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Forget the Ultra? Why the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the Smartest Smartphone Buy in 2026.
Finding the perfect balance between flagship performance and a mid-range price tag has always been the hallmark of Samsung’s “Fan Edition” series. At Gadget Info, we have rigorously tested the latest entry to the lineup to see if it lives up to the hype.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has officially arrived, and it isn’t just a minor refresh. With a significantly slimmer profile, upgraded charging speeds, and the full suite of Galaxy AI features, it aims to be the best-value smartphone for the American market in 2026.
In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the specifications, performance, and daily usability of this new contender.
Design and Display: Slimmer, Lighter, and More Refined
The first thing you notice about the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is its incredible hand-feel. Samsung has successfully shaved off the bulk, bringing the thickness down to a mere 7.4mm and the weight to 190g. Compared to its predecessor, it feels noticeably more premium and less cumbersome in a pocket.
The device features a stunning 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. While the resolution remains at FHD+, the introduction of LTPO technology allows for an adaptive refresh rate (1–120Hz), which is a massive win for battery efficiency. With a peak brightness of 1,900 nits and Samsung’s Vision Booster technology, the screen remains perfectly legible even under the harsh midday sun in states like Arizona or Florida.
Performance: The Power of Exynos 2400
In a move that may surprise some US enthusiasts accustomed to Snapdragon chips, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE utilizes the Exynos 2400 chipset globally. However, our benchmarks show that this 4nm deca-core processor is no slouch. It handles intensive tasks like 4K video editing and high-end gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile) with ease.
To address previous concerns regarding thermal throttling, Samsung has equipped the S25 FE with a 13% larger vapour chamber. During our 30-minute stress test, the phone stayed remarkably cool, maintaining consistent frame rates without the dreaded overheating issues of the past.
Camera Capabilities: AI-Powered Precision
The rear camera setup remains familiar on paper but benefits immensely from the new ProVisual Engine.
- Main: 50MP (f/1.8) with OIS
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP (f/2.2)
- Telephoto: 8MP (f/2.4) with 3x Optical Zoom
The real star is the upgraded 12MP front-facing camera, which finally brings the FE series in line with the standard S25 series for selfies and video calls. The AI integration allows for “Generative Edit,” letting you move or remove objects in photos, and “Instant Slow-mo,” which uses AI to insert frames into existing videos for a cinematic effect.
Battery and Charging: Finally, 45W is Here
One of the most requested upgrades was faster charging, and Samsung has delivered. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE supports 45W wired fast charging, allowing you to reach a 65% charge in approximately 30 minutes. The 4,900mAh battery is a generous inclusion given the phone’s slim profile, easily lasting a full day of heavy usage involving 5G navigation and social media streaming.
Technical Specifications of Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz Adaptive, 1900 nits |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2400 (4nm) Deca-Core |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (Wide) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) + 8MP (3x Telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12MP Dual Pixel AF |
| Battery | 4,900 mAh |
| Charging | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless, Wireless PowerShare |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus+, Armor Aluminium Frame, IP68 |
| OS | Android 16 with One UI 8.0 (7 Years of Updates) |
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Pros:
- Stunning Form Factor: At 7.4mm, it is the thinnest FE model ever produced.
- Flagship Software: Guaranteed 7 years of OS and security updates.
- Display Quality: The LTPO 120Hz panel is vibrant and highly responsive.
- Galaxy AI: Includes Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Note Assist.
- Charging: Significant jump to 45W wired charging support.
Cons:
- No Snapdragon: Some users may still prefer Qualcomm’s GPU performance.
- Base Storage: 128GB feels a bit restrictive for a “Pro” level device in 2026.
- No Expandable Storage: No microSD slot, following the flagship trend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
- Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE water-resistant? Yes, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in 1.5m of freshwater for 30 minutes.
- Does it support 5G in the US? Absolutely. It supports all major US carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
- What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE? In the US, it starts at approximately $649 for the 128GB model.
- Does the box include a charger? No, like other S-series models, the charger is sold separately.
- Can I use the S Pen with this phone? No, the S25 FE does not support S Pen input.
- How many years of updates will it get? Samsung promises 7 years of major Android OS and security updates.
- Is there a headphone jack? No, you will need USB-C headphones or Bluetooth buds.
- Does it have a telephoto lens? Yes, it features an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
- What colors are available? It comes in Navy, Jetblack, Icyblue, and White.
- Is the battery life good? Yes, the 4,900mAh battery combined with the LTPO display offers excellent endurance.
- Does it support wireless charging? Yes, it supports 15W wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare.
- How does it compare to the iPhone 16e? The S25 FE offers a larger 120Hz screen and a dedicated telephoto lens, which the 16e lacks.
- Is the Exynos 2400 good for gaming? Yes, it includes an Xclipse 940 GPU based on AMD RDNA 3 architecture, supporting ray tracing.
- Does it support eSIM? Yes, it supports both physical Nano-SIM and eSIM.
- What is “Vision Booster”? It is a technology that optimizes color and contrast based on ambient light levels for better outdoor visibility.
- Can I record 8K video? Yes, it supports 8K video recording at 30fps.
- Is there a microSD card slot? No, the storage is not expandable.
- Does it have an under-display fingerprint sensor? Yes, it uses an optical in-display fingerprint scanner.
- What is the screen-to-body ratio? It boasts a high 90.19% screen-to-body ratio due to slimmer bezels.
- Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE worth buying in 2026? If you want 90% of a flagship experience for 70% of the price, it is arguably the best choice on the market.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a masterclass in compromise—in the best way possible. By keeping the price competitive while upgrading the display, charging, and selfie camera, Samsung has created a device that is incredibly easy to recommend.
For the American consumer looking for a reliable, AI-capable, and long-lasting smartphone without the $1,000 price tag, the S25 FE is the definitive choice.
Check out the latest deals on the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE at this link.
Kaushik Chatterjee is a dedicated tech enthusiast and the founder of GadgetInfo.net. With 5 years of experience tracking the consumer electronics market, specializes in breaking down complex technical specifications into easy-to-understand insights for everyday users.
From the latest smartphone launches to deep dives into PC hardware, our mission is to help readers make informed buying decisions in an ever-evolving digital world.
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