Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S23
You don’t have to leave Samsung to face a real choice here. The Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S23 come from separate lines within the same brand. Of the 6 areas we compared, the Galaxy S25 wins 3. If one area explains the result, it’s performance.
At a glance
- Display Galaxy S25 wins
- Performance Galaxy S25 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Tie
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Software & Updates Galaxy S25 wins
- Price Tie
- Display5.8
- Performance5.9
- Camera1.4
- Battery & Charging0.7
- Display5.4
- Performance1.9
- Camera1.4
- Battery & Charging0.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Galaxy S25 has 3 years of extra promised updates
The spread here is large: 7 years on the Galaxy S25 versus 4 years on the Galaxy S23. Expect to notice it. Software support is what separates a phone that ages gracefully from one that doesn’t, making it one of the most practical lines on the spec sheet.
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The Galaxy S25 has 4 GB more RAM
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Galaxy S25 makes its strongest case: 12 GB against 8 GB. Opening a single app, you won’t feel the difference. With lots of tabs, a game and the camera in rotation, the Galaxy S25 has more room to work with.
-
The Galaxy S25 has 49% higher peak brightness
The Galaxy S25 clearly leads on peak brightness, and 2,600 nits versus 1,750 nits is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the Galaxy S25’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday.
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The Galaxy S25 has a newer 3 nm chip process
On process node, the Galaxy S25 posts 3 nm against 4 nm for the Galaxy S23, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Galaxy S25’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much.
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The Galaxy S25 has a 0.02 in slimmer body
The Galaxy S25 nudges ahead with 0.28 in, while the Galaxy S23 lists 0.30 in. A slimmer phone slides into pockets more easily and feels less bulky, especially once a case goes on.
Design & Size
- Galaxy S25 5.78 in × 2.78 in × 0.28 in
- Galaxy S23 5.76 in × 2.79 in × 0.30 in
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds. You won’t feel a real weight difference between the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S23. On thickness, the Galaxy S25 leads by 0.02 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.76 in |
| Width | 2.78 in | 2.79 in |
| Thickness | 0.28 in (winner) | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 5.71 oz | 5.93 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Galaxy S25 leads
The Galaxy S23 has a tough time in the display section, where the Galaxy S25 pulls well ahead. The Galaxy S25 pulls ahead with 49% higher peak brightness. Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility. If display is your priority, the Galaxy S25 is the phone to pick.
Peak brightness
Galaxy S25: 2,600 nits Galaxy S23: 1,750 nits Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks.
Performance
Galaxy S25 leads
When it comes to performance, the Galaxy S25 is comfortably ahead. The Galaxy S25 wins here with 4 GB more RAM. More RAM lets a phone keep more apps open in the background, so switching back to them is instant instead of a reload. Anyone shopping mainly on performance should start with the Galaxy S25.
RAM
Galaxy S25: 12 GB Galaxy S23: 8 GB Extra memory also gives the Galaxy S25 more headroom for heavier apps and for software updates in the years ahead.
Process node
Galaxy S25: 3 nm Galaxy S23: 4 nm A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on memory & storage; the numbers are close throughout. So memory & storage is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Camera
Too close to call
Side by side, the camera figures for the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S23 barely differ. For camera, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On battery & charging, both deliver about the same. Net result on battery & charging: level.
Software & Updates
Galaxy S25 leads
No contest in software & updates: the Galaxy S25 is the stronger of the two. The Galaxy S25 scores with 3 years of extra promised updates. The Galaxy S25’s longer software support can also help its resale value later on. In short, the Galaxy S25 is the better-equipped phone for software & updates.
Promised OS updates
Galaxy S25: 7 years Galaxy S23: 4 years A longer update promise keeps the phone secure and current for longer, which matters if you keep devices for several years.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 416 ppi | 425 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2,600 nits (winner) | 1,750 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 3 nm (winner) | 4 nm |
| RAM | 12 GB (winner) | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | 10 MP | 10 MP |
| Optical zoom | 3× | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 8K30 | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,000 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years (winner) | 4 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.76 in |
| Width | 2.78 in | 2.79 in |
| Thickness | 0.28 in (winner) | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 5.71 oz | 5.93 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Galaxy S25 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $800 | $800 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Neither is cheaper at launch; the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S23 share the same price.
Launch prices in the US as of January 2025; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy S25 if…
- you plan to keep your phone for years (7 years vs 4 years of promised updates)
- you keep lots of apps open at once (12 GB vs 8 GB of RAM)
- you use your phone outdoors a lot (2,600 nits vs 1,750 nits peak brightness)
- you care about efficiency under the hood (3 nm vs 4 nm process node)
- you’d rather start with the later of the two generations
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S23?
On the specs compared here, the Galaxy S25 makes more sense for most buyers; the Galaxy S23 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Should I upgrade from the Galaxy S23 to the Galaxy S25?
For most owners, it’s a meaningful step. The Galaxy S25 brings 3 years of extra promised updates, 4 GB more RAM and 49% higher peak brightness over the Galaxy S23.
Does the Galaxy S25 last longer on a charge than the Galaxy S23?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S23 are too close to call.
Which is larger, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S23?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S23 differ only marginally.
Which is faster, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S23?
On paper, the Galaxy S25 is the stronger performer, with 4 GB more RAM and a newer 3 nm chip process.
Which has the better screen, the Galaxy S25 or the Galaxy S23?
The Galaxy S25 has the stronger display on paper, with 49% higher peak brightness.
Executive Summary
In-house decisions like the Galaxy S25 versus the Galaxy S23 are where I think it’s easiest to overspend or underspend. The Galaxy S25 earns my vote first and foremost with 3 years of extra promised updates. The Galaxy S25 also scores with 4 GB more RAM.
In my head, the Galaxy S25 is the display pick and the Galaxy S23 is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick.
My pick: the Galaxy S25.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.