Samsung Galaxy S25 vs S25FE: Flagship vs Fan Edition

Samsung’s Galaxy S lineup has long represented the pinnacle of Android smartphones, while the Fan Edition models have aimed to bring a slice of that premium experience to a wider audience. This year, Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S25 alongside the Galaxy S25 FE. Both phones share Samsung’s iconic design language and run the latest software, but they target very different users. If you’re deciding between the two, the details matter. Let’s dive into the design, display, performance, cameras, battery, and pricing to see which model makes the smarter choice.

Design and Build

On the surface, both phones look nearly identical, showcasing Samsung’s modern minimalist approach with flat sides, flat backs, and a clean vertical camera arrangement. The Galaxy S25 FE is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 191 grams, while the standard Galaxy S25 is noticeably lighter at just 163 grams. That difference makes the S25 more comfortable to use one-handed.

Both feature aluminum frames, though the S25 FE uses a silver finish while the S25 has a tinted variant. For protection, Samsung hasn’t cut cornersboth devices are IP68 rated, making them dust-tight and capable of surviving in water for up to 30 minutes. The glass, however, is different. The S25 FE relies on Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, while the S25 uses the newer Victus 2 for added durability.

When it comes to design appeal, most users may find the S25’s slimmer and lighter profile more attractive.

Quick Table (Galaxy S25 vs S25FE)

Disclaimer: Specs and pricing may vary by region.

Display Differences

The Galaxy S25 FE offers a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED panel, while the Galaxy S25 comes with a 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED display. Both support 120Hz refresh rates, but there’s a key distinction: the FE can only switch between 60Hz and 120Hz, whereas the S25 dynamically scales from as low as 1Hz up to 120Hz. This difference makes the S25 more power efficient while also smoother during everyday use.

Brightness is another area where the S25 pulls ahead. In tests, it reached 1578 nits, outperforming the FE’s 1272 nits. That makes the S25 the better option for outdoor readability. On the other hand, the FE gives you more screen real estate, which is ideal for watching movies or gaming.

For biometrics, both devices feature under-display fingerprint sensors, but the technology differs. The FE uses an optical scanner, while the S25 employs a more secure ultrasonic sensor.

Audio and Speakers

Both phones come with stereo speakers, but the FE benefits from its larger size, delivering deeper bass and a fuller sound. The S25 remains clear and well-balanced, but music lovers may prefer the FE’s richer audio.

Camera Systems

Samsung has given both devices a 50-megapixel main camera, but their image processing differs. The FE tends to produce warmer tones with stronger contrast, while the S25 delivers more natural colors and better edge detection in portrait shots. In terms of telephoto, the FE uses an 8MP lens, while the S25 upgrades this to 10MP. Both support three times optical zoom, but at higher zoom levels, the S25 consistently produces sharper and more reliable results.

The ultrawide cameras are both 12MP, but color handling varies depending on conditions. Indoors, differences are minimal, but outdoors the FE sometimes renders cooler tones while the S25 leans slightly warmer.

For video, both support up to 8K at 30fps, but the S25 has the edge in overall exposure balance and skin tone accuracy. Low-light photography is another win for the S25, which captures more detail and less noise compared to the FE.

On the selfie side, the S25 FE finally adopts the same 12MP front sensor as the S25, though the standard model still produces sharper images and better low-light results.

Hardware and Performance

Here’s where the two phones really separate. The Galaxy S25 FE runs on the Exynos 2400, the same processor that powered last year’s Galaxy S24 in international markets. While competent, it’s a step behind the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy inside the S25.

The S25 also includes 12GB of RAM compared to the FE’s 8GB, making it better equipped for multitasking and demanding workloads. Storage options are the same128GB, 256GB, or 512GBwith no microSD support on either device.

In benchmarks, the S25 consistently outperformed the FE in both single-core and multi-core tests, as well as in GPU-heavy tasks. Gaming showed similar trends, with the S25 maintaining higher frame rates for longer periods before throttling, while the FE ran hotter and dipped more noticeably during extended sessions.

That said, the FE is no slouch. For casual users, social media, and occasional gaming, it’s perfectly capable. But for anyone seeking longevity and sustained performance, the S25 is clearly the stronger choice.

Software Experience

Both phones ship with One UI 8 on top of Android 16, and Samsung has promised seven years of updates for both models. That’s a huge advantage for long-term buyers, as it ensures support well into the next decade.

The software experience is nearly identical on both phones, with smooth animations, a wide range of customization options, and built-in AI tools like Circle to Search and generative photo editing.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is one of the few areas where the FE comes out ahead. It packs a 4900mAh cell compared to the S25’s smaller 4000mAh unit. Charging speeds also favor the FE, with 45W wired charging and 25W wireless charging. The standard S25 is limited to 25W wired and 15W wireless. In tests, the FE charged to 100% in just over an hour, while the S25 took about 11 minutes longer.

That makes the FE a better option for heavy users who prioritize long battery life and faster charging.

Pricing and Value

Samsung has priced the Galaxy S25 FE at $649, while the Galaxy S25 starts at $799. On paper, that $150 difference is significant. The FE gives you a bigger screen, a larger battery, and faster charging at a lower cost.

However, early discounts on the Galaxy S25 have already narrowed the gap, making the flagship a much more tempting option. Considering the performance boost, better cameras, and more premium build, the S25 delivers stronger value when you can find it on sale.

Verdict

The Galaxy S25 FE continues Samsung’s effort to deliver flagship-like features at a lower cost, but this year’s model feels more like a reworked S24 FE with a bigger battery than a fresh upgrade. It’s a solid device with good cameras, reliable performance, and strong battery life, but it lacks the “wow” factor that earlier Fan Editions had.

The Galaxy S25, on the other hand, is smaller, lighter, more powerful, and generally more future-proof. Its better display, superior chipset, and improved camera performance make it the safer bet for most users. Unless you absolutely need the bigger display or slightly better battery life, the S25 is the smarter long-term investment especially once discounts bring the price closer to the FE.

In short, the FE is good, but the S25 is better. Samsung might need to rethink what the Fan Edition stands for, as it risks losing the balance between affordability and true flagship power that once made it so popular.

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