“Evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus against the Galaxy S23 Plus: Is Upgrading Early Justifiable?”

"Evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus against the Galaxy S23 Plus: Is Upgrading Early Justifiable?"

“Evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus against the Galaxy S23 Plus: Is Upgrading Early Justifiable?”


# The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Is It Time to Upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, debuting in 2023, continues to be a powerful and competent smartphone even in 2025. Yet, with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, many users are contemplating the decision to upgrade or to remain loyal to their S23 Plus. Although the Galaxy S25 Plus introduces significant enhancements, the S23 Plus still proves to be a dependable option. Here’s a detailed comparison to guide your choice.

## **Noteworthy Features of the Galaxy S25 Plus**

The Galaxy S25 Plus represents Samsung’s new flagship in its “Plus” lineup, showcasing state-of-the-art features and hardware updates. Here’s what sets it apart:

– **Processor**: Driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm chipset co-engineered by Samsung and Qualcomm, the S25 Plus offers lightning-quick performance and advanced AI functionalities.
– **Display**: A marginally bigger 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X display with thinner bezels and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
– **Battery**: A 4,900mAh battery for longer usage, in contrast to the S23 Plus’ 4,700mAh capacity.
– **Software**: Comes pre-installed with One UI 7 based on Android 15, promising seven years of software updates.
– **Connectivity**: Facilitates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for faster and more stable connections.
– **Design**: Incorporates DSLR-style camera bumps, a boxier design, and a lighter, slimmer profile.

## **Why the Galaxy S23 Plus Still Excels**

Even though it’s two years old, the Galaxy S23 Plus remains a compelling choice for many. Here’s why:

– **Performance**: Featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the S23 Plus manages intensive tasks seamlessly.
– **Software Updates**: Compatible with One UI 7, bringing many new features from Android 15.
– **Camera System**: Utilizes the same camera hardware as the S25 Plus, including a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP ultrawide lens, and 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
– **Build Quality**: Equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame, just like the S25 Plus.
– **Price**: As an older model, the S23 Plus is priced lower, especially in refurbished or used conditions.

## **Main Differences Between the S23 Plus and S25 Plus**

| **Category** | **Galaxy S25 Plus** | **Galaxy S23 Plus** |
|———————–|—————————————–|—————————————–|
| **Processor** | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) |
| **Display** | 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.6-inch AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| **RAM** | 12GB | 8GB |
| **Battery** | 4,900mAh | 4,700mAh |
| **Connectivity** | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| **Software** | One UI 7 (Android 15) | Android 13 (upgradeable to One UI 7) |
| **Camera Hardware** | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP |
| **Weight** | 190g | 196g |
| **Price** | Starting at $999.99 | Refurbished options available |

## **Advancements in Performance and AI**

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy present in the S25 Plus signifies a major enhancement, especially regarding AI processing and gaming capabilities. This chipset allows advanced Galaxy AI functionalities, such as improved on-device AI, Circle to Search features, and cross-application actions. The S23 Plus does incorporate some AI features; however, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset does not offer the same level of on-device AI processing strength.

## **Design and Display Comparison**

From a design standpoint, the S25 Plus and S23 Plus are nearly indistinguishable, with slight variations. The S25 Plus is marginally slimmer and lighter, showcasing a larger 6.7-inch display as opposed to the 6.6-inch screen of the S23 Plus. Both models utilize Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame, ensuring robustness.

## **Camera Hardware Overview**

Curiously, the camera hardware remains consistent across both models. Each features a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and