For years, Samsung has offered a three-part Galaxy S lineup: the standard model, the Plus, and the Ultra. Recent leaks suggest that this formula could change.
Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid
Every year, the S lineup consists of three models: the base model, the Ultra model (often considered the best Android smartphone on the market), and the Plus model. The Plus model is essentially a larger version of the base Galaxy S for those who prefer larger phones. However, Samsung is reportedly considering dropping the Plus model, meaning there would be no Galaxy S25 Plus.
No Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus in 2025?
The media outlet Android Headlines reports that Samsung might only release a Galaxy S25 and a Galaxy S25 Ultra. After analyzing various IMEI certification databases, the Galaxy S25 appears to have the model number SMS931B/DS, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra is listed under the numbers SM-S938B, SM-S938U, SM-S938N, and SM-S9380, depending on the region.
Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid
There is no indication of a third model, the Galaxy S25 Plus, in the IMEI databases, unlike other years. For instance, the Galaxy S24 Plus was identified in IMEI databases several months before its release. This time, however, it was impossible to find any trace of it. This suggests that Samsung might indeed not release this model in January 2025 alongside the other Galaxy S25s.
Why might Samsung abandon this model?
The reason appears simple: Samsung reportedly isn’t selling enough Plus models. This is similar to Apple’s iPhone mini, which was discontinued due to low sales despite critical acclaim. Samsung may also be looking to simplify its lineup, which they have done to some extent by discontinuing the Galaxy Note line (ending with the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra).
Source : Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint Research data provides some insight. According to their research, the mid-size model is the one with the lowest sales within the entire series. Ironically, it is also showing the highest growth rate compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus share very similar technical specs, with the main differences being screen size and battery capacity. However, there is a price difference between the two models: €269 at launch. This price gap might be too much for consumers to justify buying the Plus model. By removing the Plus model, Samsung could encourage consumers to consider the Ultra model instead. Additionally, Samsung might increase the screen size of the Galaxy S25, which could further diminish the need for a Plus model.
If Samsung does decide to offer only two models, it could leave some consumers in a difficult position. Fans of large screens who don’t want to buy an Ultra might not have a suitable alternative. On the other hand, if Samsung increases the size of the standard model to fill this gap, fans of smaller smartphones could be disappointed.
Samsung Might Ditch the Plus Model in the Galaxy S25 Series
For years, Samsung has accustomed us to a three-part Galaxy S lineup: the standard model, the Plus, and the Ultra. But recent leaks suggest that this formula could be shaken up.
Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid
Each year when the S range comes out, it is made up of three models: the base model, the Ultra model (often elected best android smartphone on the market by the way), as well as the Plus model. The latter is actually a larger version of the base Galaxy S, for those who prefer larger phones. But Samsung would consider abandoning it: which means there would be no Galaxy S25 Plus.
No Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus in 2025?
This is the media Android Headlines which reveals that Samsung may well only release a Galaxy S25 and a Galaxy S25 Ultra. After searching through various IMEI certification databases, the Galaxy S25 would be under the model number SMS931B/DS and the Galaxy S25 Ultra under the numbers SM-S938B, SM-S938U, SM-S938N and SM-S9380 depending on the region of the world.
Source: Chloé Pertuis – Frandroid
No trace of a third model which would be the Galaxy S25 Plus, unlike other years. For the Galaxy S24 Plus for example, it could be identified in IMEI databases several months before its release. This time, it was impossible to find it. Which leads us to believe that Samsung would indeed not launch this model in January 2025, alongside the other Galaxy S25s.
Why might Samsung abandon this model?
The reason would actually be quite simple: Samsung would not sell enough Plus models, according to him. It’s like Apple and its iPhone mini, discontinued because they did not sell enough, despite critical success. Samsung could also want to simplify its range: this is what the brand had in a way done by eliminating the Galaxy Note (ending with the Galaxy Note 20 et Note 20 Ultra).
Source : Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint Research’s data sheds some interesting light. According to their studies, the mid-size model is the one that sells the fewest units of the entire series. Paradoxically, it is also the one that is experiencing the strongest growth compared to the previous year.
All the more so since, in concrete terms, the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus share a very similar technical sheet. Aside from the size of the screen and the battery, there are no technical differences. This is while there is indeed a price difference between the two models: 269 euros on the launch prices. Enough to cool consumers, perhaps too much for them to fall for the Plus model. By removing the Plus model, Samsung could also invite them to go further and buy its Ultra model. Finally, Samsung could increase the screen size of the Galaxy S25 : enough to bury the Plus model a little more.
If Samsung does decide to offer just two models, it could leave some consumers in a quandary. Fans of large screens who don’t necessarily want to invest in an Ultra could be left without a suitable option. Conversely, if Samsung decides to increase the size of the standard model to fill this gap, it’s fans of compact smartphones who could be disappointed.
</div>