Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review: A Fan Edition that finally makes sense

Greatest Costs At this time: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

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

And with good cause: the newest Galaxy S25 lineup contains a few of the best possible handsets you should buy, together with the stylus-wielding S25 Extremely and ultra-slim S25 Edge. On the different finish of the dimensions, the compact Galaxy S25 affords 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 main goal for a ‘flagship killer’ system. 

Samsung wouldn’t need one in all 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 may be 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 comfy to carry

The Galaxy S25 FE’s design stunned me in the easiest way doable. 

After 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+ commonplace (versus Victus 2) and the armour aluminium body is supposedly a contact much less strong. 

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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 propose 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 beautiful 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 smooth aluminium and difficult glass. A matt coating on the again avoids any vital build-up of fingerprint smudges. 

Alongside the rounded corners, it makes the system 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 a great alternative to place the S25 FE’s sturdiness to the check.  

A mix of my carelessness and the slippery again of the cellphone meant it fell onto the ground on extra events than I’d wish to admit. Nevertheless, this isn’t a nasty state of affairs, as I’m attempting to simulate longer-term utilization within the house of a few weeks. 

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

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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 frequent at this value 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 & Audio system

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

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

The display 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 system is ready to 1080p by default, and I can’t inform the distinction except I actually search for it anyway. 

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

I really like having this feature 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 remains to be there if you need it. 

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 house with knowledgeable colorimeter is decrease than most telephones we’ve examined just lately. 

Nevertheless, I used the cellphone outdoors on shiny sunny days just a few occasions, and it actually didn’t matter. Until the solar is immediately shining on the display, 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 effectively more often than not, however appears a contact slower and extra delicate to moisture than the very best 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.

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In consequence, I hardly ever relied on headphones when enjoying audio at house, even when enjoying longer YouTube movies. Nevertheless, for critical listening periods or anytime in public, I’d extremely suggest a very good pair of headphones or earbuds. As you improve the quantity, the shortage of bass turns into rather more obvious and distortion begins to kick in. 

Specs & Efficiency

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

Below 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 newest 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 appears something like mine, with numerous net looking, YouTube movies, messaging, navigation, emails and the occasional picture, the S25 FE is a lot highly effective sufficient to deal with all of it.  

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Multitasking can be usually sturdy, with the cellphone in a position to run a number of apps concurrently or two side-by-side with out challenge. I sometimes bumped into points reminiscent of an app crash or short-term display freeze, however these appeared to be software program bugs reasonably than a efficiency limitation. 

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

If the likes of Genshin Affect, 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 affords all of the efficiency you might ask for – it’s definitely a lot for me. 

Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the entry mannequin of the S25 FE solely has 128GB of storage. With no help for Micro-SD card growth, you would possibly wish to step as much as 256GB, which is simply 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, in fact, 5G, are all right here. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE benchmarks

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

Cameras

• 50Mp most important digital camera – similar to S25+
• 8Mp 3x telephoto, 12Mp ultrawide
• 12Mp selfie lens

The digital camera system on the Galaxy S25 FE is downgraded in comparison with S25 flagships, however not by as a lot as you would possibly assume. 

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

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Every little thing I stated in my Galaxy S25+ evaluation nonetheless applies right here. In good lighting circumstances, pictures are glorious, with crisp element, sturdy dynamic vary and correct depiction of shadows. 

Samsung has dialled again its high-contrast software program processing lately, that means pictures are more true to life than ever earlier than. Colors nonetheless pop slightly 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 picture more often than not. Nevertheless, it sometimes struggled with publicity, particularly when attempting to seize each darkish shadows and shiny skies. 

In low-light circumstances, the long-exposure Evening shot mode robotically activates (although you may 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 Evening Sight remains to be barely higher in my view. 

By default, the principle lens can be used for portrait-style pictures. Like typical, my mum’s canine was probably the most prepared mannequin (or he didn’t object, a minimum of), and I used to be in a position to get some attractive pictures of him. 

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

Samsung affords the choice to face additional again for portrait pictures 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 principle lens. 

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

Elsewhere, I loved the flexibleness of the 12Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide, which really affords a barely wider 123-degree subject of view than the S25 and S25+. I don’t wish to examine to those telephones too usually, however the high quality of pictures from this lens could be very related. Color accuracy takes a slight hit and a few particulars are misplaced, however they’re usually usable. 

The selfie digital camera is arguably the very best of the lot. It’s solely a 12Mp lens, nevertheless it persistently affords 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 under:

The S25 FE can report 8K video, although I’d suggest the 1080p default to keep away from rapidly consuming into that cupboard space. It’s nothing to put in writing house about, nevertheless it affords sufficient element and respectable colors to make it a strong alternative for house movies or live performance footage. OIS (optical picture stabilisation) on the principle and telephoto lenses do a very good job of holding issues comparatively regular. 

Total, the digital camera 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 digital camera cellphone expertise. 

Software program & AI

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

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

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It’s primarily based on Android 16, however the expertise right here could be very totally different to what you’ll discover on Google Pixel telephones. Do I choose it? My opinion modifications nearly 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 slightly time customising it, One UI 8 can look gorgeous with out sacrificing performance.  

Not like Google, Samsung affords full management over the house display expertise, with a variety of attractive first-party widgets and the flexibility to take away app labels. As somebody who likes a clear design, I can’t inform you how vital the latter is to me. 

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

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Inside the principle Settings menu, a robust search operate enables you to discover every part utilizing pure language, which is a game-changer. I wouldn’t have a clue that display refresh fee is called ‘Movement smoothness’, however I don’t have to. 

Bloatware stays the principle weak point of One UI, with Samsung making its personal model of just about each Google inventory app and pre-installing a lot 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 pictures or carry your handwritten sketches to life. Having examined these extensively up to now, they are often enjoyable, helpful, or each, however I don’t discover myself turning to them regularly. 

The AI instruments which have grow to be an everyday a part of my life are made by Google. Gemini is the very best 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 seek out something fascinating that pops up on my display. 

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As an entire 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 system will get, the much less seemingly you’re to get a brand new main model anyplace near its authentic 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 similar to the S25+, which is nice information for a way more reasonably priced cellphone. 

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

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

On a latest journey to London, I totally 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 cell knowledge. By the point I bought house 13 hours later, I nonetheless had over 50% cost left. Now that’s spectacular. 

Sadly, our typical PCMark battery check didn’t run on the S25 FE, so I can’t supply side-by-side comparisons. However primarily based on my impressions, battery life is effectively 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 mandatory 45W wired charger within the field, however I now have one which might hit these speeds.  

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 rather more to get it to final a day. A full cost took me round 75 minutes, which remains to be respectful. 

The S25 FE affords 15W wi-fi charging, although Qi2 help depends on you attaching a suitable case, as there are not any magnets constructed into the system just like the Pixel 10 vary. Samsung could effectively meet up with this innovation with the Galaxy S26 lineup in case you really feel it’s price 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 varied retailers, together with Samsung UK, Samsung US, Amazon UK and Amazon US, plus a wide range of community suppliers in each nations.

That beginning value means it could actually nonetheless be classed as a mid-range cellphone, although it is without doubt one of the extra premium units 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. 

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Do you have to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?

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

The one actual compromises to concentrate on 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 pleased to make use of as my most important system 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, primarily based 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 digital camera 
• 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