Nearly as good as Samsung’s flagship telephones are, the corporate has a patchy report in relation to extra inexpensive handsets.
It’s not for an absence of alternative, with an enormous variety of finances and mid-range Galaxy smartphones launching each single yr. Nonetheless, except for a number of key exceptions, they’re typically flawed to the extent that we will’t suggest them.
In recent times, the identical criticism might be levelled in opposition to Samsung’s ‘FE’ branded telephones. In idea, they’re an ideal various to the flagship S sequence gadgets for individuals who don’t have £800/$800 or extra to spend on a brand new cellphone. In actuality, there are much better mid-range telephones on the market.
Nonetheless, that appears set to alter with the brand new Galaxy S25 FE. Based mostly on the spectacular spec sheet and my hands-on time, I consider it may basically make the Galaxy S25+ out of date. Listed here are 5 explanation why, plus one space that’s nonetheless a trigger for concern.
High-quality {hardware}
The S25 FE is a beautiful cellphone that appears and feels nearly equivalent to the common Galaxy S25. It boasts the identical sturdy armour aluminium chassis because the dearer cellphone, whereas Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the back and front ought to imply it will probably survive most drops unscathed.
The show itself is a 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, similar to the Galaxy S25+. The intense lighting of the hands-on space didn’t affect visibility in any respect, with the 1900 nits of peak brightness coming into its personal. As typical, you may count on wonderful 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 may be reluctant to cowl its enticing again. I received the prospect to check out all 4 colors – White, Icyblue, Jetblack and Navy – and the final of those is undoubtedly my favorite.
You may count on wonderful element and wealthy, vibrant colors
Nonetheless, you do get a flagship-level IP68 ranking, making it proof against 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 nearly equivalent 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 powerful triple rear setup, consisting of 50Mp most important, 12Mp, 3x telephoto and 10Mp ultrawide. On the entrance, you get a 12Mp selfie lens.
Are you aware which different cellphone has these digicam specs? You guessed it – the Galaxy S25+. As my full evaluate exhibits, that system takes some actually wonderful photographs – up there with the perfect.
Luke Baker / Foundry
I’m anticipating no completely different from the Galaxy S25 FE, though it’s exhausting to inform from a number of transient take a look at pictures within the hands-on space. I look ahead to seeing what this cellphone is like in the actual world.
A giant battery AND quick(ish) charging?
This was the world by which I used to be anticipating downgrades from the Galaxy S25+. In spite of everything, the bottom S25 has a 4000mAh cell that prices 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 purpose why the S25 FE can’t
Improper. Samsung has geared up the cellphone with the very same specs – 4900mAh and 45W – as its rather more costly sibling. It’s not world-beating, but it surely nearly matches the Galaxy S25 Extremely, which has simply 100mAh additional battery capability and the identical charging velocity.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
In fact, I wasn’t capable of take a look at 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 purpose why the S25 FE can’t.
One factor to say right here is that the cellphone helps Qi2 wi-fi charging, however solely through a case. That is in contrast to the brand new Pixel 10 telephones, which have the expertise inbuilt.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Engaging pricing
One of many Galaxy S25 FE’s large promoting factors is its value. Regardless of some good upgrades, it nonetheless begins at simply £649/$649 for 128GB of knowledge. You may step as much as 256- or 512GB for £699/$709 and £799 respectively, however most individuals don’t have to.
Evaluate that to the Galaxy S25+, which begins at £999/$999. That’s a full 54% dearer!
Given the worth differential, you’d count on 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 all the time been perfect. A notable current instance was when the Galaxy S21 FE launched in January 2022, just some weeks earlier than the Galaxy S22 sequence arrived. Who of their proper thoughts would purchase a cellphone that will go old-fashioned so shortly?
You don’t want to fret a few new flagship cellphone launching simply across the nook
Nonetheless, Samsung has clearly learnt its lesson. By launching (and likewise releasing) the S25 FE on 4 September, it provides shoppers a very good few months earlier than the anticipated arrival of the Galaxy S26 sequence in early 2026.
In case you’re contemplating shopping for a Galaxy S25 FE, you don’t want to fret a few new flagship cellphone 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 strains up with the perfect you’ll discover on Android.
A chipset conundrum
You may’ve observed 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.
Quite than opting for a similar Snapdragon 8 Elite discovered on the opposite S25 telephones, the FE drops all the way down to the Exynos 2400. Samsung’s personal silicon isn’t inherently unhealthy, however this isn’t even the most recent model – that will be Exynos 2500.
In comparison with the Exynos 2400e discovered within the S24 FE, it provides solely a tiny increase to clock speeds that you just nearly actually received’t discover. Nonetheless, it could be a extra vital step down from the remainder of the S25 vary.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The system actually feels quick and snappy when shifting by way of One UI 8, however will that also be the case when utilizing modifying software program or taking part in demanding video games?
Finally, that would decide its success. If the Galaxy S25 FE performs in addition to the specs and early indications recommend, it might be simple to suggest over the S25+ and the overwhelming majority of mid-range telephones.
To seek out out for certain, look out for my full evaluate, coming to Tech Advisor quickly. Within the meantime, you may try why you shouldn’t purchase the Tab S11 Extremely, why the boring Tab S11 is a greater wager, what we actually need Samsung to convey us and what Samsung didn’t announce.
