Reasons why the least exciting Galaxy S25 model is the one you should consider purchasing.

      After evaluating the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, I immediately transitioned to using the Galaxy S25 Plus. I was eager to try out the phone that I had identified as my favorite during my hands-on experience, and I wanted to confirm if my initial impression was accurate. I'm happy to report that it was, although I didn't anticipate finding the phone somewhat lackluster. However, this won't be a negative review. I appreciate it for its simplicity.

      Being boring doesn't equate to being bad

      My review unit of the Galaxy S25 Plus comes in an appealing navy shade, which is more attractive than the basic black version without being too vibrant. I'd describe it as understated. As I suspected, the edge of the chassis is less angular than that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, making it more comfortable for my holding style and reducing fatigue. It's slim and lightweight, which has made it easy to carry in my pocket.

      Performance-wise, it matches the Galaxy S25 Ultra and operates incredibly smoothly. One UI 7 is an excellent operating system, with all my usual apps responding quickly and reliably. I had some worries about the durability of the finish after witnessing the rear panel of our review phone get scratched by a smart ring, but despite wearing an Oura Ring 4, the back of my Galaxy S25 Plus has remained in perfect condition after almost two weeks of use.

      Initially, I doubted the usefulness of Samsung’s AI-powered Now Brief feature during my review of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it has proven to be even less effective than I thought. Since I haven't worn a Samsung smartwatch with the S25 Plus and my calendar has been quite empty, Now Brief turned out to be completely useless. It defaulted to displaying “Have a nice day” on the lock screen due to a lack of relevant updates, correctly assuming I was managing fine without it.

      A great all-round device

      Superficially, the Galaxy S25 Plus may seem somewhat dull. It lacks the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s versatile camera, doesn’t come with an S Pen stylus, has a smaller display, and lacks the prestige associated with the Ultra name. Additionally, it's pricier than the standard Galaxy S25, so if you’re looking for value, the basic S25 might catch your eye. However, take a closer look, and you'll see that the S25 Plus is genuinely the better choice, despite my earlier comments.

      In the most positive sense, I've mostly forgotten I'm using the Galaxy S25 Plus. This is due to its effortless performance and beautiful display, not a deficiency in features or attractiveness. It's handled my current obsession with Magic: The Gathering Arena exceptionally well, managing the game's large download and numerous in-game animations without issue, all while showcasing impressive graphics. The phone's design makes it comfortable for extended use, and it also features the Ultra’s 45W wired charging capability.

      As for the camera, while it isn't as flexible as the S25 Ultra’s, I've been quite satisfied with its everyday performance, and it includes all the AI-driven features of its more expensive counterpart. Samsung’s AI truly shines here, particularly with object removal that is remarkably precise, efficiently filling in complex spaces without heavy blurring or refusal to engage.

      Check out the two examples above. In the first image, a car and a gate were successfully removed from the background, replaced with a realistic alternative. The AI didn’t struggle to identify which objects to remove, accomplishing the task flawlessly on the first attempt each time. The photo featuring the church and flagpole posed a greater challenge, as the flagpole obscured parts of the ground, a tree, and the sky. Nevertheless, Samsung’s AI swiftly eliminated it and seamlessly filled in the gaps, making the changes almost imperceptible upon first glance.

      The one to choose

      This Galaxy AI feature has been my most used and will likely continue to be, unlike many other tools. While it isn't a reason to purchase the phone, and the Now Brief feature doesn’t warrant much attention either, they are nice additional features that may be helpful for some users at times. However, if Samsung’s leading AI capabilities aren’t compelling enough to justify the cost of the Ultra, then what about the S25 Plus?

      I've enjoyed the Galaxy S25 Plus as much as the S25 Ultra, and if I were spending my own money, I would likely prefer it over the S25 Ultra since I'd save $300 by choosing it instead. Using the S25 Plus reminded me that I’m not particularly invested in the S Pen now that it lacks the Bluetooth remote shutter function, and I found the new design to be a step back for Samsung's flagship model. The S25 Plus is more manageable and equally powerful.

      What it hasn’t been is exhilarating, and I don't foresee developing strong attachment to it or feeling regretful when it's time to upgrade. I understand there will be users who desire a dependable, multifunctional, truly capable smartphone, and the Galaxy S25 Plus is