While Samsung’s flagship phones are top-notch, the company has had a hit-or-miss track record with its more affordable handsets. Despite a wide range of budget and mid-range Galaxy smartphones hitting the market every year, many of them fall short in various aspects, making them hard to recommend.
In recent times, Samsung’s ‘FE’ branded phones have also faced similar criticisms. These devices are positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the flagship S series phones, but in reality, there are better mid-range options available.
However, the tide may be turning with the introduction of the new Galaxy S25 FE. Based on its impressive specifications and my hands-on experience, I believe this device has the potential to outshine even the Galaxy S25+. Here are five compelling reasons why, along with one area of concern.
Superior Build Quality
The Galaxy S25 FE sports a stunning design that closely resembles the regular Galaxy S25. It features a robust aluminum chassis and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, ensuring durability and protection against drops.
The device boasts a 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display, similar to the Galaxy S25+, delivering vibrant colors and excellent detail. Despite its sleek design, it maintains a flagship-level IP68 rating, making it water and dust resistant.
Although the phone is relatively slim and lightweight, it still offers a substantial battery capacity and fast charging capabilities, matching the S25+ in this aspect.
Impressive Camera Setup
The Galaxy S25 FE comes equipped with a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, 12MP telephoto lens, and 10MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, there’s a 12MP selfie camera, delivering high-quality photos comparable to the Galaxy S25+.
While I couldn’t extensively test the camera during my hands-on experience, I have high expectations for its performance based on the specifications.
Large Battery and Fast Charging
Surprisingly, the Galaxy S25 FE maintains the same battery capacity and fast charging speed as the more expensive Galaxy S25+, offering a balance between battery life and charging convenience.
With a 4900mAh battery and 45W charging, the S25 FE is poised to deliver reliable performance throughout the day.
Competitive Pricing
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S25 FE is its attractive pricing. Starting at just £649/$649 for 128GB of storage, the device offers significant value compared to the pricier Galaxy S25+.
Despite the lower price point, the Galaxy S25 FE doesn’t compromise on features, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
Timely Release
Samsung has learned from past mistakes and launched the Galaxy S25 FE well ahead of the expected Galaxy S26 series, giving consumers ample time to enjoy the device without worrying about immediate obsolescence.
Additionally, the S25 FE comes with long-term support, including seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring longevity and performance optimization.
Concerns About the Chipset
One area of potential concern is the chipset used in the Galaxy S25 FE. While it opts for the Exynos 2400 instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in other S25 models, the performance differences may not be significant in real-world usage.
Although the device feels snappy and responsive, its performance under heavy workloads and demanding tasks remains to be seen, which could impact its overall success.
For a comprehensive review of the Galaxy S25 FE, stay tuned for my detailed analysis on Tech Advisor. In the meantime, explore our insights on Samsung’s latest offerings and what the future holds for the tech giant.