Samsung Galaxy S25+ vs OnePlus 13s: A Deep Dive into the Snapdragon 8 Elite Flagships

Both the Samsung Galaxy S25+ and OnePlus 13s represent the pinnacle of Android performance, powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. However, these devices diverge significantly in their approach to battery technology and charging speeds, creating a compelling choice for users prioritizing different aspects of the smartphone experience. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which flagship best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its superior battery endurance – boasting a 43:38h rating – and Qi2 wireless charging compatibility offer a more complete and convenient experience, despite the OnePlus 13s’ faster wired charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy S25+ OnePlus 13s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 3, 5, 8, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, January 222025, June 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, February 03Available. Released 2025, June 12
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum alloy frame
Dimensions158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm (6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in)150.8 x 71.7 x 8.2 mm (5.94 x 2.82 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - INT· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - USA· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - CNNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Mohs level 5Crystal Shield Glass
Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~513 ppi density)1216 x 2640 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~91.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.32 inches, 97.9 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 1600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 830 (1200 MHz)Adreno 830
OSAndroid 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7Android 15, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF
FeaturesBest Face, LED flash, auto-HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video-
Video8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, Dolby Vision HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, HDR10+HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF32 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/3.1", 0.7µm, AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready) 4.5W reverse wireless80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 18W QC 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Ion 4900 mAh5850 mAh
Misc
ColorsIcy Blue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold, Coral Red, Blue BlackGreen Silk, Black Velvet, Pink Satin
ModelsSM-S936B, SM-S936B/DS, SM-S936U, SM-S936U1, SM-S936W, SM-S936N, SM-S9360, SM-S936E, SM-S936E/DSCPH2723
Price$ 999.99 / C$ 956.75 / £ 999.00 / € 799.00₹ 52,999
SAR1.16 W/kg (head)     0.81 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.26 W/kg (head)     1.26 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery43:38h endurance, 2000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Samsung Galaxy S25+

  • Exceptional battery endurance (43:38h)
  • Qi2 wireless charging support
  • Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal management

  • Slower wired charging (45W)
  • No detailed camera specifications available

OnePlus 13s

  • Ultra-fast 80W wired charging
  • Multiple charging protocols (PPS, PD, QC)
  • Streamlined software experience

  • Battery endurance data unavailable
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ features a display capable of reaching a measured peak brightness of 1449 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the OnePlus 13s’ display specifications are not provided, Samsung’s history suggests a focus on color accuracy and potentially a higher PWM dimming rate, benefiting users sensitive to flicker. The lack of detailed display information for the OnePlus 13s makes a direct comparison challenging, but Samsung’s established display technology gives it an edge.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are absent for both devices, making a detailed comparison impossible. However, given the flagship positioning, both are expected to feature advanced camera systems. We can infer that Samsung will likely emphasize computational photography and versatile zoom capabilities, while OnePlus may lean towards a more natural image processing style. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, it’s difficult to assess which device will excel in image quality.

Performance

Both the Galaxy S25+ and OnePlus 13s are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8750-AC/AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x4.47/4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores and 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores. The minimal CPU clock speed difference (0.15 GHz) is unlikely to translate to a noticeable real-world performance gap. The key difference lies in thermal management; the 3nm process node promises improved efficiency, but OnePlus historically prioritizes aggressive performance profiles, potentially leading to more throttling under sustained load. The S25+ may offer more consistent performance over extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ boasts a significant advantage in battery endurance with a measured 43:38h rating and a 2000-cycle lifespan, indicating long-term battery health. In active use, it achieves 14:26h. The OnePlus 13s, while lacking endurance data, compensates with significantly faster charging: 80W wired (with PPS, PD, and QC support) versus the S25+'s 45W wired (PD3.0). The S25+ offers 15W Qi2 wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless, while the OnePlus 13s provides 5W reverse wired. The OnePlus 13s can reach 65% charge in 30 minutes, while the S25+ does the same. This makes the OnePlus 13s ideal for quick top-ups, but the S25+ provides superior longevity and wireless convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25+ if you prioritize all-day battery life, wireless charging convenience, and a proven track record of software support. Buy the OnePlus 13s if you absolutely need the fastest possible wired charging and prefer a more streamlined, performance-focused software experience. The OnePlus 13s is ideal for users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day and don't rely heavily on wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the OnePlus 13s tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
OnePlus is known for pushing performance limits, which can lead to thermal throttling with demanding tasks like gaming. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite's 3nm process improves efficiency, the OnePlus 13s may still experience more heat buildup than the Samsung Galaxy S25+ during extended gaming, potentially impacting sustained performance.
❓ How does the Qi2 wireless charging on the Galaxy S25+ compare to the charging experience on the OnePlus 13s?
The Galaxy S25+ supports Qi2 wireless charging, offering a convenient and standardized wireless charging experience. The OnePlus 13s lacks wireless charging altogether, relying solely on its fast wired charging capabilities. If you frequently use wireless charging, the S25+ is the clear choice.
❓ What is the practical benefit of the 2000 charge cycle lifespan of the Samsung Galaxy S25+ battery?
A 2000 charge cycle lifespan means the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 2000 times. This translates to several years of reliable battery performance, reducing the need for battery replacements compared to phones with lower cycle counts.