Abstract <p>Soil salinity is one of the most critical abiotic stresses limiting global wheat production, yet the mechanisms by which different cultivars coordinate physiological, biochemical, and molecular defenses under salt stress remain incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted an integrated comparison of two bread wheat genotypes—one known for salt tolerance (Jinmai 47) and one sensitive to salinity (Huimai 25)—exposed to moderately high saline conditions. We first assessed water-status indicators and found that the tolerant genotype preserved cellular hydration and membrane integrity far better than the sensitive line, thereby sustaining turgor and reducing stress-induced damage. Next, we evaluated photosynthetic performance and observed that Jinmai 47 maintained a substantially more robust pigment profile under stress, suggesting enhanced protection of the photosynthetic apparatus. Biochemical assays revealed that the tolerant cultivar restricted sodium influx into leaf tissue while retaining higher levels of essential potassium, effectively maintaining favorable ion balance. Finally, at the molecular level, expression profiling demonstrated a markedly stronger activation of the vacuolar Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter gene <i>TaNHX1</i> in Jinmai 47, indicating more efficient sequestration of excess sodium into vacuoles. Together, these coordinated responses—water retention, membrane stabilization, photosynthetic preservation, ion homeostasis, and targeted gene regulation—explain the superior performance of Jinmai 47 under salt stress. Our findings provide clear phenotypic and molecular markers for breeding programs aimed at improving wheat resilience in saline soils.</p>