Model numbers for Samsung's Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra have recently appeared online, but the same can't be said for the S25 Plus.
News site Android Headlines noticed this discrepancy after investigating the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) database. When a tech company creates or develops a new smartphone, it uploads model numbers to the database, which are used to help track lost or stolen devices. It's also how people find out about phones before they're officially announced.
Android Headlines has spotted the SM-S931B/DS, which is likely for the standard Galaxy S25 model. The S25 Ultra has four under its name: SM-S938B for Global, SM-S938U for the US, SM-S938N for South Korea, and SM-S9380. However, it’s unknown if the latter entry is associated with a specific country. The absence of the S25 Plus’ IMEI number has led the publication to believe that perhaps Samsung will focus on just two models for the next generation.
They note that “previous Plus models have struggled to meet sales expectations.” Customers don’t like them much, as they apparently prefer the two extremes: the basic phone and the Ultra. Plus, Samsung has a history of streamlining its product lines. There used to be four smartphones every year, but since 2021, we’ve only seen three.
They argue that removing the S25 Plus to simplify things could push more people to adopt the S25 Ultra. It's a solid theory, to be sure, but it could be wrong.
Dubious rumors
GalaxyClub, a Dutch news site specialising in Galaxy technology, claims that Samsung won’t be deviating from its three phone lines and will in fact launch the S25 Plus next January. It has been assigned the model number SM-S936 and is apparently referred to internally as the F2 (the Galaxy S25 is F1 while the S25 Ultra is F3).
The website “has a solid track record of upcoming Samsung releases,” so they are being given the benefit of the doubt. However, it is unknown why the Galaxy S25 Plus did not appear in the IMEI database.
9To5Google believes the company may have never uploaded the information since the launch of the S25 series is still months away. Still, the exclusion of the S25 Plus is worth noting.
The upcoming series looks interesting. Other leaks claim it will feature “significant design changes” and larger batteries compared to the S24 line.
As with all leaks, take everything you read here with a grain of salt. Be sure to check out TechRadar's roundup of the best Samsung phones for 2024.
