Galaxy S25+ vs iPhone 15 Pro

Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$919.00

Versus A$1,699.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$873.00

Versus A$1,849.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in early 2025, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, launched in late 2023, represent two distinct approaches to high-end smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differ in their operating systems, display sizes, and camera philosophies. The Galaxy S25 Plus operates on Android, providing a larger display and extensive customization options, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro runs on iOS, focusing on a compact form factor and integrated ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 15 Pro was released in September 2023, making it approximately a year and a half older than the Galaxy S25 Plus, which launched in February 2025. This difference in release dates impacts the remaining duration of official software support.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing 7 years of OS and security updates for the Galaxy S25 Plus, extending support until around 2032. Apple typically offers 5-7 years of major iOS updates for its iPhones, with the iPhone 15 Pro expected to receive updates until at least 2028, and potentially up to 2030, along with extended security patches.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 15 Pro features a Grade 5 titanium frame and a Ceramic Shield front, contributing to its durability. The Galaxy S25 Plus utilizes an aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its display and back. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Release year

2025

2023

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced internal components designed for demanding tasks, though their underlying architectures differ.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus is powered by a current-generation processor, enabling smooth handling of demanding applications and efficient multitasking. The iPhone 15 Pro features a powerful chip that delivers responsive performance for complex applications, high-fidelity gaming, and intensive video editing tasks.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S25 Plus typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating fluid transitions between multiple open applications. It offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB, which are not expandable. The iPhone 15 Pro includes 8GB of RAM and provides a wider range of storage configurations, from 128GB up to 1TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a 4900 mAh battery, supporting 45W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274 mAh battery, capable of fast charging to 50% in approximately 30 minutes with a compatible adapter, and supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is characterized by high-quality displays, each with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its precise color accuracy and contrast.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S25 Plus provides a WQHD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels), resulting in a sharp visual experience, and can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits for clear outdoor visibility. The iPhone 15 Pro offers a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels (460 ppi) and achieves a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, with 1600 nits for HDR content.
  • Refresh Rate and Features: Both phones feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The iPhone 15 Pro includes Apple's Dynamic Island and an Always-On display feature.

Resolution

1440x3120

1179 x 2556

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, catering to different user preferences.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The iPhone 15 Pro features a Pro camera system with a 48MP main sensor (second-generation sensor-shift OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP 3x telephoto lens with OIS.
  • Video Capabilities: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second and includes features like Dual Rec mode, Zoom-in mic, and external storage support for videos. The iPhone 15 Pro offers 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second, with advanced options such as ProRes video recording (up to 4K 60fps with external recording), Log video recording for professional color grading, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and Spatial video.
  • Front Camera and Photography Features: Both devices feature 12MP front-facing cameras. The iPhone 15 Pro's TrueDepth camera supports Face ID and advanced portrait features. The Galaxy S25 Plus includes AI-enhanced imaging features and an HDR10+ toggle for video.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core functionalities, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, featuring a USB-C port. The iPhone 15 Pro also supports 5G, along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and includes a USB-C port that offers faster data transfer speeds (up to 10 gigabits per second) compared to previous iPhone models.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Physical Design: The Galaxy S25 Plus measures 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm and weighs 190 grams, offering a larger form factor. The iPhone 15 Pro is more compact at 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm and weighs 187 grams, featuring a titanium frame that contributes to its lighter feel. The iPhone 15 Pro also includes a customizable Action Button.

Weight

190 oz

187 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone 15 Pro often highlights its robust performance, particularly for demanding applications and gaming, and praises its advanced camera capabilities, especially for video recording with features like ProRes and Log profiles. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life for heavy users, which may require more frequent charging. Users generally appreciate its compact size and premium build quality.

For the Galaxy S25 Plus, users frequently commend its large, vibrant display and extended software support policy, which offers a longer period of updates. Its versatile camera system, including 8K video and various shooting modes, also receives positive remarks. Some users might find its larger size less convenient for one-handed use compared to more compact alternatives.

Users prioritizing a larger display, extensive customization options, and a longer software update commitment may find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a more compact device, a highly integrated ecosystem, and advanced video recording capabilities might lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices offer a premium smartphone experience, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for operating system and specific feature priorities. For those looking for a more sustainable choice, quality-assured refurbished options for both models can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons