to deliver more consistent and refined results across various lighting conditions.
  • Photography Performance: Users generally report that the Galaxy S23 captures vibrant photos with good detail, performing well in low-light scenarios and offering solid video stabilization. The Galaxy S25 Plus also provides a dependable camera experience with excellent overall performance, though some user feedback suggests that while processing is improved, the hardware similarity to previous generations means it might not represent a dramatic leap in image quality in all situations.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. For selfies and video calls, both phones are equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera, producing clear images with good color reproduction.

Front camera

12 megapixels

12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and additional features.

  • Connectivity Options: The Galaxy S23 supports 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, providing reliable wireless connections for data, internet, and accessories. The Galaxy S25 Plus upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster wireless speeds and improved efficiency for compatible devices and networks.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 is a more compact device, measuring 70.9 x 146.3 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168 g, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy S25 Plus is larger and slightly heavier at 75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3 mm and 190 g, offering a more expansive screen experience. Both feature flat displays and durable build materials, including an Armor Aluminum frame.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both smartphones utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. They also include essential sensors such as an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking and facial recognition. Stereo speakers are present on both models, enhancing the audio experience for media consumption.

Weight

167 g

190 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 Plus cater to slightly different user preferences, primarily due to their generational differences and form factors. Users frequently praise the Galaxy S23 for its compact size, strong performance for its class, and capable camera system, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a smaller device that still delivers flagship-level features. Its battery life is generally considered good for a compact phone, especially for moderate usage.

The Galaxy S25 Plus, as a newer model, receives commendation for its larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. Its enhanced processing power and increased RAM contribute to a very fluid and responsive user experience, particularly with demanding applications and the latest AI features. The significantly longer software support commitment is also a key advantage, appealing to users who prioritize device longevity. However, some user feedback indicates that while the camera system is dependable, the hardware similarities to its predecessors mean it might not always offer a groundbreaking photographic upgrade compared to other devices in its class, with some noting that images can be a bit soft or lack detail in specific scenarios.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with excellent performance and a reliable camera system for everyday use may find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. For those who value a larger, more vibrant display, cutting-edge performance, and a significantly extended software support window, the Galaxy S25 Plus presents a compelling option. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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