Galaxy S25
Phone (3a)
🏆 Verdict
Galaxy S25 is the better pick overall by 13.8 points, leading in Updates, Performance and Build & durability. Phone (3a) remains a strong contender elsewhere.
Phone (3a) offers more for the money ($379 vs $799 at launch).
By category
Performance
Galaxy S25 is faster with the Snapdragon 8 Elite (performance index 96 vs 52). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use.
Camera
Galaxy S25 zooms further optically (3× vs 2×). Phone (3a) has the higher-resolution selfie camera (32 MP vs 12 MP).
Battery
Phone (3a)'s battery is 1,000 mAh larger (5,000 vs 4,000 mAh), about 25% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Phone (3a) charges faster over cable (50W vs 25W). Only Galaxy S25 supports wireless charging.
Display
Phone (3a) has the larger screen (6.77" vs 6.2"). Phone (3a)'s screen gets brighter (3,000 vs 2,600 nits), which shows outdoors.
Build & durability
Galaxy S25 is rated IP68 vs IP64 on the other. Galaxy S25 is 39 g lighter.
Updates
Galaxy S25 should get OS updates for longer (7 vs 3 years, per the maker's policy at launch).
Specifications
| Galaxy S25 | Phone (3a) | |
|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Elite | Chipset | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| 12 GB | RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Display | 6.77" AMOLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2340×1080 (416 ppi) | Resolution | 2392×1080 (388 ppi) |
| 2,600 nits | Peak brightness | 3,000 nits |
| 50 MP | Main camera | 50 MP |
| 12 MP | Ultrawide | 8 MP |
| 10 MP · 3× | Telephoto | 50 MP · 2× |
| 12 MP | Front camera | 32 MP |
| 4,000 mAh | Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| 25 W | Wired charging | 50 W |
| 15 W | Wireless charging | None |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP64 |
| aluminium | Frame | plastic |
| 162 g | Weight | 201 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 3 years |
| $799 | Launch price | $379 |
| 2025-01 | Released | 2025-03 |
Galaxy S25
Pros
- Faster chip (Snapdragon 8 Elite)
- 3× optical zoom
- 15W wireless charging
- IP68 rated
- Light at 162 g
Cons
- Smaller battery
- Slower charging (25W)
- Pricier ($799)
Phone (3a)
Pros
- 5,000 mAh battery
- 50W charging
- 6.77" screen
- Lower price ($379)
Cons
- Slower chip
- No wireless charging
- Only IP64 rated
- Plastic frame
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.