Samsung’s Fan Edition phones have always been something of a mixed bag. The concept is brilliant: get the best of a flagship, trim a few corners, and sell at a lower cost. However, in the real world, it has not always been so.
The Galaxy S25 FE comes at a time when mid-range phones are more powerful than ever. Other brands such as OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Google are giving stiff competition. This is an indication that Samsung must come up with something concrete this time around.
On paper, the S25 FE looks good. It features a fast display, a powerful processor, strong cameras, and Samsung’s slick One UI 7 on Android 15. But specifications do not always reflect the real experience.
So, I chose to test it in my daily life, scrolling through social media, gaming, taking photos, watching shows, and yes, responding to emails. Now, let’s find out how the Galaxy S25 FE would feel to use in everyday life.
Unboxing and First Impressions: Holding the S25 FE
The experience of unboxing Galaxy S25 FE is the same as the previous models of the company, with limited packaging, no charging cords, only the phone, USB-C cable, and documentation. Environmentally friendly, yes, but it will require you to spend a few dollars on a fast charger in case you do not have one.
The first impression is high-end with lifting the phone out. The frame is aluminum, and the rear is a matte plastic. It does not look luxurious like the S25 Ultra, but it does not feel cheap either. The matte texture is good at keeping off fingerprints, and the pastel-colored choices make it look fresh and modern.
It is comfortable to hold in the hand. It is not too heavy and yet has a certain weight so as not to feel like a toy. Its edges are slightly rounded and therefore comfortable to use long. Buttons are user-friendly and strategically located, but the haptic experience is not the sharp as the higher-end models of Samsung.
First impression is that it appears and feels like a 2025 phone, not old-fashioned, not show-offish, but confident.
Display: A Visual Feast or Just Adequate?
Samsung can hardly ever fail in the display department, and the S25 FE is no exception. It has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.5-inch screen of FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
It feels smooth to scroll through Twitter (or X, as you must call it), and animations move all around the screen. After watching YouTube videos, one can see that the colors are saturated but not cartoonish. The HDR10+ support enables compatible Netflix content to look bright with vivid highlights and dark shadows.
The levels of brightness are impressive. I did not experience any difficulty with its ability to be used outside in broad daylight, which is still problematic with the cheaper AMOLED panels. The adaptive brightness performs well by adapting fast when changing the environment between indoors and outdoors.
Bezels are thinner than the previous year’s S24 FE, and they are not entirely symmetrical, but they are not distracting. The under-screen fingerprint scanner is fast and more dependable, but not as fast as ultrasonic scanners found on more expensive Samsung phones.
Is it the most excellent display out there? No, but at this price range, it is one of the best. Definitely more flagship than mid-range.
Performance: Powerhouse or Potential Lag?
In most markets, Galaxy S25 FE will be equipped with a Samsung-made Exynos 2500, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Lite being available in certain markets. My unit had the Exynos, hence the source of this review.
Daily performance is smooth. Apps also start fast, multitasking is hassle-free, and switching between heavy apps does not result in slowing down. The real test is, however, in gaming. Playing Call of Duty: Mobile was smooth and fluid on high settings, and the frame rates were steady, and the heat was not intense. Genshin Impact was also able to run without issues, but after around 40 minutes, I heard some warming and slight frame drops.
To ordinary users, this phone will seem faster than enough. Power gamers can work with it, but do not expect the same performance that you would get with the S25 Ultra. One thing I liked is the efficiency of the chip, which appears to be efficient. In comparison to the previous versions of the Exynos processors, it does not get as hot as a toaster after prolonged use. Samsung appears to have learnt a lesson.
Camera: Capturing Memories or Missed Opportunities?
Samsung understands that cameras are a deal-breaker, particularly in this price point. The S25 FE
- carries a triple-lens option:
- 50MP main sensor (OIS)
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
- During the day, the outcomes are very good. The pictures are clear, the colors are vivid (occasionally too vivid), and the HDR balances the dark and light sides very well. The primary sensor is good, resulting in shots that compete with pricier phones.
- The ultra-wide is also uniform in color tone, but sharpness suffers a blow on the edges. However, it is still usable and good with landscapes or with group shots. The telephoto here is the star of the show; it has clear 3x zoom shots with good detail, which many mid-range competitors do not show at all.
- Performing in low light is excellent, but not spectacular. Night Mode switches on and the image is brightened, but you will find the noise and fine details are not as clear as the flagship cameras. The 12MP front camera captures clear selfies, but the beauty filters are default aggressive (you’ll have to turn those down).
- Video recording reaches 8K 30fps, but in practice, the vast majority of users will be satisfied with 4K 60fps. It is a solid stabilization and makes handheld vlogs appear smooth.
In general, one of the biggest strengths of the S25 FE is its camera system. It is not Ultra-level, but at the cost, it is extremely good.
Battery Life: Power Through the Day or Search for an Outlet?
Battery is always a concern with Samsung’s Fan Edition phones. The S25 FE comes with a 4,700mAh battery and support for 45W fast charging. Wireless charging is also on board, which is a welcome touch at this price.
In daily use, the battery comfortably lasted me a full day. My typical routine includes social media, a few hours of Spotify, an hour of video streaming, and some gaming. By bedtime, I still had around 20% left. Heavy users might need a top-up in the evening, but for most people, it’ll get through the day.
Charging is decent. I went from 0% to around 55% in 30 minutes with a 45W charger. Not the fastest in the market, but good enough. Wireless charging is slower, but convenient for desk use.
The good news? Unlike older Exynos phones, this one seems efficient. Battery drain on standby is minimal, and background apps aren’t chewing through power.
Software and Features: One UI 7 and Beyond
The Galaxy S25 FE runs One UI 7 on top of Android 15, and it feels polished. Samsung has nailed the balance between customization and simplicity.
You get all the goodies: Always-On Display, Edge Panels, Secure Folder, and Samsung DeX. DeX, in particular, is a nice addition – it basically lets you use your phone as a desktop when plugged into a monitor.
Animations are smoother than ever, and the UI doesn’t feel bloated despite Samsung packing in features. The integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, like Galaxy Buds, Watch, and SmartThings, is tight, making it great if you’re already in the Samsung world.
The promise of 7 years of software updates makes this phone stand out. That’s the kind of support usually reserved for flagship devices, and it adds huge value for long-term users.
Value Proposition: Is the S25 FE Worth Your Money?
Here’s the big question: Is the Galaxy S25 FE worth it?
At its expected price range, the S25 FE falls between mid-range killers and flagship beasts. It has a flagship-like display, capable performance, multi-purpose cameras, wireless charging, and long-term software support. That’s a solid package.
But it’s not perfect. The plastic back will not be liked by all, the charge rate lags behind Chinese competitors, and the Exynos chip (in certain markets) is not as robust as the Snapdragon variant.
If you’re after the absolute best gaming performance or ultra-fast charging, you might find better value elsewhere. However, when it comes time to have a balanced phone that hits the right spots and feels solid as a day-to-day user, the S25 FE makes a good case for itself. And if you’re still undecided, exploring phone comparisons online can help you see exactly how it stacks up against rivals like the OnePlus 13R or Google Pixel 9a.
Conclusion: The Verdict – Should You Buy the Galaxy S25 FE?
Having used the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, I can say my final word about the phone: it is a phone that does everything right without being flashy. It is not the strongest phone on the market, but it does not have to be. It is about giving you the feeling of a flagship phone at a price that will not drain your pocket.
The screen is beautiful, the operation is easy, the cameras are flexible, and the battery life is satisfactory. Include the fantastic software support of Samsung, and you have a device that can be relevant over the years.
Should you buy it? The Galaxy S25 FE is definitely an option to consider if you need a trustworthy all-rounder phone that can offer much with fewer compromises.
