Galaxy S25+ Vs iPhone 15 Plus

Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:624.00

Versus €1,401.57 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:421.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in February 2025, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, are large-screen smartphones offering distinct experiences within their respective ecosystems. While both devices aim to provide robust performance and capable cameras, they differ in their operating systems, display technologies, and long-term software support. The Galaxy S25 Plus runs on Android, while the iPhone 15 Plus operates on iOS.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, both offer substantial longevity, though their approaches to software support and physical resilience vary.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is designed for extended usability, with Samsung committing to seven years of operating system upgrades and security updates, potentially supporting the device up to Android 22. The iPhone 15 Plus typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its release, offering a slightly shorter, but still considerable, period of software relevance.
  • Durability Features: Both smartphones feature robust construction. The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a Ceramic Shield front and an aluminum design, contributing to its resistance against drops and daily wear. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S25 Plus also boasts an IP68 rating and utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection, alongside an aluminum frame.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software update cycle will find the Galaxy S25 Plus appealing due to its seven-year commitment. For those accustomed to the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Plus still provides a strong multi-year experience with consistent updates and a durable build.

Year of Release

2025

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where these two large-screen devices offer different capabilities, influenced by their respective processors and system optimizations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which provides significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and NPU performance compared to its predecessor. This allows for smooth handling of demanding applications, complex multitasking, and advanced AI features. The iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which was a flagship processor at its release, delivering responsive performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and creative applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers ample capacity for keeping numerous applications open simultaneously and switching between them without noticeable delays. The iPhone 15 Plus, with 6GB of RAM, is also optimized for efficient multitasking within the iOS environment, providing a fluid user experience.
  • Real-World Usage: For users engaging in intensive mobile gaming, high-resolution video editing, or utilizing advanced AI functionalities, the newer processor in the Galaxy S25 Plus may offer a more immediate and sustained performance advantage. The iPhone 15 Plus provides a consistently fast and reliable experience for a wide range of common smartphone activities, from browsing and social media to photography and casual gaming.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both the Galaxy S25 Plus and the iPhone 15 Plus is designed to be immersive, though they employ different display technologies and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels), resulting in a high pixel density for sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone 15 Plus also has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2796x1290 pixels, which provides clear images and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S25 Plus offers an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The iPhone 15 Plus features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for most content, and achieves a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring good readability in bright conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: Users who prioritize the smoothest possible on-screen motion and a slightly higher resolution for detailed content will find the Galaxy S25 Plus's display advantageous. The iPhone 15 Plus, with its OLED technology and high peak brightness, delivers a visually rich experience, further enhanced by the Dynamic Island for interactive alerts and activities.

Resolution

1440 x 3120 pixels

1290 x 2796

Audiovisual

Both devices offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, catering to different photographic preferences and needs.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This dedicated telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 48-megapixel main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. It also offers a 2x optical zoom capability by utilizing the main sensor.
  • Photography and Video Features: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, providing high-resolution video capture. The iPhone 15 Plus excels in video recording with 4K Dolby Vision support and features like Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5 for enhanced image processing in various lighting conditions. Both devices offer strong low-light performance for everyday photography.
  • Front Camera and Audio: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S25 Plus includes a 12-megapixel front camera. The iPhone 15 Plus also features a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, which supports advanced facial recognition. Both phones provide stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption.

Front camera

12MP

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to support the latest Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth, and features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 15 Plus also includes a USB-C port, marking a shift from Apple's proprietary Lightning connector, and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. However, the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 Plus operates at USB 2.0 speeds.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication. The iPhone 15 Plus relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric security. Both phones include a range of sensors for features like ambient light adjustment and navigation.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S25 Plus has dimensions of 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm and weighs 190 grams. The iPhone 15 Plus measures 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and weighs 201 grams. Both devices offer a large-screen form factor, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity, though their size may impact one-handed use for some individuals.

Weight

190 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and the iPhone 15 Plus each present compelling options for users seeking a large-screen smartphone, with their strengths aligning with different priorities. User feedback for the Galaxy S25 Plus often highlights its powerful processor and the extensive seven-year software support as significant advantages, ensuring long-term relevance and security. Some users have noted that the battery life, while generally good, may require a learning period to optimize fully. The iPhone 15 Plus is frequently praised for its exceptional battery life, often cited as among the best in its category, and its consistent performance within the iOS ecosystem. A common point of discussion for the iPhone 15 Plus is its 60Hz display refresh rate, which some users find less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

Users who prioritize the absolute latest in Android technology, a high refresh rate display, and a longer commitment to software updates may find the Galaxy S25 Plus to be a more suitable choice. Its dedicated telephoto camera also offers more versatile zoom capabilities. Conversely, individuals deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, those who value industry-leading battery endurance, and prefer the consistent and intuitive experience of iOS, will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Plus. Both devices represent quality-assured options, and considering a refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, allowing for informed and sustainable choices.

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