The Galaxy S25 Plus Might Mark the End of an Era: Implications for Samsung’s Premium Lineup
The Galaxy S series from Samsung has consistently been a key player in the high-end Android smartphone landscape, presenting a range that includes standard, Plus, and Ultra models. Nevertheless, recent insights indicate that the Galaxy S25 Plus could be the last version of the “Plus” model, as Samsung seems ready to reconfigure its flagship range with the launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge.
Reasons Behind the Possible Discontinuation of the Galaxy S25 Plus
As per a report from The Elec, Samsung is contemplating replacing the Plus version in its forthcoming Galaxy S26 lineup with the newly unveiled Galaxy S25 Edge. This possible transition is primarily influenced by sales statistics: while the Galaxy S24 Plus achieved around 6.77 million sales in its initial 11 months, the Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to sell merely 6.7 million units. Comparatively, the standard Galaxy S24 and the Ultra variant sold 13.6 million and 17.4 million units, respectively.
Despite a late spike in sales for the S24 Plus—hitting 7.4 million units by the conclusion of 2024—the model continues to trail behind its counterparts. This ongoing underachievement could be prompting Samsung to reevaluate its mid-tier flagship approach.
Introducing the Galaxy S25 Edge
The Galaxy S25 Edge represents Samsung’s latest initiative to innovate within its flagship offerings. Sporting a sleek, ultra-slim design, the Edge model is designed to attract users who prioritize style and portability. However, this streamlined design comes with its drawbacks: the S25 Edge is equipped with a smaller 3,900 mAh battery, a notable decrease compared to the S25 Plus’s 4,900 mAh battery.
This compromise has ignited discussions among consumers and analysts alike. Battery longevity remains crucial for smartphone users, and a recent report from Payless Power indicates that 59% of Americans perceive Android devices as having superior battery performance compared to iPhones. Furthermore, 22% of consumers would contemplate changing brands for better battery life. These figures highlight the significance of power efficiency in consumer choices.
Comparing Plus and Edge
While the Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Plus possess numerous shared features—including a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and Android 15 with One UI 7—they differ in essential aspects. The Edge relinquishes a telephoto lens and battery capacity in favor of a more slender design, while the Plus model traditionally appeals to users desiring a larger display and extended battery life without the premium price of the Ultra.
This evolution in design philosophy implies that Samsung is aiming for a different audience with the Edge: users who prioritize aesthetics over functionality and are willing to trade off battery life and camera versatility for a more appealing device.
Strategic Consequences for Samsung
Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC’s Global Mobile Device Trackers, believes that substituting the Plus model with the Edge could yield financial advantages for Samsung. “The Edge version may serve as a replacement for the Plus, but it also creates an opportunity for Samsung to entice Plus consumers to upgrade to an Ultra instead,” he notes.
Should the Edge be priced above the Plus, Samsung might experience a revenue boost as consumers either choose the new Edge or enhance their purchase to the Ultra. However, Ubrani warns that addressing battery issues is vital for ensuring consumer acceptance. He recommends capitalizing on Qualcomm’s advancements in power efficiency as a possible remedy.
Public Sentiment and Future Prospects
Initial feedback on the Galaxy S25 Edge has been varied. While some users commend the elegant design, others raise concerns about the practicality—mainly its diminished battery life. As reported by 9to5Google, numerous early reviewers have voiced doubts regarding the Edge’s appeal, particularly in contrast to the more balanced Plus model.
Samsung seems to be exploring possibilities with this new series. The Elec reveals that development for the Galaxy S26 series is underway, incorporating standard, Edge, and Ultra models. Nonetheless, if the S25 Edge does not strike a chord with consumers, Samsung might revert to the Plus model for the S26.
Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Moment for Samsung’s Flagship Strategy
The potential phase-out of the Galaxy S25 Plus signals a crucial juncture in Samsung’s mobile strategy. By unveiling the Edge variant, Samsung is indicating its readiness to adapt to evolving consumer tastes and market conditions. Whether this risk pays off remains uncertain, but it is evident that the Galaxy S25 Plus could indeed be the last of its line.
As Samsung continues to fine-tune its flagship offerings, consumers can anticipate further innovations in design, functionality, and pricing. Whether the Edge becomes a permanent addition or remains a singular experiment will largely depend on how well it balances innovation with the fundamental features that users have come to expect from a high-end smartphone.
