Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE vs S24 FE: Which one to get?
Pros
- Upgraded 12MP selfie camera
- Faster initial charging speeds
- Slightly more powerful Exynos 2400 chipset
- LTPO display with 1Hz adaptive refresh rate
Cons
- No significant battery life improvement
- Rear cameras are identical to predecessor
- S24 FE preferred for ultrawide and telephoto camera performance
- Significant performance throttling under stress
- Higher price for similar overall experience
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers minor upgrades over its predecessor, the S24 FE, including an improved selfie camera, faster initial charging, a slightly more powerful chipset, and LTPO display technology allowing a lower refresh rate. However, its overall active use battery life remains similar, and its rear camera performance in ultrawide and telephoto aspects is even surpassed by the S24 FE. The phone also suffers from significant performance throttling during sustained loads.
Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that the incremental benefits of the S25 FE do not justify its approximately $100 premium over the S24 FE, which provides a largely identical user experience. Unless specific features like a lighter build or better speakers are paramount, the S24 FE is recommended as a more cost-effective choice.
“Overall, the benefits that you'd get with the new model don't seem worth paying a premium for.”
“Unless you're dead set on getting a lighter phone with better sounding speakers, it would make more sense to get the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and save some cash.”
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE vs S25 Plus: Which one to get?
Pros
- Offers largely the same user experience and software as the S25 Plus
- Provides comparable camera quality to the S25 Plus
- Features better audio quality from its stereo speakers
- Captures sharper 4K daylight videos compared to the S25 Plus
- Considerably less expensive than the S25 Plus
Cons
- Has significantly worse battery life than the S25 Plus
- Exhibits slower charging speeds compared to the S25 Plus
- Delivers lower overall performance due to the Exynos 2400 chipset
- Features a lower resolution (1080p) and less bright display than the S25 Plus
- Uses an optical fingerprint reader instead of an ultrasonic one
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers a compelling blend of features and value, providing largely the same user experience, software, and camera quality as its more expensive S25 Plus counterpart. It even boasts surprisingly better audio quality and captures sharper daylight videos.
This makes it an excellent choice for users looking to save money without sacrificing essential high-end functionalities. However, it compromises on advanced build materials, display resolution, chipset performance, RAM, base storage, and battery life and charging speed compared to the S25 Plus.
“The S25 FE has a few benefits though. Despite coming at a lower price, you get largely the same user experience with the same software and camera quality. Plus, the FE has better sounding speakers in our opinion.”
“Get the S25 FE if you want to save some cash.”
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review
Pros
- Offers a premium design.
- Features a nice 120Hz OLED display.
- Comes with versatile triple cameras.
- Includes an upgraded 12MP selfie camera.
- Delivers high-end, flagship-grade performance.
Cons
- Battery life shows no improvement despite increased capacity.
- Charging speed is slow and unchanged from the previous model.
- Experiences significant performance throttling under sustained load.
- Indoor camera shots are not as good as current flagships.
- Most upgrades over last year's model are largely unnoticeable.
- Questionable value compared to the S25 Plus due to similar pricing.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a well-rounded high-end smartphone, featuring a premium design, a nice 120Hz OLED display, and versatile triple cameras, including an upgraded selfie camera. It also delivers flagship-grade performance from its Exynos 2400 chipset, complemented by Samsung's software and long-term support.
However, significant throttling occurs during stress tests, and battery life and charging speeds show no real improvement despite increased capacity. Most upgrades over the previous model are not highly noticeable in daily use.
While a capable device, its value is debated as the S25 Plus offers more features for a similar price point. The S25 FE is primarily recommended if it can be acquired at a considerably lower cost than the full-fledged Plus model.
“We appreciate the effort from Samsung to provide upgrades over last year's model, but honestly, none of them will be that noticeable while using the phone, except for the selfie cam, which is clearly better than last year.”
“but the S25 FE is a well-rounded high-end smartphone. And if you can get at a lower price than the full-fledged Plus model, it could be worth considering.”
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE - The Best Midrange Phone of 2025?
Pros
- Excellent value for its price, offering flagship-level performance.
- Smooth and lag-free performance with the Exynos 2400 chipset.
- Large 4,900 mAh battery with 45W fast and 15W wireless charging.
- Beautiful 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with high brightness and 120Hz refresh rate.
- Promises 7 years of software updates for long-term support.
Cons
- The 30x camera zoom capability is not as effective as flagship devices.
- Lacks a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- The always-on display does not allow showing the lock screen wallpaper.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is highlighted as one of the best mid-range phones, delivering flagship-level performance and features for its $650 price point. It boasts a powerful Exynos 2400 chipset, a beautiful 120Hz AMOLED display, and a robust 4,900 mAh battery with fast charging.
With 7 years of software updates and a versatile camera, it offers a compelling package, especially for those in the Samsung ecosystem. The reviewer suggests it's a smart choice for users seeking a premium experience without the full flagship cost, only slightly limited by its camera's zoom capabilities and lack of microSD slot.
“This is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in my opinion. Okay, in my opinion, one of the best mid-range phones you could get, especially especially if you in the Samsung ecosystem.”
“650 bucks will get the job done.”
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Hands-On - is the cheapest S25 worth buying?
Pros
- Upgraded 12MP selfie camera with a bigger sensor.
- Larger 4,900 mAh battery with faster 45W wired charging.
- Significantly brighter 1900 nits display with adaptive vision boosters.
- Offers full suite of flagship software features and AI.
Cons
- Performance is not significantly faster than its predecessor.
- Overall performance does not reach flagship territory.
- Rear camera hardware remains largely the same as the previous model.
- Value is undercut by discounted prices of the standard S25.
- The 512GB storage option is not recommended due to its price.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a solid all-rounder phone that offers many flagship software features and AI at a more accessible price point. It brings several refinements, including a thinner design, a larger battery with faster charging, a brighter screen, and an improved selfie camera with advanced processing.
However, its overall performance is not a significant leap, and its value proposition is challenged by the standard Samsung Galaxy S25, which often becomes similarly priced with discounts while offering superior specifications.
While a nice refinement and a good upgrade for older phones, it's generally recommended to opt for a discounted standard S25 if possible, as it provides better value for money.
“So yeah, the S25 FE is quite a nice refinement, although probably not worth upgrading if you already have an S24 FE, maybe if you have something a little bit older, like 3 years or older. Uh and it's just a good allrounder phone. Great support in terms of the software, and you get all the software, basically all the software features of the flagship phones at a much cheaper price point.”
“overall, if you can get a discounted S25, which you probably can, I would definitely get that over an FE.”
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE hands-on: Be patient!
Pros
- Features an upgraded 12MP selfie camera.
- Includes a 4,900 mAh battery.
- Supports 45W wired and 15W Qi2 wireless charging.
- Launches at a lower price point of $649.
Cons
- Rear camera system is unchanged from the previous model.
- Utilizes an older Exynos 2400 chipset.
- Comes with only 8GB of RAM.
- Has a lower resolution FHD+ display.
- Considered overpriced for its specifications.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is deemed a decent phone but comes with significant caveats, making it a questionable purchase at its launch price of $649. It features an upgraded selfie camera and a solid battery, but compromises on key areas like the rear camera, processor, RAM, and display.
The reviewer suggests its price point should be closer to $500 and strongly advises against buying it immediately. Instead, consumers are recommended to wait for sales or consider investing in the superior Galaxy S25 Plus for a better overall experience.
“In my mind, this should be a $500 phone, not a $649 phone.”
“But the smart move would be to not buy this at all and just wait for a great deal on the Galaxy S25 Plus. That will get you a much better processor, better cameras, a better build, and a better display.”