A Close Race Between 2025's Top Android Phones

With the regular release of cutting-edge smartphones, OnePlus has raised the stakes by introducing its latest flagship earlier than anticipated. The new model is a direct competitor to industry giants, including Samsung, all while maintaining a competitive price point under a thousand dollars unless opting for additional storage and memory. It promises a stunning display, the newest Qualcomm processor, and a formidable battery.

So, the question arises: Is Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra still a worthwhile purchase in the current market landscape? As it turns out, Samsung's offering holds its ground well with numerous compelling reasons to choose their device despite OnePlus’s innovations.

For those torn between the two or simply seeking a thorough comparison of OnePlus 15 and Galaxy S25 Ultra, your search ends here. Below, I've delved into the strengths and weaknesses of both devices to help you make an informed decision.

Reasons to Choose OnePlus 15

Enhanced Durability

The OnePlus 15 takes the lead with its robust IP68 and IP69 ratings, which indicates that it can withstand both extensive dust exposure and strong jets of water at high temperatures, something that the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its IP68 rating, lacks. This makes the OnePlus model a dependable companion, especially in environments where water is a concern.

While using phones like Samsung or Apple near water, the touch functionality often falters due to false touches from liquid droplets. In contrast, OnePlus's display excels in minimizing this inconvenience, allowing uninterrupted interaction even under wet conditions — a notable advantage for users who may need their phone in potentially wet scenarios.

Additionally, the Sand Storm version boasts superior frame durability due to a MAO-treated mid-frame, enhancing its resilience for everyday use compared to Samsung’s offering.

Extended Battery Lifespan

Boasting a 7,300mAh battery, OnePlus 15 incorporates advanced silicon content for improved energy storage, surpassing the more modest 5,000mAh battery of Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra. During my testing, OnePlus comfortably exceeded expectations by benefiting from lower battery demands.

In practical usage, the OnePlus 15 easily navigated through a rigorous day filled with app engagements, photography, navigation, and music streaming while still retaining significant battery life by evening, a feat the Samsung device struggled to match.

For those prioritizing battery endurance, OnePlus offers a device that can stretch over two days of moderate use, and even when it’s time to recharge, its 80W fast charging is significantly faster compared to Samsung’s 45W solution.

Attractive Price Savings

Powered by a newer chipset compared to last year’s models, the OnePlus 15 stands out with a high-resolution display and superior refresh rates, all with a substantial cooling system. This positions it as a formidable competitor to Samsung without the hefty price tag.

For gaming enthusiasts or performance-seekers who shy away from spending over $1,000, OnePlus provides a performance tailwind at $899, well below the $1,300 launch price of Samsung's phone.

When Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Might Be Your Best Bet

Superior Display Quality

Samsung's impressive track record in display excellence continues with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, enhanced by improved coatings that bolster visibility and color accuracy indoors and outdoors. It’s a perfect companion for media consumption and everyday browsing.

While OnePlus's display is commendable, it lacks some of the refinements like anti-reflective qualities found in Samsung’s screens, which make them a top choice for visual-rich experiences.

Unique S Pen Integration

The Galaxy S25 Ultra marks the continuity of Samsung's innovative S Pen, migrating from the Note series. Despite some features being pared back, it remains an unmatched tool for taking notes or sketching swiftly on the go, unlike any competitive high-end device.

Extended Software Updates

Although OnePlus commits to four years of OS and five years of security updates, Samsung extends this pledge with an impressive seven years of upkeep. This ensures the Galaxy S25 Ultra not only remains functional but current beyond similar offerings, though this comes with anticipated battery depreciation.