Samsung S25 and S25+ Gaming Review: Is It the Best Gaming Phone Yet?

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Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 and S25+ have entered the gaming space with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising high performance across various mobile titles. With a sleek design, compact form factor, and improved cooling system, these devices bring an exciting gaming experience. But how well do they hold up in real-world gaming scenarios? Let’s dive in.

Design & Display

The S25 and S25+ both feature smaller bezels and stunning displays, making games visually immersive. The S25 is noticeably more compact, offering a comfortable grip, while the S25+ provides a larger screen real estate for better gaming control.

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Performance & Benchmarks

Both devices pack 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking. Benchmarks show that while both models perform well, the S25+ edges ahead with higher single-core and multi-core scores, bringing it closer to the Ultra variant.

• S25 Geekbench scores: Single-core: 2,763 | Multi-core: 9,393
• S25+ Geekbench scores: Single-core: 3,150 | Multi-core: 9,960
• GPU performance: S25+ performs better with a score of 19,375, compared to 17,736 on the S25.
• 3DMark Solar Bay: S25: 9,740 | S25+: 11,916

Gaming Performance

Call of Duty Mobile & PUBG Mobile

Both devices handle COD Mobile and PUBG Mobile effortlessly at max settings, delivering 120 FPS without any noticeable frame drops. Smooth animations and stable gameplay make for an enjoyable experience.

Genshin Impact

At max settings, both devices deliver a steady 60 FPS, though prolonged sessions may result in temperature increases. The game remains stable, thanks to the powerful chipset.

Call of Duty Warzone Mobile

Here’s where the differences start to show.

• S25: Warzone Mobile runs at 39-40 FPS, with occasional dips.
• S25+: Starts at 39 FPS but stabilizes at 60 FPS after a short period.
• Temperatures: S25 reaches 42°C, while S25+ goes up to 45-46°C.

War Thunder

This high-FPS tank combat game highlights another performance gap.

• S25: Starts at 120 FPS, but drops to 89 FPS over time.
• S25+: Starts at 120 FPS and stabilizes around 109-110 FPS, maintaining smoother performance.

Temperature & Cooling

Both devices include a vapor chamber cooling system, but Samsung hasn’t confirmed whether they benefit from the 40% enhanced cooling layer seen on the Ultra variant. High-performance games like Warzone and War Thunder push temperatures beyond 40°C, suggesting that thermal management could still be improved.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: Is This the Best Smartphone Ever Made?

Audio Experience

Gaming audio is enhanced with Dolby Atmos, delivering immersive sound. Gunfire, footsteps, and environmental noises in FPS games sound crisp and clear, adding to the overall gaming experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset ensures smooth gameplay.
• 120 FPS support in games like COD Mobile and PUBG Mobile.
• High-quality display with vibrant colors and smooth animations.
• Larger screen on the S25+ provides better gaming controls.
• Dolby Atmos audio enhances the gaming experience.

Cons:

• S25 feels cramped for gaming due to its smaller screen.
• Temperature increases are noticeable, especially in less optimized games like Warzone.

Final Verdict

Both the Samsung S25 and S25+ offer impressive gaming performance, but the S25+ is the better choice for serious gamers, thanks to its more stable FPS, larger screen, and superior cooling. The S25 is still a solid option but may feel a bit cramped for those with larger hands.

If you’re looking for a premium gaming smartphone, the S25+ is the way to go. However, if you prefer a compact device without compromising too much on power, the S25 is a solid alternative.