Galaxy S25+ vs iPhone 15 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in February 2025, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, are both large-screen smartphones offering distinct experiences within their respective ecosystems. While the Galaxy S25 Plus runs on Android 15 with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone 15 Plus operates on iOS. Key differentiators include their display refresh rates, camera systems, and software support timelines.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors. The Galaxy S25 Plus, being a newer device, benefits from a more extended support period from its launch date.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 15 Plus was released in September 2023, while the Galaxy S25 Plus followed in February 2025, making the Samsung device approximately 17 months newer. This difference in launch dates directly impacts their expected software longevity.
• OS Support: Samsung has committed to seven years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy S25 Plus, providing a long support window. The iPhone 15 Plus is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately 6 to 7 years from its release, offering substantial software longevity as well.
• Build Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a Ceramic Shield front and an aluminium design with a colour-infused glass back, contributing to its durability. The Galaxy S25 Plus uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, paired with an aluminium body, offering strong protection against everyday wear. Both are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, capable of submersion up to 6 metres for 30 minutes.

Performance is a critical aspect for users, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks. Both the Galaxy S25 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus offer capable hardware designed for a responsive user experience.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor, which provides a significant boost in CPU, GPU, and neural processing unit (NPU) performance compared to its predecessors, ensuring smooth operation for complex applications and AI features. The iPhone 15 Plus features a powerful chip that delivers efficient performance, allowing it to handle heavy usage, including gaming and video editing, throughout a full day.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Plus is well-suited for extensive multitasking and running numerous applications simultaneously without slowdowns. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimisation, provides a fluid experience for daily tasks and app switching.
• Storage Options: The iPhone 15 Plus is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S25 Plus typically offers 256GB or 512GB storage options, with some regions potentially having a 128GB variant.

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and both devices offer large, vibrant screens, though with some key differences in technology and capabilities.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution of 3120x1440 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density of approximately 513 PPI. The iPhone 15 Plus also has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a resolution of 2796x1290 pixels at about 460 PPI.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A notable difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 15 Plus maintains a 60 Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer high brightness levels for outdoor visibility, with the Galaxy S25 Plus reaching up to 2600 nits peak brightness and the iPhone 15 Plus up to 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness.
• Special Features: The iPhone 15 Plus includes the Dynamic Island, which integrates alerts and background activities into a dynamic notification area. The Galaxy S25 Plus features an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, catering to different photographic needs.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP main wide-angle lens with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Plus has a dual-camera system, comprising a 48 MP main camera with sensor-shift OIS and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. It also offers a 2x optical zoom capability through its quad-pixel main sensor.
• Photography Features: Both devices excel in computational photography. The Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from Samsung's Pro Visual Engine, enhancing object recognition and colour reproduction, and improving low-light performance. The iPhone 15 Plus includes features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, and an advanced Night mode for detailed and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting.
• Video Capabilities: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports 8K video recording. The iPhone 15 Plus offers 4K video recording with Cinematic mode and Action mode for stable footage. Both provide quality microphone performance for calls and video recording.