Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus Review: Worth It in Ireland
Here’s a typical smartphone dilemma: go bigger for a splash more screen and battery, or stick with a hand-friendly size. That’s the choice between the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus — two phones that share the same brains and cameras but differ in the details that matter day to day.
Display size: 6.7 inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X ·
Battery capacity: 4,900 mAh ·
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite ·
Rear camera: 50 MP wide + 12 MP ultra-wide + 10 MP telephoto ·
RAM: 12 GB ·
Storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB
Quick snapshot
- 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz (PhoneArena)
- 4,900 mAh battery (PhoneArena)
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (PhoneArena)
- 12 GB RAM (PhoneArena)
- IP68 water resistance (PhoneArena)
- Actual retail price across all Irish carriers – not fully listed
- S26 release date and specs – rumored only
- Long-term durability – new model, limited user feedback
- Exact camera quality vs S25 Ultra – limited professional reviews yet
- Battery life under heavy use on Irish networks – not specifically tested
- Availability of 45W charger in box in Ireland – not confirmed (likely not included)
- Carrier-specific software update timelines for Irish models – generally 7 years but delays possible
- Released January 2025; on sale from February 7, 2025 (PhoneArena)
- Samsung Galaxy S26 rumored for early 2026 with possible camera upgrades – no official confirmation
Five key specs, one pattern: the S25 Plus trades a compact frame for a bigger canvas and noticeably more juice. Here’s the full breakdown.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | January 2025 |
| Weight | 190 g |
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 75.9 x 7.8 mm |
| Operating system | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus a good phone to buy?
What makes the S25 Plus a good buy?
- The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers vibrant colours and a 1-120Hz refresh rate, great for media and gaming (PhoneArena review)
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers snappy performance across apps and multitasking
- 4,900 mAh battery easily lasts a full day under heavy use (PhoneArena review)
- 30x Space Zoom and ProVisual Engine enhance photo versatility (PhoneArena review)
- Samsung Galaxy S25+ starts at €1,149 for the 12GB/256GB configuration (PhoneArena price comparison)
Are there any drawbacks?
- Identical camera array to the smaller S25 – no extra zoom or sensor upgrades
- Price premium of roughly €250 over the base S25 may not justify the larger size alone
- At 190g and 7.8mm thick, it’s noticeably heavier and less pocketable (Back Market Ireland)
- No 1TB storage option; caps at 512GB
A bigger screen demands a bigger phone. For one-handed use or tight pockets, the standard S25 at 162g is far easier to live with. The Plus only makes sense if you’re willing to accept that bulk for the extra battery and display space.
Why this matters: The Plus doesn’t improve the photography experience — the same 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto appear on both models (Amateur Photographer notes the differences are “effectively negligible”). If camera quality is your priority, the S25 Ultra is the real step up.
What is the difference between Samsung S25 and S25+?
Display and battery comparison
Three key splits separate the two: screen size, resolution, and battery capacity. The S25 Plus uses a larger 6.7-inch panel at 1440p, whereas the S25 uses a 6.2-inch 1080p panel. The battery jumps from 4,000 mAh to 4,900 mAh, and charging speed goes from 25W to 45W wired.
Both share the same 15W wireless charging, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB RAM (all data from PhoneArena review).
Camera hardware differences
There are none. Both phones pack a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical) and a 12MP front camera. The only difference in the camera experience comes from the ProVisual Engine’s software, which is identical across the pair (PhoneArena review).
Price gap between models
Samsung lists the Galaxy S25 at €899 (12GB/128GB) and the Galaxy S25+ at €1,149 (12GB/256GB) (PhoneArena price comparison). The base Plus also gives you double the storage from the start. For Irish buyers, carrier deals from Vodafone, Eir, and Tesco Mobile may bring the upfront cost down.
If you’re after a compact phone, the S25 makes sense. If you want a media-friendly device with better battery endurance, the Plus is the logical move. The premium you pay is for screen size and stamina, not camera capability.
Three phones, one chassis line-up. Here’s how the Plus stacks up against its siblings.
| Feature | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S25+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch Super AMOLED, 1080p | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1440p |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25W | 45W |
| Weight | 162g | 190g |
| Price (12GB/256GB) | €959 (est) | €1,149 |
Is S26 better than S25?
Expected S26 improvements
The Galaxy S26 is rumoured for an early 2026 launch, possibly with upgraded cameras and a new chipset. As of mid-2025, no official specifications or pricing have been confirmed. Samsung’s typical release cadence points to a February unveiling, but nothing is set.
Should you wait for S26?
- Samsung Galaxy S25 is available now with 7 years of software updates guaranteed
- S26 specs are speculative – waiting means carrying an older phone for another 8-12 months
- If your current phone is struggling, the S25+ offers current-gen performance and Galaxy AI features today
Leaks suggest Samsung may refine the camera hardware for the S26, but that’s a gamble. For Irish buyers who need a phone now, the S25+ is a reliable and future-proof choice. Waiting only makes sense if you can stretch your current device another year.
Is it worth upgrading from S25 to S25 Plus?
Who benefits from the Plus model?
The Plus rewards users who consume lots of media – video streaming, maps, mobile gaming – and dislike carrying a power bank. The larger 4,900 mAh battery versus the S25’s 4,000 mAh means you can go a full day without topping up (PhoneArena review). The 45W wired charging also cuts recharging time significantly.
Trade-offs of upgrading
- Performance is identical – same chip, same RAM, same camera
- The S25 is lighter (162g vs 190g) and easier to use one-handed (Back Market Ireland)
- You pay roughly €200-€250 more for the larger chassis
If you’re currently on an S25 and considering an upgrade to the Plus, be honest: do you actually need the bigger battery and display? The experience is otherwise identical. Upgrading from an S24 or older model makes more sense than moving between S25 siblings.
What are the benefits of buying the S25 Plus?
Key features and highlights
- Galaxy AI tools: Live Translate, Note Assist, and Circle to Search – exclusive software enhancements (PhoneArena review)
- 50MP main camera with 30x Space Zoom and ProVisual Engine
- Long-term software support: 7 years of OS and security updates
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back with IP68 water resistance
Galaxy AI integration
One UI 7 brings generative AI features like real-time call translation and smart note summarisation. These work across the S25 line, but the Plus gives you more screen real estate to use them comfortably.
Irish carrier deals
The Galaxy S25+ is available on Vodafone, Eir, and Tesco Mobile Ireland with bill-pay plans starting around €50-€80 per month. Check individual retailers for upfront discounts on the 256GB and 512GB models.
For Irish buyers, the Plus makes sense if you value a larger display and want the peace of mind of Samsung’s 7-year update promise. The Galaxy AI features are a genuine bonus for productivity, but the camera is the same across the range.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- S25+ display size: 6.7 inches (PhoneArena)
- Battery capacity: 4,900 mAh (PhoneArena)
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite (PhoneArena)
- Camera specs: 12+50+10 MP rear, 12 MP front (PhoneArena)
- RAM: 12 GB (PhoneArena)
- Storage options: 256GB, 512GB (PhoneArena)
- IP68 rating (PhoneArena)
What’s unclear
- Actual retail price in Ireland across all carriers – not fully listed
- S26 release date and specs – rumored only
- Long-term durability reports – new model, limited user feedback
- Exact camera quality comparison vs S25 Ultra – limited professional reviews yet
- Battery life under heavy use on Irish networks – not specifically tested
- Availability of 45W charger in the box in Ireland – not confirmed (likely not included)
- Carrier-specific software update timelines for Irish models – generally 7 years but possible delays
The gap between confirmed specs and practical on-the-ground details highlights the need for real-world testing before committing to a purchase.
What the experts say
“Galaxy S25+ has a 6.7” display and a 4,900 mAh battery capacity.”
— Samsung official product page
“30x Space zoom and Next Gen ProVisual Engine.”
— Vodafone Ireland product listing
“The photography differences are effectively negligible.”
These expert opinions reinforce that the main value of the Plus lies in its screen and battery, not in camera innovation.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is not a revolutionary phone – it’s a well-executed iteration that gives you a bigger canvas and more stamina than the standard S25, without changing the camera or core performance. For Irish buyers who prioritise media consumption and long battery life, the Plus is the sweet spot. If you want the most compact flagship or value camera upgrades above all, the smaller S25 or the Ultra are better fits. For the €250 extra, you get a screen that’s 0.5 inches larger, 900 mAh more battery, and faster charging. The decision comes down to one question: how big do you want your phone to be?
amateurphotographer.com, whatgear.net, phonearena.com, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus come with a charger in the box?
No. Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box for any Galaxy S25 model. You’ll need to purchase a 45W USB-C charger separately, or use a compatible existing one.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus compatible with 5G networks in Ireland?
Yes. The S25 Plus supports sub-6 GHz 5G bands used by Vodafone, Eir, and Three Ireland. It is future-proof for 5G standalone networks expected to roll out in the next couple of years.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
With mixed use (social media, video, email, browsing), the 4,900 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day. Heavy users can expect 12-14 hours of screen-on time. Under light use, it can stretch to nearly two days.
Can the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus be used with one hand?
It’s possible if you have average or larger hands, but the 6.7-inch screen and 190g weight make it a stretch for comfortable one-handed operation. The standard S25 is far easier to use one-handed.
Does the S25 Plus support Samsung DeX?
Yes. Samsung DeX works wirelessly or via a USB-C to HDMI cable, allowing you to use the phone as a desktop-like interface on an external monitor.
What is the warranty period for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus in Ireland?
Samsung offers a standard 2-year manufacturer’s warranty in Ireland. Extended warranty options may be available through retailers like Vodafone or DID.
How does the S25 Plus compare to the S24 Plus?
The S25 Plus brings a newer Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, Galaxy AI features, and a slightly improved ProVisual Engine. The S24 Plus had a 4,900 mAh battery as well but with the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The S25 Plus also gets 7 years of updates versus 7 years on the S24 (Samsung extended the policy).
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