It’s only February, but it feels like you’ve already seen the best Android phones of 2025. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13you are now looking at two of the most complete mobile phones on the market. Both devices feature the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, with enough RAM to power a variety of AI tools, and other important advances that you can see and hear more. The second half of this year.
Also: I used the Galaxy S25 Ultra as a daily driver for two weeks.
Still, Samsung and OnePlus’ latest is not perfect, and their most notable flaw is why this comparison exists in the first place. To decide which of the two devices to upgrade, you need to consider factors such as the software experience, battery, charging, and other features that make each unique. Below we categorize the list of important reasons for purchasing:
specification
|
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
OnePlus 13 |
|
|
screen |
6.9 inch QHD LTPO AMOLED 120Hz |
6.82 inch QHD LTPO OLED 120Hz |
|
Processor |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Galaxy Elite |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM/Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 12GB RAM | 256GB, 512GB, 16GB |
| battery | 5,000mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging | 6,000mAh with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging |
| camera | 200mp main, 50mp ultra awid, 50mp telephoto (5x), 10mp telephoto (3x), 12MP selfie | 50MP Main, 50MP Ultrawid, 50MP Telephoto (3x), 32MP Selfie |
| Durability | IP68 with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 | IP69 with Crystal Shield Super Ceramic Glass |
| Weight | 218g | 210-213 grams (depending on color) |
| price | Starting at $1,299 | Starting at $899 |
You need to buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra…
1. A more capable camera system is required
The S25 Ultra doesn’t necessarily push the envelope this year with an upgraded camera system, but it’s still one, if not the most versatile option on the market. The same 50MP and 10MP telephoto lens from last year’s S24 Ultra, and the new 50MP Ultra Wade that can capture a crisp, sharp look from our tests, a 200 megapixel wide lens that pulls in more detail than most mobile phones. I’ve got it. Landscape and macro photography. (With close-up shots, the phone must be an extra patient as it adjusts the focus.)
Also: I tried to replace my laptop with a Galaxy S25 Ultra – and that changed the way I work
The larger camera extension using the S25 Ultra is available in the form of software, from calculating photo details to editing subjects using generation AI tools. For example, there is a new one Audio Eraser Function This allows you to adjust the volume of different sound profiles in your video (both newly recorded and previously recorded). The ability to capture footage in Galaxy logging mode also means that creatives and video experts can better control the lighting, contrast levels and overall color when editing.
2. You want the best AI experience right now
If I told me years ago, Google Pixel users say they are considering switching to Samsung software, I would have thought you were crazy. However, this year the S25 Ultra is leading the way in AI features and updates, and Google is helping to add fuel to the tank. The latest Galaxy phones take on AI features, but what stands out for me is the cross-app integration with Gemini.
By linking services from Samsung, Google, and other third-party applications, users can now ask Gemini to fulfill a set of tasks with a single command. For example, you can now grow a power button for a long time that can be configured to activate Gemini instead of Bixby. You can also search for local Mexican restaurants that are pet-friendly and ask your assistant to send your address to your contact information. These features are currently limited to the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 series.
3. Samsung’s exclusive profits will seduce you
Buying a flagship Samsung phone has several benefits, including a longer than average software update policy. The S25Ultra supports up to 7 years of OS and security patching, wide range of access to repair services and parts, and more options. Cases, screen protectors, and other third-party accessories.
Also: I’m skipping plus and ultra – this is why the standard Galaxy S25 is my top pick
In particular, using the Galaxy S Ultra model has the advantage of incorporating an S-pen stylus. This gives you accuracy input for notetaking, sketching and other creative tasks. Know that this year’s S Pen does not have a rechargeable battery, and therefore you lose the ability to control your phone wirelessly.
You need to buy OnePlus 13…
1. You need the best phone for your money
Flagship phones can cost quite a bit, so if you get banged for your spending, the OnePlus 13 starts at $799 for you. Trade on mobile phones of any state For OnePlus, it’s a much better deal than the $1,299 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. In a sense, the former costs $500 less, but it still gets more and better specs on OnePlus than Samsung. For example, the OnePlus 13 features a non-appearing variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 elite chip. Tests are shown Performance differences can be ignored.
Review: OnePlus 13: This flagship costs hundreds of more than the S25 Ultra, but wins in a critical way
At the time of writing, the OnePlus 13 comes with a free storage upgrade, earning 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage configuration for the same price as the base tier. This is compared to the S25 Ultra, starting with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (if you’re taking advantage of Samsung’s free upgrade offer).
2. You don’t need to sit near the outlet
One of the main reasons to buy a OnePlus phone is its high charging speed. This year’s model features the same 80W wired and 50W wireless charging as its predecessor, but these numbers still outweigh what Samsung offers with the S25 Ultra. With 80W wired charging (via the boss charger included in the box), the OnePlus 13 can be charged from 0% to 100% in less than 40 minutes. Even a 50W wireless charging is faster than the S25 Ultra to get things in sight Wired charging. This limits to 45W.
Also the best Android phone to buy in 2025
The OnePlus 13 also features a larger 6,000mAh silicon-based battery compared to the S25 Ultra’s 5,000MAH lithium-ion battery. Choosing this material over traditional lithium ions allows phone manufacturers to embed dense battery capacity without adding bulk. From our tests, there is a noticeable difference in battery life that prefers Oneplus.
3. Flood hurts you
To protect internal technology, the OnePlus 13 is one of the first mobile phones in the US market and features an IP69 rating. Compared to the IP68 ratings normally seen on flagship phones like the S25 Ultra, the OnePlus 13 can withstand high pressure, high temperature water jets and steam cleaning. So if your handset leaves your phone on your phone while you are in the washing machine, or if your device slides your fingers into a pot of boiling water or soup, it should still function properly after wiping.
