“Unless you're dead-set on having a smaller phone that's easy to use one-handed, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE represents a far better buy than the standard S25.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 11mo ago
$649 · Exynos 2400 · 1y 1m old
Review
Radar

Image credit: GSMArena
Editor's Verdict
Look, let's be blunt. Samsung's Fan Edition line has always been about delivering a taste of the flagship experience without the full financial commitment. The Galaxy S25 FE continues this tradition, but with a decidedly lukewarm approach. For $649, you're getting a phone that feels more like a minor refresh than a compelling new entry. The Exynos 2400 chip, while capable, doesn't exactly set the world alight, and when stacked against its predecessor, the upgrades are frankly underwhelming. If you're eyeing this because you missed out on the S24 FE, you'll find yourself wondering if the small tweaks are worth the investment. It's a competent device, no doubt, but it struggles to justify its price tag when Samsung's own ecosystem offers more substantial leaps elsewhere.
The real question for you, the discerning buyer, is who this phone is actually for. If you're insistent on a slightly smaller, one-handed friendly device and happen to be a die-hard Samsung loyalist who missed the previous iteration, then perhaps the S25 FE warrants a closer look, especially if you can snag it on a deal. However, for most, the battery life is a notable Achilles' heel, and the incremental nature of the upgrades makes it a tough sell against rivals that offer more bang for your buck in the upper mid-range. This isn't a phone that screams "must-have"; it's more of a "nice-to-have" if the stars align and your specific needs are met. Proceed with caution, and definitely explore other options before hitting that buy button.
Alternatives
Most positive review signal
“Unless you're dead-set on having a smaller phone that's easy to use one-handed, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE represents a far better buy than the standard S25.”
Trusted Reviews · 90
Most cautious review signal
“The lack of compelling hardware upgrades and poor battery life don't make for an inspiring release.”
Tom's Guide · 48
This meta-score blends 4 publisher scores with 10 assessed scores — real published reviews that didn’t print a number, which we rate 0–100 from the reviewer’s written verdict. Assessed reviews are labeled as such.
“Unless you're dead-set on having a smaller phone that's easy to use one-handed, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE represents a far better buy than the standard S25.”
Publisher score: 4.5/5 · 11mo ago
“For most people, save your money and get this excellent all-rounder that sets a new standard for mid-range phones.”
Assessed from verdict: 88/100 · 12mo ago
“However, the improvements over its predecessor are only minor, and the Fan Edition really falls short when it comes to battery life.”
Publisher score: 85.6/100
“Unless you absolutely need the latest and greatest chip inside your phone, the Galaxy S25 FE is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a high-end experience without the flagship-level price tag.”
Assessed from verdict: 86/100
“The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a superb budget smartphone with premium features, though I found its predictive text frustrating.”
Assessed from verdict: 84/100
“Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review: Affordable flagship done the right way.”
Assessed from verdict: 82/100
“The Galaxy S25 FE is a polished, powerful, and compelling choice.”
Assessed from verdict: 80/100 · 12mo ago
“Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review: Closer to flagship than ever.”
Assessed from verdict: 79/100
“The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is mostly an iterative upgrade over the Galaxy S24 FE, as there are not many changes - much less major ones - to entice users into making the jump.”
Publisher score: 7.9/10 · 12mo ago
“Everyone else should definitely keep the S25 FE in mind, as it still offers a pseudo-flagship experience and top-notch software at an attractive price.”
Assessed from verdict: 72/100 · 11mo ago
“The Galaxy S25 FE brings a couple of upgrades over its predecessor, and it's a generally well-rounded phone.”
Assessed from verdict: 72/100
“With few upgrades and a price point that doesn't make much sense in the context of Samsung's lineup, the Galaxy S25 FE is hard to recommend at full price.”
Publisher score: 69/100 · 11mo ago
“Looks like a Plus, but struggles to keep up.”
Assessed from verdict: 58/100
“The lack of compelling hardware upgrades and poor battery life don't make for an inspiring release.”
Assessed from verdict: 48/100
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review
“However, the improvements over its predecessor are only minor, and the Fan Edition really falls short when it comes to battery life.”
Source page · 3mo ago
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review
“Unless you're dead-set on having a smaller phone that's easy to use one-handed, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE represents a far better buy than the standard S25.”
Source page · 11mo ago
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review
“With few upgrades and a price point that doesn't make much sense in the context of Samsung's lineup, the Galaxy S25 FE is hard to recommend at full price.”
Source page · 11mo ago
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE hands on: this 'affordable' flagship has a lot to offer
“Upgrades include a slimmer, lighter design, larger screen-to-body ratio, and the biggest FE battery ever.”
Source page · 13mo ago
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Recorded price: $649.99128GB storage