Nearly as good as Samsung’s flagship telephones are, the corporate has a patchy report relating to extra inexpensive handsets.
It’s not for a scarcity of alternative, with an enormous variety of finances and mid-range Galaxy smartphones launching each single 12 months. Nevertheless, other than a couple of key exceptions, they’re usually flawed to the extent that we are able to’t suggest them.
Lately, the identical criticism will be levelled in opposition to Samsung’s ‘FE’ branded telephones. In idea, they’re an awesome different to the flagship S collection gadgets for individuals who don’t have £800/$800 or extra to spend on a brand new telephone. In actuality, there are much better mid-range telephones on the market.
Nevertheless, that appears set to alter with the brand new Galaxy S25 FE. Primarily based on the spectacular spec sheet and my hands-on time, I imagine it may primarily make the Galaxy S25+ out of date. Listed here are 5 the explanation why, plus one space that’s nonetheless a trigger for concern.
High-quality {hardware}
The S25 FE is a beautiful telephone that appears and feels virtually an identical to the common Galaxy S25. It boasts the identical sturdy armour aluminium chassis because the costlier telephone, whereas Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back and front ought to imply it could actually survive most drops unscathed.
The show itself is a 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, identical to the Galaxy S25+. The intense lighting of the hands-on space didn’t impression visibility in any respect, with the 1900 nits of peak brightness coming into its personal. As traditional, you’ll be able to anticipate glorious element and wealthy, vibrant colors, making it well-suited to just about any app.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Given the system’s relative lack of grip, I’d nonetheless suggest a case, although you could be reluctant to cowl its engaging again. I acquired the possibility to check out all 4 colors – White, Icyblue, Jetblack and Navy – and the final of those is undoubtedly my favorite.
You may anticipate glorious element and wealthy, vibrant colors
Nevertheless, you do get a flagship-level IP68 ranking, making it immune to submersion in freshwater and absolutely protected in opposition to mud.
Regardless of all this, the Galaxy S25 FE stays comparatively slim and light-weight, clocking in at 7.3mm and 190g. That’s virtually an identical to the S25+.
No-compromise cameras
Cameras are sometimes the very first thing to be compromised on mid-range telephones, however that’s not the case right here.
The Galaxy S25 FE boasts a formidable triple rear setup, consisting of 50Mp foremost, 12Mp, 3x telephoto and 10Mp ultrawide. On the entrance, you get a 12Mp selfie lens.
Have you learnt which different telephone has these digicam specs? You guessed it – the Galaxy S25+. As my full overview exhibits, that system takes some actually glorious pictures – up there with the perfect.
Luke Baker / Foundry
I’m anticipating no completely different from the Galaxy S25 FE, though it’s laborious to inform from a couple of transient check pictures within the hands-on space. I stay up for seeing what this telephone is like in the true world.
A giant battery AND quick(ish) charging?
This was the world through which I used to be anticipating downgrades from the Galaxy S25+. In spite of everything, the bottom S25 has a 4000mAh cell that costs at simply 25W, so it’ll be the identical on the S25 FE, proper?
If the S25+ may comfortably final a full day on a single cost, I see no motive why the S25 FE can’t
Mistaken. Samsung has outfitted the telephone with the very same specs – 4900mAh and 45W – as its way more costly sibling. It’s not world-beating, nevertheless it virtually matches the Galaxy S25 Extremely, which has simply 100mAh additional battery capability and the identical charging velocity.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
After all, I wasn’t in a position to check this throughout my hands-on time, however I’ve excessive hopes. If the S25+ may comfortably final a full day on a single cost, I see no motive why the S25 FE can’t.
One factor to say right here is that the telephone helps Qi2 wi-fi charging, however solely by way of a case. That is in contrast to the brand new Pixel 10 telephones, which have the know-how inbuilt.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Engaging pricing
One of many Galaxy S25 FE’s massive promoting factors is its worth. Regardless of some good upgrades, it nonetheless begins at simply £649/$649 for 128GB of information. You may step as much as 256- or 512GB for £699/$709 and £799 respectively, however most individuals don’t must.
Examine that to the Galaxy S25+, which begins at £999/$999. That’s a full 54% costlier!
Given the worth differential, you’d anticipate a chasm between the 2 telephones on the spec sheet, however that’s not the case.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
No lengthy delays
The timing of Samsung’s FE telephones hasn’t at all times been perfect. A notable current instance was when the Galaxy S21 FE launched in January 2022, only a few weeks earlier than the Galaxy S22 collection arrived. Who of their proper thoughts would purchase a telephone that might go outdated so shortly?
You don’t want to fret a couple of new flagship telephone launching simply across the nook
Nevertheless, Samsung has clearly learnt its lesson. By launching (and likewise releasing) the S25 FE on 4 September, it offers customers a great few months earlier than the anticipated arrival of the Galaxy S26 collection in early 2026.
If you happen to’re contemplating shopping for a Galaxy S25 FE, you don’t want to fret a couple of new flagship telephone launching simply across the nook.
Samsung has additionally constructed longevity into the system, with a full model of the Android 16-based One UI 8 (together with all Galaxy AI options) and 7 years of each OS and safety updates. That traces up with the perfect you’ll discover on Android.
A chipset conundrum
You may’ve seen that I haven’t talked about which chipset is powering the Galaxy S25 FE but. And that’s as a result of I’m involved.
Somewhat than opting for a similar Snapdragon 8 Elite discovered on the opposite S25 telephones, the FE drops right down to the Exynos 2400. Samsung’s personal silicon isn’t inherently dangerous, however this isn’t even the newest model – that might be Exynos 2500.
In comparison with the Exynos 2400e discovered within the S24 FE, it affords solely a tiny enhance to clock speeds that you simply virtually definitely gained’t discover. Nevertheless, it could be a extra vital step down from the remainder of the S25 vary.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The system definitely feels quick and snappy when transferring via One UI 8, however will that also be the case when utilizing enhancing software program or taking part in demanding video games?
Finally, that might decide its success. If the Galaxy S25 FE performs in addition to the specs and early indications counsel, it may very well be straightforward to suggest over the S25+ and the overwhelming majority of mid-range telephones.
To seek out out for positive, look out for my full overview, coming to Tech Advisor quickly. Within the meantime, you’ll be able to take a look at why you shouldn’t purchase the Tab S11 Extremely, why the boring Tab S11 is a greater guess, what we actually need Samsung to convey us and what Samsung didn’t announce.