Five years after launching its Fan Edition line, Samsung seems stuck in place. The Galaxy S25 FE barely differs from last year’s model, and that’s a problem in 2025, when competitors like Nothing’s 3a Pro and Google’s Pixel 10 are redefining value in the midrange market.
Design and Build
At first glance, the S25 FE looks identical to the S24 FE. The brushed aluminum frame and camera layout are unchanged. Only when comparing side by side do you notice the S25 FE is slightly shorter, wider, and thinner. It’s also lighter at 6.7 ounces despite a larger 4,900mAh battery. The phone feels more balanced in hand, though the in-display fingerprint sensor remains awkwardly low on the screen.
The matte back finish is a welcome change, reducing smudges. However, color options are limited to white, icy blue, jet black, and navy, giving the device a dull aesthetic next to bolder rivals.
Display
Samsung reused the 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate from last year. It’s bright at 1,900 nits and vivid with HDR10 support, making it one of the better displays in this price range.
Camera System
The camera setup remains mostly unchanged:
- 50MP main sensor (OIS, f/1.8)
- 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
- 12MP ultrawide (123° FOV)
The only upgrade is a 12MP front camera with a faster f/2.2 lens, producing better selfies. However, it lacks phase detection autofocus (PDAF), making it inferior to the Galaxy S25’s front camera.
The telephoto lens feels outdated, offering limited sharpness beyond 5x zoom. Competing phones like the Pixel 10 and Nothing 3a Pro offer higher-resolution and more versatile zoom capabilities. The main camera still performs well, capturing clear images with solid low-light results, while the ultrawide remains average.
Samsung’s AI photo editing tools are a highlight. The generative editor removes unwanted objects cleanly, although additions look less natural.
Performance
The S25 FE features Samsung’s Exynos 2400 chip, a modest step up from the 2400e in the S24 FE. Geekbench scores show small gains (2,144 single-core, 7,059 multi-core), but real-world performance feels similar. Apps open quickly, scrolling is smooth, and gaming at 60fps is stable.
Thermals are unchanged despite a 10% larger vapor chamber. The phone warms up after 15–20 minutes of gaming but stays manageable.
Battery and Charging
The 4,900mAh battery delivers roughly the same endurance as the S24 FE — a full day with moderate use. Charging is listed at 45W, but tests show minimal improvement. A full charge from 10% took 74 minutes with a 130W charger. Competitors like the Nothing 3a Pro and Pixel 9a last longer and charge faster.
Software and Updates
The phone ships with Android 16 and One UI 8. Samsung promises seven years of updates, extending support through Android 23 (2032). That’s a strong commitment.
AI features like Circle to Search and Now Brief are included. Samsung also bundles six months of Google AI Pro (worth $20/month), offering access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Veo 3.1, and 2TB cloud storage.
Verdict
At $650, the Galaxy S25 FE offers too little for too much. It’s a minor refresh with minimal camera, battery, or design improvements. With frequent discounts on Samsung’s mainline models, the FE no longer stands out.
If you want performance and innovation, go for the Pixel 10 or Nothing 3a Pro. They’re faster, cheaper, and more exciting. Samsung’s Fan Edition needs a real rethink not another recycled release.
