Why Samsung Is Dropping the Galaxy S25 Plus

Updated 13 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Samsung is reportedly planning to drop the Galaxy S25 Plus from its upcoming flagship lineup, streamlining the series to just the base S25 and the S25 Ultra. The move reflects a broader strategy to simplify its product tiers and focus on the models that sell best, rather than maintaining a mid-tier option that often gets overlooked by buyers.

Background: The Rise and Fall of the Plus Model

Since the Galaxy S20 series in 2020, Samsung has offered three main flagships: a standard model, a larger “Plus” model, and an Ultra with advanced cameras and S Pen support. The Plus was positioned as a middle ground—bigger screen and battery than the base, but without the Ultra’s premium extras. However, sales data and market trends have consistently shown that the Ultra is the top seller among enthusiasts, while the base model appeals to those who want a compact, affordable flagship. The Plus often ends up as the least popular option, squeezed between the two.

Reports from Korean media and industry analysts suggest that Samsung has been evaluating the lineup for 2025 and concluded that the Plus does not justify its production costs. The company is expected to focus on the S25 and S25 Ultra, with the latter receiving most of the innovation, such as a new camera sensor and improved AI features.

How the Lineup Works Today

To understand the change, it helps to see how the current S24 series is structured:

Galaxy S24: 6.2-inch display, 4,000 mAh battery, triple camera (50MP main), starting at a lower price.
Galaxy S24+: 6.7-inch display, 4,900 mAh battery, same camera as the base, but with a higher resolution screen and faster charging.
Galaxy S24 Ultra: 6.8-inch display, 5,000 mAh battery, 200MP main camera, S Pen, and a titanium frame.

The Plus offers a larger screen and battery than the base, but it lacks the Ultra’s signature camera and stylus. For many buyers, the extra cost over the base model is hard to justify when they could either save money or step up to the Ultra for a bigger upgrade.

Why the Plus Model Is Being Cut

Several factors contribute to Samsung’s decision:

Sales performance: The Plus consistently sells fewer units than both the base and the Ultra. In the S24 series, the Plus reportedly accounted for only a small percentage of total sales, making it a low-priority product.
Product overlap: The gap between the Plus and the base is narrowing. With the S24, the base model already has a high refresh rate and a good camera, so the Plus’s advantages (bigger screen, battery) are less compelling than in earlier years.
Cost and complexity: Manufacturing three distinct models requires separate tooling, inventory, and marketing. Dropping the Plus simplifies the supply chain and reduces costs, which can help Samsung maintain competitive pricing on the remaining models.
Focus on AI and Ultra features: Samsung is pushing hard on AI features (like Galaxy AI) and premium hardware. The Ultra is the showcase for those innovations, while the base model serves the mass market. The Plus doesn’t fit neatly into either narrative.

What This Means for Buyers

If the Plus is dropped, buyers will have a simpler choice: get the standard S25 for a more compact, affordable phone, or go for the S25 Ultra for the best camera, battery, and S Pen support. That could be a good thing for many people—it eliminates the “middle child” dilemma. However, some users who liked the Plus’s larger screen without the Ultra’s bulk or price may be disappointed. They might consider the S25+ (if it exists) or look at older models like the S24+.

For those who prefer a large screen but don’t need the Ultra’s extras, the base S25 might feel too small. Samsung could address this by offering a “Plus” version of the base model in the future, but as of now, the plan is to have only two flagship sizes.

Common Misconceptions

One myth is that the Plus is being dropped because it’s “bad” or has poor build quality. That’s not the case—the Plus is a solid phone. The decision is purely about market positioning and sales. Another misconception is that the Ultra will become more expensive to fill the gap. While prices could rise, Samsung has historically kept flagship pricing stable, and the removal of the Plus might actually allow them to price the base model more aggressively.

Also, some believe that the S25 will get the Plus’s features, like a higher resolution screen. That’s unlikely; the base model will probably keep its FHD+ display to differentiate it from the Ultra.

Alternatives to the Plus

If you were considering a Plus-sized phone in 2025, here are your options:

Galaxy S25 Ultra: The obvious upgrade, with a larger screen, better camera, and S Pen. It’s more expensive, but you get the full flagship experience.
Galaxy S25: If you can live with a smaller screen and battery, this is the budget-friendly choice.
Galaxy S24+ (or S24 FE): Samsung might keep the previous Plus model in the lineup for one more year, or release a Fan Edition (FE) that offers a large screen at a lower price.
Other brands: Competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or OnePlus 12 offer large screens and strong specs at similar price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Galaxy S25 Plus be completely discontinued?

Yes, according to current reports, Samsung will not release a Galaxy S25 Plus. The lineup will consist of the S25 and S25 Ultra. However, the S24+ may still be sold as a previous-generation option.

Why is Samsung removing the Plus model?

The main reasons are poor sales relative to the other models, product overlap, and a desire to simplify manufacturing and marketing. The Plus didn’t offer enough differentiation to justify its existence.

Will the S25 Ultra be more expensive now?

There’s no official pricing yet, but it’s unlikely that the Ultra’s price will increase dramatically just because the Plus is gone. Samsung typically keeps flagship prices stable, and the removal of the Plus might actually allow them to price the base model more competitively.

Is the Plus model being replaced by something else?

Not directly. Samsung might introduce a new “FE” (Fan Edition) model later in the year, which could serve as a mid-sized option, but that’s not confirmed. The S25 series itself will just have two models.

What if I want a large screen without the Ultra’s features?

You could consider the S25 Ultra anyway, as it’s the only large-screen flagship. Alternatively, look at the S24+ (if still available) or the upcoming S25 FE, which might offer a bigger display at a lower price.

Will the S25 have a bigger screen to fill the gap?

No, the base S25 is expected to have a similar screen size to the S24 (around 6.2 inches). Samsung is keeping the size difference between the base and Ultra to maintain clear product tiers.

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