Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Review: A Fan Edition that Finally Makes Sense

Value When Reviewed

From $649

Greatest Costs In the present day: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

If you consider Samsung telephones, the Galaxy S sequence might be the very first thing that involves thoughts. 

And with good cause: the most recent Galaxy S25 lineup contains among the absolute best handsets you should purchase, together with the stylus-wielding S25 Extremely and ultra-slim S25 Edge. On the different finish of the dimensions, the compact Galaxy S25 gives the premium expertise by way of a smaller 6.2-inch show. 

Nevertheless, that leaves a fourth mannequin that’s straightforward to miss. As I discovered earlier this yr, the S25+ is a wonderful cellphone, nevertheless it’s usually unremarkable, making it a primary goal for a ‘flagship killer’ machine. 

Samsung wouldn’t need one in every of its extra reasonably priced telephones to cannibalise a premium handset, however after going hands-on with the £649/$649 Galaxy S25 FE, I suspected that is perhaps simply what had occurred. 

Has my opinion modified after spending two weeks utilizing it as my most important cellphone? Listed below are my full, in-depth ideas on the S25 FE. 

Design & Construct

• Close to-identical design to S25+
• Sturdy, IP68-rated construct
• Light-weight and cozy to carry

The Galaxy S25 FE’s design shocked me in one of the simplest ways doable. 

Once I first picked up the cellphone, I used to be confused – why does this really feel precisely the identical because the S25+? 

Because it seems, there are a handful of variations. The S25 FE is barely taller, wider and thicker (7.4mm) than the S25+, the Gorilla Glass on the back and front is the marginally inferior Victus+ customary (versus Victus 2) and the armour aluminium body is supposedly a contact much less sturdy. 

However the true query is: do you discover, and even care? I evaluation telephones for a dwelling, and these variations are completely inconsequential for me. Until you intend to throw your cellphone round with wild abandon or have a customized 7.3mm pocket, I feel you’ll really feel the identical. 

All the basics are nonetheless right here. The S25 FE is a pretty cellphone, particularly within the Navy mannequin I examined, however the Jetblack, Icyblue (a really mild blue) and White variations all look nice in individual. 

Construct high quality is great, with a seamless mix of glossy aluminium and difficult glass. A matt coating on the again avoids any vital build-up of fingerprint smudges. 

The Galaxy S25 FE’s design shocked me in one of the simplest ways doable

Alongside the rounded corners, it makes the machine very comfy to carry for lengthy intervals. As somebody who doesn’t all the time use my cellphone mindfully (learn: doomscrolling), that is vital. 

Samsung didn’t present a case alongside my evaluation pattern, which gave me an excellent alternative to place the S25 FE’s sturdiness to the take a look at.  

A mix of my carelessness and the slippery again of the cellphone meant it fell onto the ground on extra events than I’d prefer to admit. Nevertheless, this isn’t a foul situation, as I’m making an attempt to simulate longer-term utilization within the house of a few weeks. 

The S25 FE survived these skirmishes unscathed other than some virtually invisible scratches. Nevertheless, the dearth of pure grip means I’d nonetheless extremely suggest a case – a few of Samsung’s official ones add little or no bulk. 

One other key promoting level is the flagship-level IP68 mud and water resistance, which protects it towards mud and submersion in as much as 1.5m of freshwater for as much as half-hour. It’s now widespread at this worth level, however good to see, nonetheless. 

And, regardless of being a comparatively large cellphone, the S25 FE weighs simply 190g – the identical because the S25+. Having switched from the 232g Pixel 10 Professional XL, it’s been a refreshing change. 

Display screen & Audio system

• 6.7-inch, AMOLED display screen
• Adaptive 120Hz refresh price
• Stereo audio system

The Galaxy S25 FE is provided with a 6.7-inch, Full HD+ AMOLED show, and it’s an actual pleasure to make use of. 

The display screen is crisp, vivid and vibrant, delivering the wealthy colors and deep blacks we’ve come to affiliate with Samsung’s OLED screens. The decision is a contact decrease than the 1440p S25+, however that machine is about to 1080p by default, and I can’t inform the distinction except I actually search for it anyway. 

The show has a dynamic refresh price possibility, which might go as much as 120Hz for silky-smooth visuals. LTPO tech means it may possibly routinely drop as little as 1Hz to assist protect energy when not required. 

I like having this selection on telephones, because it removes the dilemma between smoothness and battery life. You possibly can have each and it’s uncommon to see on a mid-range cellphone! Nevertheless, the usual 60Hz mode continues to be there if you would like it. 

The display screen is crisp, vivid and vibrant, delivering the wealthy colors and deep blacks we’ve come to affiliate with Samsung’s OLED screens

One space the place the S25 FE’s show doesn’t excel is brightness. Samsung’s peak brightness declare of 1900 nits isn’t significantly spectacular, whereas the 422 nits I recorded at dwelling with knowledgeable colorimeter is decrease than most telephones we’ve examined lately. 

Nevertheless, I used the cellphone outdoors on brilliant sunny days just a few occasions, and it actually didn’t matter. Until the solar is immediately shining on the display screen, visibility isn’t a difficulty. 

Inside the show is a fingerprint scanner, although that is an optical sensor versus the extra superior ultrasonic ones discovered on Galaxy S25 flagships. It really works properly more often than not, however appears a contact slower and extra delicate to moisture than the perfect I’ve tried. 

The S25 FE’s stereo audio system are a nice shock. Samsung has opted for the usual mixture of downward-firing speaker and earpiece, however the sound is impressively wealthy and full-bodied.

Because of this, I hardly ever relied on headphones when enjoying audio at dwelling, even when enjoying longer YouTube movies. Nevertheless, for severe listening periods or anytime in public, I’d extremely suggest an excellent pair of headphones or earbuds. As you improve the quantity, the dearth of bass turns into far more obvious and distortion begins to kick in. 

Specs & Efficiency

• Exynos 2400 and 8GB of RAM
• Robust on a regular basis efficiency, weaker for gaming
• 128-, 256- or 512GB of non-expandable storage

Beneath the hood, the Galaxy S25 FE is powered by Samsung’s personal Exynos 2400 chipset. On paper, that is very disappointing – not solely is it not utilizing Qualcomm’s superior Snapdragon line, nevertheless it’s additionally not even the most recent Exynos 2500. 

So, I used to be very a lot able to be underwhelmed by the S25 FE’s efficiency, however that second by no means got here. In case your on a regular basis utilization seems something like mine, with plenty of net shopping, YouTube movies, messaging, navigation, emails and the occasional photograph, the S25 FE is loads highly effective sufficient to deal with all of it.  

Multitasking can also be usually robust, with the cellphone in a position to run a number of apps concurrently or two side-by-side with out problem. I often bumped into points akin to an app crash or short-term display screen freeze, however these gave the impression to be software program bugs reasonably than a efficiency limitation. 

The S25 FE can also be adept at informal gaming, however I’d warning towards it for lengthy periods of essentially the most demanding cellular video games. That’s whenever you’ll discover the constraints of the chipset and simply 8GB of RAM, with some noticeable stutters and a tool that turns into uncomfortably sizzling to the contact. 

I used to be very a lot able to be underwhelmed by the S25 FE’s efficiency, however that second by no means got here

If the likes of Genshin Impression, Name of Responsibility: Cellular or Actual Racing 3 are an everyday a part of your cellphone expertise, I’d encourage you to look elsewhere. However for nearly everybody else, the S25 FE gives all of the efficiency you may ask for – it’s definitely loads for me. 

Nevertheless, it’s value noting that the entry mannequin of the S25 FE solely has 128GB of storage. With no assist for Micro-SD card enlargement, you may need to step as much as 256GB, which is barely barely dearer. 512GB and 1TB choices are additionally out there. 

Whereas the cellphone misses out on Wi-Fi 7, that’s unlikely to have an effect on most consumers anytime quickly. The likes of Bluetooth 5.4, NFC and, after all, 5G, are all right here. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE benchmarks

As you possibly can see, the S25 FE falls behind many Snapdragon-powered telephones, nevertheless it actually doesn’t matter.

Cameras

• 50Mp most important digicam – an identical to S25+
• 8Mp 3x telephoto, 12Mp ultrawide
• 12Mp selfie lens

The digicam system on the Galaxy S25 FE is downgraded in comparison with S25 flagships, however not by as a lot as you may assume. 

Its 50Mp, f/1.8 most important lens is ever so barely smaller, however in any other case an identical. And I can’t inform the distinction in picture high quality, which displays very properly on this cheaper cellphone. 

All the pieces I stated in my Galaxy S25+ evaluation nonetheless applies right here. In good lighting circumstances, images are glorious, with crisp element, robust dynamic vary and correct depiction of shadows. 

Samsung has dialled again its high-contrast software program processing in recent times, that means images are more true to life than ever earlier than. Colors nonetheless pop a little bit greater than actual life, however the impact is refined. 

Even on a gray autumn day, I may depend on the S25 FE to take an important photograph more often than not. Nevertheless, it often struggled with publicity, particularly when making an attempt to seize each darkish shadows and brilliant skies. 

In low-light circumstances, the long-exposure Night time shot mode routinely activates (although you possibly can disable it). It’s fairly efficient at brightening the picture with out making it look synthetic or introducing an excessive amount of noise, although the Pixel’s Night time Sight continues to be barely higher for my part. 

By default, the primary lens can also be used for portrait-style images. Like normal, my mum’s canine was essentially the most keen mannequin (or he didn’t object, not less than), and I used to be in a position to get some attractive photos of him. 

When the sting detection was good, the portrait images appeared impressively skilled, regardless of being very a lot taken by an novice photographer (me). Nevertheless, it was fairly hit-and-miss – an important portrait required just a few makes an attempt. 

Total, the digicam system on the Galaxy S25 FE is strong but unspectacular

Samsung gives the choice to face additional again for portrait images and depend on the 8Mp, f/2.4 telephoto lens. It is a small downgrade in comparison with the S25 and S25+, and a giant step down from the primary lens. 

The 3x optical zoom is such a pleasant choice to have, however the total picture high quality isn’t all the time on par. You possibly can go as much as 30x digital zoom, however as normal, high quality rapidly declines when you go previous 5x. Samsung doesn’t embrace any AI tips just like the Pixel 10 Professional’s 100x Tremendous Res Zoom right here, although I’m unsure you’re lacking out on a lot. 

Elsewhere, I loved the pliability of the 12Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide, which really gives a barely wider 123-degree area of view than the S25 and S25+. I don’t need to evaluate to those telephones too usually, however the high quality of photos from this lens may be very comparable. Color accuracy takes a slight hit and a few particulars are misplaced, however they’re usually usable. 

The selfie digicam is arguably the perfect of the lot. It’s solely a 12Mp lens, nevertheless it constantly gives good readability and correct pores and skin tones, day and evening. The lens can retain element in faces and the background concurrently, or blur the latter by way of a convincing portrait mode. I’m impressed. 

See extra samples within the gallery beneath:

The S25 FE can file 8K video, although I’d suggest the 1080p default to keep away from rapidly consuming into that cupboard space. It’s nothing to jot down dwelling about, nevertheless it gives sufficient element and first rate colors to make it a strong selection for dwelling movies or live performance footage. OIS (optical picture stabilisation) on the primary and telephoto lenses do an excellent job of holding issues comparatively regular. 

Total, the digicam system on the Galaxy S25 FE is strong but unspectacular. It has two excellent lenses and two barely underwhelming ones, nevertheless it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker except you need an absolute top-tier digicam cellphone expertise. 

Software program & AI

Once I first began utilizing Samsung telephones, software program was their greatest weak point. TouchWiz (IYKYK) was a cluttered mess that was filled with bloatware and liable to lagging. 

Oh, how occasions have modified. One UI 8, which the Galaxy S25 FE runs at launch, is a glossy, trendy consumer interface that’s quick and filled with customisation choices. 

It’s based mostly on Android 16, however the expertise right here may be very totally different to what you’ll discover on Google Pixel telephones. Do I favor it? My opinion adjustments virtually month-to-month, however I feel I do proper now. 

In comparison with the Pixel’s inventory interface, the most important improve I discover is the design. For those who spend a little bit time customising it, One UI 8 can look beautiful with out sacrificing performance.  

In contrast to Google, Samsung gives full management over the house display screen expertise, with a spread of attractive first-party widgets and the power to take away app labels. As somebody who likes a clear design, I can’t let you know how vital the latter is to me. 

As a whole bundle, I don’t assume cellphone software program will get higher than One UI 8 proper now

I used to be initially sceptical of the iOS-style cut up between notifications and fast settings, however Samsung has applied it very successfully.  

Inside the primary Settings menu, a strong search operate permits you to discover all the things utilizing pure language, which is a game-changer. I wouldn’t have a clue that display screen refresh price is named ‘Movement smoothness’, however I don’t have to. 

Bloatware stays the primary weak point of One UI, with Samsung making its personal model of virtually each Google inventory app and pre-installing loads extra from Microsoft for the greenback. Nevertheless, these can simply be uninstalled or disabled to return the app drawer to a clear and really helpful listing. 

When it comes to synthetic intelligence, the S25 FE has the very same suite of Galaxy AI options because the Galaxy S25 flagships. That features a vary of writing, transcription, abstract and enhancing instruments, plus real-time translation for calls and in-person conversations. 

It’s also possible to generate model new photos or deliver your handwritten sketches to life. Having examined these extensively prior to now, they are often enjoyable, helpful, or each, however I don’t discover myself turning to them regularly. 

The AI instruments which have change into an everyday a part of my life are made by Google. Gemini is the perfect digital assistant on any cellphone proper now (Bixby who?), and it solves on a regular basis issues for me regularly. In the meantime, Circle to Search makes it straightforward to search out something attention-grabbing that pops up on my display screen. 

As a whole bundle, I don’t assume cellphone software program will get higher than One UI 8 proper now.  

And the seven years of OS and safety updates solely make it extra interesting, although that doesn’t imply they’ll all the time be immediate. Because the One UI 7 rollout confirmed, the older your machine will get, the much less doubtless you might be to get a brand new main model wherever near its unique launch date. 

Battery Life & Charging

• 4900mAh battery
• 45W wired charging
• 15W wi-fi, however Qi2 requires case

I’m more than happy to see that Samsung hasn’t downgraded the battery capability or charging on the Galaxy S25 FE. Its 4900mAh cell and 45W wired speeds are an identical to the S25+, which is nice information for a way more reasonably priced cellphone. 

Battery life advantages considerably consequently. As somebody who works from dwelling, I can repeatedly go two days between fees, even with round three hours of use per day. 

On the times after I’ve been out and about, I by no means as soon as needed to fear about whether or not it would final till the top of the day.  

On a latest journey to London, I absolutely charged my cellphone within the morning and proceeded to make use of it for over two and a half hours, together with with excessive brightness, Google Maps navigation and near-constant cellular knowledge. By the point I obtained dwelling 13 hours later, I nonetheless had over 50% cost left. Now that’s spectacular. 

Sadly, our normal PCMark battery take a look at didn’t run on the S25 FE, so I can’t provide side-by-side comparisons. However based mostly on my impressions, battery life is properly above common, and a key energy of the S25 FE. 

I wouldn’t say the identical for charging speeds, however they don’t disappoint, both. Samsung doesn’t embrace the required 45W wired charger within the field, however I now have one which might hit these speeds.  

Battery life is properly above common, and a key energy of the S25 FE

Hitting 31% after quarter-hour and 63% after half an hour is quicker than I’ve come to anticipate from mid-range Samsung telephones, and also you may not want far more to get it to final a day. A full cost took me round 75 minutes, which continues to be respectful. 

The S25 FE gives 15W wi-fi charging, although Qi2 assist depends on you attaching a appropriate case, as there aren’t any magnets constructed into the machine just like the Pixel 10 vary. Samsung might properly meet up with this innovation with the Galaxy S26 lineup for those who really feel it’s value ready for (although bear in mind the FE mannequin arrives a lot later). 

Value & Availability

At launch, the Galaxy S25 FE begins at £649/$649.99.  

That solely will get you 128GB of storage, although stepping as much as 256GB solely prices £699/$709.99. A 512GB mannequin is £799, however that doesn’t look like out there within the US. 

You should buy one now from numerous retailers, together with Samsung UK, Samsung US, Amazon UK and Amazon US, plus a wide range of community suppliers in each nations.

That beginning worth means it may possibly nonetheless be classed as a mid-range cellphone, although it is without doubt one of the extra premium gadgets in that house.  

There are two key rivals within the type of the Xiaomi 15T Professional (from £649, not out there within the US) and OnePlus 13R (from £649/$599.99), with the common Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 (each from £799/$799) considerably dearer. 

Must you purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

For those who’re in search of an important all-round smartphone that considerably undercuts flagships on worth, sure. The Galaxy S25 FE is the perfect outright mid-range cellphone you should purchase, and has sufficient in widespread with the S25+ to be an important worth selection. 

The one actual compromises to pay attention to are underwhelming gaming efficiency and hit-and-miss supporting cameras, although the latter additionally impacts the S25+. 

The S25 FE is a really well-rounded cellphone, which I’d be very blissful to make use of as my most important machine long-term, which isn’t one thing I usually say. For those who’re content material with its comparatively small listing of compromises, it’s straightforward to suggest. 

Specs

• One UI 8, based mostly on Android 16 
• 6.7-inch, 1440 x 3120, AMOLED, 120Hz  
• Optical fingerprint scanner  
• Samsung Exynos 2400 chipset 
• 8GB RAM  
• 128GB / 256GB / 512GB storage 
• 50Mp, f/1.8 most important digicam 
• 12Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide  
• 8Mp, f/2.4 3x telephoto  
• 12Mp, f/2.2 selfie  
• As much as 8K @ 30fps rear video  
• Stereo audio system  
• Twin-SIM + eSIM  
• Wi-Fi 6E 
• Bluetooth 5.4  
• 4900mAh battery  
• 45W wired charging  
• 15W wi-fi charging  
• 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm 
• IP68 licensed  
• 190g  
• Colors: Icyblue, Jetback, Navy, White