Samsung Unveils Galaxy S25 FE at IFA Amid Internal Competition

Introduction to the Galaxy S25 FE

Samsung has officially introduced the Galaxy S25 FE during the IFA event, continuing the legacy of its 'Fan Edition' smartphones. However, this latest addition to the S25 series faces considerable competition from within Samsung's own lineup.

Design and Display Features

The Galaxy S25 FE features a 6.7-inch OLED display, matching the size of the Galaxy S25 Plus. However, it only supports a refresh rate ranging from 60 to 120 Hertz, while the S25 Plus benefits from an LTPO panel capable of dynamic refresh rates between 1 and 120 Hertz. Additionally, the S25 FE's resolution stands at Full-HD+ (2340 × 1080 pixels), which is noticeably lower than the WQHD+ (3120 x 1440 pixels) offered by the S25 Plus.

Camera Specifications

On the photography front, the S25 FE is equipped with a 50 MP main camera, complemented by a 12 MP ultra-wide and an 8 MP telephoto lens. The selfie camera is rated at 12 MP. In comparison, the S25 Plus features similar camera specifications but opts for a higher quality 10 MP sensor in its telephoto lens.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 FE runs on the Exynos 2400 chip, built on a 4 nm process, which is the same processor utilized in the 2024 Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus models. In contrast, the S25 Plus houses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, manufactured on a more advanced 3 nm process, providing superior performance and efficiency. The S25 FE comes with either 128 or 256 GB of internal storage, paired with 8 GB of RAM, while the S25 Plus offers 12 GB of RAM and starts with 256 GB of storage. Both models feature a 4900 mAh battery, with the S25 FE boasting a maximum charging speed of 45 Watts, consistent with the S25 Plus.

Dimensions and Build Quality

In terms of dimensions, the S25 Plus is slightly more compact at 158.4 × 75.8 × 7.3 mm, compared to the S25 FE's measurements of 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, likely due to the thicker screen bezels. Despite this, both devices weigh the same at 190 grams. The S25 FE's build incorporates Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum, ensuring IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.

Software and Support

The Galaxy S25 FE arrives pre-loaded with Android 16, enhanced by Samsung's One UI 8.0 interface. This version includes various AI functionalities branded as Galaxy AI, alongside Google's Gemini assistant. Samsung commits to providing seven years of software updates for the S25 FE, setting a standard in long-term support.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy S25 FE is launched with a starting price of EUR749. However, it competes directly with the better-equipped S25 Plus, which is often available at a lower street price, offering double the standard storage of 256 GB. The S25 model, available for under EUR600, features a smaller 6.2-inch display and slower charging capabilities at 25 Watts. The S25 FE will be available for purchase starting September 5.