Samsung Galaxy S25 FE First Impressions: The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, or Fan Edition, arrived on September 4, 2025, as a budget-friendly version of the flagship Galaxy S25 series. This mid-range smartphone offers premium features like a sharp display, fast processor, and cool AI tools without the high price tag. Priced around $649 or ₹59,999 in India, it’s a great choice for anyone wanting a powerful phone for daily tasks, gaming, or photography. After some hands-on time at the launch event, we’re excited to share our first thoughts on its design, performance, cameras, and more. If you’re after a stylish yet affordable Android phone, the S25 FE could be your next upgrade. Let’s dive into what makes it shine!
Design and Build: Slim, Modern, and Tough
The Galaxy S25 FE feels fresh the moment you pick it up. It’s the thinnest FE model yet at 7.4mm and weighs just 190 grams, making it easy to hold or slip into your pocket. The sleek design features a bi-color aluminum frame – imagine a mix of blue and silver or black and gold – giving it a premium, modern look. The back is made of durable plastic with a smooth matte finish that resists smudges and fingerprints.
The phone has an IP68 rating, so it’s dust-proof and can handle being underwater up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes – perfect for accidental spills or rain. The Gorilla Glass Victus+ protects the screen from scratches and drops. Available in vibrant colors like Blue, Graphite, Mint, and possibly more, it stands out in a crowd. The flat edges and slim bezels make it feel high-end, though the plastic back might not scream luxury like glass-backed flagships.
Display: Big, Bright, and Smooth
The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a stunner, with full HD+ resolution (around 385 pixels per inch) for clear text, images, and videos. Its 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through apps or websites feel super smooth – no choppy motion here. It supports HDR10+ for vibrant colors and deep blacks, ideal for binge-watching shows on apps like YouTube.
With a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, the screen stays readable even in bright sunlight. The always-on display shows time and notifications without draining much power. The bezels are super thin (1.47mm on the sides), giving you more screen space (90.19% screen-to-body ratio). The tiny hole-punch front camera doesn’t get in the way. While AMOLED screens can risk burn-in over time, this one feels perfect for movies, gaming, or casual browsing.
Performance: Fast and Future-Ready with AI
The S25 FE runs on the Exynos 2400 processor, a powerful chip built on a 4nm process that handles everything from social media to light gaming without slowing down. It comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB – no microSD slot, so pick the right size for your needs. Early tests show it performs smoothly, even with multiple apps open, and it can run games like Call of Duty Mobile at decent settings.
It launches with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8, which is clean and easy to use. The real highlight is Galaxy AI, offering tools like:
- Photo Assist: Fixes photos by removing objects or enhancing colors.
- Note Assist: Summarizes long notes or emails.
- Circle to Search: Lets you search by circling items on the screen.
You also get six months of free Google Gemini Advanced for things like live translations. Samsung promises seven years of updates (up to Android 23), keeping it fresh until 2032. It’s snappy but might warm up during heavy gaming sessions.
Galaxy S25 FE Key Specs Table
Here’s a quick look at the main features in a simple table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1,900 nits |
| Processor | Exynos 2400 (4nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB RAM, 128/256/512GB (non-expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (OIS) + 12MP ultrawide + 8MP 3x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
| Battery | 4,900mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless charging |
| OS | Android 16, One UI 8 (7 years updates) |
| Build | IP68, Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus+, 190g |
| Other Features | Galaxy AI, stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint |
| Colors | Blue, Graphite, Mint, more (varies by region) |
| Price (Starting) | $649 / ₹59,999 (expected in India) |
Cameras: Sharp and Smart for Everyday Snaps
The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) for steady photos, a 12MP ultrawide for wide shots like group pics, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom (up to 30x digital) for zooming in on details. Daytime shots look crisp with vibrant colors, and the Night mode makes low-light photos brighter and clearer. You can record videos in 8K at 30fps or 4K at 60fps, with smooth stabilization for vlogs or action clips.
The 12MP front camera takes sharp selfies with natural skin tones, great for video calls or Instagram. Galaxy AI boosts cameras with features like Audio Eraser (cuts background noise in videos) and Auto Trim (picks the best video moments). In our brief tests, it’s reliable for casual photography, though high-zoom shots can get grainy. It’s not as advanced as the S25 Ultra but perfect for most users.
Battery Life: Built to Last All Day
The 4,900mAh battery is a big win, offering up to 20 hours of mixed use – think browsing, streaming, and calls without needing a plug. In initial testing, it handled a full day easily, with minimal drain when idle. The Exynos chip keeps power use low, stretching battery life further.
It supports 25W wired charging (full in about 80 minutes) and 15W wireless charging, plus reverse wireless for powering accessories like earbuds. There’s no charger in the box, so you might need to buy one. For a mid-range phone, this battery performance is a standout, especially for busy days or travel.
Price and Availability: Great Deal for the Features
The Galaxy S25 FE starts at $649 (around ₹59,999 in India) for the 8GB/128GB model, matching the S24 FE’s price – no increase here. Higher storage options go up to ₹69,999. It’s available from Samsung’s website, Amazon, Flipkart, and carriers like Jio or Airtel. Launch deals include trade-in discounts (up to $200 off) and six months of free Gemini Advanced. At this price, it’s a strong rival to phones like the Pixel 8a or OnePlus 12R, offering premium AI and build quality for less.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE makes a fantastic first impression with its slim design, vibrant AMOLED screen, and powerful Exynos chip packed with AI goodies. It’s a mid-range phone that feels closer to a flagship, especially with seven years of updates and a long-lasting battery. While the plastic back and lack of expandable storage might bug some, the overall package delivers for most users. If you’re after a versatile smartphone that balances price and performance, the S25 FE is worth checking out. Hit up Samsung’s site or Flipkart for early deals and make it your next daily driver!
FAQ
1. When was the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE released?
It launched on September 4, 2025, and is available for purchase now in major markets.
2. How much does the Galaxy S25 FE cost in India?
The starting price is around ₹59,999 for the 8GB/128GB version, with higher storage at ₹69,999.
3. Does the S25 FE support wireless charging?
Yes, it offers 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for accessories.
4. What are the key Galaxy AI features on the S25 FE?
It includes Photo Assist for editing, Note Assist for summarizing, Circle to Search, and six months of free Gemini Advanced.
5. How long will the S25 FE get software updates?
Samsung guarantees seven years of Android OS and security updates, up to Android 23.