Samsung’s Fan Edition (FE) lineup has always aimed to strike the right balance between flagship performance and affordability. With the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung takes this formula further by offering a sleek design, AI-powered features, and long-term software support all at a price that undercuts its flagship siblings. Here’s our full review along with our verdict and conclusion.
If have not read our first impression, click here now.
Unboxing & Contents
- Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
- SIM PIN Ejector
- USB C to C cable
- Quick Start Guide
Design: Slim, Sturdy, and Stylish
The Galaxy S25 FE doesn’t just borrow its design DNA from the flagship S25, it feels like a true sibling to it with little changes externally in terms of design. Measuring just 7.4mm in thickness and weighing only 190 grams, this is the slimmest and lightest FE Samsung has ever released. The reduced bezels help the display dominate the front, giving it a premium, modern aesthetic when compared with the previous Galaxy S24 FE.
Build quality is excellent thanks to the Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and back. These materials make the phone sturdy without adding unnecessary bulk. With IP68 water and dust resistance, the S25 FE is well-prepared for everyday mishaps, whether it’s an accidental spill or unexpected rain.
Color choices this year are classy but not overly adventurous with White, Navy, Jet Black, and Icy Blue. While they lean conservative, the finishes are elegant and it is unsure whether Samsung will introduce more colors later, but if they do, it can be quite a selling advantage, especially towards the young executive category.
Display: Bright, Smooth, and Immersive
Front and center is a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It runs at FHD+ resolution with support for a 120Hz refresh rate, which keeps everything from scrolling to gaming fluid and responsive. While the refresh rate isn’t as dynamically adaptive as on the flagship Ultra models as it lacks of LTPO tech, it still provides a great balance between smooth visuals and power efficiency.
Brightness is another strong point. With a peak of 1,900 nits, the Galaxy S25 FE remains easily viewable outdoors in direct sunlight. Combined with HDR10+ support, colors pop with vibrancy, blacks are deep, and videos look crisp. It’s a display that competes comfortably with pricier rivals and outshines most midrange competitors.
The Audio & Multimedia
Multimedia playback is excellent for a premium flagship killer phone. The stereo speakers deliver loud, balanced sound with clear vocals and minimal distortion at high volumes with Dolby Atmos native support. Whether you’re watching a Netflix series or playing music, the audio experience feels immersive.
Haptics have also seen an upgrade, offering precise vibrations that enhance typing and gaming. It’s a small detail but adds polish to the overall experience.
Performance & Benchmarks : Powered by Exynos 2400
At the heart of the Galaxy S25 FE is Samsung’s Exynos 2400 chipset, built on a 4nm process. While it doesn’t reach the same raw power as the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in the flagship S25 Ultra, it delivers reliable performance for day-to-day tasks, multitasking, and even demanding games. Along with 4900mAh battery, the Galaxy S25 FE can lasts the whole day or even two without issues at all. Though the charger is not included, it does support up to 45W charging via cable with a PD compatible charger and 15W wireless charging.
Samsung has also improved thermals this year. A vapor chamber more than 10% larger than its predecessor keeps the phone cooler under heavy loads, reducing the throttling that can occur during extended gaming or video editing sessions. In real-world use, this means smoother gameplay and fewer slowdowns when juggling multiple apps.
When it comes to benchmarks and performance, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE can go on par with many of the flagship killer phones out there, and still holds advantages like Ray Tracing and AMD’s RDNA technologies within the chosen SOC for the phone along with the support of faster 8GB LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4 storage protocols.
Cameras: AI Meets Versatility
Samsung has always equipped its FE models with capable cameras, and the S25 FE continues the tradition with a triple-lens system:
- 50MP main camera with OIS for sharp, detailed shots
- 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 123° field of view for expansive landscapes
- 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom
The result is a versatile setup that covers most shooting scenarios with ease. Photos are crisp in daylight, and Samsung’s improved image processing ensures good results in low light as well with good shadow representations and less oversharpening, but noise is still present however it is minimal. Colors lean toward Samsung’s signature vibrant style, which some may find punchy but generally looks pleasing for social sharing.
The 12MP selfie camera is an upgrade from the 10MP sensor on earlier FE models. Selfies are sharper, skin tones are more natural, and group shots capture more detail without oversmoothing.
Where the camera experience really shines is through Galaxy AI integration. Features like Generative Edit let you seamlessly remove or rearrange objects in photos. Instant Slow-mo can turn standard videos into smooth slow-motion clips. Tools like Photo Assist, Audio Eraser, and Drawing Assist add layers of creativity and practicality right within the gallery app. For content creators and casual photographers alike, these AI-powered features open up new ways to enhance shots without third-party apps.
Another deserved mention is the video recording now supports up to 8K at 30FPS, although for the most part 4K at 60FPS is more than sufficient, and besides that, it support smooth frame support over 4K recording which gives a lesser jittery recording and holds up stable at all times.
Software and Galaxy AI
The S25 FE debuts with One UI 8 on Android 16, and Samsung has committed to seven years of OS and security updates, making it one of the most future-proof devices in its class.
It also integrates Galaxy AI features seen on the flagship S25 series. Highlights include Gemini Live, Now Bar, Now Brief, Circle to Search, Smart Reply, and advanced multimodal tools that make the device more intuitive. For example, you can seamlessly translate live calls, generate content on the fly, or get AI-powered recommendations while multitasking.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy S25 FE starts from 3099 for the 256GB base model and RM3699 for the 512GB storage model. This pricing places it squarely in the mid-premium segment, below the Galaxy S25 and Ultra but above Samsung’s A-series devices.
In terms of value, it competes directly with phones like Apple’s iPhone 16e and Google’s Pixel 9a Pro. While the iPhone may have a slight edge in raw performance and ecosystem integration, the S25 FE outshines with its AI features, versatile camera system, and long-term software support.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek, lightweight design with premium materials
- Bright and smooth AMOLED display
- Strong battery life with fast charging
- Galaxy AI features trickling down from the flagship S25
- 7 years of software updates
Cons
- Refresh rate not as adaptive as higher-end models
- Price slightly higher than some mid-range rivals
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers an excellent blend of design, features, and future-proofing at a reasonable price. Its AI tools, premium build, and long update cycle make it more than just a “lite” flagship and it feels like a true gateway into Samsung’s high-end ecosystem.
For those who want a balance of performance, smart features, and durability without paying flagship prices, the Galaxy S25 FE is one of the best mid-premium smartphones of 2025.