Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Vs Galaxy S25: Which One Should You Buy?
When Samsung releases a new flagship phone, it's only a matter of time before the Fan Edition (FE) version follows. This year, we're seeing the same pattern with the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 FE. But with the FE model getting closer to the flagship in terms of features each year, many consumers are left wondering: is the Galaxy S25 FE a better buy than the Galaxy S25? Let's dive deep into the comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The design differences between the Galaxy S25 and S25 FE are immediately noticeable. The S25 features a more premium glass back with Gorilla Glass Victus 3 protection, while the S25 FE opts for a polycarbonate (plastic) back to keep costs down. The S25 also has slimmer bezels and a more refined overall aesthetic.
In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy S25 measures approximately 146.9 x 70.9 x 7.8mm, while the S25 FE is slightly larger at 158.1 x 74.8 x 8.2mm. This size difference might be significant for users who prefer more compact devices. Both phones feature IP68 water and dust resistance, so you're protected from the elements regardless of your choice.
Display Comparison
The display is where Samsung really shines, and both phones deliver excellent screens, though with some key differences:
Galaxy S25:
- 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- 2340 x 1080 resolution
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Peak brightness of 2,600 nits
Galaxy S25 FE:
- 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- 2340 x 1080 resolution
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Peak brightness of 1,900 nits
While the S25 FE offers a slightly larger display, the Galaxy S25 wins in brightness, which translates to better outdoor visibility. The S25 also has slimmer bezels, giving it a more immersive viewing experience. Both screens support HDR10+ and offer vibrant colors with excellent contrast ratios.
Camera System Breakdown
When comparing the camera systems, there are some notable differences that could sway your decision:
Galaxy S25 Main Camera:
- 50MP wide (f/1.8, OIS)
- 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
- 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom (f/2.4, OIS)
Galaxy S25 FE Camera:
- 50MP wide (f/1.8, OIS)
- 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
- 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom (f/2.4, OIS)
The main and ultrawide sensors are essentially the same between both models, but the S25 FE's telephoto camera has a lower resolution. In practical terms, this means the S25 will capture more detail in zoomed shots. Both phones offer excellent low-light performance thanks to Samsung's advanced image processing, but the S25 has a slight edge in dynamic range and color accuracy.
Performance and Processing Power
Under the hood, these phones take different approaches to performance:
Galaxy S25:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or Exynos 2500 in some regions)
- 8GB or 12GB RAM options
- UFS 4.0 storage
Galaxy S25 FE:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in some regions)
- 8GB RAM
- UFS 3.1 storage
The Galaxy S25 clearly has the performance advantage with the latest processor generation, more RAM options, and faster storage. However, the S25 FE still delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks and even demanding games. The difference becomes more apparent in sustained performance during long gaming sessions or when running multiple intensive apps simultaneously.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery capacity and charging capabilities differ between the two models:
Galaxy S25:
- 4,000mAh battery
- 25W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- 4.5W reverse wireless charging
Galaxy S25 FE:
- 4,700mAh battery
- 25W wired charging
- 15W wireless charging
- 4.5W reverse wireless charging
The S25 FE's larger battery capacity suggests better endurance, and in real-world usage, it does tend to last longer between charges. However, the Galaxy S25's more efficient processor helps bridge this gap somewhat. Both phones support the same charging speeds, which is somewhat disappointing considering competitors offer much faster charging solutions.
Software and Features
Both phones run Samsung's One UI based on Android, but with some differences in update policies:
Galaxy S25:
- 7 years of Android updates
- 7 years of security updates
- Latest One UI features
Galaxy S25 FE:
- 5 years of Android updates
- 5 years of security updates
- May lack some AI features
The Galaxy S25's extended update policy is a significant advantage for those who plan to keep their phone for several years. Additionally, the S25 includes some AI-powered features that may not be available on the FE model, though Samsung hasn't fully detailed these differences yet.
Price and Value Proposition
The pricing difference between these models is where the decision becomes interesting:
Galaxy S25: Starting at $799/£799
Galaxy S25 FE: Starting at $649/£699
The $150-200 price difference represents about a 20-25% premium for the S25. When you consider the better processor, more premium build, superior display brightness, and longer software support, many users might find this premium worthwhile. However, the S25 FE still offers excellent value with its larger battery and nearly identical camera system.
Real-World Performance Testing
In side-by-side testing, the differences become clearer:
Gaming Performance: The S25 maintains higher frame rates in demanding games and experiences less thermal throttling during extended sessions. However, the S25 FE still delivers smooth gameplay at high settings for most titles.
Camera Results: In good lighting, photos from both phones are nearly indistinguishable. In challenging conditions like low light or when using zoom, the S25's superior processing shows more detail and better color accuracy.
Battery Endurance: The S25 FE consistently lasts about 1-2 hours longer in typical usage scenarios, which could be a deciding factor for heavy users.
Day-to-Day Use: For most users, the S25 FE handles everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and video streaming without any noticeable lag or issues.
Who Should Buy Which Model?
Choose the Galaxy S25 if:
- You want the absolute best performance and latest technology
- You plan to keep your phone for 5+ years
- You value premium build quality and design
- You're a mobile gamer or power user
- You want the brightest, most vibrant display
Choose the Galaxy S25 FE if:
- You want excellent value for money
- You prioritize battery life over peak performance
- You don't need the absolute latest processor
- You prefer a larger screen size
- You want most flagship features at a lower price point
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 FE represent two different approaches to the flagship experience. The S25 delivers the complete premium package with the latest technology, while the S25 FE offers a more budget-friendly option that still captures much of the flagship experience.
Between the Galaxy S25 and the S25 FE, I don't mind paying a bit extra for a superior overall experience, but I recognize that the S25 FE represents incredible value for most users. The FE model has been inching closer to the main flagship each year, and this year's iteration continues that trend impressively.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities and budget. If you want the absolute best Samsung has to offer and plan to use your phone for many years, the Galaxy S25 is worth the premium. But if you want excellent performance, a great camera system, and longer battery life at a more accessible price point, the Galaxy S25 FE is a compelling choice that won't leave you feeling like you're missing out on the flagship experience.
Both phones are excellent devices that showcase Samsung's engineering prowess, and whichever you choose, you'll be getting a top-tier smartphone that will serve you well for years to come.
