Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in February 2025, is a high-end Android smartphone, while the iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, is a compact iOS device. These two phones cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their operating systems, display sizes, and overall design philosophies. The Galaxy S25 Plus offers a large, vibrant display and a versatile camera system, contrasting with the iPhone SE (2022)'s smaller form factor and classic design with a single rear camera.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and the duration of software support it receives.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S25 Plus, released in February 2025, benefits from Samsung's commitment to providing seven years of OS and security updates, extending its support until approximately 2032. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022), released in March 2022, typically receives iOS updates for five to seven years from its launch, suggesting support into the late 2020s.
• Build Materials and Durability: The Galaxy S25 Plus features an aluminum frame and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering robust resistance to drops and scratches. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone SE (2022) utilizes a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and has an IP67 rating, providing protection against dust and water immersion.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S25 Plus has been noted for its improved repairability, with a score of 9 out of 10 by PBKreviews, partly due to the use of Philips screws and enhanced battery pull tabs. The iPhone SE (2022) has an average repairability score of 5.5/10 by PBKreviews and 6/10 by iFixit, with components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible for replacement, though adhesive use can add complexity.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor designed for Galaxy devices, enabling super-fast performance and efficient handling of intensive applications and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2022) features a powerful chip that delivers flagship-level performance for its class, ensuring applications launch quickly and animations remain fluid.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers substantial capacity for seamless multitasking, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without experiencing slowdowns. The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 4GB of RAM, which, combined with its optimized operating system, provides a responsive user experience for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking.
• Storage Options and Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 Plus offers internal storage options of 256GB and 512GB, which are not expandable. Its battery is designed to provide extended usage, with reviews indicating it can last through a full day of heavy use and beyond for moderate users. The iPhone SE (2022) is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage. Its battery life is generally considered sufficient for a day of typical use, though heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently.

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and differences in screen technology and specifications significantly impact the visual experience.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE (2022) has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD, which provides accurate colors and good viewing angles, though it does not offer the same contrast levels as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S25 Plus offers a high resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), resulting in a very sharp and detailed image, with a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, providing a clear image at 326 pixels per inch, and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is suitable for most indoor and outdoor environments.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which can scale down to 1Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations while conserving battery life. The iPhone SE (2022) features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent and responsive experience for general use.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured in various scenarios.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic possibilities, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12MP wide rear camera with optical image stabilization, focusing on delivering consistent and high-quality images in good lighting conditions.
• Photography Features and Performance: The Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from advanced image processing, including a ProVisual Engine and AI features, which enhance photo quality, particularly in low-light conditions, and offer improved dynamic range. The iPhone SE (2022), despite its single lens, leverages its powerful processor for computational photography features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles, resulting in pleasing and color-accurate photos, though it lacks a dedicated Night mode.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S25 Plus also supports 8K video recording at 30fps and offers stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience. The iPhone SE (2022) provides sharp and smooth 4K video quality and includes stereo speakers for media consumption.