Galaxy S23+ Vs Galaxy S25+

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:307.20

Versus €1,072.00 new

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Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:624.00

Versus €1,401.57 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, represent two generations of Samsung's premium smartphone line. While both devices offer a large display and a versatile camera system, the S25 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, display resolution, and extended software support. Both run on the Android operating system, with the S25 Plus launching with a newer version and promising a longer update cycle.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus was released in February 2023, while the Galaxy S25 Plus followed two years later in February 2025. This two-year difference directly impacts their remaining software support and overall practical lifespan.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy S23 Plus is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its support until approximately Android 17, along with five years of security updates, concluding around February 2028. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, offering seven years of both OS and security updates, meaning it will receive updates up to Android 22 and security patches until February 2032.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection, providing a similar level of resistance against drops and scratches. They also share an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in fresh water.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently it handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus handles demanding applications, high-fidelity gaming, and intensive multitasking with ease, offering a smooth and responsive user experience. The Galaxy S25 Plus, with its newer generation processor, delivers even faster performance, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced capabilities for advanced AI features and future applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking needs. The S25 Plus typically offers 12GB of RAM as standard, providing more headroom for heavy multitasking and ensuring applications remain responsive even with many open in the background.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 4700 mAh battery, offering excellent battery life that can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, and often two days with moderate usage. The Galaxy S25 Plus includes a slightly larger 4900 mAh battery, and with software optimizations and a more efficient processor, it also provides strong all-day endurance, with some users reporting up to 8-9 hours of screen-on time.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch display, while the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen, providing a marginally more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The S23 Plus features a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), delivering clear visuals for most content. The S25 Plus upgrades to a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), offering a noticeably sharper image with finer detail. The S23 Plus reaches a peak brightness of 1750 nits, while the S25 Plus can achieve up to 2600 nits, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The higher resolution and increased peak brightness of the S25 Plus contribute to a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, especially for high-definition media and outdoor use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120 pixels

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S25 Plus offer capable camera systems, designed to capture a variety of moments with clarity and detail.

  • Rear Camera System: Both models feature a triple-camera setup on the rear. This typically includes a 50MP main wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While the hardware specifications for the S25 Plus's cameras are largely similar to its predecessor, the newer model benefits from advancements in image processing and computational photography, often leading to improved detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance.
  • Video Recording: Both devices are capable of recording video at 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, and 4K at 60 frames per second. The S25 Plus introduces features like 10-bit HDR video recording and a Log video format for more flexible post-production.
  • Front Camera: Both phones are equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Front camera

12 megapixels

12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S25 Plus upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable wireless connections. Both support 5G cellular networks.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g. The S25 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm and a weight of 190g, potentially offering a more comfortable grip for some users. Both feature a flat display and a premium build with an Armor Aluminum frame.
  • Biometric Security and Ports: Both devices incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, and offer face recognition capabilities. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Weight

168 g

190 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and S25 Plus both offer a robust smartphone experience, but cater to slightly different priorities. User feedback for the S23 Plus often praises its reliable performance, solid battery life, and capable camera system, making it a well-rounded device for most users. Some users, however, noted that its display resolution was not as high as some competitors.

For the Galaxy S25 Plus, common praise points highlight its enhanced processing power, the sharper QHD+ display, and the significantly extended software support policy, which is a major draw for long-term ownership. Some users have noted that while the S25 Plus offers better battery efficiency, the improvement might not be substantial enough for all users to warrant an upgrade solely for that reason. The inclusion of advanced AI features is also a frequently mentioned benefit.

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software lifespan, a sharper and brighter display, and the latest advancements in processing power will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its QHD+ screen and longer update commitment make it a strong choice for those who keep their devices for many years. Conversely, users who value a proven, high-performing device with excellent battery life and a still-capable camera system, and who may not require the very latest generational improvements, may lean toward the Galaxy S23 Plus. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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