When it comes to Samsung’s more affordable handsets, the company has had a mixed track record despite the popularity of its flagship phones. There is a wide range of budget and mid-range Galaxy smartphones released every year, but many of them have significant flaws that make them hard to recommend.
In recent years, Samsung’s ‘FE’ branded phones have also faced criticism for not living up to expectations. While they are positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship S series devices, there are often better mid-range options available in the market.
However, the new Galaxy S25 FE seems to be changing that narrative. With its impressive specifications and my hands-on experience, it appears to be a device that could potentially outshine the Galaxy S25+. Here are five reasons why, along with one area of concern.
Top-quality hardware
The Galaxy S25 FE boasts a stunning design that closely resembles the regular Galaxy S25. It features a durable aluminum chassis and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, making it sturdy and resilient. The 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and excellent detail, perfect for any application.
Despite its sleek design, it is recommended to use a case for added protection. The phone is available in four colors, with Navy being a standout choice. Additionally, it comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
You can expect excellent detail and rich, vibrant colors
The Galaxy S25 FE is lightweight and slim, weighing 190g and measuring 7.3mm in thickness, similar to the S25+.
No-compromise cameras
Unlike many mid-range phones, the Galaxy S25 FE offers an impressive camera setup. It includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto lens, a 3x telephoto lens, and a 10MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 12MP selfie shooter, delivering excellent photo quality comparable to the Galaxy S25+.
While I couldn’t extensively test the camera during my hands-on experience, I anticipate it will perform exceptionally well in real-world scenarios.
A big battery AND fast(ish) charging?
Despite expectations of downgrades in the battery department, the Galaxy S25 FE surprises with a 4900mAh battery and 45W charging, matching the capabilities of the more expensive Galaxy S25+. This setup should provide a full day of usage without any issues.
The phone also supports Qi2 wireless charging, although a case is required for wireless charging functionality.
Attractive pricing
One of the key selling points of the Galaxy S25 FE is its competitive pricing. Starting at £649/$649 for 128GB of storage, it offers great value for money compared to the significantly more expensive Galaxy S25+.
Despite the lower price, the Galaxy S25 FE doesn’t compromise on specifications, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.
No long delays
Samsung has learned from past mistakes and launched the Galaxy S25 FE well ahead of the expected arrival of the Galaxy S26 series. This gives consumers ample time to enjoy the device without worrying about it becoming outdated quickly.
The phone is designed for longevity, with full support for Android 16-based One UI 8 and seven years of OS and security updates, aligning with the best practices in the Android ecosystem.
A chipset conundrum
One aspect of the Galaxy S25 FE that raises concerns is the choice of chipset. Unlike the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in other S25 models, the FE variant uses the Exynos 2400 chipset. While Samsung’s own chipsets are typically reliable, the Exynos 2400 may not offer the same performance as the latest Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Elite.
The real-world performance of the Galaxy S25 FE, especially in demanding tasks, will be a crucial factor in determining its success. If it can deliver on its promises, it has the potential to stand out among mid-range and flagship devices.
For a comprehensive review of the Galaxy S25 FE, stay tuned for the full analysis on Tech Advisor. In the meantime, explore other Samsung devices and announcements to stay informed about the latest developments.
