Galaxy S25+ vs Motorola Edge 30 Pro

Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$919.00

Versus A$1,699.00 new

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Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Motorola Edge 30 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$291.72

Versus A$2,709.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in early 2025, and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro, launched in early 2022, are both Android smartphones designed for demanding users. While the Galaxy S25 Plus represents a more recent generation with updated hardware and extended software support, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro offered high-end specifications at its release. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but their respective release timelines lead to notable differences in their long-term usability and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These two devices present a clear distinction in this regard.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S25 Plus was released in February 2025, making it a current-generation device. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro, released in March 2022, is several years older.
  • Software Support: Samsung has committed to providing seven years of operating system and security updates for the Galaxy S25 Plus, ensuring long-term software longevity. In contrast, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro typically received two major Android OS updates and three years of security patches from its launch. This means the Galaxy S25 Plus will receive updates for a considerably longer period.
  • Durability Features: The Galaxy S25 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, with an IP52 rating for splash resistance, offering a more basic level of protection.

Release year

2025

2022

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key aspect for any smartphone, impacting everything from app responsiveness to gaming experiences. The core processing power and memory configurations differentiate these two models.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a current-generation flagship processor, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking with high efficiency and smooth responsiveness. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a processor that was top-tier at its 2022 release, providing excellent performance for most tasks, though it is a few generations older.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S25 Plus typically comes with 12GB of RAM, contributing to seamless multitasking and app management. It offers storage options up to 512GB. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB, providing ample space and capable multitasking for its generation.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 Plus houses a 4900 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and software optimizations, generally provides a full day of use for most users, with some reporting up to 1.5-2 days under normal usage. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro has a 4800 mAh battery, offering solid all-day battery life for active users, though heavy usage might require an evening top-up.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels), delivering sharp images and vibrant colors. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro has a 6.7-inch P-OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400x1080 pixels), providing clear visuals suitable for everyday use.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 Plus offers a high peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro's display provides good brightness for various environments, though it does not reach the same peak levels as the S25 Plus.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer high refresh rates for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S25 Plus features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which can adjust dynamically to conserve power. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a very smooth visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content.

Resolution

1440x3120

1080 x 2400

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these phones approach photography and videography with different hardware and software strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a versatile triple camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom with OIS. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a dual 50 MP main camera with OIS and a 50 MP ultrawide camera, complemented by a 2 MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S25 Plus generally delivers good detail, wide dynamic range, and accurate colors in various lighting conditions, though some users have noted occasional softness in indoor and low-light shots. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro's main camera performs well in daylight with good detail and color reproduction, but its low-light performance and ability to capture moving subjects are less consistent.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices support 8K video recording at 30 frames per second from their main cameras. The Galaxy S25 Plus has a 12 MP front-facing camera with autofocus. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro features a high-resolution 60 MP front camera, which can capture detailed selfies, though its performance in challenging lighting can vary.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports newer connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, alongside 5G capabilities. It uses a USB-C 3.2 port. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, also with 5G connectivity, and features a USB-C 3.1 port.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, the Galaxy S25 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint reader. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro utilizes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Both devices also offer facial recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S25 Plus has dimensions of 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm and weighs 190g, featuring an aluminum frame and glass construction. The Motorola Edge 30 Pro measures 163.06 x 75.95 x 8.79 mm and weighs 196g, with a plastic frame and glass front and back. The S25 Plus offers a slightly thinner and lighter profile.

Weight

190 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6,7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro cater to different user expectations, largely due to their respective release timelines. Users frequently praise the Galaxy S25 Plus for its exceptional display quality, robust performance, and the significant commitment to software updates, ensuring a long and supported lifespan. Some users have noted that while its camera system is dependable, it occasionally falls short in challenging low-light conditions compared to other top-tier devices.

The Motorola Edge 30 Pro, while older, is often commended for its smooth performance, high refresh rate display, and capable main camera in good lighting. Common criticisms include its less robust water resistance, the plastic frame, and the camera's struggles in low light or with moving subjects.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, a more vibrant and higher-resolution display, and a higher level of water and dust resistance may find the Galaxy S25 Plus better suited to their needs. Conversely, those seeking a device that offered strong performance and a high refresh rate display at its original release, and who are comfortable with a shorter software support window, might consider the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. Both devices, particularly the Motorola Edge 30 Pro, are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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