The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is a solid device, but it costs too much not to be called an Ultra—and offer some of its features, too. With seven years of software support, the phone is a great option for those due for an upgrade from a three- to four-year-old Android device. However, at its starting price of $1,000, it feels barebones compared to other devices at this point.
The camera system on the Galaxy S25+ is the same as last year’s model, with a 50-MP Wide primary camera and a 10-MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. While Samsung’s algorithms are excellent, the phone struggles in low-light conditions. Additionally, its nighttime camera capabilities can’t compare to Google’s.
The software experience is the same as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with Samsung’s One UI 7 on top of Android 15. The phone also comes preinstalled with Samsung’s AI features, such as the Now Brief and generative imaging. However, these features feel like unnecessary add-ons that don’t significantly enhance the user experience.
Overall, the Galaxy S25+ is a good option for those who want a lightweight phone with a sharp screen, stellar battery life, and fast charging speeds. However, its camera capabilities are lacking compared to other flagship devices at this price point. If you’re due for an upgrade and coming from an older device, it’s worth checking out the Galaxy S25+. But if you can afford it, consider saving up for a different phone that offers more features and better performance.
It’s also worth noting that Samsung should package this model more like Google did with the Pixel series: two sizes for a “pro” phone plus a regular “almost pro” for people who want to save a little money. With 5x optical zoom, this feature feels essential on a phone that starts at $1,000.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/samsung-galaxy-s25-review-this-could-have-been-an-ultra-2000562712