A Familiar Galaxy at a Lower Price
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE arrives as a bridge between Samsung’s premium Galaxy S25 line and its more affordable Galaxy A series. Priced at 649 dollars in the US, 649 pounds in the UK, and 1,099 Australian dollars, it costs only slightly more than Apple’s iPhone 16e yet delivers significantly more in terms of display, cameras, and features. While Samsung has moved away from calling this phone the Fan Edition, the S25 FE still feels very much like a phone designed for Galaxy enthusiasts who want the latest features without paying Ultra prices.
Features That Stand Out
What makes the Galaxy S25 FE compelling is its inclusion of high-end software and tools usually reserved for Samsung’s more expensive models. It is the debut device for OneUI 8 based on Android 16, giving buyers first access to Samsung’s newest interface design. The phone also supports Samsung DeX, which allows you to connect it to a monitor and peripherals for a desktop-like experience. This is a feature missing from lower-cost Galaxy A models and a strong differentiator against Apple’s iPhone 16e.
Design and Display
In terms of design, the Galaxy S25 FE is nearly identical to the Galaxy S25 Plus. It has the same 6.7 inch display with a peak brightness that outshines many competitors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The battery inside is a 4,900 mAh unit, matching the capacity of the larger Galaxy S25 Plus and promising excellent endurance. The only notable difference is that the FE is slightly thicker, though not enough to affect comfort. Color choices, however, may disappoint fans who loved the bold palettes of earlier FE models. This year’s options are limited to black, white, and two variations of blue, which feel uninspired compared to past generations.
Camera System
One of the biggest advantages the Galaxy S25 FE holds over Apple’s iPhone 16e is its triple camera setup. It features a 50MP main sensor, a true telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom, and an ultra-wide option, giving it versatility the single-lens iPhone simply cannot match. The larger sensor on the main camera also promises better low-light performance and sharper detail. For those who love photography, the S25 FE offers far more flexibility at a similar price point.
Charging and Battery Life
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S25 FE with 45W wired charging support when paired with the correct charger, which is far faster than Apple’s latest entry-level iPhone. With its large battery and efficient charging, the phone is designed to handle long days of use while recovering quickly when plugged in. Unlike the iPhone, which typically leans on wireless charging and MagSafe, Apple’s cost-cutting on the iPhone 16e means Samsung takes the clear win in this category.
The Processor Question
The main drawback of the Galaxy S25 FE lies in its choice of processor. Samsung opted for the Exynos 2400 chipset rather than its latest Exynos 2500 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. In benchmark comparisons, the Exynos 2400 falls significantly behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apple’s A18 chip. This difference could impact gaming, multitasking, and other demanding tasks, where the FE may require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth performance. For casual users, it may not be noticeable, but power users will feel the gap compared to pricier models.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE positions itself as one of the best value-for-money smartphones in the premium midrange category. It brings flagship features such as a large bright display, multiple cameras with optical zoom, DeX desktop support, and long software support, all at a price that significantly undercuts Samsung’s higher-tier models. However, its reliance on the older Exynos 2400 processor may hold it back for users who prioritize raw performance and gaming.
For Samsung fans who want a real Galaxy S experience without splurging on the Plus or Ultra, the S25 FE is an appealing option. Against Apple’s iPhone 16e, it offers more cameras, a bigger and brighter display, faster charging, and stronger everyday value.
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