Galaxy S25+ Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£575.00

Versus £958.39 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in early 2025, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a modern, large-screen Android experience with advanced features, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact iOS experience with a more traditional design. These differences extend to their operating systems, with the S25 Plus running on Android and the SE 2022 on iOS, catering to users with varying ecosystem preferences.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S25 Plus, having been released in February 2025, is a much newer device compared to the iPhone SE 2022, which launched in March 2022. This age difference significantly impacts their remaining support lifecycles.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing 7 years of Android OS updates and 7 years of security updates for its flagship devices from 2024 onwards, including the Galaxy S25 Plus. This means the S25 Plus is expected to receive major software support until at least 2032. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022, while known for Apple's extended support, is anticipated to receive major iOS updates until around 2027-2028, with security updates potentially extending to 2030.
  • Repairability and Physical Durability: The Galaxy S25 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its display and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a robust build. The iPhone SE 2022 also has glass on its front and back and carries an IP67 rating, offering protection against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2025

2022

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones differ considerably, primarily due to their generational gap and target markets.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a current-generation high-end processor, paired with 12GB of RAM, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced AI features with ease. Users report a significant leap in performance, resulting in smoother animations and overall system responsiveness. The iPhone SE 2022, while still capable, uses a processor that was top-tier at its 2022 release, combined with 4GB of RAM. It provides a fluid experience for everyday tasks and many games, but heavy usage in 2026 might lead to more noticeable performance limitations compared to newer flagships.
  • Multitasking and App Handling: The larger RAM in the Galaxy S25 Plus allows for more applications to run simultaneously in the background without needing to reload, contributing to a seamless multitasking experience. Its powerful processor ensures quick app loading times and smooth transitions. The iPhone SE 2022, with less RAM, may require apps to reload more frequently when switching between many open applications.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The Galaxy S25 Plus typically starts with higher base storage options, catering to users who store large amounts of media and applications. The iPhone SE 2022 offers configurations that are suitable for average users, though power users might find themselves managing storage more actively.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by these two devices presents a clear distinction, largely influenced by their display technologies and sizes.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), providing exceptional clarity, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, which offers good color accuracy and brightness for an LCD panel, but does not match the contrast or resolution of an OLED screen.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The S25 Plus boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, especially during gaming or fast-paced content. It also achieves a high peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for general use but lacks the fluidity of higher refresh rate displays. Its brightness levels are good for an LCD, but it may struggle more in direct sunlight compared to the S25 Plus.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen and minimal bezels of the Galaxy S25 Plus provide an immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone SE 2022's compact screen and traditional bezels offer a more contained viewing area, which some users prefer for one-handed use and portability.

Resolution

1440x3120

750 x 1334

Audiovisual

The camera systems of the Galaxy S25 Plus and iPhone SE 2022 cater to different photographic needs and expectations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12MP wide rear camera. While it excels in everyday photography with good detail and color reproduction, it lacks the versatility of ultrawide or telephoto capabilities.
  • Photography Features and Performance: The S25 Plus benefits from advanced computational photography and software enhancements, contributing to improved image quality and post-production tools. It delivers sharp and vibrant photos, with strong performance in various lighting conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 also leverages its processor for features like Smart HDR 4 and Portrait mode (specifically for human subjects), producing quality images for its class.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video, with the S25 Plus offering advanced video features and stabilization. The S25 Plus includes a 12MP front camera, while the iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera, both suitable for video calls and selfies.

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S25 Plus supports the latest connectivity standards, including 5G and advanced Wi-Fi, ensuring fast and reliable wireless performance. It features a USB-C port, which is a widely adopted standard for charging and data transfer. The iPhone SE 2022 also supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6, providing modern wireless capabilities. However, it utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometrics and User Interface: The S25 Plus typically incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor and advanced facial recognition for secure unlocking and authentication. Its larger screen and modern Android interface offer extensive customization options. The iPhone SE 2022 features Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, which many users find fast and intuitive. Its compact size and the familiar iOS interface are often cited as key advantages for users who prefer a traditional button and a streamlined experience.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S25 Plus is a larger device, with dimensions of 158.4 x 75.7 x 7.3 mm and a weight of 190.0 g, offering a substantial feel and a larger display area. The iPhone SE 2022 is significantly more compact and lighter, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 144 g, making it highly portable and easy for one-handed operation.

Weight

190 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

4.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and the iPhone SE 2022 cater to distinct user preferences, largely due to their significant differences in design, features, and ecosystem. Users frequently praise the Galaxy S25 Plus for its expansive, vibrant display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system, making it well-suited for media consumption, demanding applications, and comprehensive photography. Some users have noted occasional camera post-processing quirks, but overall sentiment points to a highly capable and modern flagship experience.

Conversely, the iPhone SE 2022 receives commendation for its compact form factor, the familiarity of its home button with Touch ID, and its ability to provide a solid iOS experience in a smaller package. Users appreciate its portability and the consistent performance for everyday tasks, though some in 2026 express concerns about its battery life for heavy use and the aging design. The single camera system, while capable, is also a point of differentiation for those seeking more photographic flexibility.

Users prioritizing a large, immersive display, cutting-edge performance for demanding tasks, and a highly versatile camera system with extensive software support will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its modern Android ecosystem offers deep customization and integration with a wide array of services. On the other hand, users who value a highly portable device, prefer the traditional home button and Touch ID, or are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem for a more streamlined experience, may lean toward the iPhone SE 2022. It remains a capable device for communication, light productivity, and general app usage.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to new purchases, extending the life cycle of these electronics.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons