Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE options a number of notable upgrades over final yr’s telephone

Samsung has held its late-summer Galaxy Unpacked occasion, unveiling a refreshed lineup of units simply forward of IFA 2025 in Berlin. Shortly after debuting the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 just a few months in the past, the corporate is again with its entry-level Galaxy S25 Fan Version (FE). I not too long ago went hands-on with the Galaxy S25 FE at a latest preview occasion to see the way it stacks as much as final yr’s Galaxy S25 FE and the S25 collection.

For so long as I have been a fan of Samsung’s smartphones, the FE line has by no means actually spoken to me. The bridge between the flagship Galaxy S collection and the FE at all times felt far too massive for me to humor the concept of utilizing it as my day by day driver. Even testing last year’s Galaxy S24 FE, I famous that whereas the worth proposition is tantalizing, the Exynos 2400e would not provide sufficient processing energy to wow me. Fortunately, this yr’s system opts for the marginally extra highly effective Exynos 2400 chip, alongside just a few different notable upgrades.

The Galaxy S25 FE comes with a well-known but comfy design

This yr’s FE opts to cut back thickness and weight in comparison with the Galaxy S24 FE

This yr as a complete, Samsung has spoiled us with skinny smartphones. Between the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (my favourite system of the yr), I am turning into a snob about overtly thick smartphones. The Galaxy S25 FE makes an attempt to deal with the issues of its predecessor’s dimension. The system measures in at 6.3 × 3.× 0.29-inches (161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4mm). This marks a discount of thickness by 4% over the Galaxy S24 FE. The thinness of the system is not as notable because the Galaxy S25 Edge, nevertheless it’s sufficient that it stood out to me throughout my hands-on time.

What caught out to me is its weight. Even a yr after conducting my evaluation, I nonetheless bear in mind how heavy the Galaxy S24 FE was. This yr’s mannequin weighs 6.7oz (190g), an 11% discount in comparison with the Galaxy S24 FE, which weighs 7.5oz (213g). Whereas the Galaxy S25 FE is not as gentle because the mainline Galaxy S25, it nonetheless incorporates a welcome discount in weight. Holding it, it was comfy in my arms and, most significantly, it did not give me any pressure on my wrists throughout use.

Past this, the general design of the Galaxy S25 FE stays largely unchanged from final yr’s mannequin. It options the identical 6.7-inch AMOLED show as its predecessor. The three-camera array on the rear can be carried over. As a refresher, you may discover a 12-megapixel f/2.2 (ultrawide) lens, a 50-megapixel f/1.8 (broad) shooter, and an 8-megapixel 3x f/2.4 (telephoto) lens rounding the digicam array out. Whereas the rear digicam has been left alone, Samsung has made enhancements to the front-facing shooter (extra on that in a second). Storage choices are additionally unchanged at 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB choices, with pricing beginning at $650.

Galaxy S25 FE options an improved selfie digicam

In the end, Samsung is transferring away from the FE’s 10-megapixel front-facing digicam

Since 2023, Samsung’s Galaxy FE units have been leveraging a 10-megapixel selfie digicam. Whereas satisfactory for the second, an improve has been sorely wanted. The Galaxy S25 FE now incorporates a 12-megapixel f/2.2 lens housed on the entrance of the system. Lastly, the FE helps the identical sensor as the bottom mannequin Galaxy S24 and this yr’s Galaxy S25.

With this in thoughts, customers can count on better-looking selfies in comparison with final yr’s system. I used to be solely in a position to mess around with the digicam for a brief time frame, and the lighting on the hands-on venue wasn’t the best for showcasing doable enhancements. If the chance arises, and I will use the Galaxy S25 FE open air or in higher lighting situations, the selfie shooter is one which I will be spending extra time experimenting with.

Including to this, the Galaxy S25 FE consists of a number of Galaxy AI features proper out of the field. In an try to duplicate the AI toolbox of the flagship S25 collection, the Galaxy S25 FE consists of options like Generative Edit and Audio Eraser when taking photographs and movies. One of many AI options I will at all times give Samsung credit score for is its Generative Edit. This characteristic is simpler to make use of and more practical at eradicating undesirable components than Apple Intelligence. Plus, Samsung consists of the usage of Instantaneous Slowmo, which can converse to particular customers and use circumstances.

Behold, the biggest battery in a Galaxy FE system

This yr’s FE options an improve to a 4,900mAh battery, which is bigger than the bottom S25

One of many elements I’ve complimented the FE in earlier years is battery life. Preserving with custom, Samsung improves on the Galaxy S24 FE by upgrading the Galaxy S25 FE to a 4,900mAh battery. This not solely outsizes the 4,700mAh battery its predecessor options, however the Galaxy S25 as properly. This yr’s flagship sports activities a 4,000mAh battery and remains to be in a position to present all-day use, Samsung says. With a 4,900mAh battery, the Galaxy S25 FE options the largest battery within the FE collection up to now. To coincide with the 4,900mAh battery, Samsung can be supporting 45W wired charging, which ought to ship steady charging speeds. It additionally helps 15W wi-fi charging, so getting a fast and handy top-up ought to be sooner.

That stated, it is tough to quantify how impactful the battery improve can be in the long run. Though 200mAh is not an enormous improve, the all-day longevity the system affords is likely to be impacted by the additional processing energy. Nonetheless, like my points with the Galaxy S24 FE’s Exynos 2400e, the truth that the Galaxy S25 FR would not characteristic a Qualcomm chipset would possibly find yourself being its greatest problem. It is arduous to say with out spending extra time with the system.

The Galaxy S25 FE is offered to pre-order on Samsung’s web site. The system launches in navy, icyblue and white colorways to select from.