Galaxy S25+ Vs iPhone 15

Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:624.00

Versus €1,401.57 new

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iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:397.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in early 2025, and the Apple iPhone 15, launched in late 2023, represent two distinct approaches to high-end smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differ notably in their display technology, camera systems, and software ecosystems. The Galaxy S25 Plus operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, providing extensive customization, whereas the iPhone 15 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined interface and tight integration.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S25 Plus, being a 2025 model, benefits from a more recent launch, while the iPhone 15 was released in 2023.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S25 Plus is projected to receive seven years of major OS upgrades and security updates, extending its software support significantly into the future. This means it will likely be supported up to Android 22. The iPhone 15 is guaranteed a minimum of five years of software and security updates from its release, with Apple often providing support beyond this period, making it compatible with iOS 26.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display and back, alongside an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 15 utilizes a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum design, also carrying an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water.
  • Practical Lifespan: The extended software support for the Galaxy S25 Plus suggests a longer period of receiving new features and security patches, potentially making it a viable option for a greater number of years. However, Apple's history of providing updates beyond its stated minimums means the iPhone 15 also offers substantial longevity.

Year of Release

2025

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding multimedia. Both the Galaxy S25 Plus and the iPhone 15 deliver responsive experiences, though they achieve this with different underlying hardware.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor, which offers notable improvements in CPU performance, graphics rendering, and AI task handling compared to its predecessors. This translates to smooth multitasking and efficient handling of intensive applications. The iPhone 15 features a powerful processor from the previous year's Pro models, providing robust performance for demanding apps and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S25 Plus typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating seamless transitions between multiple open applications. It offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB. The iPhone 15 includes 6GB of RAM, which is optimized for iOS to manage applications effectively. Storage configurations for the iPhone 15 are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 Plus houses a 4900 mAh battery, with user reports indicating a full day of use for many, and around 14-17 hours in video playback tests. The iPhone 15 offers up to 20 hours of video playback, though some users of the base model report around 6-6.5 hours of screen-on time with heavy use. The larger iPhone 15 Plus variant generally provides extended battery life.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and both devices offer high-quality displays, albeit with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high resolution of 3120x1440 pixels (QHD+). This results in a sharp and detailed viewing experience. The iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its excellent color accuracy and contrast, with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels (FHD+).
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits. The iPhone 15 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent visual experience, and offers a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S25 Plus offers more expansive real estate for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone 15's slightly smaller display is well-suited for one-handed use and portability, while still delivering a clear and immersive viewing experience.

Resolution

1440 x 3120 pixels

1179 x 2556

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S25 Plus and the iPhone 15 are capable imaging devices, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, though their camera hardware configurations differ.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This dedicated telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 15 employs an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It achieves 2x telephoto capabilities by cropping from the high-resolution main sensor.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S25 Plus includes a 'Pro Visual Engine' for enhanced image processing, aiming for improved object recognition and color reproduction, especially in challenging lighting. The iPhone 15 benefits from features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, and Night mode, which work to optimize image quality across different scenarios. Both devices offer advanced portrait modes.
  • Video Capabilities: The Galaxy S25 Plus can record video at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 15 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with features like Cinematic mode and Action mode for creative video capture. Both provide good microphone quality for recordings and calls, and offer clear speaker output for media consumption.

Front camera

12MP

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports 5G networks and is expected to feature the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for fast and reliable wireless connections. It utilizes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 15 also supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6, along with Bluetooth 5.3. It has transitioned to a USB-C port, though its data transfer speeds are aligned with USB 2.0.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking and authentication, the Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. The iPhone 15 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S25 Plus measures 158.4 x 75.7 x 7.3 mm and weighs 190g, offering a substantial feel in hand. The iPhone 15 is more compact at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 171g, making it easier for one-handed operation. Both devices feature premium build materials and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Weight

190 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User sentiment for the Galaxy S25 Plus often highlights its expansive and vibrant display, robust performance for demanding applications, and the long-term commitment to software updates. Users appreciate the versatility of its triple camera system, particularly the dedicated telephoto lens. Some discussions point to its battery life as a strong point, often lasting a full day even with heavy usage. Criticisms are less common but sometimes touch on the iterative nature of design changes compared to previous generations.

For the iPhone 15, common praise centers on its consistent and intuitive iOS experience, reliable camera performance in various conditions, and its compact design that is comfortable for many users. The integration of the Dynamic Island and the shift to USB-C were also well-received. Some users, particularly of the base model, have noted that battery life can be a concern with intensive use, though the iPhone 15 Plus generally receives higher marks for endurance.

Users prioritizing a larger, high-resolution display with a high refresh rate and a dedicated telephoto camera may find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its extended software support also makes it an appealing choice for those seeking maximum longevity from their device. Conversely, users who value a more compact form factor, the streamlined iOS ecosystem, and consistent camera performance with advanced computational photography features may lean toward the iPhone 15. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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