2026 has been increasingly plagued by the ongoing RAM crisis; as companies focus their resources on building more data centers for AI, smartphone prices get higher. Fortunately, some of last year's models are largely unaffected, and phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus remain viable options in 2026. In fact, the Galaxy S25 Plus is down to its lowest price thanks to this Prime Day deal, and it's quite an incredible steal.

The Galaxy S25 Plus launched at a relatively high price of $999, which is $100 less than the Galaxy S26 Plus's launch price. As a very powerful phone, it was priced pretty reasonably, but still eye-watering. However, at 34% off, you can grab this powerful AI phone for just $664.

• Prime Day returns June 23-26: see the full list of deals

I've reviewed the last few Galaxy S "Plus" models, and the S25 Plus is still an incredible smartphone, even with its more powerful successor available. It's powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite and sports 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is a sweet spot for most consumers.

The Galaxy S25 Plus is something of a middle child of the S series, sporting a large QHD+ display and a big, all-day battery, but without the big 200MP quad-camera system of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Still, it features an impressive triple-camera system with a 50MP primary sensor and a 3x telephoto camera. It also comes in an array of colors, my favorite being the Navy hue.

One of the great things about the Galaxy S25 Plus is that it still gets many of the latest One UI 8.5 features found on the Galaxy S26 Plus. There are plenty of AI editing tools, upgraded camera features, and even a new AI-powered Bixby. And thanks to Samsung's generous update policy, the Galaxy S25 Plus will still receive years of OS upgrades and security updates.

There are plenty of reasons why you should still grab last year's Galaxy, especially at this price. However, if you wanted the latest model, the Galaxy S26 Plus is also on sale. The phone, which originally cost $1,099, is now down to as low as $759, which is a lot more reasonable for a phone with the latest Agentic AI features.

As many Samsung phone deals start to arrive ahead of Memorial Day, this next entry is a great premium option that quickly caught our eye. For a limited time, Amazon is selling the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for 30% off, bringing the price down to just $700.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a solid phone with a relatively large display, an excellent suite of cameras, and fast performance backed by a Snapdragon chipset and the swift One UI 7. It's perfect for those who prefer a slightly larger phone, and those who need a device with high-powered processing for gaming or other power-intensive tasks. It also has a long-lasting battery with fast charging and wireless charging, and a broad range of AI features that users really like.

This particular deal is for the mid-range storage option that comes with 256GB of storage, and for the version of the phone in Navy. At the time of writing, the Silver Shadow color has just a small discount, while other colorways aren't on sale at the moment.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a phone with a relatively large screen, a long-lasting battery, and powerful performance for tasks such as gaming and video editing; you like having a phone with a wide range of AI features; you want a phone that has a user-friendly interface

❌Skip this deal if: you'd rather go with an even larger phone, or would consider another model from our best Android phones index; you'd prefer to go with a phone that includes substantial upgrades from previous generations; you want something with MagSafe charging built in.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a capable premium-level phone with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display sporting a 120Hz refresh rate, 45W charging, and all-day battery life. Performance is backed by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and 12GB of RAM, and the speedy performance is complemented by the user-friendly One UI 7.

As for cameras, it comes with a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto, and a 12MP front-facing, wide hole punch camera. All in all, it's a pretty good deal at $300 off, especially given that it normally retails at $1,000.

What you need to know

• One UI 8.5 stable for Galaxy S25 may still be weeks away despite ongoing beta testing.
• Samsung is reportedly planning up to ten beta builds, with two more expected in April.
• Stable rollout could happen in late April or May, but users can join the beta now.

Samsung has been testing the One UI 8.5 release for the Galaxy S25 series for a few months now, but it looks like the stable update could still be a few weeks away.

The stable version of One UI 8.5 debuted with the Galaxy S26 series in February 2026, bringing features like a customizable Quick Settings panel, upgraded Photo Assist tools, and new AI additions like Gemini screen automation. If you've been waiting to try it on your Galaxy S25, it looks like you might still have to wait a bit longer.

As shared by reliable Samsung leaker Tarun Vats on X, the company is reportedly planning a total of ten One UI 8.5 beta updates for the Galaxy S25 lineup. The latest beta 8 rolled out in March, but Samsung is said to have two more betas lined up for April.

According to the leaker, One UI 8.5 beta 9 is expected around April 9, while the 10th beta could arrive around April 20. This means if you were hoping that Samsung would now end the beta cycle and release the stable update in April, it seems like that won't be happening.

Samsung hasn't introduced many new features in the recent betas, instead focusing on bug fixes and stability improvements. However, it seems the company is still not happy with the current situation and will continue to refine the beta builds.

This ultimately means that we could see the stable build of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 arrive sometime later in April or May, but that's still speculation for now.

We'll keep you updated once Samsung releases the stable One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S25. In the meantime, if you don't want to wait, you can still join the beta via the Samsung Members app on your phone. That said, it comes with caveats, as the beta build might still have a few bugs lying around.

Android Central's Take

Samsung clearly doesn't want to rush this one, and honestly, that's a good thing. I've tried One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S26 series, and it's probably one of the most stable software experiences I've used in a while. I'd rather wait a bit longer for a polished rollout than deal with bugs.

What you need to know

• Samsung is rolling out a Quick Share app update via Galaxy Store that adds AirDrop file sharing support to older Galaxy devices.
• The feature is appearing on Galaxy S22 to S25 models, but isn't functional yet.
• The update signals a wider rollout soon, likely with One UI 8.5.

Samsung recently added support for sharing files over Apple's AirDrop to the Galaxy S26 series last week, and now it looks like the feature won't stay limited to those devices for long.

As spotted by Reddit users (via Tarun Vats on X), a Quick Share app update is rolling out via the Galaxy Store on older Samsung devices that appears to add support for AirDrop file sharing with Apple devices. Users report seeing the same new "Share with Apple devices" section we first saw on Galaxy S26 devices in the Settings app after updating Quick Share.

The update is reportedly showing up on Galaxy models ranging from the Galaxy S22 to last year's Galaxy S25 series. The catch, however, is that the feature doesn't seem to be working yet. It's appearing on devices running One UI 8 as well as the One UI 8.5 beta, but enabling the toggle doesn't activate the functionality for now.

Users say that turning on the feature doesn't make their device visible to Apple devices, and no Apple devices show up in Quick Share either. It's possible Samsung or Google still needs to enable it server-side, but it does confirm that broader rollout to older Galaxy devices is coming. The feature could arrive fully with the One UI 8.5 update.

Either way, this is an exciting move, as Samsung seems to be expanding AirDrop support across its flagship lineup, which could finally make cross-platform file sharing more seamless.

Google has already introduced similar functionality on the Pixel 10 series and later expanded it to the Pixel 9 lineup. Now, it's good to see Samsung catching up, and hopefully, other brands like Motorola and OnePlus will follow soon.

Android Central's Take

This is exactly what I wanted to see from Samsung. Sure, it isn't fully working yet, but the fact that it's already pushing groundwork for older Galaxy devices makes this a big deal.

For years now, Samsung has adopted a three-device launch strategy for the Galaxy S series. That includes the base model, the larger Plus model, and the premium Ultra. However, in 2025, Samsung added a fourth flagship model to the pack with the launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge, a large but slim phone that slotted somewhere in the middle of the S25 family.

It was once rumored that Samsung would replace the Galaxy S26 Plus with a Galaxy S26 Edge, but it looks like that may no longer be the case. If true, and Samsung is retaining the Plus model, I think this would be a smart move. However, Samsung needs to give consumers a reason to flock to the Plus, and the Edge may be the answer.

The awkward middle child

The Plus model has always been the awkward middle child of Samsung's Galaxy S series family. At first glance, it is just a larger version of the base model, although a deeper look reveals a bigger battery, faster charging speeds, a sharper display, and more base storage. However, despite these upgrades, the Plus model has always fallen short of its siblings.

Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, tells me that the Plus "has always performed the worst compared to the base and flagship models," noting that even Apple has had the same problem with its Plus model. And while it's unclear why this is, I suspect that consumers aren't as interested in paying more for a phone that's more or less the same, just in a larger chassis.

The base Galaxy S25 launched at $799, while the Galaxy S25 Plus was $999 at launch. That's a $200 jump, and while some may think it's worth it for the larger display and other upgrades, many clearly don't, especially when the Ultra model offers so much more in roughly the same size.

Still, I believe the Plus has its place in Samsung's lineup, especially with the upgrades Samsung has been giving it in recent years. The Galaxy S25 Plus was one of my favorite phones last year, to the point where I still question Samsung's choice to launch an ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge.

The Edge quickly lost its edge

Samsung seemingly rushed to get the Galaxy S25 Edge out before Apple could release its iPhone Air. Yet despite the impressive technical feats required to develop the phone, it reportedly didn't quite sell as well as the company hoped. Ultimately, the phone came with too many compromises to achieve its thin profile and not enough upgrades to justify the premium price tag.

The S25 Edge more closely resembled the S25 Plus, and while it's thinner and has a more robust 200MP primary camera, the Edge has fewer total cameras, slower charging speeds, and a smaller battery than even the base Galaxy S25. Yet, at launch, the Galaxy S25 Edge cost more than the Plus, even though many saw it as a downgrade.

According to Sag, this ultimately led to the poor sales reported since launch. "I think that the Edge suffered from the same problems as the Air," he tells me, highlighting "many sacrifices and a bad perception of battery life."

Because of this, the Galaxy S26 Edge was reportedly canceled, which isn't really much of a surprise. Unless Samsung can figure out how to launch an ultra-thin phone without compromises, the phone will be dead on arrival, whether it launches as a Plus replacement or as a separate device. Sag also says that Samsung would need to "execute and market it well" to fix the perception problem around ultra-thin phones.

"I think expectations were unrealistic and the marketing did not do them any favors," Sag noted. "I wasn't personally sold on thin phones until I used the Air, and then I got it."

That said, he wouldn't completely count the Edge out if Samsung decided to launch a successor. "But I would say that if Samsung could build an Edge and market it correctly, I think it could sell very well. Just like Apple's Air."

However, I think Samsung needs to stick to its three-device strategy for the S-series, while giving the Plus more of an edge, so to speak.

Samsung's Edge could live on in the Plus and other phones

While it's probably best that Samsung abandon the Edge, I think the Edge's DNA should continue to live on in the Plus. So far, I haven't been a huge fan of ultra-thin phones, but that's merely because some of the most notable, namely those from Samsung and Apple, come with compromises I'm just not willing to make for the prices companies are asking.

Still, Samsung could give its Plus model a boost in the S lineup by learning from the Edge, offering a thinner phone but without the compromises that came with it. For example, Samsung has been seemingly hesitant to adopt silicon-carbon batteries. However, a future Plus phone could potentially offer the same or more battery capacity in a thinner profile, while continuing to offer a triple camera system.

Sag agrees that there's still a place for a thin phone, so long as Samsung gets it right.

"I think the thinness can be a selling point, especially after I used the iPhone Air. I just think consumers need to be convinced about durability and battery life before they make the jump. I also think camera configurations can't suffer too much."

In fact, Samsung needs only look at devices like the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air for inspiration. Honor's phone has a 5,500mAh battery, a solid triple camera system, a flagship MediaTek chipset, and is still only 6.1mm thin.

That said, I think that the Plus still has its place over the Edge in Samsung's lineup, and Sag agrees, "especially since the Edge in many ways was more of a supply chain pipecleaner for the Fold." Basically, the somewhat underwhelming Edge was just a precursor to the more impressive Galaxy Z Fold 7.

That said, I'm hoping the seemingly failed Edge experiment can also inspire change in Samsung's other products, if not a direct Edge successor. After all, the Plus is already a large and decently thin phone, and it would be the perfect way to carry on the Edge's DNA.

What you need to know

• Samsung has rolled out One UI 8.5 beta 2 for Galaxy S25 devices, adding bug fixes and expanding the beta to more regions.
• The One UI 8.5 beta program is now available in India and Poland, alongside earlier regions like the U.S. and UK.
• One UI 8.5 also introduces visual changes and features, with some Galaxy AI upgrades saved for the S26 launch.

Just a couple of weeks after releasing the first One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has rolled out another One UI 8.5 beta for eligible smartphones. The new build brings a few key fixes, including several bug fixes, and also expands the public beta to more regions.

When Samsung released the first One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, it was limited to just four countries, including South Korea, Germany, the U.S., and the UK. With this new beta release, Samsung has expanded availability to additional regions, including India and Poland.

If you own a Galaxy S25 series smartphone, you can now sign up for the One UI 8.5 beta through the Samsung Members app. Once enrolled, or if you already have the previous One UI 8.5 beta installed, you can update your device by heading to Settings > Software update > Download & install.

It's worth noting that the new One UI 8.5 beta carries the build number ZYLH and is roughly 4GB in size for first-time installs. The beta is available only for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Even though the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy S25 FE are technically part of the S25 lineup, they are excluded from the beta program, at least for now.

As for what's new in One UI 8.5 beta 2, Samsung has addressed several bugs with this update. Issues such as stuttering when opening the "More View" menu during calls, cases where the volume up button fails under certain conditions, and problems causing multiple third-party apps to close unexpectedly have been fixed.

Here is the official changelog for One UI 8.5 beta 2 (via @tarunvats33 on X):

One UI 8.5 beta 2 official changelog

• Improved the issue of quick panel settings initializing intermittently when booting.
• Improved errors such as quick panel menu screen icon spacing and location.
• Improved the issue of photos organized into gallery group folders being moved to the first album page.
• Improved the stuttering issue when pressing the "More View" menu during a call.
• Improved the intermittent rebooting issue.
• Improved the issue where the volume up button does not work under certain conditions.
• Improved the issue of sound generation in the device when making a call with a Bluetooth car kit connection under certain conditions.
• Improved issues where multiple third-party apps are forcibly terminated while in use.
• Stabilized software through multiple app updates, such as the camera.

It's also possible that One UI 8.5 includes under-the-hood changes that haven't surfaced yet. For example, Samsung has reportedly reserved some Galaxy AI features in One UI 8.5 for the launch of the Galaxy S26 series.

That said, the new Android update still brings several features to try, including a refreshed design language, an updated Quick Settings panel, and storage sharing across connected Galaxy devices.

What you need to know

• One UI 8.5 brings major AI upgrades, improved photo editing, and better cross-device sharing features.
• Samsung adds new Theft Protection tools and a redesigned UI with 3D icons and a customizable Quick Settings panel.
• Storage Share lets users access files across Galaxy phones, tablets, PCs, and even Samsung TVs.
• The One UI 8.5 beta is live for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, with more devices expected to join soon.

Just a few days after the full changelog of One UI 8.5 leaked, Samsung has officially announced the One UI 8.5 public beta for the Galaxy S25 series.

Samsung, in a press release, notes that One UI 8.5 brings new and easier ways to create, connect, and stay safe. While the ".5" version number may seem small, One UI 8.5 is a major update for Galaxy smartphones. Here's everything new and how you can get it on your Galaxy S25 series phone right now.

One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 series: New features

Starting with the changes, Samsung says One UI 8.5 brings new Galaxy AI features to the series, including an updated Photo Assist. You can now edit photos continuously without saving each iteration on your device. This means you can use AI Eraser, then move or restyle the image using Photo Assist without having to save it first.

There are many improvements to Quick Share as well. One UI will now show your most frequently contacted people with photos and surface them directly as share suggestions. There are better cross-device features too, such as Audio Broadcast, which lets you share one device's audio to many devices at once through BT LE Audio using Auracast.

A new feature called Storage Share will now let you see files from other Galaxy devices, including tablets and PCs, directly in the My Files app. You can even access your phone's files from other Samsung devices, including your TV.

For security, One UI 8.5 adds new anti-theft tools. The new Theft Protection feature keeps your data safe even during theft, while Failed Authentication Lock automatically locks the screen if there are too many failed attempts using fingerprint, PIN, or password.

There are UI changes too, such as a new 3D look for app icons and a customizable Quick Settings panel. Many apps, including Calculator, Clock, and Samsung Health, have been redesigned for better visuals.

One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 series: Availability and how to download

As expected, the One UI 8.5 beta is currently live only for Galaxy S25 series smartphones. This means if you have the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, or Galaxy S25 Ultra, you can try One UI 8.5 beta right now.

For now, the beta is available only in select regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. If you have a Galaxy S25 series phone in any of these regions, you can try One UI 8.5 by joining the beta via the Samsung Members app by tapping the banner. Then go to Settings > Software update > Download & install.

It's worth noting that the beta isn't available for the Galaxy S25 FE or the ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge yet. Although we expect Samsung to expand the beta to more devices in the coming days.

If you're like me and on T-Mobile, you've probably been scouring the carrier's website for Black Friday deals on phones, smartwatches, accessories, and the like. After all, it's often easier to finance a smartphone than to buy one outright. Fortunately, there are some pretty good promotions available for one of this year's best AI phones.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus normally costs $999, which is a pretty penny for a rather impressive phone. However, T-Mobile customers can grab one of the best deals of Black Friday, where they pay absolutely nothing for the phone, except maybe some taxes. Not only that, but you can get your money back on a pair of Galaxy Buds 3 Pro when you buy the phone, making it a rather enticing two-for-one!

• Amazon's Black Friday week is LIVE: see the full list of deals

✅Recommended if: You're a T-Mobile customer with a flagship smartphone from the last several years and are on the latest T-Mobile plans or willing to update your plan.

❌Skip this deal if: You are on a grandfathered plan that you'd rather not get rid of or don't have any intention of trading in your phone.

A free Galaxy phone sounds like a great deal

I reviewed the Galaxy S25 Plus earlier this year, and it's one of my favorite phones of 2025. Sure, it looks like just a larger version of the Galaxy S25, but it comes with double the storage, a bigger battery, and faster charging, making it the perfect middle child between the smaller Galaxy S25 and larger, more expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra.

You also get the best of Google and Samsung in one package. Google's AI features like Gemini and Circle to Search are here, plus a whole suite of Galaxy AI capabilities. That includes photo and video editing features, Now Bar and Now Brief, Live Translate, text summarization, and much more.

You also get a trio of fairly impressive cameras, and with Qi2 support, you can take advantage of MagSafe accessories like wireless chargers and more (although you'll need a magnetic Galaxy S25 Plus case for that).

How to get $150 for Galaxy earbuds

T-Mobile is also offering a pair of Galaxy Buds 3 FE with the purchase of the Galaxy S25 Plus, so you're getting a two-for-one deal. These earbuds look like their more premium Pro counterparts and feature ANC to help block out the noise. Even better, the earbuds give some Galaxy AI features, so you can easily chat with Gemini or translate conversations with the press of a button.

That said, you must purchase the earbuds with the Galaxy S25 Plus in this online-exclusive deal. After that, you'll need to enter your earbuds receipt information on T-Mobile's promotion website, and you'll receive a Mastercard for the amount you paid for the earbuds.

All in all, you're getting two very good Samsung devices for the price of nothing. All you need to do is be on the right plan and trade in an eligible smartphone (Galaxy S20, OnePlus 10 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, Pixel 6, and Razr Plus 2023 or newer).

Black Friday 2025 - quick links

• Best Buy: up to 60% off Chromebooks, Android phones, and more
• Amazon: early discounts on headphones, smart home tech
• Walmart: early price drops on ASUS laptops, locked phones
• Samsung: new Galaxy XR headset, trade-in opportunities
• Verizon: free phones with new line, trade-in
• T-Mobile: free Galaxy phones, $300 back w/ 5G Home Internet
• Mint Mobile: 50% off Pixel 10, BOGO Unlimited plans
• AT&T: get a free Z Flip 7 with trade-in, new line
  
  More Black Friday coverage
• The best Google Pixel deals of Black Friday
• The best Samsung deals of Black Friday
• The best Motorola deals of Black Friday

OnePlus' latest flagship phone gives in to mainstream design trends, making the OnePlus 15 more similar to devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus than earlier models. When choosing between the two phones, it's easy to get swept up in the OnePlus 15's specs. The smartphone features a large battery, Qualcomm's latest mobile processor, and more.

While the Galaxy S25 Plus isn't an ambitious option, it may be the more appealing option for most people. The phone ships with familiar Samsung software and a lengthy support promise that should help it last into the next decade.

If you're looking for an Android phone in the 6.7-inch size range, the OnePlus 15 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are two of your best options. Here's how they compare.

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Design and display

Visually, the OnePlus 15 has more in common with budget devices like the OnePlus 13T than the flagship OnePlus 13. OnePlus spent years remaining creative in smartphone design, prioritizing curvy chassis, unique camera bumps, and leather back options. This year, the brand broke from its standard mold, making the OnePlus 15 body with entirely flat surfaces on all sides.

It's a sharp departure from the OnePlus 13, which sported a curved design on the front and back. However, flat and boxy designs have been popular among flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google for years, so it's not exactly innovative. The circular camera arrangement is gone in favor of a standard square. The material itself is less flashy — it's just aluminum — but OnePlus did add a ceramic-like feel.

On the side, the classic OnePlus Alert Slider is replaced with a Plus Key, which is kind of like an iPhone Action button. The phone measures 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm, making it on the thicker side. It's somewhat heavy, weighing 211 grams.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is similarly a flat rectangle, with even fewer interesting design cues. On the back, there are simply three camera lenses with DSLR-style ring covers. Aside from rounded corners and chamfered edges, the Galaxy S25 Plus is completely flat, including the display. Samsung does offer a whopping seven colors for the Galaxy S25 Plus, but that's the most the phone stands out.

It's much thinner than the OnePlus 15, measuring 7.3mm thick. The Galaxy S25 Plus weighs only 190 grams, making it easier to pocket and hold.

OnePlus ditched its QHD+ display for a 1.5K display on the OnePlus 15. It made the change to support 165Hz refresh rates, part of a gaming-focused push. The screen remains an OLED panel that supports LTPO technology.

That means the Galaxy S25 Plus, with its QHD+ AMOLED 2X panel and ProScaler tech, has a sharper display. It does have a lower 120Hz maximum refresh rate as a result. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus also features an extra 800 nits of peak brightness compared to the OnePlus 15.

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Hardware and specs

The OnePlus 15 is the first mainstream flagship of the 2026 release schedule for North America. Naturally, it's going to beat the Galaxy S25 Plus in the specs department, since that phone is nearly a year old. You get Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor on the inside, and it powers all the OnePlus 15's core features. As previously mentioned, gaming is a major focus of this smartphone.

Part of that is the "Gaming Core" tech that optimizes the OnePlus 15 for gaming at the processor level. The company touts that it is 80% more efficient at per-frame rendering as a result of these improvements. You can get the phone with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is no slouch, offering optimizations of its own. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy — the last-gen version of the chip inside the OnePlus 15, but with Samsung efficiency upgrades. The next Galaxy Plus model will likely be based on the same Qualcomm mobile platform as the OnePlus 15, so keep that in mind if you're on the fence.

It's in the battery life category that the OnePlus 15 really shines. The OnePlus 13 was already a battery life champion, and the OnePlus 15 offers 21% more capacity. That makes for a total capacity of 7,300mAh — long enough to last multiple days. You can even play high-level games for up to 6.6 hours on a single charge at 165 FPS, according to OnePlus.

The OnePlus 15's battery dwarfs the 4,900mAh cell inside the Galaxy S25 Plus. It'll probably still last a full day, but it's nowhere near as impressive as the one in the OnePlus 15. The latter also charges faster, at up to 120W over a cable or 80W in some regions.

Each phone is equipped with three rear cameras. The OnePlus 15 has a trio of 50MP cameras that include a primary, ultrawide, and telephoto shooter. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Plus has a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto camera. Notably, the Galaxy S25 Plus' camera system dates back to the Galaxy S22 series.

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Software

The OnePlus 15 ships with OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16. The new operating system takes a few cues from iOS and leans further into artificial intelligence. There are features like Plus Mind that can see and analyze what's on your screen, sending the data to Mind Space. It's like an iteration of Pixel Screenshots or Microsoft Recall, but for your OnePlus phone.

A Flux Theme 2.0 visual redesign joins an AI Efficiency suite to revamp the OxygenOS experience. Is that enough to make Android users leave One UI or Pixel UI behind?

That'll depend on your preferences, but Samsung still wins on the software front. Until proven otherwise, Samsung's Galaxy AI suite is more useful than anything OxygenOS has offered to date. Additionally, there's deep integration with Google AI and Gemini to fill the gaps Galaxy AI doesn't cover.

While the Galaxy S25 Plus ships with the Android 15-based One UI 7, it can be immediately upgraded to One UI 8 (Android 16).

OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Which should you buy?

There are several perks that make the OnePlus 15 appealing, notably the phone's battery. It utilizes silicon-carbon battery technology and a dual-cell approach to deliver one of the largest capacities we've ever seen in an Android phone. Paired with a gaming-first build featuring a 160Hz display, this phone is ideal for power users and enthusiasts.

However, longtime roadblocks to buying OnePlus phones still apply. They aren't sold through carriers, which is how most people upgrade in the U.S. They also don't have as familiar or well-supported software, although six years is certainly an improvement. These obstacles will likely still deter people from trying the OnePlus 15.

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Plus will be hard-pressed to compete with the OnePlus 15 on a hardware level. Its consumer AI suite is much stronger, though, and One UI 8 is better than OxygenOS 16. Best of all, it is guaranteed to get seven years of Android OS upgrades. As such, even if the Galaxy S25 Plus isn't as flashy, it'll probably be the best 6.7-inch Android phone for most.

What you need to know

• A Galaxy S25 Plus in South Korea reportedly caught fire while not charging, sparking safety concerns among Samsung users.
• The owner says the phone overheated and burst into flames — though thankfully no one was hurt.
• Samsung has the burned device in its service center and is investigating the cause internally.

We’ve all felt our phones get a little too warm. It’s an occasional nuisance we’ve come to accept. But for one owner in South Korea, that familiar heat escalated into something far more serious: an actual fire.

A Galaxy S25 Plus unit in South Korea reportedly overheated and caught fire while it wasn’t even charging (via SamMobile). The incident has stirred understandable concern among Galaxy users, especially since it echoes memories of the infamous Galaxy Note 7 fiasco nearly a decade ago.

According to a post on Samsung Korea's forum page, the owner of the Galaxy S25 Plus noticed the device heating up unusually while in use. Moments later, the phone emitted a loud pop, was dropped to the floor, and burst into flames.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the device was left completely destroyed. The user took the charred remains to a Samsung Service Center in South Korea, where the company has since begun an internal inspection to determine what went wrong.

One important detail is that the phone was not plugged in when the fire started. This makes people wonder if the problem is more than just a charging issue. It could be a faulty battery, too much heat from apps running in the background, or a problem with how the new hardware handles heat.

It's not the first heat complaint

The Galaxy S25 series is powered by Samsung’s latest Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipsets, both known for their performance, but early user reports have also mentioned higher-than-usual operating temperatures under load.

As of now, Samsung hasn’t issued any official statement, suggesting this may be an isolated case. However, the company is expected to run extensive diagnostics to rule out broader safety concerns.

The Galaxy S25 Plus fire may turn out to be a one-off manufacturing defect, but for a device carrying Samsung’s flagship badge, even a single case like this is enough to raise eyebrows. Until the company’s investigation concludes, Galaxy S25 owners might want to keep an eye on their phone’s temperature, just to be safe.

If you're planning to buy a well-rounded Android flagship, the Galaxy S25 Plus still remains an easy recommendation. From a vibrant high-resolution display to top-of-the-line cameras to all-day battery life, it ticks almost all the boxes. Overall, the Galaxy S25 Plus is the dark horse of the entire Galaxy S25 line-up.

That's all well and good, but it's no longer the newest thing in town, as the Galaxy S26 series has finally been launched. Samsung's latest flagship trio consists of the compact Galaxy S26, the balanced Galaxy S26 Plus, and the stylus-toting Galaxy S26 Ultra, with all three packing in top-tier hardware, feature-laden software, and more.

So, what exactly does the fresh Galaxy S26 Plus bring to the table? Is it really that big of an upgrade over its predecessor, or should you just get the Galaxy S25 Plus and save some cash in the process? Let's compare the Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus and find the answers to these questions.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Pricing and availability

Even though the Galaxy S26 line-up is already up for pre-order, the series will be launching in North America on March 11, with a wider rollout to follow in markets around the world soon.

However, even if you've been ready to go with your wallet for a while, be prepared to spend a bit more. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra still has the same starting price of $1,299.99 as its predecessor had at the time of launch last year, that's not the case with its siblings. The Galaxy S26 Plus and the Galaxy S26 will cost you $100 extra in comparison to their predecessors, having been introduced with starting prices of $1,099.99 and $899.99, respectively.

That's quite a bummer, but these prices are (mostly) in line with what competing flagships from brands such as Google are available at. As you would expect, there are many pre-order deals that you can take advantage of to save some cash.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Design, display, and hardware

The overall design of Samsung's flagships has largely remained the same for the last few years, but that's finally changing with the Galaxy S26 trio. As CAD renders (via OnLeaks / Android Headlines) indicated, the three smartphones come with some visual updates, even if they're really minor.

While the Galaxy S26 Plus and the Galaxy S26 have the same vertically arranged camera arrays as the last-gen models, the three individual lenses are now housed in a pill-shaped island, instead of being directly on the back panel as they're with the Galaxy S25 series.

The same design change goes for the Galaxy S26 Ultra as well, though the fourth lens and the laser AF module are still placed directly on the rear panel. Clearly, it's an overhaul inspired from the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Other than that, the three smartphones retain their usual boxy construction with flat sides, all-glass front and back panels, and IP68 certification. It's worth noting here that the Galaxy S26 Plus has the exact same dimensions and weight as the previous-gen model. The Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S26 Ultra, on the other hand, have grown ever so slightly in size in comparison to their respective predecessors.

Up front, the three smartphones remain an all-screen affair, with the Galaxy S26 Plus having the exact same 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel as the Galaxy S25 Plus. That's a good thing, because this screen is a delight to look at. From the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate to the super-high pixel density of more than 500ppi, it has everything!

Coming to specifications, there are some improvements. The S-series has always been synonymous with (almost) the best hardware in the business, and the Galaxy S26 Plus is no different. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy), which is the latest and greatest SoC from Qualcomm, with some markets getting Samsung's newest Exynos 2600 chipset. Regardless of silicon, the 12GB RAM and 256GB/512GB onboard storage options have been carried forward from the last-gen model.

We can't comment about the smartphone's real-world performance until we put it through its paces, but Qualcomm's new chipset is claimed to deliver a jump of up to 25% in single-core performance and a boost of up to 20% in multi-core workloads. The new SoC from Samsung is expected to pack a punch as well.

Of course, this doesn't mean that you should ignore the previous-gen Galaxy S25 Plus, which is still very much capable of powering its way through everything you throw at it. As Android Central's Derrek Lee noted in his Galaxy S25 Plus review, the smartphone stays thermally efficient while handling intense tasks, all thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite silicon.

It goes without saying that the Galaxy S26 Plus packs all the modern connectivity and I/O options, including Wi-Fi 7, multi-band 5G, NFC, DeX, and USB Type-C 3.2 with DisplayPort functionality. Of course, the Galaxy S25 Plus has all these too.

As such, the hardware upgrades are minimal at best and shouldn't be your "only" reason to pick the Galaxy S26 Plus. The Galaxy S25 Plus continues to be among the best Android phones money can buy, and it's going to remain so for a very, very long time.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Cameras, software, and battery

It should hardly be a surprise that the Galaxy S25 Plus is among the best Android camera phones available in the market. The triple-lens system is comprised of a 50MP primary sensor, a 10MP telephoto unit with 3x optical zoom, as well as a 12MP ultrawide module.

The setup lets you shoot solid photos with loads of detail and dynamic range, and low-light performance is great too. For videos, you get up to 8K recording as well as Log video capture functionality. Add to it the wide assortment of editing tools and AI-based features, and you have a fabulous everyday camera array.

But even with all that goodness, the camera hardware has stayed the same over the last multiple generations. And unfortunately, the Galaxy S26 Plus continues to recycle the same triple-lens system yet again, with no changes whatsoever.

Sure, the new smartphone might have slightly better camera performance due to its improved processing, but we'll have to test it out in the real world before we can say anything about the same.

Talking about software, the Galaxy S26 Plus (and its siblings) run Android 16 out of the box. Samsung began rolling out this version of the operating system to the Galaxy S25 series (even as Google has shifted its focus on Android 17) a while ago.

Samsung's version of Android 16 is spruced up with One UI 8.5, the latest version of its custom UI overlay that continues to be refined steadily over time. It includes features such as AI-based notification summaries, Bixby updates, improvements to the Galaxy AI suite, enhanced customization, and much more.

It goes without saying that all of these features will make their way to the Galaxy S25 Plus (and other eligible devices) in due course of time.

When the Galaxy S25 Plus was launched, it impressed us with its amazing battery endurance. The phone can go a full day before needing a top-up, which is quite a feat, given its powerful internals and a rather modest 4,900mAh battery capacity.

The Galaxy S26 Plus comes with the exact same battery size, so (theoretically) it should be able provide a similar endurance, considering its more power-efficient hardware. However, what's disappointing is Samsung's stubborn refusal to adopt silicon-carbon tech for its smartphones for yet another product year, even as the devices from competitors (e.g., Vivo X200 Pro, Motorola Signature) move forward in that direction.

The Galaxy S26 Plus carries forward the same 45W wired charging support as the last-gen model, although the 20W wireless charging functionality is a slight (but welcome) improvement over the 15W wireless charging speed of the Galaxy S25 Plus. What's truly baffling, however, is the fact that Samsung's new phone(s) still lack integrated built-in magnets for native Qi2 magnetic charging. Yes, you can get that functionality by using a magnetic case (as is the case—pun intended—with the Galaxy S25 Plus), but you shouldn't have to do so on a 2026 flagship that costs over a thousand dollars. Moreover, devices such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro have full built-in magnetic charging support already. Then there are phones such as the OnePlus 15, which are in a league of their own in terms of charging speeds.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Should you upgrade?

There's no denying that the Galaxy S26 Plus has its share of improvements. It gets a refreshed design, the latest silicon, and faster wireless charging. That's all great, but apart from these handful of upgrades, everything else is the same as it's with the Galaxy S25 Plus. At best, Samsung's latest Plus model (and by extension, the entire S26 series) is just an incremental update. So, the question is, if you've been thinking about buying a new phone for yourself, should you go for the Galaxy S26 Plus, or save some money and get the Galaxy S25 instead?

In our opinion, buying the Galaxy S26 Plus only makes sense if you can manage to grab a solid discount by trading in your existing phone, or if you couldn't care less about the price tag and just want the newest from Samsung anyway. You will be getting a high-end device with blazing-fast hardware, AI-powered software, a versatile triple-lens camera array, years of software support, and good battery life.

But here's the thing! You'll get all of these with the Galaxy S25 Plus too, which still remains one of the best Samsung phones out there and is going to serve you for years to come. As such, if all you want is a reliable flagship smartphone that has it all, we suggest you buy the last-generation model and save some dough.

Every so often, you can find great free phone deals if you're willing to add a line or purchase a plan. For instance, Verizon is currently offering a free Samsung Galaxy S25 when you add a line with select new plans, representing about $800 in value.

We like the S25 for its small form factor, slim bezels, and the same powerful performance that comes with the rest of the Samsung Galaxy premium lineup. It also boasts a number of the latest Galaxy AI and Gemini features, and a fingerprint sensor.

This particular deal is for the 128GB version of the S25, though Verizon will also let you upgrade to the 256GB for just $1.66 a month as part of the deal. You can also get the deals in all four of the S25's colors: Icy Blue, Navy, Silver Shadow, and Mint.

If the S25 isn't quite what you're looking for, buyers can also upgrade to the Galaxy S25 Plus if they go with an Unlimited Ultimate plan, or Verizon is still offering the free Google Pixel 10 Pro deal we reported on last week.

✅Recommended if: you want a free Android phone and would be willing to add a line to their Verizon plan, or switch to the carrier; you like a phone that's more compact but still has a good-looking display; you're looking for a phone with industry-leading performance speeds and a range of Galaxy AI and Gemini features.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a phone with a longer lasting battery than the S25 can offer with its 4,000mAh battery; you'd rather upgrade to a larger phone like the S25 Plus; you need something with fast charging.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is our favorite small Android phone of the bunch, offering a vibrant 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as the smooth Android 15-based One UI 7. This deal is for the 128GB storage option, though the phone is also available in an upgraded 256GB configuration.

Performance on the S25 is supported by the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and 12GB or RAM.

Perhaps one of the largest downsides to the S25 is the limited 4,000mAh battery life, though it's still enough to get most casual users through the day without needing to charge. It also sports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, though these aren't the fastest speeds on the market.

Thin is most certainly in, thanks to new entrants like the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air. However, these phones are not without their compromises, and no one seems to have found a perfect medium. That's why I'm staying away from thin phones and sticking with a very solid (and still relatively thin) smartphone: the Galaxy S25 Plus. Fortunately, this impressive AI phone is on sale right now for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, and you won't regret buying it.

The Galaxy S25 Plus normally retails for $999, but a rather impressive $300 discount means you only pay $699. This is the lowest price we've seen on Amazon since the phone launched! Not only is this less than the base Galaxy S25, but you get double the storage of its smaller sibling and a larger screen and battery. That sounds like a pretty solid deal to me!

• Prime Day is LIVE — see the full list of deals

Thin(ish), without the compromises

You may be thinking, "But Derrek, the Galaxy S25 Edge is too thin! How can the Galaxy S25 Plus compare?" Well, the S25 Plus isn't exactly chunky. At 7.3mm, it's only 1.5mm thicker than the Galaxy S25 Edge, and 1.7mm thicker than the iPhone Air. To be honest, since using the phone, I've never once thought to myself, "This is too thick and heavy."

What does that extra thickness afford you? A larger, all-day battery, for starters! I've never had a problem getting through a full day of use with the Galaxy S25 Plus. It charges relatively quickly at 45W, which is nice. Of course, built-in Qi2 magnets would also be nice, but the phone is thin enough that I don't mind throwing on a Galaxy S25 Plus case for that convenience.

That extra thickness also means you get three cameras on the rear instead of one (Air) or two (Edge). The 50MP primary camera may not knock it out of the park, but the images are quite good, and the 3x telephoto sensor allows for closer shots without image degradation.

There's a lot to like about the Galaxy S25 Plus, from the spectacular Navy color to the suite of Galaxy AI capabilities powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. You get tons of features to edit or generate images, summarize or translate text, and much more. You even get cool features like Audio Eraser, which lets you adjust or remove various sounds from videos. It's pretty magical.

That said, if you absolutely must have Samsung's iPhone Air competitor, the Galaxy S25 Edge is also on sale for Prime Day, and you can snag one for less than even the Galaxy S25 Plus.

Shop All Amazon Deals — Quick Links

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• Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target
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We've entered Day 2 of October Prime Day, which means you're running out of time to take advantage of some of the year's best Samsung Galaxy S25 deals. The 'nearly perfect' Galaxy S25 Ultra, for instance, is currently chilling with a record-smashing 28% discount, but if you miss this deal you'll have to wait until Black Friday to receive comparable savings (if we're lucky).  

This Prime Day Samsung deal knocks the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB down to $934.99, which is well below the lowest price previously recorded. Of course, like all of the best Prime Day deals, this discount requires a membership. 

Not a Prime member yet? You could either sign up for a 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits for free, or, better yet, ditch Amazon altogether and buy the S25 Ultra from Best Buy to receive the same discount. Either way works, but don't wait too long to make the call: this historic deal ends at midnight tonight. 

Today's best Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deal

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT - see the full list of deals

Typically priced around $1,299.99 for the 256GB configuration, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is far from cheap. Fortunately, you're getting a lot of bang for the buck, as the phone comes packed with all of the latest hardware and AI-boosted software features. 

The S25 Ultra is powered by the legendary Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, plus you're getting 12GB of RAM out of the box, a groundbreaking 6.9-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. The phone also comes packed with Galaxy AI and Gemini software features, plus one of the most versatile camera systems ever built into a Samsung device. 

Other Samsung deals to consider

Prime Big Deal Days 2025 - quick links

• Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial: Most deals are Prime-exclusive
• See all the Prime Day deals: USA | UK | Canada | India
• Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target
• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

Everyone is racing to make the best AI phone, but it's really a two-horse race between Samsung and Google. There are pros and cons to choosing either brand, and I've tested the latest features from both Gemini and Galaxy AI. It's clear to me that, if getting the best AI features on your phone is your top priority, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is the one to go with.

That's not to say that the Google Pixel 10 is doing anything worse than the Galaxy S25 — it's just a numbers game. Google is very generous, gifting its best AI features to other Android and iOS devices, whereas Samsung's Galaxy AI suite is exclusive to its own devices. If you use a Galaxy S25, you're still getting multimodal Gemini Live, Circle to Search, and AI editing tools in Google Photos. Access to both Google AI and Galaxy AI is a major plus for the Galaxy S25.

That's partly why I'm intrigued by a Verizon deal that claims to give away a Samsung Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S25 Plus for free, which sounds too good to be true. In some ways, it is — you have to add a line on the Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plans. That means it's not completely free, but if you're looking to switch plans or already have one of these Verizon plans, this is a sweet way to get my favorite AI phone for less.

✅Recommended if: you already plan to add a new cellular line; you want a flagship Android phone with a robust AI suite; you need on-device AI and want to be able to fine-tune your privacy settings.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't want to be locked into a multi-year carrier contract; you don't see value in having both Galaxy AI and Gemini; Verizon coverage isn't great in your area.

Why I think Samsung is beating Google in mobile AI

There are two key ways the AI experience on Samsung Galaxy phones is better than the comparable experience on Google Pixel phones, and it comes down to feature availability and customization. Starting with feature availability, devices like the Galaxy S25 have access to Galaxy AI and Gemini, which is an impressive combination. You probably know all about what Gemini can do, but you should also be aware of the great things Samsung is doing on the AI front.

The Now Bar and Brief are both designed to use AI to put relevant items in front of you whenever you need them — think something like an AI-powered version of Apple's Live Activities and Dynamic Island, but for the Galaxy S25 series. These features are neat, but they heavily depend on whether you use supported services, like Samsung apps or Google Maps.

I find that the simpler Galaxy AI tools are more handy, like Object Eraser and Audio Eraser, which perform better than Magic Eraser and Audio Magic Eraser on the Google side of things. Additionally, if you're into wearables, Galaxy AI powers a daily Energy Score and Sleep Score with a Galaxy Ring or Watch. This is especially great when you consider these health insights are completely free, whereas Google has some Pixel Watch features behind a Fitbit Premium subscription.

Best of all, Samsung has the hardware and software needed to deliver a private and secure experience. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset is great at on-device AI processing, but so is the Google Tensor G5 chip. The difference is that Samsung gives you a helpful toggle that turns off every AI feature requiring cloud processing.

This toggle lets you choose to process data only on your device, which is something you won't find on a Google Pixel or iPhone. As the company explains, "for added privacy, you can prevent collection and processing of your data for Galaxy AI's advanced intelligence features."

It's a close race between Samsung and Google, but I think Galaxy phones have earned an edge due to their support of multiple mobile AI suites and their built-in privacy customization options.

Is buying a Samsung Galaxy S25 on a Verizon plan worth it?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus are excellent AI smartphones, but whether this particular Verizon deal is right for you will depend on a few things. Before you get sucked into the hype of a "free" phone, especially one as good as the Galaxy S25, review the fine print. In this case, be aware that you need to add a line, upgrade, or keep an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan to get the deal.

The savings that cut the entire retail price of the Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus down to $0 are applied as bill credits over the course of 36 months. If you cancel, switch plans, or upgrade early, you'll be on the hook for the remainder of the phone's cost.

That might sound scary, but it doesn't have to be, if you know what you're getting. With an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus extra perks like mobile hotspot and 5G UW support. Those who already need a great wireless plan can get one at Verizon while also snagging a free Galaxy S25 in the process.

The Pixel 10 series might not look too different than its predecessors, but there are a lot of changes under the hood. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is once again the largest flagship Pixel, competing directly with Samsung's plus-sized model.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus has a lot going for it, like a powerful processor, a versatile rear camera system, and a large and bright display, making it one of the best Android phones on the market. The Pixel 10 Pro XL is a bit pricier than the Galaxy, but still in the same ballpark range, which makes for an exciting plus-sized battle.

Between the Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Galaxy S25 Plus, which flagship deserves room in your pocket?

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Pricing and availability

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL launched at $1,199, but it's now officially down to $899 thanks to various deals. Thankfully, the base 128GB storage variant has been scrapped in favor of 256GB. The 512GB variant is available at $1,019, and the 1TB variant costs $1,249. Of course, you can probably find the 10 Pro XL at even lower prices during sales.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus now starts at $849.99 for 256GB of storage, and $969.99 for 512GB. There's no 1TB storage variant here like you'll get with the Pixel. The S25 Plus has been in the market for nearly a year, which means it's easier to find a good deal for it during sales or even in general. Samsung has Google beat on the pricing front, at least for now.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Design and display

The Pixel 10 Pro XL looks virtually identical to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. If you compare them side by side, you'll probably notice a few differences, such as the larger camera cutouts on the back and the new polished finish on the side rails. What you'll also notice is the weight, which has actually gone up to 232 grams from 221 grams. This makes the 10 Pro XL way heavier than the 190 grams of the S25 Plus.

While the dimensions of the 10 Pro XL are nearly the same as the 9 Pro XL, the larger camera bar might still make it tricky to reuse older cases. The 10 Pro XL comes in Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian. Moonstone is Google's flagship color for this series. The phone is also IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, and it supports Pixelsnap, which allows it to magnetically use Qi2 chargers without a case. The S25 Plus also supports Qi2 charging, but you need a Qi2 case to make it work.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL keeps the same display as the 9 Pro XL but with higher brightness of up to 3,300 nits. It's a 6.8-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,992 x 1,344 pixel resolution, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. PWM-sensitive users should also rejoice as Google has finally addressed this issue by offering a new accessibility setting which claims to "improve the viewing experience for sensitive eyes." While it is a slight improvement, it doesn't solve the problem completely.

Samsung has always offered somewhat more eye-friendly displays, and the Galaxy S25 Plus features a 480Hz PWM rate. It's a tad smaller at 6.7 inches, but it's equally pixel dense, has a high brightness of up to 2,600 nits, and good scratch protection. The screen is also great for watching content and playing games.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Hardware and specs

The Pixel 10 Pro XL features the new Tensor G5 chip, which is faster than the G4, but still misses out on updated Vulkan support. It's this new custom chip that has enabled Google to introduce new features like Magic Cue, which proactively offers support like finding a photo that someone from your contacts might request in a message or call. The 10 Pro XL ships with Android 16 out of the box, and will get seven years of OS and security updates.

The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy mobile platform, which is the best available for Android phones. It'll be interesting to see how the Tensor G5 compares, so keep an eye out for our Pixel 10 review. There is a difference in RAM, too, with the 10 Pro XL getting 16GB while the S25 Plus gets 12GB.

As expected, the Pixel 10 Pro XL gets new AI features like Camera Coach, which guides you on framing your shot, Auto Best Take, and Edit with Ask Photos. The latter feature is great for novice users as it lets you perform edits with simple text prompts. The Galaxy S25 Plus comes with a suite of useful Galaxy AI features, too, so choosing one over the other will depend on which ones you find most useful.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL wins the battle of cameras and battery life against the Galaxy S25 Plus. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has the same camera hardware as its predecessor, including a 50MP primary, 48MP telephoto, and 48MP ultrawide cameras on the back. However, the new Tensor G5 chip and updated ISP help fix many of the issues we had with the Pixel 9 Pro. Portrait mode finally works really well, Camera Coach and Auto Best Take are excellent features, and Pro Res Zoom can magnify your image up to 100x.

The S25 Plus has a solid 50MP primary camera, but the other two (10MP and 12MP) don't really capture the same level of detail as the Pixel.

The 10 Pro XL should also last longer per charge than the Samsung, thanks to its larger 5,200mAh battery. Keep in mind, though, that Google will throttle the battery after 200 charging cycles. There's faster wired charging than before, and you get Pixelsnap magnetic Qi2 wireless charging as well. As noted before, the Galaxy S25 Plus can do Qi2 charging, but only with a compatible case.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Which one is the best?

The Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Plus are both expensive phones at the end of the day, and if you've decided to buy either of them, I don't see price being a major deciding factor. I'd put my money on the Pixel 10 Pro XL simply because it's newer, will get day-one Android updates directly from Google, and its cameras and battery life would be better than Samsung's. Plus, I do like the design way better than the Galaxy, but that's subjective.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a good value and will continue to get updates for the next seven years. It's also lighter and slimmer than the Pixel, which could swing a lot of votes in its favor. Remember, though, that Samsung is preparing to launch the Galaxy S26 series sometime in early 2026, so if you're not in a rush, I'd wait to see what the new models have to offer.

Carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon love advertising smartphone deals that could get you devices for "free", but spend any amount of time looking at the fine print and you'll notice that these offers typically require you to pay something to get the phones in your hands. That doesn't mean that the deal isn't good, but you should definitely have your wallet handy when you hit that Add to Cart button.

Case in point: Verizon is currently running a promo that will get you the excellent Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for free, but only if you add a line with the Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plan. This deal stands out because it doesn't require you to process a trade-in to receive the savings, which is quite convenient if you're simply looking to upgrade to a new unlimited plan. You'll also be eligible for the deal if you're already using one of the aforementioned data plans.

✅Recommended if: you want a super-balanced, AI-boosted smartphone with all-day battery life and a powerful Snapdragon chipset; you're an existing Verizon customer or looking to switch.

❌Skip this deal if: you'd prefer a phone with a more eye-catching design or outstanding camera tech; you prefer the simplicity of unlocked phones or you're happy with your current data plan.

The middle child in Samsung's latest flagship lineup, the Galaxy S25 Plus is all about balance, not compromise. The phone is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip that drives the more-expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra, plus you get a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED 120Hz display, 12GB of RAM as standard, and an efficient 4,900mAh battery that'll easily last a full day on a single charge.

Like other Samsung phones released over the past few years, the Galaxy S25 Plus also guarantees seven years of OS and security upgrades, plus you get all of those fun Galaxy AI software features that have been making headlines lately.

Like I mentioned above, you'll need to add a line, upgrade, or simply stay on the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan to receive the savings, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Both Verizon plans land you unlimited talk, text, and data on the carrier's 5G Ultra Wideband network, plus premium mobile hotspot data and international texting.

The Ultimate plan throws in additional international benefits and enhanced video streaming, while both plans offer a three-year price guarantee and access to a bunch of fun perks, such as YouTube Premium streaming and Unlimited Cloud Storage. The plans start at $80 per month for a single line (which is a lot), but you can drop the price considerably by adding multiple lines.

All things said and done, play your cards right and this is a quick and easy way to get a great phone and a great data plan in one fell swoop. Is it a free phone? Not exactly. Is it an awesome Verizon deal? Absolutely.

The Galaxy S25 series utilizes Bluetooth 5.4, which is one of the latest versions of the wireless communication technology before Bluetooth 6. With this, users can connect to various devices, such as wireless earbuds and headphones, laptops, gaming controllers, and even other phones.

Bluetooth SIG, the body that regulates and establishes Bluetooth specifications, includes security measures and resources in the core specification to ensure that users can establish secure connections. However, the nature of Bluetooth, like many wireless technologies, makes it possible to take advantage of vulnerabilities. Thus, Bluetooth is not foolproof or 100% secure, and can be exploited to take control of your phone.

Is the Bluetooth version on the Galaxy S25 good for high-quality wireless audio?

Bluetooth v5.4 on the Galaxy S25 enables a wide support of Bluetooth capabilities and codec support, allowing good, high-quality audio to be streamed to your earbuds or headphones.

While no major audio-specific features were introduced with this Bluetooth version, the spec includes support for LE Audio, which enables low-power audio transmissions using the LC3 codec. This means the phone can stream high-quality audio while using less battery power in your wireless earbuds. LE Audio is a core feature supported on Bluetooth 5.2 and above.

In addition, Bluetooth v5.4 supports bitrates of up to 50 Mbit/s and a range of up to 240 meters. By comparison, Bluetooth 4.0 only supported a maximum bitrate of 3 Mbit/s and a range of up to 60 meters.

The Galaxy S25 itself supports various audio formats, as well as Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, SBC, and LDAC. However, the supported codec and audio quality will depend on the earbuds or wireless headphones you use. I have found that using Samsung devices such as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro works great with the Galaxy S25 and supports features like Auracast for broadcasting audio or receiving broadcasts.

Thanks to support for high-res audio, you may also want to consider headphones from other brands, such as the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Don't worry, but be wary

That said, there's little reason to worry, but plenty of reasons to remain cautious. Brian Hussman, an independent security researcher, tells Android Central that Bluetooth exploits are not often taken advantage of, which is good news for Galaxy S25 users.

"Bluetooth is notoriously insecure, but it's not often exploited," Hussman tells us. "It takes the right knowledge and equipment to pull off something like a MITM (Man-In-The-Middle) attack or to gain control of a device via Bluetooth once you've found out how to exploit the device itself.

While it still has plenty of room for improvement, Bluetooth has become much safer and reliable in the past few years."

Furthermore, Samsung updates the Galaxy S25 on a monthly cadence with security patches that address various vulnerabilities, such as those related to Bluetooth. For example, the April 2025 update included fix SVE-2025-0255(CVE-2025-20946): Improper handling of exceptional conditions in pairing specific bluetooth devices in Galaxy Watch Bluetooth pairing. This vulnerability allowed "local attackers to pair with specific bluetooth devices without user interaction."

What you can do to remain safe when using Bluetooth

So, while you should be relatively safe when pairing your Galaxy S25 with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, there are things you can do to make sure you're not putting yourself at risk. The FCC has a list of guidelines on how you can protect yourself when using Bluetooth, including:

• Turning off Bluetooth when it's not in use.
• Unpairing your phone from a rental car's Bluetooth and clearing any data.
• Use Bluetooth in "hidden" mode.

That last one is pretty easy, as your phone is only "discoverable" when you're present on the Bluetooth menu in your phone's settings. However, you should still be wary of and reject unfamiliar Bluetooth pairing requests. Otherwise, you should enjoy safely pairing your Galaxy S25 to your heart's content.

Prime Day week is more than halfway done, which means there isn't much time to get in on some hot deals. We've already seen some devices run out of stock, which is great for anyone who bought them, but not so great for those of you still hoping to take advantage of these rare discounts.

Fortunately, there are still some great devices available, along with some excellent deals to go with them. Here are a few devices I noticed that I would recommend buying if you're in the market:

• Shop all Amazon Prime Day deals

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The Galaxy S25 Plus is what the Galaxy S25 Edge wishes it was. I came away impressed with this phone when I reviewed it earlier this year, and I think it's the device to buy if you want a large smartphone with a relatively slim chassis, great cameras, and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Check out our Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Edge comparison for more on why the Plus is probably the better choice.

✅Recommended if: You want one of the best Android smartphones, you like large displays, and you prefer to have more storage.

❌Skip this deal if: You won't need the 512GB storage variant (there's a 256GB version, but stock is low or sales have ended).

Motorola Razr Plus 2024

Although it may be last year's "flagship," the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 was easily one of our favorites, thanks to its expansive cover screen, improved camera quality, and all-day battery life. Plus, the unique colors and vegan leather texture made this quite an exceptional phone, and one we still recommend to this day, even over the newer Razr Plus 2025 and just-announced Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE.

✅Recommended if: You're okay with last year's flagship and want a good flip phone with a fun cover screen and telephoto camera.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a more current phone, longer software support, or an ultrawide camera for group and landscape photos.

Google Pixel Watch 3

I've been a fan of Wear OS for years, but no other watch has impressed me as much as the Pixel Watch 3. Battery life is better than I expected, the software is quire responsive, and Wear OS continues to get better every year. It'll work with any Android phone and it even has Fitbit built-in for more comprehensive health and wellness tracking.

✅Recommended if: You own a Pixel or really any Android phone and want a smartwatch to complement it. Also if you're interested in tracking your fitness or wellness

❌Skip this deal if: You'd rather wait for the Pixel Watch 4, which is expected to launch in August. That said, it's unclear how much better of a watch it will be.

Beats Powerbeats

If you're like me and frequent the gym, then you'll appreciate a pair of good earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a notable upgrade over the very popular Powerbeats Pro, as they feature built-in heart rate monitors to track your workouts. Anyone who's anyone at the gym will have these stylish yet functional earbuds.

✅Recommended if: You have the original Powerbeats or like to listen to music while working out and want accurate heart rate sensors to complement your other fitness wearables.

❌Skip this deal if: You have sensitive ears and find earbuds uncomfortable, or don't like stems that go around your ears.

Sony ULT field 1

It's summertime, so beach gatherings are in full swing. A good speaker can really take things to the next level, and the Sony ULT Field 1 has served me well since I purchased it several months ago. The battery lasts up to 12 hours, it's IP67 water and dust resistant, it comes in a variety of colors, and features an ULT button that delivers some serious bass!

✅Recommended if: You want a long-lasting and portable speaker that gets loud with plenty of bass.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a true stereo experience without needing to pair two speakers together. Or you want a physical connection (3.5mm, USB-C) for audio.

Prime Day 2025 Android deals - quick links

• Prime Day is coming: see the full list of Amazon deals
• Phones: major discounts on Samsung and Pixel
• Tablets: discounted Galaxy Tab and iPad
• Wearables: up to %45 off Garmin watches
• Most Prime Day deals are members-only: sign up for the 30-day trial

For everything on Amazon Prime Day, head to our ultimate shopping guide.

What you need to know

• Samsung has started rolling out the June security update for various Galaxy phone series, including the latest Galaxy S25 models.
• It addresses 19 moderate-risk vulnerabilities and some high-risk semiconductor issues.
• The roll out seems to have begun with the Galaxy S21 FE phone and went all the way to the Galaxy S25 trio.

Samsung has been on the verge of rolling out One UI 8 betas lately, and on the other hand, the security patch for current devices also seems to be on point. The June update for most Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S25 series, is here.

Samsung has begun rolling out (via 9to5Google) the June security update for its devices, including the Galaxy S25 series, the S24 series, and even the Galaxy S23 series. It is the usual monthly security patch, and the latest one is believed to have addressed 19 vulnerabilities from the previous firmware, although they aren't counted as critical ones; all of them are listed here.

The company also indicates that some semiconductor patches comprising some high-risk vulnerabilities seem to have been addressed with the latest security patch. Some of which address issues with apps that run on Android 13,14, and 15.

9to5 further notes that the newest firmware rollout has initially begun with the older Galaxy S21 FE and has gone all the way up to the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and the S25 Ultra models. The update also appears to be available for the Galaxy A36, A54, and A55 phones, too.

Users also have to bear in mind that the rollout seems to have just begun and is also believed to be slower than the previous monthly patches from the company.

One UI 8 in full swing

While Samsung had taken its sweet time rolling out the One UI 7 update for the Galaxy phones, the company doesn't intend to do so for the next iteration. With the next Galaxy Unpacked event anticipated to be just around the corner, Samsung appears to be reading the One UI 8 version as early as possible.

The tech giant has already released the second One UI 8 beta for Galaxy S25 devices alongside the more recent One UI 8 Watch rollout. For the unaware, Samsung is expected to release the Galaxy foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and all new Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and also the Galaxy Watch 8 series, most likely next month.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• One UI 8 beta 2 is now available for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra in select regions, offering new features and security updates.
• The latest firmware is seen in regions including Germany, Korea, Poland, and the U.K.
• Also, the first One UI 8 beta is expanding to India and Poland, bringing the June security patch to these regions.

Samsung has begun rolling out the second beta of the One UI 8, the company's latest Android 16-based update for the Galaxy S25 series.

After releasing the first beta for the Galaxy S25 trio last month, the tech giant is back with a new update for the same Android flagships, which brings new features, several bug fixes, and the latest June security patch.

SamMobile notes that the second One UI 8 beta is widely seen for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra in regions including Germany, Korea, Poland, and the U.K. Per the shared screenshot of the changelog, it seems to be a sizeable update measuring around 1236MB and features S938U1UEU4ZYF3/ S938U1OYM4ZYF3/ S938U1UEU4BYF3 version numbers.

The new features include a user feedback feature "to improve interpreter performance." As mentioned, several issues were fixed, like text alignment issues for Now Brief, and improvements across widgets, and fingerprint unlock errors were also addressed. Galaxy AI, Clock app, and camera app-related bugs also seem to have been fixed.

One UI 8 Expansion

While we are seeing the second beta in the aforementioned regions. The first beta, on the other hand, has also started to expand in other regions. Starting today (June 12), according to SamMobile and tipster Tarun Vats on X, Samsung has opened up the first beta for Galaxy S25 series users in India and Poland, and it already appears to be live in these regions. It is also a sizable 3.6GB update that is also bringing the June 2025 security patch.

Per previous leaks, the One UI 8 beta should also be hitting older Galaxy models. While it is currently limited to the flagship trio, we should be seeing it on devices like the Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy S23 series. The former is expected to see the firmware by the end of June or early July. On the latter, it could arrive by mid-July.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup now includes five members, making the choice of which one to buy even trickier. There's the entry-level Galaxy S25 FE, the base-model Galaxy S25, the midsize Galaxy S25 Plus, the slim Galaxy S25 Edge, and the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra. Spanning various price points, each model is tailored to a specific kind of user on a certain budget.

This time around, there isn't an easy Galaxy S25 recommendation that'll work for everyone. You'll have to consider your personal needs and what matters for your individual use cases. For instance, a digital nomad who likes to travel light might love the Galaxy S25 Edge, while a power user might crave the battery life of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

If you're overwhelmed by all the models, configurations, and specs offered as part of Samsung's Galaxy S25 series, this guide will help you out. We've tested all the Galaxy S25 models at Android Central, and we will help you figure out which one you should buy.

Samsung Galaxy S25 series: At a glance

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: The cheapest model

The Galaxy S25 FE is technically the fifth and presumably final Galaxy S25 model, but it's also the cheapest. As is tradition with Fan Edition models, the S25 FE features a lesser chipset, less RAM, and downgraded cameras, as a way to keep costs down.

To counter its shortcomings, the phone also has a larger display (matching the Plus and Edge), a larger battery, and faster charging speeds, at least when compared to the base model. In a way, the mixture of specs makes this a lower-cost Galaxy S25 Plus, which may appeal to anyone who wants a large phone without breaking the bank.

Given its later launch, the Galaxy S25 FE was the first Samsung phone to run One UI 8 (Android 16) out of the box. This gives it access to new and improved features, from Now Bar and Now Brief to customizable lock screen designs and personalized wallpapers. Of course, now, other 2025 models (and older) are receiving the update, but with Samsung's guarantee of seven years of OS upgrades and software updates, the S25 FE may receive new software slightly longer than its 2025 siblings.

With 8GB of RAM and an older Exynos chip, you probably shouldn't expect the Galaxy S25 FE to be the most performant phone, particularly when it comes to gaming and AI. However, it should be more than enough for daily use if you aren't too concerned with those kinds of features. This is a flagship chipset after all, so it's not a slow phone.

Cameras are also a bit of a downgrade compared to the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup, but the 50MP primary should still prove quite usable and there is a 3x telephoto lens, which is more than we can say for the Galaxy S25 Edge. The 4,900mAh battery is also larger than the base and Edge models, which is a nice plus, along with the relatively quick 45W charging speed.

Basically, for $649, the Galaxy S25 FE is a quite capable phone for the price and worth considering if you're not wanting to spend $800 for a flagship. You may also wanna look out for Galaxy S25 FE deals, which could make it even more of a steal.

Samsung Galaxy S25: The most compact model

At a time when flagships are getting larger and larger, the base-model Samsung Galaxy S25 feels like a breath of fresh air. The standard Galaxy S25 sports a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, which is the smallest of the major Android flagships. That's either a pro or a con, depending on whether you prefer a more compact form factor. This model was formerly the cheapest of the bunch (before the FE came along), starting at just $800 and frequently available for much less with post-launch discounts.

Don't be fooled, however — the Galaxy S25 isn't like the rest of Samsung's flagship lineup. The base model has shortcomings compared to the pack, like 128GB storage, no support for UWB, and a lower-resolution display without ProScaler AI. Although other AI features, like Now Brief, are available on the base Galaxy S25, the above omissions are notable oversights.

The cameras also haven't been updated since 2022, and they leave a lot to be desired.

Now, for the good. Samsung is using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset across the board on the Galaxy S25 series, meaning the base model has the same processor as the most expensive model. One UI 8 is also available on the Galaxy S25 as of September 2025.

While the Galaxy S25's display may be the worst of the lot on the spec sheet, it doesn't underwhelm in person. The AMOLED 2X display supports variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, plus loads of other specs like HDR10+ and 2,600 nits of peak brightness. The FHD+ display (1080 x 2340) is still gorgeous to use and plenty bright.

With a 4,000mAh battery and support for slow 25W wired charging, the Galaxy S25 isn't outstanding for battery life. However, it's better than the Galaxy S25 Edge (for whatever that's worth) and decent overall. You can get a full day of charge with moderate usage, easily.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is for the smartphone user who just wants the basics in a compact form factor and at a fairly affordable price. There's enough power here to make this phone feel like a bona-fide flagship without going overboard. If you can look past the cameras and slight hardware compromises, the Galaxy S25 is a nice pickup.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Finding a practical middle ground

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is the middle child of the lineup, though that isn't exactly a bad thing. It's not very original, with the same general design and few hardware upgrades compared to its predecessor. Like the base Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25 Plus retains the same camera hardware as the Galaxy S22 series. Still, at $999 and packing a 6.7-inch display, the Galaxy S25 Plus tends to hit the right price and size for a lot of people.

It builds upon the building blocks of the Galaxy S25, elevating them to provide a more comprehensive experience. The device features a larger battery with a 4,900mAh capacity, and the larger size enables a 45W wired charging speed. That addresses a common gripe with the base model, and it's not the only one.

The Galaxy S25 Plus also starts at 256GB of storage with UFS 4.0 support, a UWB chip for precise location finding, and a larger (and improved) QHD+ display with ProScaler AI. Be sure to manually enable QHD+ resolution if you purchase it, though.

The improved display quality could be a key reason to pick the Galaxy S25 Plus or Edge over the base Galaxy S25, which is limited to 1080p, and can't take advantage of higher-resolution content from your favorite streaming service. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Plus' display has a resolution of 3120 x 1440, which will be better equipped to handle high-res movies and TV shows closer to 4K.

ProScaler will also upscale the content on your screen with AI, so you'll get a better viewing experience — even if the TV shows or movies you're streaming aren't natively delivered in 4K.

The aging triple-camera system leaves us wanting more, but it's still relatively solid by 2025 standards. You get a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a crucial 10MP telephoto lens supporting up to 3x optical zoom.

At 75.8mm x 158.4mm x 7.3mm and weighing 190 grams, the Galaxy S25 Plus is designed for individuals who require more than the base model in a somewhat compact form factor. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is better, but it's also an expensive behemoth. Out of the four Galaxy S25 models, the Plus is clearly the most practical option for most buyers.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: The Plus, with a bunch of subtractions

Contrary to what you may have heard, the positioning of the Galaxy S25 Edge is fairly simple. It's for people who want the 6.7-inch screen size of the Plus model in a thinner and lighter form factor — and are willing to give up a whole lot to get it.

No matter how you slice it, the Galaxy S25 Edge's dual-camera system, minuscule 3,900mAh battery, and 25W maximum charging speed are clear compromises.

Now, there are some redeeming qualities. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge still uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and runs One UI 7, so it'll get the same general experience as all the other models. It also borrows the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 200MP main camera sensor, which the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus can't claim.

Measuring just 158.2 x 75.6 x 5.8 mm, it's hard to understate just how thin the Galaxy S25 Edge is. The phone's thickness is arguably more impressive, at only 163 grams — that's 27 grams lighter than the Galaxy S25 Plus and 55 grams lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

To love this phone, you'll need to be prepared to use it without a case and recharge it daily, and likely before the day ends. If those two qualifiers sound okay with you, and you've always loved thin devices, the Galaxy S25 Edge could be your next smartphone. It starts at $1,099, a bit higher than the Galaxy S25 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Top of the line

Finally, we have the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is decisively for people who want the best and are willing to pay for it. At $1,299, the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't cheap by any means. However, it tries to justify that starting price with loads of features, including a massive 6.9-inch display, an inbuilt S Pen, and a robust camera system.

It's the only Galaxy S25 model to receive a camera upgrade this year, although the primary 200MP camera sensor is unchanged. Instead, the ultrawide camera is now using a 50MP sensor, up from 12MP. You also get a 10MP, 3x telephoto lens and a 50MP, 5x telephoto lens. In other words, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers the best camera system available on a Samsung phone.

It's for power users first and foremost, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery capacity. Plus, it has all the AI features from the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup. That includes the ProScaler, which can upscale content to make it look more vibrant on the 3120 x 1440 resolution display. Like the Plus and Edge models, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is perfect for watching high-res content. It's not quite capable of delivering a 4K experience, but it's still a step up from 1080p.

At a size of 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm and weighing 218 grams, the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't small. It's a big phone with an even bigger feature set. If you like that sort of thing, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will check boxes that no other Android phone can.

If there's one thing that Samsung is good at, it's providing people with plenty of options. I mean, the Galaxy S25 family consists of four different devices, each offering something a little different from the rest. Take the Galaxy S25 Plus, for example, as it's the "goldilocks" phone for those who want a powerful device but it isn't too small and has just enough features to keep things interesting.

The only problem is the price, as it retails for $999, which might be just too steep for some. Thanks to Amazon's Memorial Day sales, that problem has been solved, as it's up to 25% off. That's a discount of $250, which drops the unlocked phone down to its lowest price ever.

• See the 20 best Android deals from Amazon's Memorial Day sale

✅Recommended if: You want to enjoy the latest Galaxy AI features, but don't want a phone that makes too many sacrifices.

❌Skip this deal if: you need a phone that offers a better camera experience, or are looking for something even less expensive.

Even when throwing the Galaxy S25 Edge into the mix, the Galaxy "Plus" models have always tried to provide a firm middle-ground in Samsung's lineup. It's the kind of phone for someone who wants something powerful with larger screen, but doesn't need the extra frills of the Ultra.

What makes the Galaxy S25 Plus compelling?

On the surface, the Galaxy S25 Plus looks much like its predecessor, just with a couple of different colors to choose from. For the most part, that's the case, but it's what you'll find under the hood that matters most.

For one, it's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and features 12GB of RAM. Not only does this make the S25 Plus one of the most powerful phone to date, but it also brings with it an abundance of Galaxy AI features.

Not only that, but Samsung continues to work wonders with One UI, and the latest iteration is no exception. In our review, Android Central Managing Editor Derrek Lee said that it "feels like a Pixel phone in all the best ways. Not only is it chock-full of AI, but the software finally feels fluid and cohesive."

But what about the hardware? Getting the obvious out of the way, Samsung didn't skimp out on the build quality, so you know that the S25 Plus will last for years to come. It's a pretty sleek phone that doesn't venture outside of its comfort zone, in more ways than one.

If there was anything to argue against the S25 Plus, it's that there aren't many hardware upgrades besides the processor. This means that you have the same camera array on the back and the same battery as its predecessor. Recycling designs is one thing, but when you consider the price tag, recycling the internals just doesn't feel great.

On the flip side of that, it's not like the cameras aren't still very capable. They just won't be able to match up with other flagships out there like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, or iPhone 16 Pro. But if a picture doesn't come out looking the way you hoped, just lean on Galaxy AI or Google Photos, and we'd be willing to be that you'll end up with exactly what you're looking for.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Plus is going to be a hot topic of discussion since both are priced roughly the same, and both offer unique selling points and trade-offs. The S25 Edge puts design over everything else making it the slimmest and lightest flagship from Samsung yet. Certain cuts to the cameras and battery have had to be made to achieve this, but if all you care about is having the lightest phone, it doesn't get much better than this.

The Galaxy S25 Plus looks fat and heavy in comparison but in its own right, it's still slimmer and lighter than most other flagships. It's also a bit cheaper and packs a few more features than the Edge. If you're stuck deciding between which best Samsung phone to choose, here's a breakdown of all the main differences and similarities, so you can make the right choice.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Design and display

From the front, both phones look pretty similar since they have the same display size of 6.7 inches. If you look closer though, the Galaxy S25 Plus has a slightly softer curve for the four corners, compared to the sharper corners of the Galaxy S25 Edge. Both phones use Samsung's Armor Aluminum frame and scratch-resistant glass for the front and back. The S25 Edge gets the latest Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for the display and Victus 2 on the back, whereas the S25 Plus uses Victus 2 on both sides.

The layout of the rear cameras is also different as the Galaxy S25 Plus has individual cutouts for the three lenses, while the S25 Edge gets a little island with two lenses similar to the 2025 Galaxy A series phones. Both phones are IP68 rated for dust and water resistance.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy S25 Plus have virtually identical display specs. The 6.7-inch screens have a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a QHD+ resolution and adaptive refresh rate (1Hz-120Hz). Both have the same peak brightness of up to 2,600 nits and support HDR playback.

We've not got a chance to test the S25 Edge yet, but the S25 Plus' display performed really well in all lighting conditions. It managed to produce excellent colors, had great sunlight legibility, and everything looked crisp and sharp thanks to the high resolution and dense pixel count.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Hardware and specs

The Galaxy S25 Edge starts at $1,099.99 for 256GB of storage, but Samsung is offering the 512GB variant for the same price as part of its launch offers. Typically, the 512GB variant costs $1,219.99. The Galaxy S25 Plus starts at $999.99 for the same base storage as the Edge, while the 512GB variant costs $1,119.99. The latter is typically available closer to $1,000 on Amazon, even without sales.

What's common between the two is the SoC. Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, so performance should be more or less identical. We're yet to test the S25 Edge so we're not sure if Samsung has throttled the performance a bit in order to keep the chip running cool when stressed. That's something we will be keeping an eye on when we review it.

The Galaxy S25 Plus has a better selection of rear cameras compared to the S25 Edge. The third camera is a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, which should capture sharper photos than the Edge's digital zoom. Samsung has equipped the Edge with the 200MP main camera from the S25 Ultra, and this allows it to do 2x in-sensor zoom with seemingly no loss in image quality. The S25 Plus has a 50MP main camera which is still quite capable, even though it lacks in resolution. Both phones are capable of 8K video recording and shooting in HDR.

Battery life is another area where the S25 Plus has the clear upper hand thanks to the massive 4,900mAh capacity. It also supports 45W charging but the charger needs to be bought separately. The Galaxy S25 Edge has a 3,900mAh battery which is much smaller than the S25 Plus, and there's only 25W charging. Both phones have wireless charging rated at 15W.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Software

The Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy S25 Plus should have pretty much the same software features. Both phones run One UI 7 which is based on Android 15, and should be getting all future updates roughly around the same time. The S25 Plus and Edge will be getting seven years of OS upgrades and security patches. One UI 7 has a bunch of customization and useful AI features to play with. Both phones also support Gemini Live and many Galaxy AI features like Writing Assist, Photo Assist, and Note Assist.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Which phone should you buy?

With both phones costing more or less the same, depending on which storage variant you pick, the Galaxy S25 Plus is the one I'd recommend to most buyers. It's simply the better phone thanks to the much larger battery and more versatile rear cameras. Compared to other flagship phones, it's actually on the slimmer and lighter side.

I don't see many people opting for the Galaxy S25 Edge over the S25 Plus, unless you must have the slimmest possible flagship. Samsung ideally should have done more in terms of design to make the Edge feel special, after all, it is a highly specialized phone. I'm still not sure what purpose it serves, other than maybe being a pre-emptive move against Apple's rumored iPhone 17 Air.

To reiterate, get the Galaxy S25 Plus over the S25 Edge. You'll thank me later.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge just dropped, and recent rumors suggest that it could replace the Plus in Samsung's upcoming flagship lineup. According to a report by The Elec, Samsung is reportedly considering adding the S26 Edge to its next flagship series, potentially launching it in place of the Galaxy S26 Plus.

This aligns with the report's claim that Samsung has seen lower sales figures for its Plus models over the past few years. This trend could continue even with the Galaxy S25 series, as Samsung is projected to ship only 6.7 million units of the Plus model.

It is important to note that the Galaxy S24 Plus also sold approximately 6.77 million units in its initial 11 months post-launch, a similar number to what they estimate for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus. However, by the end of 2024, the Plus model's sales shot up by 54% compared to its predecessor, selling about 7.4 million units.

Despite this late and consistent rise in sales for the Plus variant, the device's performance has been lower when compared to the standard and Ultra models, which sold 13.6 million and 17.4 million units, respectively.

Trading 'Plus' for 'Edge'

It's just speculation for now, so we should take it with a grain of salt. However, if it turns out to be true, Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC's Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, feels that swapping out the Plus variant could actually play in Samsung's favor.

"The Edge variant could potentially serve as an alternative to the Plus, but this also opens the door for Samsung to nudge a Plus consumer to buy up the stack and spend on an Ultra instead," he tells me.

That said, the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge arrives with one major drawback — the company seems to have traded in battery life (3,900 mAh) for sleekness. That is something not many users will be happy about.

From a consumer's perspective, a key factor when purchasing a phone is its battery life, minimizing the need to reach for your charger. A recent report by Payless Power indicates that a significant majority, 59%, of Americans believe Android phones offer superior battery performance compared to iPhones, and 22% of consumers would even switch brands to obtain better battery life.

Considering the above, it seems unlikely that individuals would exchange a premium device featuring a substantial 4,900 mAh battery for one that seemingly compromises on battery capacity. Even though Samsung claims that the Galaxy S25 Edge can last an entire day with normal usage, that's just subjective to individual usage patterns.

According to 9to5Google, early reactions to the Galaxy S25 Edge have been largely focused on "questioning why the device exists, especially considering its very tiny battery compared to other flagships in Samsung’s lineup."

Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Plus

Historically, the Galaxy S-series Plus caters to people who prefer a larger display, with a focus on performance and battery life, as opposed to how light or sleek the phone is. These consumers are also less concerned with spending the exorbitant amounts that come with buying an Ultra with all its extra features.

In contrast, with the Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung aimed to innovate in design, trying to beat Apple to the punch by creating a slimmer and lighter phone that delivers the same performance as a flagship device.

While the Galaxy S25 Edge may not have all the specs of the Plus variant, the two carry some similarities. Both have a premium build, the same high-res AMOLED 6.7-inch display, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, both devices run on the latest One UI 7, backed by Android 15, and come with similar AI capabilities.

The sleek design of the Galaxy S25 Edge nudged the company to omit an additional telephoto lens, limiting its zoom capability and reducing its battery size. In essence, both these models are more alike than the other phones in the lineup, which could be why Samsung may be switching one for the other.

According to Ubrani, if Samsung intends to discontinue a middle-tier model, certain improvements are crucial for consumer adoption. However, addressing concerns about battery capacity could be a major priority, he feels that Samsung should go beyond just the battery and delve into "Qualcomm’s advancements in reducing power consumption," which could be a significant step.

Ubrani suggests that continuing the collaboration with Qualcomm, as seen in the Galaxy S25 series, might be "the primary way to improve battery life" for a streamlined device.

Will the Edge be able to keep up with the Plus?

Only time will tell.

While the Plus variant has a strong and steady fan base since its inception, it's hard to say whether or not this new Edge variant would be accepted by the audience at large.

For now, The Elec adds that "NPA (alleged codename for the Galaxy S26 lineup) is starting with standard, Edge, and Ultra models in mind, but may change Edge back to Plus if Galaxy S25 Edge doesn’t perform well."

That said, if Samsung does indeed decide to ditch its Plus model, due to the lag in sales when compared to the other two variants, it might be a logical decision when it comes to generating revenue. Additionally, Samsung has featured a consistent lineup for years, with the standard, Plus, and Ultra models. This move could also indicate a potential shift in the company's strategy to cater to evolving consumer preferences, which could come as a refreshing change.

"Assuming all goes well and the Edge costs more than the Plus, then this could lead to greater revenue for Samsung as users transition to the Edge or Ultra," Ubrani adds.

After months of leaks and teasers, Samsung unveiled the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge at an event this evening. We’ve been waiting for the latest addition to the Galaxy S25 family for months, especially as we didn’t have much information about the key feature: its thickness.

The Galaxy S25 lineup was already slimmer than its predecessors, but the Galaxy S25 Edge takes this to a whole new level. It measures just 5.8mm thick, making it one of the thinnest phones ever made and by far, the thinnest phone you can buy right now (at least until Apple launches the rumored iPhone 17 Air later this year).

However, beyond the extremely thin profile, the Galaxy S25 Edge combines key parts of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra to make a phone that feels familiar, yet unique.

I spent an hour with the Galaxy S25 Edge in New York City earlier today, and I was surprised at how much I like it. Here’s our first full look at Samsung’s new thin-and-mighty smartphone.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is thin-and-mighty

The Galaxy S25 Edge won’t appeal to everyone. It lacks the full camera prowess of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the battery is the smallest of the lineup, but these sacrifices come with a key benefit: its thickness and weight.

If you’ve been put off by the size or weight of the Galaxy S25 lineup, the Galaxy S25 Edge is the phone for you. At just 5.8mm thick, it's 2.4mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and 1.4-1.5mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus.

I love the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it’s incredibly hefty, and the Galaxy S25 Edge fixes the key issues. Despite the large display and mighty main camera, it also weighs just 163g, one gram heavier than the smaller base Galaxy S25. As for the competition, the iPhone 16 Pro is 8.3mm thick, while the Pixel 9 Pro is 8.5mm. Both weigh 199 grams, making the Galaxy S25 much thinner and lighter than these devices.

Like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy S25 Edge features a titanium frame paired with Gorilla Glass protection on either side. The rear features Gorilla Glass Victus protection, while the front uses Corning’s new Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2. It features the same protection as the Gorilla Glass Ceramic used on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but lacks the anti-reflective finish.

There are other subtle differences compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the sharp edges far more nuanced and much nicer in the hand. This subtle design change, combined with the thin and light build, means the Galaxy S25 Edge feels nicer in the hand than any of its siblings.

Flagship specs borrowed from the S25 lineup

The Galaxy S25 Edge is designed to offer the best features of the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup in a slim and light device. It pairs the 6.7-inch display from the Galaxy S25 Plus with the same 200MP primary camera found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The display features the same 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and vision booster to boost the brightness, and looks just as great as the rest of the Galaxy S25 lineup.

The 200MP camera is a key addition that ensures it still feels like a flagship phone, especially given its price. The camera has the same capabilities and features as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, although the lack of a telephoto means it likely won’t be as capable at longer focal lengths.

Samsung says the camera can offer 2x optical zoom, which is likely achieved through in-sensor cropping. It also uses pixel binning to combine nine pixels into one larger pixel, which allows it to capture more light. The main camera is paired with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, while the front camera is also a 12MP sensor, but much wider than the one used in the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor as the rest of its siblings. It is paired with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage, and if you pre-order in the US, you’ll get the latter at no additional cost.

The biggest challenge is likely to be battery life

The Galaxy S25 Edge is quite smart as it combines the best of the Galaxy S25 family into a new phone, but there’s one thing Samsung couldn’t get around: the laws of physics. In particular, the extremely thin profile means a smaller battery, and the smallest battery in the Galaxy S25 lineup.

It features a 3,900 mAh battery paired with 25W wired charging. The battery is the smallest of a Samsung flagship in many years, and the charging is on par with the base Galaxy S25. However, it lacks the faster 45W charging support found on the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra.

Samsung says the battery delivers all-day battery life, but this is an area that we’ll need to test much further. Diving further into the battery life, Samsung says it’s better than the base Galaxy S24 and almost as good as the base Galaxy S25, which leads me to believe that it may not last a full day under moderate to heavy usage. However, as a colleague remarked, the thin profile and light build make it worth the need for a recharge during the day.

I like the Galaxy S25 Edge far more than I expected

The Galaxy S25 Edge is now available for preorder and will hit stores on May 30. It comes in three colors — Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Icy Blue, and Titanium Silver — and costs $1,099.99 for 256GB of storage. It’s essentially $100 more than the Galaxy S25 Plus, and $200 less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, although the best Galaxy S25 Edge pre-order deals could save you a considerable amount.

I don’t have a particular preference for ultra-thin phones, unlike some at Android Central, but there’s no denying that the Galaxy S25 Ultra adds considerable weight to your pocket. The Galaxy S25 Edge shows you can have the best of both worlds, although the lack of a telephoto lens may prove disappointing in the long run. The battery is my primary concern, but time will tell whether it can last a full day as Samsung claims.

Despite these likely challenges, I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed the Galaxy S25 Edge in my short time with it. You may not think it, but the thin profile greatly affects how it feels in the hand. Despite being supremely thin, it still feels premium thanks to the titanium frame, and it isn’t as fragile as I had expected.

If you’ve been holding off on buying a Galaxy S25 series phone due to its weight or size, the Galaxy S25 Edge is worth checking out. The thin profile necessitates some compromises, but look beyond these, and you’ll find a phone that feels fantastic in the hand. Seeing is believing, and you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

This week was rough for those dealing with Samsung and its One UI 7 rollout, OnePlus 13T gets shown off ahead of launch, April's update patch brought fun features to the Galaxy S25 series, more news on the OnePlus Watch Mini, and Nothing teases its CMF Phone 2 Pro. Let's get into it.

Samsung's One UI 7 is back

Read more here

*Sigh* where do we begin?

The joy of unwrapping your favorite chocolate, breathing in the scent, only for it to be snatched away while you try to take a bite... this is exactly what Samsung users felt this week. However, the wait for One UI 7 appears to be short-lived, as several users in Korea have reported seeing the update reappear on their phones after a brief pause.

An avid tipster, Tarun Vats, shared a screenshot of the build number indicating that One UI 7 with the build number vS928NKSU4BYD9 is being rolled out to the Galaxy S24 series in Korea. It seems like the updated One UI 7 build is ~292 MB. Much smaller than the originally launched 5GB download, so this might jump slightly for those who never got it to begin with.

Samsung first rolled out its One UI 7 between April 7-10, then later pulled the plug on the firmware after reports of a bug that was affecting the new update. Now that it's rolling out again, we expect more countries to receive the update in the coming weeks.

OnePlus shows off its 13T days before launch

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OnePlus seems super invested in marketing its mini OnePlus 13, aka the OnePlus 13T, the right way. The company took to Weibo to post an official trailer of the OnePlus 13T, showcasing it from all angles possible. The caption read, "Small screen, big devil. OnePlus 13T is officially unveiled!" The device is said to show up in three colorways dubbed Cloud Ink Black, Morning Mist Gray, and Heartbeat Pink (Black, Silver, and Pink).

The company states that the 13T is small enough to be held between the thumb and index finger, mimicking the "OK" hand gesture, implying that the device is as compact as it can get. This device is expected to show up with an all-new camera island and a shortcut button that replaces the alert slider.

As for the specs, it will allegedly show up with a 6.31-inch OLED screen with "1.5K" resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The phone is said to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, just like the OnePlus 13. The device will sport two powerful cameras: a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The phone is said to come with a huge 6,200 mAh battery that will be boosted by 80W wired charging support.

The launch is set for April 24.

April update brings Now Bar enhancements for Galaxy S25 users

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Samsung rolled out its monthly update to its Galaxy S25 users earlier this week. This patch came with enhancements to the camera, charging, and software stability. The users in South Korea seemed to have received this update first, and it came with the S938NKSU2AYD9 build number.

This new update brought in a design change within the status bar. Users were surprised to see that a new media playback widget had popped up in the notifications bar. This means that when you're playing music or streaming movies, you will see a widget to control above your notifications, which will also show up as a live widget on the Now Bar. This will give you more playback control within the home screen.

While we wait for this update to show up in other regions, users are encouraged to check for this update via Settings> Software update> and click Download and Install.

More evidence of the OnePlus Watch 3 Mini leaks

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Earlier this week, the OnePlus Watch 3 mini seems to have shown up in an FCC listing. Measuring about 43mm, this new watch will likely be sleeker than the OnePlus Watch 3 and will allegedly have a 345mAh battery capacity.

That said, the FCC certification also shows images of a possible rotating crown on the upcoming watch. As for the specs, we assume that the Watch 3 Mini will have the same configurations as the Oppo Watch X2 Mini, which was announced last week with the exact same 345mAh capacity and an estimated 3-day battery life. It sports a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 2,200 nits of brightness.

We could expect something similar on the OnePlus Watch 3 Mini as well. So much so that prominent leaker Abhishek Yadav (via Techradar) suggested last week that the "Oppo Watch X2 Mini will launch as a rebadged OnePlus Watch 3 Mini in India and globally."

Motorola Razr leaks keep coming

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We are almost nearing launch, and the Motorola Razr Plus 2025 leaks keep pouring in. And this time, it claims that the phone will come with hardware upgrades.

The first claim is that the phone will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which would provide the Razr with a significant power boost if true. Additionally, the rumor suggests that the device will feature a slightly larger 7-inch Super HD foldable screen, rather than the 6.9-inch one on its predecessor. The cover display is also rumored to be larger this time, measuring about four inches.

Furthermore, the foldable's selfie camera gets a massive upgrade as well, jumping to a 50MP lens instead of the same 32MP, f/2.4 lens that its predecessor. Lastly, it could get a 4,7000mAh battery paired with 68W wired fast charging (a huge boost) and 30W wireless charging capabilities.

If these rumors are true, Motorola is definitely bringing the heat with its foldables, giving Samsung's next lineup a much-needed competition. That said, Other changes include the foldable's front-facing selfie camera.

The phone is expected to launch on April 24.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Android 12 and 12L have received their last official Google security update
• A One UI 8 leak purports a key feature expansion and 'minor' adjustments
• Google quietly confirmed Google Assistant's days on Fitbit watches are numbered
• Nothing's CMF Buds 2 are now available, as it teases the CMF Phone 2 Pro
• Honor's close Google Cloud partnership preps users for a new life with AI
• Android 16 could bring Identity Check to more smartphones
• Google Search is getting a unified domain for US and global users
• Gemini's rumored automated tasks might borrow from the competition
• Gemini on Wear OS should stick to the Assistant status quo, mostly
• Google tests a new home for AI Mode in its Search bar for Android app users

What you need to know

• The April update for the Galaxy S25 series includes enhancements to camera, charging, and software stability.
• A new media widget notification is introduced, allowing for easy media control in the notification shade.
• The update is initially available in Korea, with a global rollout anticipated soon.

Samsung has started rolling out an April update to its flagship Galaxy S25 series this week, and interestingly, it comes mid-way through the month, while older Galaxy phones still await the One UI 7 update in some regions, including India.

The monthly update is being observed for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra models (via SamMobile). The update seems to be live in the Korean region with the S938NKSU2AYD9 build number. It further includes improvements to the camera, charging, and general software stability. However, the notable change is seen in the media widget notification in the status bar.

Samsung introduced the Now Bar pill for certain apps with One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25 series, which can be quickly glanced at on the lock screen alongside the status bar. The latest update will be introducing media widget notification for the Galaxy S25 series, which for some reason has been missing on the flagship trio, notes SamMobile — while it was added for older Galaxy phones that received the One UI 7 update recently.

The new pill-shaped media play button will reside in the notification shade right beside the time on the Galaxy S25 series. Alternatively, it can also be seen in the notifications pane. When the live widget in the status bar is clicked, more prominent play controls pop up for easy control on the home screen.

While the latest update is currently confined to the Korean region, a wider rollout is expected soon. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 series in the region is recommended to navigate to their phone Settings> Software update> and click Download and Install to check for the latest update.

On the other hand, the much-anticipated One UI 7 update for older devices like the Galaxy S24 series in some regions seems to have been pulled from servers as the firmware notably had a serious bug. The initial rollout began on April 7 in Korea, followed by the U.S. and U.K., however, other major markets like India have still been left out at the moment.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• Samsung announced that starting April 7, all Galaxy S25 users will have the ability to have a visual conversation with Google Gemini.
• This new update allows users to chat with the AI in real time, allowing users to engage in natural interactions.
• This update allows users to trigger the AI assistant by pressing and holding the side button, which allows Gemini to see what the user is seeing.
• This update is available to all Galaxy S25 users free of charge.

Samsung Galaxy S25 users are in for a unique set of AI capabilities. The company announced in a press release that starting today (April 7) that through a new software update, the Galaxy S25 series will be able to have real-time visual conversations on their phones with Gemini Live.

Users will now be able to trigger Gemini Live with just a click of a button and have a full blown interactive video conversation with it. To summon the AI assistant, "Just press and hold the side button to show Gemini Live what you see while simultaneously interacting with it in a live conversation."

This is specifically useful for when you need help picking out an outfit for a date night or reorganizing a closet based on Mary Kondo's method. Gemini Live could be your stylist without you needing to spend the money on hiring one. And here's how its done, "simply point the camera to the object and users can get suggestions on how to categorize items and optimize space, or share their screen while browsing online retailers to receive personalized style advice."

With this ability, your phone becomes more of your sidekick when your bestie isn't answering the call. This will create a whole new outlook for how we use AI in this day and age."With this new visual capability, the Galaxy S25 series brings next-generation AI experiences to life, setting new standards for how users engage with the world through their devices,” said Jay Kim, executive vice president in the presser.

This ability will start rolling out to Galaxy S25 series users at no additional cost through a software update. However, Android Central folks who own one of these devices are yet to see an update on their end, hinting that this could be rolling out in phases.

Google has also rolled out this feature to the Pixel series 9. Gemini Live's new video streaming and screen-sharing features are now reaching all users with the latest flagship phones.

In other news, Samsung has finally started rolling out its most awaited software update, the One UI 7 to some users in Korea. The first ones to get this update patch are Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 users who were using beta and non-beta versions of the Android 15 operating system. This 5.2GB update comes with new features, improvements, and Galaxy AI tricks that everyone has been waiting for. As for the people in the U.S., they will start seeing an update rollout on April 10, according to the company's announcement.

Samsung phone deals typically only come around a few times a year, and this year, it's looking like Spring is one of those occasions. For a limited time, you can get 16% off the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for Amazon, just weeks after the S25 series hit store shelves in February.

While the S25 Plus didn't come with any mind-blowing upgrades from the previous generation, it still offers an excellent phone experience with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a beautiful 6.7-inch AMOLED display. This deal is for the 512GB storage configuration, though you can also find this phone with just 256GB of storage if need be. While the 4,900mAh battery isn't the biggest on the market, you can still pretty easily make it beyond a full day, even when using the screen for several hours.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a powerful phone with smooth, cohesive performance; you want the newest in smartphone AI features, but on a Samsung phone; you have other devices within the Galaxy ecosystem.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a larger or smaller screen and would rather go with the base S25 or S25 Ultra, respectively; you need a phone with industry-leading charging speeds.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus was released in January as part of the manufacturer's Galaxy Unpacked, alongside many of the best Samsung phones from the company's newest-generation lineup. The Plus comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processing chip, together which offers a smooth, satisfying and cohesive performance.

The S25 Plus comes with the latest AI features within the Galaxy ecosystem, along with One UI, which many users love. While it will feel pretty familiar to those with the S24 Plus, it still may be worth upgrading if you want updated AI offerings and a slightly thinner overall design.

The Plus primarily varies from the rest of the S25 series in its build size and battery, boasting much of the same hardware as the smaller, entry-level S25 and the larger S25 Ultra. You can get a compact 6.2-inch screen on the base S25 and a 6.9-inch screen on the S25 Ultra. These also include slightly smaller and larger battery sizes, respectively, though we didn't have any issues with any of them lasting under a day. Luckily for those who'd rather go in these directions, these phones also have their own discounts for Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

What you need to know

• A leak surfaced online that shows off test build versions of the alleged One UI 8 in development.
• Leaker Tarun Vats took to X to post a screenshot of the build version S938BXXU1BYC1/S938BOXM1BYC1/S938BXXU1BYC1 of the said software for the Galaxy S25 series.
• He claims that Samsung has started working on this build two months earlier than usual.

There has been a lot of chatter lately that Samsung could be skipping a couple of major software update steps and jumping straight to the next major software release.

It was just a couple of days ago that Iceuniverse took to X with a bold claim stating the Korean OEM will likely be skipping the One UI 7.1 and 7.1.1 updates and instead will be bringing in a major One UI 8. This is a curious move where, even before officially releasing the much-delayed stable One UI 7 build for the majority of devices, it seems to be developing the new One UI 8.

Another leaker, Tarun Vats, seems to have spotted a new build in development indicating that the One UI 8 powered by Android 16 could likely be coming to the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. He claims that the company started developing the software update two months earlier than usual and that he spotted it being internally tested on the Galaxy S25 series. The build version is as follows:

S938BXXU1BYC1/S938BOXM1BYC1/S938BXXU1BYC1

Samsung seems to be fast-tracking its next update in an attempt to keep up with Google's Android 16 rollout that is set to take place in June, as confirmed by the tech giant during MWC. Also because of the lack of time to develop smaller UI builds before the One UI 8 hits devices.

Historically, Samsung drops its major software updates closer to October every year. However, this time around, with the OneUI 7, it's a different story. There's no doubt that the One UI 7 rollout has been continuously pushed out since last year, and now its stable version is set to drop on devices only in April.

However, if Samsung is testing out the One UI 8 two months early, we're keeping our hopes up that beta versions of the build could show up earlier in the Fall.

What you need to know

• Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to cost around the same price as the current Galaxy S25 Plus.
• A leak also predicts that the upcoming ultra-thin flagship will weigh 162 grams.
• A poll on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that customers might choose other Galaxy S25 models over the Galaxy S25 Edge at the same price.

Samsung's ultra-thin flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, is expected to launch soon — perhaps as early as next month. While the company has shown off the design of the Galaxy S25 Edge, a lot of other details are unknown. However, we now have an idea of how much the Galaxy S25 Edge will cost and weigh, thanks to a leak from tipster Ice Universe on X (formerly Twitter).

Ice Universe says that the price of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will be "similar to that of S25 Plus." That aligns with what past rumors have stated, and suggests that Samsung's slim phone will cost around $1,000. The Galaxy S25 Plus retails for $1,000 for the 256GB variant, and that doesn't account for any trade-in deals or offers. Samsung is also still running a promotion that gives you the 512GB configuration, priced at $1,200, for the price of the base model.

With that in mind, it's likely that the Galaxy S25 Edge price is somewhere in between the base-model Galaxy S25 and the premium Galaxy S25 Plus. If the price is similar between these two phones, which one would you buy? That's what Ice Universe asked in a poll on X, and over 3,300 people voted at the time of publishing this article.

The verdict? Fifty-three percent of people chose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, while just under 47% chose the Galaxy S25 Edge. It's a small sample size, but this poll suggests the Galaxy S25 Edge could be a niche offering — especially at its high price point.

The other specs of the Galaxy S25 Edge are impressive. The slim phone is rumored to weigh 162 grams and measure 5.84mm thick, according to the latest leaks. Previous rumors predicted that the Galaxy S25 Edge could be lighter, but those appear to be outdated now. Additionally, it will have two cameras, a 3,900mAh battery, and a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

With a release expected on April 16, we could be just weeks away for a full Galaxy S25 Edge reveal.

The phones have been out for a few weeks now, but Samsung has spent that time promoting Galaxy S25 deals as if the preorder period never ended. As we approach the end of February, however, it's likely that Samsung is about to suspend or change these offers, so you better hurry up if you've been sleeping on these deals. To make life a little easier for you, I've dropped Samsung's best Galaxy S25 deals below, so take a look (while you still can).

Coming complete with all of the latest Galaxy AI software features, powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets, and seven years of guaranteed OS/security upgrades, the Galaxy S25 series hit the streets on February 7th with the title of best Android phones in their sights. Whether you're interested in the compact Galaxy S25, the balanced S25 Plus, or the super-powered Galaxy S25 Ultra, if you want S25 deals fresh from the source, you've come to the right place. 

What you need to know

• Users have taken to X and the Samsung forums to report charging issues with the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
• The issues stem from the 45W adapter and 5A cable as users state their devices are either charging slow or not charging at all.
• A Samsung Italia rep confirmed the issue, stating the company is aware and will rectify via a patch.

Owners of Samsung's recent Galaxy devices are reporting some strange charging issues.

Reports cropped up a week ago as users on Samsung's European community forums cited problems with the Galaxy S25 Plus and the S25 Ultra (via SamMobile). The original poster of this forum thread states that their Plus model is encountering issues when charging via Samsung's 45W charger and 5A cable. The user says the products "no longer work" when plugged in for a charging cycle.

Moreover, the user's Galaxy S25 Plus says it's charging rapidly using Samsung's "Super Charge 2.0" capabilities, but that's not the case. The user adds their device's display frequently displays "the charging status - even though the cable is not moved."

The user found relief by turning off the fast charging function; however, without it, their Plus charges quite slowly.

Other users chimed in, with one stating their Galaxy S25 Ultra has the same problem: caught in an endless loop of "charging, not charging... over and over." For this particular case, the user's spouse had no issues with their Ultra and they were forced to receive a new Galaxy S25 Ultra from Verizon — which worked fine.

Another user stated they purchased a 45W charger for their Ultra and, after two charging cycles, they encountered issues.

The publication spotted Italian users conversing with Samsung Italia and it seems the company is aware of the problem. The community rep states, "We are aware of an anomaly on charging with the 5A cable that will be resolved with a future update."

So, it appears that the 45W charger's 5A cable is the culprit, causing some strange disconnect between the phone and the Super Fast Charging function. The X post didn't state when users could see this software fix rollout. While it doesn't seem that widespread, it's still an annoying issue to grapple with.

Interestingly, Samsung pushed its first patch to the Galaxy S25 series late last week. The update was pretty light, only offering a few system-wide improvements and other subtle fixes to improve its stability. Samsung did roll in a trove of security fixes for dozens of flaws and vulnerabilities within its system. This recent patch didn't mention anything about charging issues affecting Galaxy S25 Plus and S25 Ultra users, meaning we might have to wait a little longer.

It remains to be seen if Samsung pushes an emergency patch for this. A more likely case waiting until the March 2025 security patch.

These issues also create a discouraging overcast as a recent test showed that Samsung improved its battery and charging capabilities. The company improved its overall charging speeds, quickening its 0% to 70% charging cycle to 30 minutes and shaving off its 0% to 100% time. Unfortunately, with these issues plaguing several Plus and Ultra models, users are left with more frustrations than enjoyment.

This isn't the only issue affecting Galaxy S25 Ultra users as a recent report claims the phone's magnetic accessories are negatively impacting its S Pen functions.

Here's what you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S25's battery life

After months of anticipation and wait, Samsung's Galaxy S25 line-up is finally here. As has been the case for the last few years, the family is comprised of three cutting-edge flagship smartphones. The base model—the Galaxy S25—packs everything from top-of-the-line hardware to an incredible triple-lens primary camera setup, all while being compact enough for one-handed use.

If you were to compare the Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S24, you'd see that the new model doesn't look all that different from its predecessor. Yes, you do get the latest in terms of hardware, lots of AI-powered tools, years of software updates, and more. But even though the phone is a little lighter than the previous-gen model, it still manages to pack in a 4,000mAh battery.

The same goes for the larger Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra, which both have the same battery capacity as their predecessors. While that's good, the question is, what kind of battery life can be expected from the Galaxy S25 series?

Samsung says that "the Galaxy S25's battery usage time is enhanced for you to enjoy watching hours of videos, all thanks to a custom-made AP (Application Processor) and software optimization." While this claim doesn't really tell us that much, we have good news. While reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S25, Android Central's Brady Snyder found the compact flagship to be more than capable of going on all day, that too with mixed-use involving everything from video streaming to taking calls. Unless you're a very heavy user, you can expect up to six hours of screen-on time and up to ten hours of screen-off time.

This is in line with the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra, which can last roughly a full day on a single charge with anywhere between six to eight hours of screen-on time in our use.

We know that the Galaxy S25 series is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a custom version of Qualcomm's newest flagship chipset. Among other improvements, the SoC helps with the device's overall energy efficiency. In addition, the inclusion of a larger vapor chamber should also allow for better-sustained performance (especially while gaming) without having an impact on battery life.

There's no denying that the Samsung Galaxy S25 is very much going to end up being one of the best Android phones out there, even more so for those who like pocketable devices. It has a premium design, blazing-fast performance, and more AI-based tricks than you can shake a stick it. Combine that with years of software support and solid battery life, and you get a top-tier Android phone that you shouldn't ignore.

A Samsung EVP (Executive Vice President) has pretty much confirmed that the Galaxy S24 will miss out on multiple One UI 7 (Android 15) features because they are designated as "hardware reliant." You shouldn't be surprised about this. Disappointed, maybe, but not surprised.

This highlights something most people aren't thinking about — a company can support a phone for seven years, but it can't make newer features work on older hardware every time. Seven years of updates doesn't really mean what you think it means.

This is not a bad thing, even if it feels like a bad thing. Samsung explains that many of the AI features depend on what Samsung calls the Personal Data Engine and that engine isn't supported on older chips; it needs the Snapdragon 8 Elite in order to work properly.

We'll see more of this as Agentic, or "thinking" AI features, are developed, and you should expect to see some features on the Galaxy S26 that will not come to the S25. And that's OK.

You should not buy a phone because you expect something in the future. A phone should do everything it is advertised to do, be mostly bug-free, and be supported to do those things as long as possible. Having seven years of support means your phone will probably outlast your battery.

This isn't a Samsung thing. It's not even an Android thing. We're seeing the exact same from Google with the Pixel series and there will be multiple features that can't be used on the older hardware. The iPhone is the same, with iOS features becoming more hardware-dependent as AI is further integrated into the operating system.

I love this. You might not, and we can disagree, but knowing that a phone I buy in 2025 will still be supported and perform as expected in 2030 is excellent. I do not expect any new features and the ones that are developed are a bonus. Hopefully, any new features work as they should.

Phones are at a point where hardware is only a limiting factor when companies leverage those small incremental features they bring. Even more so when a company develops its own chip — either a full SoC package or custom coprocessors — that have a specific use.

Apple is a great example — the A16 Bionic inside the iPhone 15 is as powerful as the chip that powers a typical laptop. It should be able to handle anything iOS has to offer. It's limited when it comes to AI because Apple dedicated parts of the newer chip to perform these functions.

The Snapdragon or Tensor chip isn't nearly as powerful when it comes to raw processing, but they are more than a CPU, and parts of the chipset are doing very specific things. These parts just aren't inside older phones.

Forcing new features to work with "inferior" hardware would only make the features worse. Engineers love to develop new stuff and want everyone to use it, and phone makers love to lock new features behind the purchase of a new phone, but the reality is that sometimes there are real reasons why an older model can't do what it needs to do.

What's really important is that phone manufacturers are beginning to realize (or care) that we don't need to buy a new phone every year or even every two years. Some of us don't want to. I doubt very many people will use the same phone for seven years — even I would upgrade before then — but knowing that you could is awesome.

Now, we just need every phone maker to get on board and provide customer service as long as Samsung, Google, and Apple do, even if it means some of the new flashy stuff won't be included.

What you need to know

• Samsung brings “Suggested replies” for Galaxy S25 devices, offering AI-powered responses in messaging apps.
• The feature is currently spotted in Labs settings, requires Samsung Keyboard to use it.
• Users can edit and send the responses, and the feature currently works with WhatsApp.

Samsung started making the flagship Galaxy S25 series widely available to the masses last week. As more users get their hands on the devices this month, the company seems to have already been rolling out new features for the trio.

As Mishaal Rahman notes (via Android Authority), Samsung is bringing an advanced feature for Galaxy S25 devices dubbed “Suggested replies.” The new feature works in conjunction with Samsung Keyboard for messaging apps like WhatsApp to give AI-powered replies to chat.

The feature comes as a part of the Labs settings found in the Galaxy S25 series. Per the screenshots shared by Rahman, the new feature’s description goes on to indicate that users can get AI-powered suggested replies to chat and text messages they receive — but only while using the native Samsung Keyboard.

Since it is an experimental feature and works only with Samsung Keyboard, Rahman notes that it is highly unlikely that it would work with a third-party keyboard like Gboard or SwiftKey, for instance. Samsung also doesn’t say which messaging apps the respective new feature works with, but, according to Rahman’s testing, it worked pretty well with WhatsApp.

The cited example indicates a question sent to a user asking which AI assistant is better, Galaxy AI or Apple Intelligence. The receiver on the other end using Samsung Keyboard with the suggested replies feature enabled has seen a couple of suggested responses like “both have their pros and cons.”

However, a user needs to pick the provided options and has the ability to edit it before sending, which appears handy. While it worked with WhatsApp, for Rahman, it didn’t work with Google Messages — although it has its version of suggested replies dubbed Smart Reply.

For those wondering, in order for the new Suggested replies feature to work seamlessly, it requires the data from the chat, and Samsung doesn’t yet say whether it is taking the help of Gemini to generate these suggested responses. However, the feature description indicates that “Messages are processed on your phone to provide suggested replies,” followed by instructing users to check the terms and conditions of the Galaxy AI’s features.

Right now, the rollout of the feature is limited to the Galaxy S25 series; however, the One UI 7’s official rollout to older Galaxy phones like the S24 Ultra would indicate whether the feature is for more Galaxy phone users.

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When you know how to set up and use the Now Bar on the Samsung Galaxy S25, you unlock a world where you can continue to control and view updates on certain apps without unlocking your phone — saving you valuable time, especially when you're in a hurry.

Thanks to the Now Bar, you can access features like music controls, live updates, modes, and routines. Samsung created the feature to give instant access to certain apps and tools, including Now Brief. But before you start using the feature on your Galaxy S25, ensure you have it enabled in your phone's settings.

How to set up the Now Bar on the Samsung Galaxy S25

The good news is that setting up the Now Bar is quick and easy. To get started:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.

2. Go to and tap the Lock screen and AOD option.

3. Choose the Now bar option.

4. From here, you can toggle certain Live notifications. You can also enable Now Brief from this screen, which will also appear in the Now Bar.

6. To see more items, tap the See all option below the Live notifications section.

7. On the next page, you can see a list of options to enable, such as Clock, Voice Recorder, Samsung Health, and more. Toggle on the options you want the Now Bar to work with, and you're good to go.

Now that you have enabled the apps, it's time to see what the Now Bar can do.

How to use the Now Bar on the Samsung Galaxy S25

The Now Bar only works with apps you enabled in Settings. If you forgot to turn one on, go back and do so to start using the feature.

When the Now bar is enabled, it will show you updates and controls for apps like Maps, Music, and more. For example, open an app like Samsung Health and start a run. To check your running stats, double-tap your screen or press the Power button to view the lock screen. At the bottom, you will see the Now Bar with your activity stats, which you can expand for a fuller view by tapping it. When you expand it, you can see additional options, such as the pause and close options. The Now Bar also shows you how much ground you've covered on your run.

Other times, it will automatically populate with live updates based on what you're doing or certain events you follow. That includes things like sports games, which will show live scores.

Every app you enable and open to use with the Now Bar will be waiting for you on your lock screen. Let's say you want to return to using a specific app, but when you turn on your screen, it's not the one the Now Bar is showing. To find the app you're looking for, swipe up on the Now Bar until you find it. If you swipe down or to the sides, nothing happens.

If you want more options on the Now Bar, long-press on it to see more. You can choose from options such as dismiss or Now Bar settings. However, some apps may not have the function to remove or modify settings while on the lock screen.

Making using apps even easier

The Now Bar feature on One UI 7 is very helpful because it provides important information without requiring you to unlock your Galaxy S25. One upside is that you can even interact with it from AOD (Always On Display), which makes it more convenient. If you think about it, it's great to view data from an app and save battery life in the process.

It's worth noting that support is still pretty limited, so the list of apps that can take advantage of it isn't expansive at the moment.

Still, not only do you get a great feature, but you're experiencing it on one of the best Android phones, one with a sleek design and refreshed camera modules.

After a bit of confusion, we now know that the Galaxy S25 series officially supports Qi v2.1 but without built-in magnets. Now, anyone interested in buying a Qi2 charger for their Galaxy S25 will have to contend with buying a case for the phone, a concession some may not like. I used to be on their side, thinking how lame it is that Samsung is essentially forcing us to buy a case. However, I’ve started changing my tune after using the Galaxy S25 Plus with a case, even as the Motorola Razr teases a world where I don’t need one.

Learning the hard way to embrace the case

I’ve used the Galaxy S25 Plus for a couple of weeks now, and I made sure that the first case I got was a magnetic case. In fact, I got a couple of very stylish cases from ESR, both of which are clear and nicely show off the Navy color of the Galaxy S25 Plus. The cases are thin and sport magnetic rings in a similar design found on iPhone cases: a circle with a line underneath.

This style of case is familiar because it's very common on iPhones. In fact, most iPhones I see out and about are fitted with a case of this sort despite the phones sporting built-in MagSafe support. The case requirement for Qi2 charging on the Galaxy S25 series only feels like a copout and money grab from Samsung in hopes that you'll buy one of its cases, but the way I see it, that's not the full story.

In fact, you should already want to buy a case for your $800+ phone, something I learned the hard way after buying an LG G8 at launch and dropping it just days later. I did not have a case, and the front and back glass cracked in one corner of the phone. Ever since then, I've used a case on nearly every phone I've owned, with the Razr Plus being my only exception (more on that later).

With the Galaxy S25 Plus, I would like to go on using it without a case, but the phone is already fairly slippery, and I don't trust myself to keep this $1,000 phone intact. Plus, it turns out my Oura Ring is scratching the rear glass panel whenever I hold the phone, which is ruining the pretty Navy color.

No one wants a bulky phone, but no one wants a broken one, either. If you really want Qi2 charging that bad, then you'll have to cough up the extra dough for a Galaxy S25 case. I think that's a pretty small concession, considering Samsung didn't raise the price of the Galaxy S25 series, plus you're getting protection and magnetic charging.

My Razr gives me a taste of unburdened magnetic charging

As cool as it would be to have built-in magnetic charging without a case, I can understand why Samsung didn't add it to the Galaxy S25 series. The phones haven't changed all that much in terms of design, so it’s not much of a surprise that the internal hardware didn't change much either, to the chagrin of myself and my colleagues.

As explained by my colleague Jerry Hildenbrand, it's likely going to require plenty of design tweaks to get magnetic charging in a phone. Given how many phones Samsung produces a year, the company likely just did not have the resources or time to get it how it needs to be, especially on the S Pen-touting Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Last year's Ultra model apparently ran into some issues with magnets, and this year, we're seeing similar warnings about magnetic cases interfering with the S Pen. We've reached out to Samsung for an explanation on why our Ultra model has begun warning us about the use of magnetic cases interfering with This is probably why we only see true Qi2 magnetic charging on one Android phone, while Samsung and OnePlus opt for optional cases.

Then there's the Razr Plus. And before you get too excited, it doesn’t feature magnetic charging or Qi2. However, it does come with magnets in the phone, which are likely used to help keep the phone closed when folded. Because of this, I can mimic using MagSafe by attaching it to magnetic wireless chargers or other MagSafe accessories like car mounts, all without a case.

Ever since finding this out, it got me excited about what Qi2 would look like on Android, especially if and when it arrived on future flip phones.

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I've laid out the reason why I don't like using cases on flip phones like the Razr or Galaxy Z Flip 6, and it boils down to the fact that flip phones are quite thick when folded. Adding a case, while still a smart thing to do, just makes them much bulkier (with the exception of Thinborne or Fiberborne, which unfortunately don't make cases for the Razr).

The magnets aren’t very strong, so it’s not something you should rely on, as the Razr will often slide off a device. However, if the accessory has strong enough magnets, then it feels like MagSafe, and I admit that I like it a lot. Plus, on version 1.x Qi chargers, the Razr will still get 15W.

Is it enough for me to cry over the Galaxy S25 not having built-in magnets? No, especially because I don't run into the same thickness problems as I do with a flip phone. And I imagine most people outside of anyone reading this probably don't care all that much about built-in magnetic charging, either.

Just get a case

If you're going to spend the amount of money it takes to purchase a Galaxy S25, then you should also budget to purchase a case and a screen protector. It's all the rage, and everyone's doing it.

A 2017 survey from Statista revealed that 79% of respondents used a protective case on their phone. A more recent survey from Android Police echoed the results, with an even higher percentage stating they use cases, particularly third-party options, and statistics tell us that the market for phone cases is only going to get bigger.

If you don't want one, that's your prerogative, and I commend your bravery. For those who plan to buy a Galaxy S25 with a case, you might as well look into getting one with magnets. Qi2 is merely a bonus in this case (pun intended), and regardless of whether you use a case or not, you'll still be getting the same tired 15W charging speed, it's just up to you whether you want your phone to stick to things or not.

Samsung's latest flagship phone lineup has arrived, and I'm hard at work gathering all of the best Galaxy S25 deals so you don't have to go searching. Whether you want a trade-in deal on the compact base model or a straight discount on the super-powered Galaxy S25 Ultra, keep reading for all of the best offers on the web today.

The Galaxy S25 series is powered by the outstanding Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and features upgraded camera tech with all of the latest Galaxy AI software features, 12GB of RAM, and an ultra-durable Gorilla Armor 2 glass-and-aluminum construction. Like the S24 series, the phones are also guaranteed to receive seven years of OS and security updates.

Still, the phones aren't exactly cheap, which is why the following deals are so crucial for shoppers. The reviews are live and the phones have landed, so what are you waiting for? Let's dive in.

Quick links

• Samsung Galaxy S25 review - by Brady Snyder
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review - by Derrek Lee
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review - by Andrew Myrick
  
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• Samsung: exclusive color variants, instant trade-in credit
• Best Buy: score $250 off the Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Verizon: free S25 with eligible line, trade-in discounts
• AT&T: new line discounts and trade-in opportunities
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• T-Mobile: free S25 with new line, trade-in discount

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If 2024 was the year when AI would start to ramp up on our devices, then 2025 is the year AI solidifies itself as a mainstay in our lives. The Galaxy S25 Plus is a phone that exemplifies this better than most, with its minimal hardware upgrades starkly contrasted by the amount of new and enhanced AI features stuffed into the phone.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 series, the focus was predominantly on AI, so much so that you could easily mistake it for a Pixel launch. In fact, after using the Galaxy S25 Plus for just a week, I commented on how using the phone felt like I was using a Pixel. It's not too surprising, given how closely Google and Samsung have worked together in recent years, to the point where Samsung's phones will sometimes get Google's new AI features before Pixels do.

But is AI enough to justify upgrading to the Galaxy S25 Plus — especially if you own any of the last two Plus models? And is the Galaxy S25 series really good enough to be considered "Samsung's Pixel"?

Off the bat, the middle child of Samsung's latest flagship series is a fantastic phone with excellent performance and a great user experience, and it may potentially be a better bet if you're looking at buying the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

That said, it also represents how Samsung may be losing its touch and willingness to rock the boat in any meaningful way.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Price & availability

The Galaxy S25 Plus was launched alongside the base Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra on January 22, 2025, during an Unpacked event in San Jose, California. The phone was available to preorder that same day and goes on sale starting February 7.

The Galaxy S25 Plus is available at major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy, as well as various carriers. The phone retails for $999 for the lowest configuration, which includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The price goes up to $1119 for the 512GB variant.

The main Galaxy S25 Plus colors include Navy, Icy Blue, Mint, and Silver Shadow. Samsung-exclusive colors include Coralred, Blueblack, and Pinkgold.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Design & display

It's easy to look at the Galaxy S25 Plus and mistake it for the Galaxy S24 Plus... or even the Galaxy S23 Plus. Samsung basically copy-pasted its design over the last several models, making very subtle tweaks with each subsequent release.

With the Galaxy S25 Plus, Samsung is going completely flat: a flat display, a flat rear glass panel, and a flat frame with rounded corners. It's all very uniform and boring. Compare this to something like the OnePlus 13, and you'll see a very stark difference in design, from the curved glass to the large protruding camera housing and even the rear glass design. The Galaxy S25 Plus would easily be overlooked in a lineup of Android phones.

The only redeeming quality of the Galaxy S25 Plus design is the new Navy colorway. I've gushed over this ever since it was launched, but it truly is Samsung's best color option since the green Galaxy S22. It moves away from the pastels Samsung has been using as of late, and I couldn't be happier to finally get a deeper hue. I'm especially happy that it's blue since that's my favorite color.

And it's not just me who likes it; friends who have seen me using the phone have also commented on its color. That said, there is a Coralread colorway that's exclusive to Samsung.com, which is really nice, too. Otherwise, the remaining Galaxy S25 Plus colors are rather forgettable.

The Armor Aluminum frame is sandwiched between two Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panels, so the phone is sufficiently durable. However, if you own a Galaxy Ring or even an Oura Ring like I do, you may want to be careful with how you hold the phone. Within days of using the Galaxy S25 Plus, I noticed some scratches on the back finish, which is an unfortunate reminder to buy a case or maybe invest in a Dbrand skin if you wanna add more flair.

Another reason you'll want a Galaxy S25 Plus case (and a screen protector while you're at it) is that the sharp corners will do a number on your fingers, especially your pinky, if you hold phones as I do with one hand. For me, it's the only downside to the flatter design.

The display hasn't changed much from the Galaxy S24 Plus. It's slightly larger at 6.7 inches and plenty bright outdoors with very minimal bezels, but the resolution and refresh rate remain at QHD+ and 120Hz. Unfortunately, the phone inexplicably comes out of the box at FHD+, so you'll have to change it in the settings when you set it up, just one of Samsung's many confounding decisions with the phone. Otherwise, it's a great display, and I don't really have any complaints about the quality.

I will say that I wish Samsung would play around with higher refresh rates, especially for those who like to game on their phones. I like that my Razr Plus 2024, for example, comes with a 165Hz OLED panel. Is it overkill? Perhaps, especially for everyday tasks. But Samsung knows how to make great displays, and if you're gonna have a powerful phone like this, the company has the opportunity to give some of the gaming phones a run for their money. But I digress.

The Galaxy S25 Plus features IP68 water and dust resistance, so it's well protected against the elements. I'm a little bummed not to see IP69 here, as it's becoming an increasingly popular standard for water resistance on phones. Sure, it's unlikely you'll find your phone trapped in a dishwasher, but even cheap Android phones like the Moto G Power 2025 sport this rating.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Hardware & specs

The Galaxy S25 Plus is powered by the latest and greatest chip that Qualcomm has to offer. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is a custom-made, souped-up version of the already powerful and AI-ready Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it does a lot of wonders for the Galaxy S25 Plus. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the phone does not show any signs of stuttering or slowing down, which is pretty much expected at this point.

What surprised me was when playing games like Honkai: Star Rail at max settings, the phone stayed quite cool. I noticed it gets slightly warm throughout my gameplay, but overall, the phone is cooler than most when playing this game, even in high or medium settings.

That said, the chipset is one of the few things about this phone that is new, with the overall specs closely matching the Galaxy S24 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Software

I can't express this enough, but I love One UI 7. As a fan of One UI throughout the years, I admit the software wasn't perfect, and there were some things I did not like. With One UI 7, which debuts on the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has addressed a lot of my biggest problems with the software.

The new vertical scrolling app drawer is arguably the best new addition. Oddly, it isn't enabled by default, and turning it on is a little confusing (change the setting to "Alphabetical" sorting), but once it's enabled, it's perfect. But even beyond that, I've had a positive experience with the changes to One UI 7, including the newly separated (and admittedly iPhone-esque) Quick Panel and notification settings.

Samsung adopted a much more bubbly icon style for many of its UI elements, including widgets. It reminds me of the Pixel UI, which I'm not a fan of, but I still prefer how Samsung utilizes space, retaining the smaller customizable quick toggles while implementing a new expandable panel, and stacking notifications over each other for the same app.

Overall, One UI 7 feels incredible to use. Swiping, scrolling, expanding, and closing through the software feels extremely buttery, almost like nothing I've ever experienced before on a phone. Just about every aspect of it feels incredibly optimized.

Samsung says the Galaxy S25 Plus will receive seven years of OS and security updates, which is becoming a new standard for the company's flagship phones. It'll be interesting to see just how well the software and chip hold out that far into the future, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite feels like it won't slow down any time soon.

Unfortunately, Samsung is still doing some questionable things with how it handles its default out-of-the-box behaviors and settings. I already commented on the display betting set to FHD+ instead of QHD+, but I found myself having to change the lock screen notifications to the Cards style so I could actually see that I got notifications when the phone was locked, otherwise they go largely unnoticed. I also had to enable Notification Categories for better customization, an issue we had with One UI 6 that I thought would be addressed with One UI 7.

I also hate that Samsung defaults to waking the AI assistant when pressing and holding the power button. I just want my power button to be a power button. That said, I can see why Samsung would do this, and it all has to do with Samsung and Google's big bet on AI.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Galaxy AI

By default, the power button activates Gemini, which not only got a new look but also got some useful upgrades. Much of the focus has been on Gemini's ability to work across different apps to get tasks done without much input from the user. In my experience, this worked fairly well, but results can be hit or miss depending on the complexity of what you're asking. And while Gemini can now be used across Samsung apps, its ability is still somewhat limited for now.

Still, it works fairly well for what you'll likely need or use it for. For instance, I asked Gemini about a YouTube video explaining the recent controversy over raw milk, then told it to make a list of the main takeaways. It saved a list to Google Keep with a title and bullet points, and it was fairly spot on, getting the bigger points while skipping over some of the minute details.

Gemini was also able to accurately read the details of my flight itinerary from my screen, then create a calendar event for me, create a list with the details, and text said details to my friend. That said, there are times when Gemini will run into walls because it can't access certain apps, services, or data, and sometimes it will either skip a step or just say that it can't complete the task for whatever reason.

At one point, I forgot to specify which video I was referring to and ended up getting Rickrolled by Gemini, which gave me a chuckle.

Yet, despite the shortcomings, it's impressive to see just how far Gemini's capabilities have come. It's even more interesting to see how Samsung is essentially making this the highlight of its AI push on the Galaxy S25. Bixby is still around, but it's put on the back burner and goes largely ignored... unless you absolutely want to use it.

Samsung's other features are actually quite fun to use, and some have received nice upgrades. Drawing Assist feels very much like Pixel Studio, providing a very stylistic hub where you can create images by drawing, using photos as a reference, or using text descriptions. You can also combine images or drawings with text to help you refine what you want the final result to be. The results are pretty good, although Samsung doesn't afford as much freedom to generate certain things or characters as Google or Motorola (it ignored my attempts to generate R2-D2 or Sora from Kingdom Hearts).

Another Pixel-like feature is Audio Eraser, which does just as it says. You can take just about any video on your phone and adjust the levels of various audio sources, such as voices, music, and other noise. It works surprisingly well and will even identify a crowd over a main speaker so you can hear your subject better. I also like that you can edit videos you didn't capture with the Galaxy S25.

And while Circle to Search is very much present, AI Select acts as a cool alternative to extract images or text from your screen to accomplish various contextual tasks on the device. Circle a date or any text, and it'll give you the option to add an event or open Writing Assist. Circle an image, and it'll present you with options for Generative Edit, setting it as a wallpaper, or creating a GIF.

Oh, and Writing Assist features are thankfully no longer tied to Samsung's awful keyboard and are accessible either with AI Select or by highlighting text and tapping the sparkle icon. Unfortunately, the incredibly useful Interpreter feature is still tied to Samsung Keyboard if you want to translate your texts when chatting in other languages.

Mimicry is a form of flattery, and many of the features make the Galaxy S25 Plus feel like a Pixel in all the best ways. Although one new feature takes a cue from the iPhone, and another feature is surprisingly not already on a Pixel, even though it feels like it should be. I'm talking about the Now Bar and Bow Brief, respectively.

Now Bar is a Dynamic Island of sorts that sits at the bottom of the lock screen and presents contextual information, such as Google Maps directions, music controls, sports, and more. Because it sits at the bottom of the display, it's very easy to reach to control your music or expand the bar to get a better look at live scores.

At the moment, it feels a bit limited, which may be due to a seeming lack of third-party support. However, with Live Updates in Android 16, I imagine it may not be too long before more apps jump on board. For now, it's just nice to have, especially with Now Brief, which also appears on the bar throughout the day.

Now Brief gives you a snapshot of your day by presenting you with upcoming events, weather forecasts, news alerts, and more. If you use Samsung Health, you may find your Energy Score or activity ring here, although this has been pretty hit or miss for me. Now Brief updates at different times of the day to keep you updated in the morning, midday, afternoon, evening, and so on. You may also find photos you've taken earlier that day when you're about to wind down.

This is another feature that doesn't feel as useful as it should be, but I do like where Samsung is going with it. My briefings are often devoid of anything aside from weather and calendar events, and my health data doesn't appear nearly as often as I would like. The experience just doesn't feel very consistent, which is something I hope will change over time with more use.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Cameras

The camera hardware on the Galaxy S25 Plus is largely unchanged from its predecessor. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not really a great thing, either. The 50MP primary camera produces very respectable images that feel crisp and vibrant, even in the dull grey of Seattle. The images don't exactly blow me away, but they're still good enough that I doubt many people would complain.

That goes for the ultrawide and telephoto cameras, too. Both are quite good and able to keep up with the main sensor without deviating too far in terms of color reproduction and contrast. That said, I do find that images from the Galaxy S25 Plus tend to feature more contrast than I would like, and low-light images can often appear surprisingly dark, even with Night Mode turned on.

I also find that the bokeh just doesn't feel as natural as it does with the OnePlus 12, which is able to nicely keep the lantern and the branch it's hanging on in focus while everything else is sufficiently blurred. The Galaxy S25 Plus does a decent job, but the effect just isn't as dramatic, even though it manages to at least pull in more color.

The vibrant images taken with the Galaxy S25 Plus tend to feel much livelier than those from my Pixel 9, although the latter does a better job with low-light and nighttime images, pulling in more light while retaining plenty of detail. Samsung tends to stick to applying as much contrast as possible, so the colors on the Fuego sign are quite punchy, while the Pixel feels a bit washed out.

Unfortunately, you won't find the same fun camera features on the Galaxy S25 Plus as you would on the Pixel. Something akin to Add Me would be a fun addition to the phone, and there's also no Macro mode, which feels like a missed opportunity.

There is, however, 8K video recording at 30fps. Do we need it? No, but it's another one of those nice-to-have features. The new Galaxy Log is another one, which lets the phone shoot Log video with a flatter color profile and more dynamic range, giving users more flexibility when editing afterward. Unfortunately, editing on the device itself is pretty limited to just applying Samsung's color correction, but you can always bring the footage over to programs like Premiere Pro and edit there to add your own color corrections and color grading.

Again, it's not for everyone, but it's nice to have for the people who want it.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Battery & charging

Despite having a more powerful chip and the same battery capacity as last year's model, the Galaxy S25 Plus is pretty solid when it comes to battery life. The phone gets me through the day without issue, even between playing games like Pokémon Go and scrolling through Instagram Reels. I manage to average roughly seven or eight hours of screen-on time in my use, which is pretty nice.

Charging hasn't been as generous. The phone supports 45W charging speeds, which is a pretty decent figure when compared to 25W on the base Galaxy S25, but I the phone still slows to a crawl when I'm actually charging it. Granted, I don't have a Samsung charger, but it takes well over an hour for my 100W Anker charger to charge the Galaxy S25 Plus form 1% to full, despite the phone telling me it would only take roughly an hour to fill up.

As for wireless charging, the Galaxy S25 Plus supports 15W speeds and officially supports Qi2 despite not having built-in magnets. This is important because it means you can use those Qi2/MagSafe chargers your iPhone friends have to top up the phone at full speed, granted you have a magnetic case for the phone.

In my experience, this has worked just fine, and it really makes me appreciate the convenience of MagSafe charging, even if speeds aren't terribly fast. The only downside for some is that a case is necessary to make this work, but we'll always recommend having a case than not.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Competition

The Galaxy S25 is one of the first phones to launch in 2025, but it already has quite a number of phones to contend with if you're looking for a new device to upgrade to.

The most obvious is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which features a slightly larger 6.8-inch QHD+ display. Like the Galaxy S25 Plus, the Pixel sports a 50MP triple camera setup, great battery life, and 45W charging. There's also plenty of AI on the Pixel, and Google will often release new features there before they reach other phones. The Pixel has more RAM to help with AI processing, although the Snapdragon 8 Elite on the Galaxy S25 Plus will beat out the Pixel's Tensor G4 in terms of raw power and performance. Both phones cost $999.

The OnePlus 13 is also a worthy contender, sporting a larger curved display and a very unique design. The software may not be as robust with AI, and you get fewer software updates, but the camera is one of the best you'll find on an Android phone, charging speeds are much faster, and the OnePlus 13 costs $100 less than the Galaxy S25 Plus.

Still, Samsung has a closer relationship with Google, so many new features will reach the Galaxy before they come to OnePlus, and hardware support for Samsung is a bit more robust, especially in the States, where Samsung dominates. And despite being cheaper, the OnePlus is only available unlocked, whereas the Galaxy S25 Plus can be purchased through carriers if you don't want to pay outright.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

• You want a powerful smartphone with extensive software support.
• You want the latest AI features but don't want a Pixel smartphone.
• You're a fan of One UI and/or the Galaxy ecosystem.

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You own a Galaxy S24 Plus or maybe even a Galaxy S23 Plus.
• You want the best Android camera experience.
• You want super-fast charging speeds.

The Galaxy S25 Plus feels like a Pixel phone in all the best ways. Not only is it chock-full of AI, but the software finally feels fluid and cohesive. The AI doesn't overwhelm the experience nor try to get in the way, mostly sitting there waiting for you to interact with it. In a time when AI is everywhere, this is something people may appreciate about Samsung's latest flagships.

There's a lot to like about the Galaxy S25 Plus, from the large, sharp display to the incredible performance and the efficient use of power. As the middle child of the Galaxy S25 series, the Plus no longer feels like the "awkward" one.

That said, there's something to be said about the lack of hardware upgrades. Aside from the new Snapdragon chipset, the phone features the same amount of RAM, the same cameras, the same battery capacity and charging specs speeds, and a lot more of the same. Sure, Qi2 is here, but even that is somewhat half-assed.

The Galaxy S25 Plus just isn't that exciting of a phone, which is exemplified by its rather dull design. It's nice that Samsung kept the price the same, but it would also be nice if AI and a new chip were the only upgrades.

It sort of echoes much of what I've been hearing about the new NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs, which also feature seemingly significant performance upgrades while focusing heavily on AI enhancements to improve gameplay. If you have the previous model, and perhaps even the model before that, no matter how good it is, the newest thing just doesn't feel that exciting.

Not to exaggerate, but I have seen bars of soap that are more physically attractive than the Samsung Galaxy S25. If you are as unaroused by the mundane design of the S25 series as I am, there's a little hack to switch things up. Dbrand's slick skins for the S25 lineup can give your Galaxy S25 a much-needed facelift almost instantly.

I always advocate for protective phone cases, but this is the one time I'll break my own rule. Not because you shouldn't use a phone case — you definitely should, especially if your fingers are as slippery as mine. Purely aesthetically speaking, however, a phone's skin looks far more appealing than a case.

Don't get me wrong, the curved edges of the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra are welcome changes that make it much more comfortable to hold the phones. The S25 devices aren't ugly, either. However, the trio looks nearly identical to last year's S24 lineup, and it's starting to get very stale.

Dbrand launched its Galaxy S25 skins even before the boring phone series itself. I have used the brand's skins before, as have many of my colleagues here at Android Central. We've all always loved the ease with which a Dbrand skin can be applied, their cost-effectiveness, and their high quality.

The instructions are simple enough to follow and very straightforward. All you need is a good head on your shoulders, a hairdryer to get the perfect application, and about 15 to 20 minutes of your time.

There are various sorts of Dbrand skins available for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. You can choose from intriguing patterns, solid monochromes, and leather finishes. Dbrand gives you the leeway to jazz it up to your heart's content.

You could always choose plain black, but that would defeat the purpose of giving your device a makeover. Instead, I say opt for louder colors like the yellow Area 51 (Hazard) pattern or the glow-in-the-dark Glow Circuit skin.

Available in black, brown, and tan, the leather skin is especially fantastic. It has that grainy texture only genuine hide can produce and adds a ton of grip. In his review, Nick Sutrich described it as a "time-honored classic" that only gets better looking over time.

Unfortunately, beauty comes at a cost. The leather skins cost $34.95 as opposed to the $16.95 starting price of other basic skin designs. That's admittedly a lot for glorified "premium" stickers that don't do much in terms of drop protection for your Galaxy S25. You're paying purely for the looks, added grip, and maybe some basic scratch protection on select covered body parts of your phone. However, it could be well worth it to give your phone a classy look.

We're in an era where smartphones are finally fun again. In a world of pink Google Pixels with large camera bars and leather-backed OnePlus phones that can be chucked in the dishwasher, Samsung's been busy copying and pasting the same Samsung Galaxy S blueprint over and over again.

That's exactly why I say, despite the lack of protection and potentially steep cost involved, go get yourself a Dbrand skin to make your S25 more interesting. And if you're clumsy, you can always add a slim clear case for your S25, S25 Plus, or S25 Ultra to add impact absorption.

The Galaxy S25 preorder deals are set to expire this Friday, February 7th, so retailers all across the web have been improving their offers to earn your last-minute business. This means more trade-in credit, larger discounts than before, and in the case of Samsung, a bunch of free stuff. Pick up the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus with 256GB of storage, for instance, and you'll now receive a free pair of Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds (a standalone value of $249.99). 

Those free wireless earbuds come alongside a $100 Samsung credit and up to $700 off when you trade in an old or broken device, no carrier activation required. If you've had your eye on other Samsung devices, you can also earn 88% off the Galaxy Watch 7 and 66% off the Galaxy Watch Ultra when you bundle those items with your Galaxy S25 Plus preorder. Yeah, it's that good.

✅Recommended if: you want a great pair of earbuds with your new Samsung phone; you want a 2025 flagship with powerful performance, AI features, and years of guaranteed software support.

❌Skip this deal if: you can get a better deal through your carrier; you already own a great pair of earbuds.

Although it doesn't offer quite as many upgrades as we would like, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is nevertheless a sophisticated, balanced smartphone that should impress just about any Android fan. The device comes with the lightning-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (easily the best Android chipset on the market right now), plus you get 12GB of RAM, a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED QHD+ display, and all the latest Galaxy AI software features. 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are not some cheap accessory being tacked on at the last-minute, either. These $250 buds rank among the best Samsung earbuds that money can buy, with Galaxy AI integration, balanced, Hi-Res audio, and up to 30 hours of battery life with the included charging case. You even get some reliable noise cancellation features. 

It's a great offer, but will it disappear forever once the S25 series is officially released on February 7th? Only time will tell, but if you're looking to upgrade your Samsung setup today, it's an awesome opportunity. 

Samsung's Galaxy S25 series is still going strong and all the models in the lineup are a no-brainer, depending on how much you wish to spend. Google delivered an equally compelling Pixel series in 2024 that got a lot of things right and brought some much-needed improvements.

At $999, the 6.7-inch Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a tough competitor for the $1,099 6.8-inch Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is the reigning top Android phone. The Galaxy S25 Plus has the better processor, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the better camera, and both have excellent software.

But with the Pixel 10 series right around the corner and Samsung's S26 series only coming in next year, is the Pixel 9 Pro XL worth buying or is the S25 Plus the safer bet?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Design and display

There's only a tenth of an inch separating the Galaxy S25 Plus and the Pixel 9 Pro XL in terms of screen sizes, but you wouldn't know it from their overall form factor. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is thinner, lighter, and more compact than the Pixel 9 Pro XL — and significantly so. For instance, the former weighs just 190 grams, while the latter weighs 221 grams. The Pixel is also more than a full millimeter thicker than the Galaxy.

Put simply, you will notice and feel the size difference between these two phones. If you prefer a more compact handset, you'll like the Galaxy S25 Plus, which measures 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm. Those who like the hefty and large feel of a premium flagship might prefer the Pixel 9 Pro XL, measuring 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm.

Both designs follow industry trends, now preferring largely rectangular chassis with slight chamfers rather than curvy shells. Both phones also feature matte back glass finishes, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL has polished sides while the Galaxy S25 Plus has matte aluminum rails.

From the back, the iconic Pixel camera housing is hard to miss on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It's pill-shaped and is kind of a dust and lint magnet, especially if you use your phone caseless. The rear lenses on the Galaxy S25 Plus are separate and now feature DSLR-style lens covers that differentiate it and older models.

In terms of the display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the larger 6.8-inch AMOLED panel. It's equipped with 120Hz support and variable refresh rate capabilities, just like the Galaxy S25 Plus. The Galaxy S25 Plus is smaller, with a 6.7-inch AMOLED, and includes a ProScaler that uses software to make the Galaxy's display look sharper. Both phones are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Hardware and specs

There are advantages to both the Galaxy S25 Plus and the Pixel 9 Pro XL's respective approaches to hardware. Samsung went with raw power in the Galaxy S25 Plus, since it's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and paired with 12GB of RAM. The collaborative chip between Samsung and Qualcomm is the most powerful Android processor to date, beating even the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite platform.

Regardless of which benchmark you pick, the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro XL will lose to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. However, Google is optimizing everything in the Pixel 9 Pro XL, from the silicon to the display and software. That gives it an edge in efficiency. Unfortunately, Google lost its lead in AI processing — the Tensor G4 chip can only handle 45 tokens per second for AI tasks, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite can do 70 tokens per second.

Both phones are Android 15-based, and both come with a promise of seven years of OS upgrades. Samsung uses One UI 7, which is unique but is more similar to Google's build of Android than ever. Pixel Launcher is truly Google's vision for Android, and it lacks some of Samsung's unnecessary bloat.

Samsung and Google both upgraded the connectivity offerings on their newest flagships. Both are equipped with Wi-Fi 7, mmWave 5G, NFC, and UWB support. The Galaxy S25 Plus has the edge in Bluetooth connectivity, with 5.4 as opposed to 5.3 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Cameras

It feels like the same story every year for Galaxy flagships: the camera system is holding the Galaxy S25 Plus back. It uses the same sensors as the Galaxy S24 Plus, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Plus. The lack of upgrades here is astounding, and it only helps the Pixel 9 Pro XL's case. To recap, the Galaxy S25 Plus includes the following sensors: a 50MP main, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide.

Basically, all Google had to do over the last few years of Pixel development is keep making upgrades, and it has. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a great camera system with a 50MP main shooter and dual 48MP secondary cameras. There's a 48MP ultrawide and another 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom support. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a better fit to compete with the Galaxy S25 Ultra than the Galaxy S25 Plus, despite it only costing $100 more than the latter.

While the S25 Plus does a good job of producing livelier images, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is better at night photography. Google wins the front camera battle, too, since the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 48MP front-facing, hole-punch sensor. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Plus has a 12MP front sensor.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Which should you buy?

This is a rare case of two phones that both have excellent value propositions, each for a different type of smartphone user. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is thinner, lighter, and more compact than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, so it's ideal for those who want a small phone without sacrificing too many features. The camera system is decent, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is a standout, but the phone isn't exciting enough.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a superior camera system with excellent computational photography. The phone's 6.8-inch screen may be the perfect middle ground between the Galaxy S25 Plus and the massive Galaxy S25 Ultra. Of course, it has Google AI at the core and the Pixel Launcher, so the software is excellent.

All told, you can't really go wrong with either of these phones. However, considering how similar the Galaxy S25 Plus is to the Galaxy S24 Plus, you may want to check if the predecessor could give you what you're looking for on a budget. We have that comparison for you here. Not to mention, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will soon replace the Pixel 9 Pro XL at (hopefully) the same price, which would make it the better pick. The 9 Pro XL could soon become a bargain purchase during sales after the 10 series launches.

I’ve spent a little bit of time with the Galaxy S25 Plus this week, and while I haven’t yet gone extensively through the new features and capabilities, I’ve had some pretty good first impressions of the phone. I previously reviewed the Galaxy S24 Plus, so Samsung’s latest model feels both familiar and like a welcome refresh. In fact, with such a strong focus on AI, it's feeling more like I'm using a suped-up Pixel than a Galaxy phone.

Here are a few things that have stood out to me so far while using the Galaxy S25 Plus.

Color is everything

For the past few years, I’ve been pretty unimpressed with Samsung’s color selection. The main hues for the S series phones have shifted toward pastels, and I constantly complain that it makes Samsung’s already boring-looking phones appear even more dull. This year, things haven’t changed too much, as most color options for the Galaxy S25 Plus are still boring, but the standout colorway is the new Navy option.

The Navy Galaxy S25 Plus is the best color Samsung has launched for a phone since the green Galaxy S22. I love blue, so I'm a little biased, but the Navy hue is a deep blue with a very slight shimmer that almost glistens in direct sunlight. Depending on the angle and lighting, the phone almost appears indigo, which was a similar effect to the green Galaxy S22, which appeared blue in certain lighting. The frosted glass on the back is nicely contrasted with the thick black camera rings in the corner, while the flat frame gives off an almost neon glow.

According to Samsung, the color is actually inspired by Galaxy AI, closely matching the hue of the signature sparkle icon that accompanies many consumer-facing features on Android phones. And given how focused the new phones are on AI, it’s a nice way to merge the design with the software. I admit that the phone’s design is still pretty tame, especially compared to other flagship Android phones like the OnePlus 13. However, a great color selection really helps make things pop.

This is something Motorola figured out with the Razr Plus 2024. These phones aren’t offered in simple colors like black, white, or silver; each Razr Plus 2024 color is vibrant and unique, such as the Hot Pink option, which is a result of its partnership with Pantone. The Galaxy S25 series isn’t quite there yet, and many of the other color options retain the bland pastels (I guess someone must like them?), but with colors like Navy and even the Samsung-exclusive Coralred, the Galaxy S25 Plus already looks much more compelling than its predecessor.

One UI 7 is smooth like butter

The Galaxy S25 Plus may look largely the same on the outside, but once you turn the phone on, it’s a different story. One UI 7 feels so good to use, and I already feel like this is the best version of Samsung’s software to date.

I’ve unapologetically been a big fan of One UI for some time, as I think the UI manages its space much better than the Pixel software. With Android 15, Samsung changed plenty of things around that make the software feel somewhat Pixel-like with its more bubbly UI elements while retaining the more efficient Samsung flair I’ve come to love while tweaking it in ways that I find pretty smart.

For instance, there’s now a vertical app drawer. Previously, in order to get a vertically scrolling app drawer, you’d have to install the Good Lock app and go through the modules and settings. Now, you just have to change the app drawer to alphabetical sorting, which will change it from its default horizontal pagination (why it’s still the default is beyond me).

Then there’s the Quick Panel and notification shade. By default, they’re separate, and while many people may not like this iPhone-esque take on the UI, it’s something I’ve gotten used to from other OEMs like Motorola. I already liked Samsung’s revamped take with One UI 6, which retains Wi-Fi and Bluetooth buttons as well as other settings like brightness, media output, and more.

One UI 7 takes it a step further with additional customization, and all the settings you want are more or less at your fingertips with the full-page Quick Panel. Samsung even took after the app drawer by ditching the horizontal scrolling for the customizable quick settings by turning it into an expandable panel.

I also like how notifications are displayed. If you get more than one notification from the same app, they’ll often stack on top of each other so as not to take up too much space from other notifications. This behavior also mimics the new multitasking screen, which also stacks open apps behind each other instead of placing them side by side. It all just makes for a more visually appealing and cohesive experience, and it feels like Samsung really thought this through.

I also can’t go without talking about how good it feels to use One UI 7. Everything you do feels so smooth and buttery without feeling like you’re stuck waiting for transitions to finish before doing the next thing. The lock and home screens feel like they’re floating up at you when you turn on the display, the Quick Panel and notification shade have a nice kinetic bounce to them, and animations between apps and screens are slick.

The experience is a stark contrast to One UI 6 on my Galaxy Z Flip 6 or even the Galaxy S24 Plus, which feels stiff by comparison. And while Android 15 on my Pixel 9 is admittedly very fast and fluid, even that feels like a half-step behind One UI 7. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed the feeling of a UI this much.

It's giving Pixel

But enough about how the software feels; what is it actually doing for me? Well, a lot, it turns out. Or, at least, it’s trying to. Samsung didn’t make hardware changes this year, which I’m still a little bummed about. However, with all the focus on AI, it now feels like Samsung is trying to turn the Galaxy S series into its very own Pixels.

Out of the box, the Gemini is just a click away with a long press of the power button. While I don't care for this method of evoking an AI assistant (it's a power button, let's keep it that way), it emphasizes Samsung and Google's strong partnership to bring the latest and greatest of Gemini first to the Galaxy S25 series.

One thing I appreciate about the Pixel is that it seems to want to make your life easier by putting the AI features you might want right at your fingertips. That's what I feel Samsung has been working towards since debuting Galaxy AI on the S24 series, and it's even more prevalent with the S25 Plus just how much it wants to be a Pixel.

Drawing Assist got an upgrade, which basically turns it into Pixel Studio, allowing you to create or alter images from drawings or text. AI Select is essentially Circle to Search without the search, letting you extract content from your screen to perform various actions like editing an image, translating text, creating a GIF, and more.

Audio Eraser is Samsung’s version of Google's Magic Audio Eraser, which analyzes a video to let you remove certain sounds. In my limited use of Audio Eraser on some videos I took over New Year's Eve with another phone, the feature works shockingly well, removing very loud music so that I could only hear my voice in the clips.

Then there's the Now Bar and Now Brief. These two features I'm most intrigued by, and I feel like there's quite a bit of potential there, even if they don't quite live up to it yet. Now Bar acts like a bottom-mounted Dynamic Island, which shows music controls, timers, live sports scores, and even Google Maps directions. It should act as a pretty handy way to interact with apps directly from your lock screen, although so far, my interactions with it have been limited, and it's not quite as useful a feature as I had hoped.

The same goes for Now Brief, which also appears in the Now Bar during certain times of the day (or you can set a widget on your home screen). It's basically a summary of your morning, afternoon, and evening, which should recall various information based on your health stats, calendar, and more, almost like Morning Brief on the Pixel Watch 3.

Unfortunately, while I get some of that info, the briefs aren't as insightful or informative as I would like, showing me the weather, upcoming calendar events, and suggesting Spotify songs to me. I still have not seen any health stats appear in my brief despite actively using Samsung Health. I also wish it was more proactive at showing me my briefs outside of the lock screen, perhaps with a notification.

Still, I see where Samsung is going with these features, and they have a lot of potential. I imagine the Now Bar will feel more useful when it gains more support from third-party apps, and I'm hoping I'll get more out of Now Brief after I use the phone more.

More to come

While I couldn't be less impressed with how little Samsung upgraded the Galaxy S25 Plus hardware, I'm surprisingly enjoying the phone more than I expected to. It’s nappy, the software feels quite polished, and the Navy hue is the only color worth getting. So far, it feels like the Pixel phone I've always wanted.

I don't love everything, from unnecessary changes with lock screen notifications to the seeming removal of the swipe gesture to evoke the assistant. Samsung also has some odd choices for default settings that I find a little questionable.

That said, there's still quite a bit that I want to test out more thoroughly, including the cameras, battery life, overall performance, and the Qi2 MagSafe charging (provided I get my hands on a Galaxy S25 Plus case that supports MagSafe). You can look forward to all of this and more in my full review of the Galaxy S25 Plus.

If you're looking for smartphones with large displays, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and OnePlus 13 are good options. But while both flagship phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the OnePlus 13 has a larger battery, faster charging, and an arguably more robust camera system. The Galaxy S25 Plus has a more mature AI suite, longer software support, and is more easily accessible through U.S. carriers.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t get a Samsung Galaxy phone as your next snazzy device. The brand continues to make fantastic phones. But when looking at the Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. OnePlus 13, you might find yourself wondering if it’s time for a switch.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. OnePlus 13: The design and basic features

As the larger phone in the new Samsung Galaxy S25 line, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus measures 6.7 inches with a 3,120 x 1,440 QHD+ dynamic AMOLED 2x screen. It affords a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and Vision Booster that ensures the screen is viewable in even bright sunlight.

Available in Silver Shadow, Navy, Ice Blue, and Mint finishes, the frame is made of armor aluminum and the screen of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It boasts an IP68 rating so it can withstand both dust and water immersion. Nicholas Sutrich says in his hands-on of the Galaxy S25 Plus that he appreciates the curved corners that make it comfortable to hold along with the fact that it’s lighter in weight than the previous generation Galaxy S24 Plus. In his full review, Derrek Lee finds the all-over flat design "boring" but absolutely adores the new Navy colorway.

You can get the phone with either 256GB or 512GB storage. It’s not expandable, so you’ll have to rely on cloud storage or offloading content if you need more. You’re best to save up for the 512GB version just in case.

The phone has a 4,900mAh battery and it supports 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 along with fast wireless charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare. But Lee say it charges at a snail's pace, albeit when using a reliable third-party charger and not Samsung's own. But he appreciates that while fast charging is just at 15W, the phone does support Qi2, so you can use Qi chargers to top it up as needed.

It has an ultrasonic fingerprint reader on the screen, 2D facial recognition, and a new security feature called post-quantum cryptography that is designed to further safeguard your personal data.

Samsung continues with its promise to offer extended support for the Galaxy S25 Plus: you get seven years of OS and security updates, so the phone will not only last far beyond as long as you want it, but it will also have great resale, trade-in, and hand-me-down value.

By comparison, the OnePlus 13 has a larger 6.82-inch LTPO OLED Aqua Touch screen bosting 3,168 x 1,440 resolution, 1,600 nits brightness (4,500 nits peak brightness), and dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate. The screen also includes Intelligent Eye Care 4.0 to help reduce strain on your eyes. Sutrich says in his review of the OnePlus 13 that it’s “the best display of any phone on the market,” easy to see in direct sunlight, which he tested on a beach in The Bahamas.

The Aqua Touch screen is designed to allow you to easily manipulate the phone even if your hands are wet or there are water droplets on the screen. This could be a game-changer for those who live in rainy or snowy climates, or for use in the field. It also has a Glove Mode for operating it even while wearing thin gloves.

Available in Midnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, and Arctic Dawn finishes, the screen is made of the company’s Crystal Shield super-ceramic glass. Visually, Sutrich calls it the “most beautiful phone I’ve ever used” (referencing the blue vegan leather model he was given for review). OnePlus, for its part, says the Ceramic Guard screen offers better scratch and drop protection than Gorilla Glass.

A stand-out feature is that the phone supports both the IP68 and IP69 ratings, which means it can not only withstand dust and be submerged, it can also withstand high-pressure water jets. This means you can take it on a boat, while jet skiing, or even literally toss it in the dishwasher and it will purportedly come out unscathed. In fact, Sutrich tested this theory, running it through a sanitizing cycle on his dishwasher for four hours, then taking it into a sauna and it continues to work just fine.

A bit heavier and thicker than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus given its larger size, Sutrich finds the flat side rails on the front and back with the curved edge of this phone makes it easy and comfortable to hold. It comes with the same 256GB or 512GB storage capacities, so make sure to get the bigger one and look into cloud storage options if you think you’ll need more.

The battery is another stand-out here: it has a massive 6,000mAh battery and, like other OnePlus phones, lasts an incredibly long time. It also supports 80W (yes, you read that correctly!) SUPERVOOC charging, with the charger in the box (yay!) You can increase this to up to 100W with OnePlus’ SUPERVOOC 100W dual-port power adapter, which is sold separately. It also supports 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging. Again, you read that correctly. So, this phone not only lasts a long time, at least a few days per charge, but it recharges at blazing speeds.

“I am constantly surprised when I plug it in for 10 or 15 minutes,” says Sutrich, “and see that it’s already in the 80% range…If you’ve never used a OnePlus phone before, you’re going to be absolutely blown away by not only how good the battery life is, but also by how fast it charges. It puts every leading flagship phone to shame.”

While there’s no Qi2 support without a case, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus does offer built-in Qi2 support, OnePlus does offer a wide range of cases with Qi2 support and appears to be one of the only phone brands, if not the only phone brand, to be doing so. You’ll need a case either way, of course, but it’s worth noting.

The phone has traditional security features, like an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor on the screen, but nothing specific that will blow you away. Ongoing support is not as robust in comparison to Samsung, as you’ll only get four major Android updates and security updates for six years. But that’s still impressive.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. OnePlus 13: The specs

Let’s look at the specs of these two phones in a side-by-side comparison.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. OnePlus: What can these phones do?

Now that you have an idea of the bare bones specs of these two phones, it comes down to the most important question: what can these phones do, how well can they do them, and what makes them stand out?

Running on the ultra-fast and responsive Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus can keep up with even the most demanding tasks and use cases. You get a significant boost in performance from previous-generation processors, which is necessary to run all the on-board AI features that this phone has to offer. While others rely on the cloud to process certain AI functions, this processor allows the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus to do more locally. That even includes features like Generative photo editing.

Loaded with the Android 15 OS, Samsung also overlays its One UI 7, which affords access to plenty of cool Galaxy AI features along with customization and personalization options for the look and feel of the phone. Some new features include AI Agent: long-press the power button and you’ll instantly open the Gemini assistant, which works with native app integration. This means no matter what app you’re in, Gemini will assist with what you want, related to that specific app. Sutrich played around with this feature during his review and said it works well. He used it, for example, to find specific recipes within an hour-long YouTube video and it accomplished this with ease.

A neat new feature with Samsung One UI 7 is Now Brief, which shows AI-powered insights for your sleep, the weather, your daily schedule, and more. You’ll get Auto Suggestions, like a reminder to turn on the smart washing machine based on your usual weekly routine. Multimodal Search, meanwhile, lets you run searches in unique ways, like humming a song to be reminded of its name. Lee's favorite feature is the new vertical scrolling app drawer, but note that it isn't enabled by default so you'll have to go into settings to turn it on, an odd decision not to have it function right out of the box.

The most important factor with this phone is its heavy AI integration. You can be more productive and enjoy better context awareness as you switch among apps and use Gemini and other AI tools at your disposal. This includes everything from getting help composing an e-mail in the right tone, to searching for ideas for your next vacation, using Circle to Search to identify what jacket the person in that YouTube video is wearing, and more. Circle to Search now also recognizes phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and URLs so you can instantly open what’s needed.

Overall, the phone better understands natural language, so it’s easy to communicate as well. As with any phone, the AI features work when they do and don't when they don't. It can be hit or miss, but Lee notes that it's fun to play around with. And it's quite impressive when it does work well.

Along with the processor, Android 15, and Samsung One UI 7, all this runs smoothly thanks to the 12GB RAM. So, you can enjoy everything from streaming and capturing video to mobile gaming and more. Speaking of gamers, there are features specifically for them, including an improved cooling system, ray tracing, and a Vulkan Engine. Lee was pleased with the phone's performance while gaming, including how cool it remained no matter how intense the game.

How does the OnePlus 13 stack up? Very strongly. It runs on the same Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile processor. The phone handles switching among apps at a blazing pace, with little to no lag. Sutrich says it exhibits the best haptics he has experienced on a non-Pixel phone. “I have never seen the phone falter once in its impeccable performance, whether that’s normal day-to-day scrolling or playing games at 120 fps.” He also calls multitasking “the best I’ve seen among any flagship phone.”

The OnePlus 13 has plenty of AI features as well, including intelligent search, AI Notes, and deep Google Gemini integration, just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus. However, much of the work is done via cloud computing, so you need an Internet connection, which is one downside.

It comes loaded with Android 15 and adds OnePlus OxygenOS 15 for its version of personalization, customization, and unique features. You get many of the same features you find in the Galaxy S25 Plus like Circle to Search and intelligent assistance for everything from composing messages to booking vacations, with the intelligence fueled by both Gemini and, with this phone, OxygenOS.

There’s a cool feature in this phone called BeaconLink that lets you essentially use the device as a walkie-talkie to communicate with another person with the same (or compatible) phone that is up to 200 meters away. This is great if you’re in an area that doesn’t have good mobile coverage, like on a boat or campsite.

Features in this phone will appeal to gamers as well, including the 12GB or 16GB RAM, depending on which variant you choose, Adreno 830 GPU, and overall fast and snappy processor along with efficient cooling.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. OnePlus 13: Capturing and editing photos and videos

The latest premium phones don’t just have fabulous cameras. They also have tons of pre- and post-editing tools you can leverage to get the best images and footage possible. Many of these tools use AI, and that’s true for both of these phones.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus has a 50MP wide AF OIS main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, 10MP 3x tele AF OIS camera, and 12MP wide AF front “selfie” camera. The 30x space zoom is impressive so you can capture less grainy, more detailed images from even far distances. Other features include HDR portraits, a nightography mode, and more. For video, you can record 4K video at 60 frames per second using the ProVisual Engine.

The cameras are largely the same as the previous generation, so you'll get decent photos, but Lee notes that it's nothing to blow you away. He does note that images often come out with more contrast that he'd like, and darker than preferred in low-light settings. Images tend to be vibrant, but they aren't necessarily as dramatic as you might find with other cameras, he adds.

You’ll find all the same AI photo editing features that were in the Samsung Galaxy S24, along with a few new ones. A standout is an improved version of Audio Eraser for videos, which can remove background noise, including conversations, in videos to isolate just the sounds you want. Sutrich tried this as part of his review and was pleased with the results.

There’s also a new feature called Auto Trim that will intelligently remove things like “ums” and “ahs” in your speech along with blank spaces. Use keywords and the AI will pick out which clips or sound bites aren’t essential and remove them for a cleaner editing experience. For videos taken at night, you’ll be able to better capture moving subjects without worry that the footage will be under or over-exposed.

Switching over to the OnePlus 13, OnePlus relies on Sony cameras for the OnePlus 13, which affords a massive step up in performance. Sutrich says it’s “easily one of the best smartphone cameras I’ve ever used.”

The set-up includes a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto camera with an incredible up to 120x zoom, 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP front camera. You can take 4K video at 60 frames-per-second and enjoy features like portrait mode, night scene, panorama, time-lapse, and more. Dual Exposure is worth noting, which can capture moving subjects with incredible clarity, along with Action Mode that accomplishes fantastic detail in action shots. Clear Burst lets you hold down the shutter to take multiple photos to capture that perfect moment.

What really sets this phone apart when it comes to the cameras are all the useful and effective AI photo editing tools. There’s AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, and even a feature that removes distracting objects from a photo. In most cases, you’ll find similar equivalents with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, as well as other phones like Google Pixel devices. But one that works wonderfully and I haven’t seen in other phones is the AI Reflection Eraser. This will intelligently remove distracting reflections from a photo so you get a clearer image of something with glass or another reflective surface.

Bottom line: Sutrich says there “wasn’t a single category where I saw the OnePlus 13’s camera falter.”

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. OnePlus 13: Which should you choose?

When it comes down to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus vs. OnePlus 13, the OnePlus 13 is all-around the better phone. In fact, Sutrich says in his review that it’s “the best-built Android phone on the market, full stop.” You won’t find a better phone. Considering it’s the same price as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, the decision is simple.

Now, there are still reasons to stick with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus. If you are familiar with the Samsung ecosystem and feel more comfortable with it, you might want to stay with that. This is especially so if you have Samsung smart devices in the home, and/or a Samsung Galaxy Watch and/or Galaxy Ring. If so, it makes sense to have a Galaxy phone as well and be able to enjoy everything the ecosystem has to offer.

You also get longer support with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, including a whole three more Android updates and an extra year of security updates. Considering you will probably upgrade to a new phone in another three or four years anyway, this isn’t a big deal. But you will be able to resell or hand this phone down to a friend or family member and be confident they’ll get the most out of it.

It's important to note that brands like OnePlus have really upped their game with their latest devices. The OnePlus 12 ranked among the best Android phones we have reviewed to date, and the OnePlus 13 will undoubtedly be replacing that model for the top spot.

There’s nothing specific to learn about how it works, since it’s incredibly intuitive. It’s the most durable consumer-level phone you’ll find on the market yet it’s still sleek and downright beautiful. While we wish it had more storage and Qi2 support built in, these are minor complaints, and really the only ones we can find with this phone.

The cameras and camera editing features, software, processing speeds, and performance are all top-notch with the OnePlus 13. If you’re looking for a new premium Android phone you can hang onto for many years to come, and that will give you access to multitasking, AI features, capture great photos, and even go into the hot tub with you on your next vacation, the OnePlus 13 is the one to choose.

You’ll still get a great device with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, including wonderful cameras, powerful processing and onboard AI features (that’s a huge plus worth noting), decent battery life, a sleek look, and extra-long software support. But overall, for most users who aren’t tied to a specific platform, the OnePlus 13 is a winning choice.

Everything you need to know about UWB on the Samsung Galaxy S25

Samsung's latest trio of flagship phones pack a few hardware and connectivity upgrades, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support. However, the base model, 6.2-inch Galaxy S25 still does not include an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip. Meanwhile, both the mid-tier, 6.7-inch Galaxy S25 Plus and high-end, 6.9-inch Galaxy S25 Ultra models feature a UWB chip.

UWB is a relatively new technology that became mainstream with recent Apple and Samsung phones, and is also found on other handsets. Essentially, it's a near-field radio communication protocol optimized for both data transfer and location. With better range and precision than Bluetooth, UWB is ideal for finding other UWB-enabled trackers and devices.

For instance, Samsung's own Samsung SmartTag 2 — an item tracker that you can attach to keys, wallets, or anything else — has a UWB chip for precision finding. While older, standard versions of the SmartTag relied on Bluetooth, the newer model uses UWB. However, for this use case and many others, you'll need a Galaxy S25 Plus or Ultra phone rather than a base Galaxy S25.

Additionally, some other apps use UWB to connect with products and accessories if your phone supports the connection protocol. Some car manufacturers will let your phone work as a car key if it supports UWB, like BMW, Audi, and Ford. Tile is another example of a third-party accessory maker that uses UWB to connect with trackers.

For those who need UWB support, choosing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus or Ultra is a must. Unfortunately, Samsung's cheapest Galaxy S25 model still does not include a UWB chip.

What you need to know

• Samsung Galaxy S25 pre-orders in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the Middle East are starting to ship early, according to buyers.
• The shipments not only have barcodes created, but also have been picked up by their couriers, which is a good sign they may deliver earlier.
• Some users are seeing expected delivery dates as much as a week earlier than the official Feb. 7 release date.

Samsung revealed the Galaxy S25 series last week, and pre-orders opened on Jan. 22. For early buyers, there was quite a while between pre-orders opening and the Feb. 7 official release date for the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup. Those that are eagerly awaiting the delivery of their new flagships may have reason to be excited, because multiple Reddit users are starting to see their orders shipping already (via Droid Life).

It's not uncommon for buyers to receive early shipping notifications way before their phones are set to be delivered. Typically, Samsung shipping notifications are sent out when the label is created — which is sometimes days before a new phone is actually picked up by a courier. This time, however, multiple users are seeing their packages moving through shipping networks in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the Middle East.

Other smartphone companies, like Apple, have strict polices with partners like UPS and FedEx that prevent packages from being delivered early. Even if a pre-order arrives at its final destination early, it'll often be held at a courier location until the official release date. Samsung, by comparison, has delivered new releases to buyers early — yet another indication that Galaxy S25 pre-orderers may have something to get excited about.

My phone just shipped as well! I'm so excited🤩 from r/samsunggalaxy

As a warning, not all Samsung Galaxy S25 buyers are seeing their orders move through a courier network just yet. Some are merely receiving shipping notifications that a label was created. Once the package has been picked up by a courier and you get an estimated delivery date, there's a good chance your Galaxy S25 could be delivered early. Until then, it might be worthwhile to hold off on the excitement.

Some people who have placed pre-orders, including at Droid Life, are seeing estimated delivery dates as early as tomorrow, Jan. 30. So, we'll know soon whether these early delivery dates are the real thing or just a tease. It's worth noting that only orders directly from Samsung are likely to ship and delivery early — orders from Best Buy, Amazon, and carriers will probably be held until the official Feb. 7 release date.

As Droid Life notes, this is one reason to pre-order through Samsung, in addition to the promotions and enhanced trade-in values. However, some have expressed concerns with Samsung's return policy in the past, so there are pros and cons.

What you need to know

• Samsung has an interesting promotional offer in the U.K. for Galaxy S25 series buyers.
• The company is offering a free "starter kit" with the purchase of a Galaxy S25 device in the region.
• It includes a free case and charger, but users should submit a review of the device after the proposed return period to receive the gift.

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 series is now available for preorder across several regions after a successful launch last week. The company is also offering a free starter kit in select countries, which includes a Samsung official case and a charger worth £128.

Spotted by 9to5Google, the current offer is available in the U.K. region and is valid for the purchase of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Users would need to preorder either of the devices only through the Samsung U.K. website from January 22 to February 6.

There is a 14-day return window for users who select the offer, post which Samsung will send an email with a link that further redirects to a review form. Users who placed the order will have 30 days from the date of delivery (of their respective Galaxy S25 device) to review their handset using the respective link.

After they submit their reviews, users won’t immediately get a confirmation email; rather, their reviews will get validated in the next 30 days after which they will be getting the aforementioned gift which likely includes a Samsung Standing Grip case and a 15W Duo charger, according to images seen on the offer page.

Colorways of the respective products that are being gifted may differ from the showcased image on the offer page. Users also have to bear in mind that each order is eligible for only one gift, and the email that is being used should be the same as that being used while purchasing any of the Galaxy S25 models.

Samsung has traditionally incorporated different kinds of launch offers every year during the launch of its flagship Galaxy S series. For instance, in the U.S., there is a “New Galaxy Club” program for users interested in buying the Galaxy S25 series. Users who purchase a Galaxy S25 series device are eligible to opt for this additional subscription to help them upgrade their device next year.

For instance, users who buy a Galaxy S25 Ultra or S25 Plus will need to additionally pay $8.33 a month for 12 months, after which they can opt for the successor model at a discounted price of up to 50%. The new program alongside existing preorder deals for Galaxy S25 is a bonus, to say the least.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

While I'm writing this, I've had my Galaxy S25 Ultra review unit for less than 24 hours. Much of that time has been spent getting everything set up, along with running a few benchmarks before settling in.

Once the benchmarks were completed, I started downloading and setting up apps, meaning the onslaught of notifications arrived. It wasn't long before the thought popped into my head that something about my notifications was different, and it wasn't just going from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to the S25 Ultra.

Despite having notifications ping and vibrating the phone, I would pull it out of my pocket, and there would be nothing on the lock screen. It was like I was getting those annoying "phantom" notifications, but en masse.

The first thing that I checked was to see if Notification Categories was enabled. This was something I noticed with the Galaxy S24, but it seems that Samsung listened to feedback and now has that turned off by default. Then I figured something might have been messed up when I started trying to customize the Lock Screen settings. Nope.

As it turns out, I'm not the only one who realized that something was "off" with notifications. If he weren't a Bills fan, and we weren't hundreds of miles apart, I'd probably try to give this individual a big ole' hug. Will Sattelberg, Phones Editor for Android Police, published a piece that solved all of my problems. While catching up on my RSS feeds, I also noticed that Ben Schoon, Senior Editor at 9to5Google, also ran into the same issues with his Galaxy S25 Ultra review unit.

So, what's actually going on with notifications?

For some reason, Samsung decided to change the "Default Lock Screen Notification Style." Traditionally, lock screen notifications would appear as a banner, making them easily identifiable without thinking twice. With One UI 7, that's no longer the case, as the default option is set to "Icons," which does nothing more than show a tiny notification before throwing the app icon into your status bar.

It completely removes the ability to just glance down at your phone to read the notifications before determining whether it needs immediate action. Instead, many will unbox and set up their Galaxy S25, only to potentially have the same frustrations.

However, this isn't something limited to just the Galaxy S25, as I also checked the Galaxy S24 Ultra I have on hand that is running the One UI 7 beta. Sure enough, lock screen notifications are set to "Icons," meaning that you'll need to change this yourself if you actually want to see notifications when they arrive.

I understand Samsung's desire to try and clean up the lock screen in order to put more focus on the Now Bar. However, it's not like you can even use the Now Bar on the lock screen to view any of your notifications. I'm not sure if this is something that Samsung is cooking up for a future One UI 7 update, but that would make a lot more sense.

Instead, relegating the app icons to the status bar just isn't the experience I would have expected. It might not be a problem if you only get a few notifications every day, but as soon as you end up with more than three or four notifications, everything breaks down.

Okay, so enough complaining. Thankfully, getting things back to "normal" is pretty easy:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Notifications.

3. Tap Lock screen notifications.

4. Under Notification style, select Cards.

And that's it! Now, when notifications arrive, you'll actually be able to read them without worrying about the icons in your status bar.

It's entirely possible that Samsung will release a "day one" software patch that's available as soon as you take the S25 out of the box. But I also wouldn't be surprised if Samsung just left things as they currently are, at least for the time being. However, I do think there will be quite a few people who take to Reddit and support forums wondering how in the heck they can get their notifications back. And if there's enough pushback, then perhaps Samsung will revert the changes with One UI 7.1 or something.

What I don't understand is why Samsung decided this would be the best way to handle notifications. Again, maybe it plans to integrate notifications into the Now Bar, and even if that's the case, then it should've waited until those changes were ready for prime time. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of an uncluttered lock screen, but I don't want these kinds of decisions being made for me.