At a look
Professional’s Score
Execs
- Flagship design and construct
- Sturdy fundamental and selfie cameras
- Spectacular battery life
- One UI is slick and intuitive
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Supporting cameras might be higher
- Occasional software program bugs
- Not appropriate for demanding gaming
Our Verdict
The Galaxy S25 FE is a transparent downgrade in comparison with the S25+, however in on a regular basis utilization, you actually don’t discover. For most individuals, save your cash and get this glorious all-rounder that units a brand new normal for mid-range telephones.
Value When Reviewed
This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined
Finest Pricing At the moment
Value When Reviewed
From $649
Finest Costs At the moment: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
$499.99
While you consider Samsung telephones, the Galaxy S sequence might be the very first thing that involves thoughts.
And with good purpose: the most recent Galaxy S25 lineup consists of a number of the highest handsets you should purchase, together with the stylus-wielding S25 Extremely and ultra-slim S25 Edge. On the different finish of the size, 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 12 months, the S25+ is a superb telephone, nevertheless it’s typically unremarkable, making it a first-rate goal for a ‘flagship killer’ machine.
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 is likely to be simply what had occurred.
Has my opinion modified after spending two weeks utilizing it as my fundamental telephone? 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 the easiest way doable.
Once I first picked up the telephone, 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+ normal (versus Victus 2) and the armour aluminium body is supposedly a contact much less strong.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
However the true query is: do you discover, and even care? I assessment telephones for a residing, and these variations are completely inconsequential for me. Until you intend to throw your telephone round with wild abandon or have a customized 7.3mm pocket, I believe you’ll really feel the identical.
All the basics are nonetheless right here. The S25 FE is a horny telephone, particularly within the Navy mannequin I examined, however the Jetblack, Icyblue (a really gentle blue) and White variations all look nice in particular person.
Construct high quality is superb, with a seamless mix of smooth aluminium and difficult glass. A matt coating on the again avoids any important build-up of fingerprint smudges.
The Galaxy S25 FE’s design shocked me in the easiest way doable
Alongside the rounded corners, it makes the machine very comfy to carry for lengthy durations. As somebody who doesn’t at all times use my telephone mindfully (learn: doomscrolling), that is important.
Samsung didn’t present a case alongside my assessment pattern, which gave me a really perfect alternative to place the S25 FE’s sturdiness to the check.
A mix of my carelessness and the slippery again of the telephone meant it fell onto the ground on extra events than I’d prefer to admit. Nevertheless, this isn’t a foul 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 advocate a case – a few of Samsung’s official ones add little or no bulk.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
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 worth level, however good to see, nonetheless.
And, regardless of being a comparatively huge telephone, 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 machine is ready to 1080p by default, and I can’t inform the distinction except I actually search for it anyway.
The show has a dynamic refresh fee choice, which might go as much as 120Hz for silky-smooth visuals. LTPO tech means it could actually mechanically drop as little as 1Hz to assist protect energy when not required.
I really like having this selection on telephones, because it removes the dilemma between smoothness and battery life. You may have each and it’s uncommon to see on a mid-range telephone! Nevertheless, the usual 60Hz mode continues to be there if you’d like it.
The display 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 telephone outdoors on vibrant sunny days just a few occasions, and it actually didn’t matter. Until the solar is straight shining on the display, visibility isn’t a difficulty.
Throughout 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 pleasing shock. Samsung has opted for the usual mixture of downward-firing speaker and earpiece, however the sound is impressively wealthy and full-bodied.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
In consequence, I not often 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 advocate pair of headphones or earbuds. As you improve the amount, 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
Underneath 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 appears to be like something like mine, with plenty of net searching, YouTube movies, messaging, navigation, emails and the occasional picture, the S25 FE is loads highly effective sufficient to deal with all of it.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Multitasking can also be typically sturdy, with the telephone in a position to run a number of apps concurrently or two side-by-side with out challenge. I sometimes bumped into points similar to an app crash or short-term display freeze, however these gave the impression to be software program bugs quite than a efficiency limitation.
The S25 FE can also be adept at informal gaming, however I’d warning towards it for lengthy periods of probably the most demanding cell video games. That’s if you’ll discover the constraints of the chipset and simply 8GB of RAM, with some noticeable stutters and a tool that turns into uncomfortably scorching 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 Affect, Name of Obligation: Cellular or Actual Racing 3 are an everyday a part of your telephone expertise, I’d encourage you to look elsewhere. However for nearly everybody else, the S25 FE gives all of the efficiency you could possibly ask for – it’s definitely loads for me.
Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the entry mannequin of the S25 FE solely has 128GB of storage. With no assist for Micro-SD card growth, you would possibly wish to step as much as 256GB, which is just barely costlier. 512GB and 1TB choices are additionally obtainable.
Whereas the telephone misses out on Wi-Fi 7, that’s unlikely to have an effect on most patrons anytime quickly. The likes of Bluetooth 5.4, NFC and, after all, 5G, are all right here.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE benchmarks
As you’ll be able to see, the S25 FE falls behind many Snapdragon-powered telephones, nevertheless it actually doesn’t matter.
Cameras
- 50Mp fundamental digicam – equivalent 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 would possibly suppose.
Its 50Mp, f/1.8 fundamental lens is ever so barely smaller, however in any other case equivalent. And I can’t inform the distinction in picture high quality, which displays very effectively on this cheaper telephone.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
All the things I mentioned in my Galaxy S25+ assessment nonetheless applies right here. In good lighting situations, photographs 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 photographs are more true to life than ever earlier than. Colors nonetheless pop a bit of greater than actual life, however the impact is delicate.
Even on a gray autumn day, I may depend on the S25 FE to take an awesome picture more often than not. Nevertheless, it sometimes struggled with publicity, particularly when attempting to seize each darkish shadows and vibrant skies.
In low-light situations, the long-exposure Night time shot mode mechanically activates (although you’ll be able to 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 principle lens can also be used for portrait-style photographs. Like ordinary, my mum’s canine was probably the most keen mannequin (or he didn’t object, at the least), and I used to be in a position to get some beautiful photos of him.
When the sting detection was good, the portrait photographs seemed impressively skilled, regardless of being very a lot taken by an newbie photographer (me). Nevertheless, it was fairly hit-and-miss – an awesome portrait required just a few makes an attempt.
General, the digicam system on the Galaxy S25 FE is strong but unspectacular
Samsung gives the choice to face additional again for portrait photographs and depend on the 8Mp, f/2.4 telephoto lens. This can be a small downgrade in comparison with the S25 and S25+, and an enormous step down from the principle lens.
The 3x optical zoom is such a pleasant choice to have, however the total picture high quality isn’t at all times on par. You may go as much as 30x digital zoom, however as ordinary, high quality shortly 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 pliability of the 12Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide, which really gives a barely wider 123-degree discipline of view than the S25 and S25+. I don’t wish to evaluate to those telephones too usually, however the high quality of photos from this lens may be very related. Color accuracy takes a slight hit and a few particulars are misplaced, however they’re typically usable.
The selfie digicam is arguably the very best of the lot. It’s solely a 12Mp lens, nevertheless it persistently 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 under:
The S25 FE can document 8K video, although I’d advocate the 1080p default to keep away from shortly consuming into that space for storing. It’s nothing to put in writing dwelling about, nevertheless it gives sufficient element and first rate colors to make it a strong alternative for dwelling movies or live performance footage. OIS (optical picture stabilisation) on the principle and telephoto lenses do job of retaining issues comparatively regular.
General, 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 telephone expertise.
Software program & AI
Once I first began utilizing Samsung telephones, software program was their largest weak spot. 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, trendy person interface that’s quick and stuffed with customisation choices.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
It’s primarily based on Android 16, however the expertise right here may be very completely different to what you’ll discover on Google Pixel telephones. Do I favor it? My opinion adjustments nearly month-to-month, however I believe I do proper now.
In comparison with the Pixel’s inventory interface, the largest improve I discover is the design. For those who spend a bit of time customising it, One UI 8 can look beautiful with out sacrificing performance.
Not like Google, Samsung gives full management over the house display expertise, with a spread of beautiful first-party widgets and the flexibility to take away app labels. As somebody who likes a clear design, I can’t inform you how necessary the latter is to me.
As a whole bundle, I don’t suppose telephone 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.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Inside the principle Settings menu, a robust search perform allows you to discover all the things utilizing pure language, which is a game-changer. I wouldn’t have a clue that display refresh fee is named ‘Movement smoothness’, however I don’t must.
Bloatware stays the principle weak spot 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.
You may also generate model new photos or convey 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 turn into an everyday a part of my life are made by Google. Gemini is the very best digital assistant on any telephone 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.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
As a whole bundle, I don’t suppose telephone 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 at all times be immediate. Because the One UI 7 rollout confirmed, the older your machine 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 equivalent to the S25+, which is nice information for a way more reasonably priced telephone.
Battery life advantages considerably in consequence. As somebody who works from dwelling, I can usually go two days between prices, even with round three hours of use per day.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
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’d final till the top of the day.
On a current journey to London, I absolutely charged my telephone 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 obtained dwelling 13 hours later, I nonetheless had over 50% cost left. Now that’s spectacular.
Sadly, our ordinary PCMark battery check didn’t run on the S25 FE, so I can’t provide 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 required 45W wired charger within the field, however I now have one which might hit these speeds.
Battery life is effectively 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 count on 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 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 effectively meet up with this innovation with the Galaxy S26 lineup in case you really feel it’s price ready for (although keep 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 obtainable within the US.
You should purchase one now from numerous retailers, together with Samsung UK, Samsung US, Amazon UK and Amazon US, plus quite a lot of community suppliers in each international locations.
That beginning worth means it could actually nonetheless be classed as a mid-range telephone, 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 obtainable within the US) and OnePlus 13R (from £649/$599.99), with the common Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 (each from £799/$799) considerably costlier.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Do you have to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE?
For those who’re in search of an awesome all-round smartphone that considerably undercuts flagships on worth, sure. The Galaxy S25 FE is the very best outright mid-range telephone you should purchase, and has sufficient in frequent with the S25+ to be an awesome 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 telephone, which I’d be very comfortable to make use of as my fundamental 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 advocate.
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 fundamental 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
