Galaxy S23+ Vs Galaxy S25+

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

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Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£550.00

Versus £958.39 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in early 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in early 2025, represent two generations of Samsung's premium smartphone line. While both devices offer a large display and a robust Android experience, the S25 Plus introduces advancements in processing power, camera technology, and extended software support, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key differentiators. Both phones feature premium materials and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring good physical durability for everyday use.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Plus, launched with Android 13, is expected to receive four major OS updates and five years of security patches, extending its support to approximately Android 17. The Galaxy S25 Plus, launching with Android 15, benefits from Samsung's updated policy, offering seven years of major OS updates and security patches, providing significantly longer software support.
  • Build Durability: Both models feature premium materials like Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the front and rear panels and an aluminum frame. They also carry an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: The S25 Plus offers a longer expected software lifespan due to its more recent release and extended update policy, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize long-term software support. The S23 Plus still offers substantial longevity, but its software support will conclude sooner.

Year of Release

2023

2025

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two generations show a clear progression, impacting how they handle demanding tasks and multitasking. Both devices are designed to offer a smooth and responsive user experience, but the newer model brings enhancements.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus handles demanding applications, high-fidelity gaming, and intensive multitasking with ease, offering a smooth and responsive user experience. The Galaxy S25 Plus, with its newer generation processor, delivers even faster performance, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced capabilities for advanced AI features and future applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking needs. The S25 Plus typically offers 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for intensive multitasking and ensuring smoother operation with numerous applications open simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 4700 mAh battery, offering excellent battery life that can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, and often two days with moderate usage. The Galaxy S25 Plus includes a 4900 mAh battery, and with software optimizations and a more efficient processor, it also provides strong all-day endurance, with some users reporting up to 8-9 hours of screen-on time.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but the newer model introduces refinements in resolution and brightness for an enhanced viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S25 Plus utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S23 Plus offers a 6.6-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) display. The S25 Plus features a slightly larger 6.7-inch display with a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), providing a sharper and more detailed image.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models offer an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The S23 Plus has a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility outdoors. The S25 Plus is expected to feature even higher peak brightness, potentially up to 2600 nits, further improving readability in direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The S25 Plus's higher resolution and potentially brighter display offer a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, particularly for high-resolution content. The S23 Plus still provides a clear and vibrant display suitable for most everyday tasks.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are capable of capturing high-quality images and videos, with the S25 Plus benefiting from software enhancements and potentially minor hardware refinements.

  • Rear Camera System: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S25 Plus feature a triple rear camera setup, typically consisting of a 50MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S25 Plus introduces improved image processing and AI-powered editing tools, which can enhance the final output, especially in challenging conditions.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The S25 Plus includes advancements like the ProVisual Engine and improved AI for noise reduction in nighttime videos, leading to better low-light performance and more natural-looking photos. Both devices offer high-quality video recording, including 8K resolution on the S23 Plus.
  • Front Camera: Both models are equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting high-quality video calls.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two Galaxy Plus models, impacting connectivity, physical design, and user interaction.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G for fast mobile data and feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S23 Plus features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S25 Plus upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both models incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition for secure and convenient unlocking.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196 grams. The Galaxy S25 Plus is slightly different in dimensions at 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm and weighs 190 grams, making it marginally taller, narrower, and thinner, which can contribute to a slightly different in-hand feel.

Weight

196 g

190 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and S25 Plus both offer a premium Android smartphone experience, but they cater to slightly different priorities. User feedback for the S23 Plus often praises its excellent battery life, robust performance for everyday tasks, and capable camera system, making it a well-rounded device for most users. Some users, however, noted that its display resolution was not as high as some competitors.

For the Galaxy S25 Plus, common praise points highlight its enhanced processing power, the sharper QHD+ display, and the significantly extended software support policy, which is a major draw for long-term ownership. Criticisms, though less frequent, sometimes point to the camera hardware being similar to its predecessor, with improvements primarily coming from software optimization rather than new sensors.

Users prioritizing extended software longevity and the absolute latest in processing power and display clarity will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its QHD+ screen and longer update commitment make it a strong choice for those who keep their devices for many years. Conversely, users who value a proven, high-performing device with excellent battery life and a still-capable camera system, and who may not require the very latest generational improvements, may lean toward the Galaxy S23 Plus. Both devices represent solid choices within the premium smartphone segment, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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