Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S25+
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S25+ represents a meaningful generational upgrade over the S23+, delivering substantial improvements across critical specifications. Display quality sees the most dramatic enhancement, with the S25+ offering a sharper 3120 x 1440 resolution versus 2340 x 1080, coupled with exceptional 2600 nits peak brightness compared to 1750 nits. Processing power jumps significantly via the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering better CPU architecture and the newer Adreno 830 GPU. Battery capacity increases from 4700 mAh to 4900 mAh, while RAM doubles to 12 GB standard. Connectivity advances include Wi-Fi 7 support and Bluetooth 5.4. Camera capabilities remain largely comparable between generations, with the S25+ losing Dual Pixel PDAF on the main sensor but maintaining equivalent optical performance. Both feature IP68 protection and 45W charging. At virtually identical pricing, the S25+ delivers superior value through newer Android 15, slimmer 7.3mm profile, and measurably better performance across core metrics. For most buyers seeking flagship functionality, the S25+ is the clear recommendation.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- →Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- →4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25+ if…
- →Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset
- →Sharp QHD+ 120Hz display with high brightness
- →Compact and lightweight for a large-screen phone
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- 4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
- Four years of OS updates and five years of security patches
- Versatile triple camera with 3x optical zoom
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM at the $999 price point
- FHD+ resolution instead of QHD+ on the 6.6-inch display
- 45W charging is slower than Chinese competitors
- No expandable storage or microSD slot
- Design is very similar to S22+ with minimal visual changes
Samsung Galaxy S25+
Pros
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset
- Sharp QHD+ 120Hz display with high brightness
- Compact and lightweight for a large-screen phone
- 12 GB RAM standard across the lineup
- Seven years of software support
Cons
- Camera hardware nearly unchanged from S24+
- No periscope telephoto like the Ultra
- Charging still at 45W in 2025
- Galaxy AI features partly require cloud
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Samsung Galaxy S25+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) | Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 195 g | 190 g |
| Material | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 4900 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W, Wireless PowerShare | 15W Qi2 |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1750 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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