Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, released in early 2025, and the iPhone SE (2022), launched in early 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer robust performance within their respective ecosystems, they cater to different user preferences through their form factors, display technologies, and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S25 Plus operates on Android, offering a highly customizable experience, whereas the iPhone SE (2022) runs on iOS, known for its streamlined interface and strong ecosystem integration.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support, physical resilience, and repairability play a significant role. The Galaxy S25 Plus and the iPhone SE (2022) offer different profiles in these areas.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S25 Plus, being a 2025 release, benefits from a more recent launch, promising an extended period of software and security updates, with Samsung committing to seven years of support. The iPhone SE (2022), released in 2022, typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its launch date, meaning its software longevity window is shorter compared to the newer Galaxy model.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S25 Plus features an aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, contributing to its overall resilience. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) utilizes an aerospace-grade aluminum and glass design with ion-strengthened glass, and it has an IP67 rating, protecting against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, but the newer components and extended software commitment of the Galaxy S25 Plus suggest a slightly longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize the latest features and prolonged official support. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models can offer continued utility beyond their initial release cycles.

The performance of a smartphone is largely dictated by its internal processing power and how efficiently it manages tasks. The Galaxy S25 Plus and the iPhone SE (2022) are equipped with powerful processors designed for smooth operation.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S25 Plus is powered by a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease. This processor is designed for enhanced on-device AI capabilities and offers significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and Neural Processing Unit performance compared to previous generations. The iPhone SE (2022) incorporates the A15 Bionic chip, which was a flagship-level processor at its release, providing a highly responsive experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and video editing.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25 Plus is well-suited for extensive multitasking, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without experiencing slowdowns. The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 4 GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimization, provides a fluid user experience for typical smartphone usage, though it may manage fewer active background applications compared to the Galaxy S25 Plus.
• Storage and Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 Plus offers internal storage options starting from 256 GB, with a 4900 mAh battery designed to support its larger display and advanced features. The iPhone SE (2022) is available with storage options starting from 64 GB and features a 2018 mAh battery, which, despite its smaller capacity, provides a full day of moderate use due to the device's efficient processor and smaller display.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences tailored to their designs.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution of 3120x1440 pixels, delivering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and sharp detail. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, offering accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a high peak brightness of 2600 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The iPhone SE (2022) offers a typical brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for most everyday viewing but does not match the fluidity of a higher refresh rate display.
• Viewing Experience: The larger, edge-to-edge display of the Galaxy S25 Plus provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2022)'s more compact screen, with its traditional bezels, is well-suited for one-handed use and users who prefer a smaller device.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and the Galaxy S25 Plus and iPhone SE (2022) offer different photographic tools and features.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, including a 50 MP main wide-angle lens, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12 MP wide camera on the rear. Both devices have a front-facing camera, with the Galaxy S25 Plus offering a 12 MP sensor and the iPhone SE (2022) a 7 MP sensor.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S25 Plus benefits from advanced image processing, AI-enhanced Nightography, and a Pro Visual Engine, which contribute to detailed photos in various lighting conditions and improved object recognition. Its telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, providing flexibility for capturing distant subjects. The iPhone SE (2022), while having a single lens, leverages the A15 Bionic chip for features like Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, and Deep Fusion, producing high-quality images in good lighting. However, it lacks a dedicated Night mode.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy S25 Plus supports up to 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, while the iPhone SE (2022) can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption and clear audio during calls.