Why the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Might Make the S25+ Obsolete
Samsung has a long history of producing top-tier flagship phones, but their track record with more affordable handsets has been less consistent. Despite offering a wide range of budget and mid-range Galaxy smartphones each year, many of these devices fall short in various aspects, making them hard to recommend. This trend has extended to Samsung’s ‘FE’ branded phones in recent years, with these devices failing to stand out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market.
However, the introduction of the new Galaxy S25 FE seems to mark a significant shift in Samsung’s approach to affordable smartphones. With a compelling spec sheet and impressive hands-on experience, the Galaxy S25 FE has the potential to outshine even the flagship Galaxy S25+. Here are five reasons why the Galaxy S25 FE could be a game-changer, along with one area of concern.
Top-quality hardware
The Galaxy S25 FE features a premium design that closely resembles the flagship Galaxy S25. With a durable aluminum chassis and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both the front and back, the phone exudes a sense of quality and durability. The 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and sharp details, making it a pleasure to use for multimedia and gaming. Despite its sleek and lightweight design, the Galaxy S25 FE also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring peace of mind in various environments.
No-compromise cameras
One area where mid-range phones often cut corners is the camera setup, but the Galaxy S25 FE bucks this trend. The phone features a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 10MP ultrawide lens, along with a 12MP front-facing camera for selfies. This setup mirrors the camera configuration of the flagship Galaxy S25+, known for its exceptional photography capabilities. While a full assessment of the camera performance will require more extensive testing, early impressions suggest that the Galaxy S25 FE is poised to deliver impressive imaging results.
A big battery and fast(ish) charging
Despite its more affordable price point, the Galaxy S25 FE offers a sizable 4900mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. This capacity and charging speed match those of the flagship Galaxy S25+, ensuring reliable battery life and quick recharging times. While real-world testing is needed to confirm the phone’s endurance, the combination of a large battery and fast charging capabilities bodes well for all-day usage without frequent trips to the charger.
Attractive pricing
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S25 FE is its competitive pricing. Starting at just £649/$649 for the base model with 128GB of storage, the phone offers significant value compared to the flagship Galaxy S25+, which starts at £999/$999. Despite the lower price point, the Galaxy S25 FE doesn’t compromise on key features, making it an appealing option for consumers looking for a high-performance smartphone without breaking the bank.
No long delays
Samsung’s decision to launch the Galaxy S25 FE ahead of the expected Galaxy S26 series demonstrates a strategic approach to product timing. By releasing the phone in September, Samsung provides consumers with ample time to enjoy the device before the next flagship models arrive. The Galaxy S25 FE also benefits from long-term support, with a full version of Android 16-based One UI 8 and seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring longevity and future-proofing.
A chipset conundrum
One potential area of concern for the Galaxy S25 FE is the choice of chipset. Unlike the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in other Galaxy S25 models, the FE variant is powered by the Exynos 2400 chipset. While Samsung’s in-house Exynos processors are capable, the use of an older chipset raises questions about performance and efficiency. The impact of this chipset choice on the phone’s overall performance remains to be seen, especially in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
In conclusion, the Galaxy S25 FE shows great promise as a mid-range smartphone that could rival even flagship models like the Galaxy S25+. With top-tier hardware, impressive cameras, a large battery, attractive pricing, and timely release, the Galaxy S25 FE addresses many of the shortcomings of previous Samsung mid-range devices. While the choice of chipset raises some concerns, the overall package offered by the Galaxy S25 FE makes it a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone market. Stay tuned for a full review of the Galaxy S25 FE on Tech Advisor for a detailed assessment of its performance and capabilities.
