Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Review 2025: Complete Specs, Camera, and Performance

Design and Ergonomics: An Analysis Based on Specifications

The first aspect we must highlight regarding the Galaxy S25 FE is, naturally, its design. Based on official specifications and renders, Samsung appears to be taking an “evolution, not revolution” approach. While the design feels familiar, it introduces several new material details that we find compelling to discuss.

Back Body Design

On the rear, the device utilizes a standard Gorilla Glass panel. The camera layout appears minimalist and does not protrude significantly, which should provide a clean and modern aesthetic. In theory, the use of glass material will also lend it a premium and solid feel.

Although it bears a resemblance to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 FE is expected to offer a slightly different in-hand feel, thanks to refinements in the frame and finishing. This seems to be Samsung’s strategy to maintain an elegant and serious look for the FE series without appearing overly extravagant.

Front Body Design

Moving to the front, the display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, one of the best protections currently available. The screen employs a flat design, which we believe is a smart choice for focusing on content display and minimizing accidental touches.

However, a completely flat design usually has ergonomic consequences: the device will likely feel slightly wider and more rigid in hand. While this looks modern, it is worth considering for users who prefer the comfortable grip of a curved device.

Side Body Design

This part is quite interesting. Samsung is now using an “Enhanced Armor Aluminum” material for the frame. This is not standard aluminum. We anticipate this material will provide a sense of rigidity while remaining lightweight in the hand—a significant material upgrade on paper.

As for the button layout, it appears Samsung has not significantly altered the existing formula. The power and volume keys remain on the right side, while the left side is left clean without any buttons. This is a layout that should be sufficiently ergonomic for most users.

Color and Finishing

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will reportedly be available in four color options: Icy Blue, Jet Black, Navy, and White. Interestingly, regardless of the body color, the device frame will remain silver (anodized).

In our opinion, this is a clever design touch. The two-tone accent (silver frame and colored body) lends a distinct character and helps differentiate it from other Galaxy models. The color choices themselves look premium and safe for general preferences.

Sensors and Ergonomics (Estimate)

On this point, there is a small caveat. Based on initial reports, the fingerprint sensor is rumored to be fast, but its position is quite close to the bottom edge of the screen. Given the 6.7-inch screen size, we estimate this placement might feel somewhat less than ideal for one-handed use.

In terms of grip comfort, the flat design with slightly defined edges theoretically provides a sturdy and non-slip grip. However, the drawback is that these edges might feel somewhat sharp in the palm during prolonged use compared to a body with smooth curves.

Design Conclusion (Based on Specifications)

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers a solid design package on paper. Its appearance is clean, functional, and utilizes premium materials like Victus+ and Armor Aluminum.

Despite its familiar appearance, details such as the materials and the two-tone combination provide a distinct identity. It seems Samsung is attempting to offer a balance between elegant aesthetics and practical function, albeit with a few minor compromises in ergonomics, such as the sensor position and the flat body shape.

A Deep-Dive Analysis of the Galaxy S25 FE’s Display Specifications

In our view, the display is one of the most critical components that should not be compromised, especially on a Fan Edition series device. Looking at the Galaxy S25 FE’s specifications, it’s clear Samsung understands this well. The company has once again employed its proven formula: a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel.

The resolution sits at 1080 x 2340 pixels (Full HD+), which we consider a smart choice for the FE series. This resolution is sufficiently high to render text and images with optimal sharpness while remaining power-efficient. It strikes an ideal balance between display quality and battery life.

HDR Features and Color Reproduction

The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ technology. In theory, this allows for a smoother scrolling experience and animations, as well as content display with richer contrast and colors on streaming services like Netflix.

Meanwhile, support for Dolby Vision is not available. However, this is not surprising, as Samsung has long adhered to its own standard with HDR10+.

One interesting update is the support for Android Ultra HDR—Google’s new standard that makes HDR photos look more realistic and vibrant when viewed in the gallery app. This is a commendable software enhancement.

Brightness Analysis (Based on GSMArena Data)

For technical data such as brightness levels, we refer to the lab test results conducted by the GSMArena team, known as one of the most reliable sources in this field.

According to their report, the results are quite impressive. In Manual mode, the screen reaches a brightness of around 435 nits, which is considered adequate for indoor use.

However, when Automatic mode is activated, the maximum brightness can increase to 1,247 nits. This figure indicates that the screen will remain clearly visible even under direct sunlight. This is a significant added value for users who are active outdoors.

Refresh Rate Technology Analysis

This section is one of the most interesting aspects of the Galaxy S25 FE’s display. Samsung provides two options: “Adaptive” and “Standard”.

Both, in fact, exhibit adaptive behavior. The “Standard” mode limits the screen speed to 60Hz for power efficiency but can drop to 30Hz when playing certain videos.

Meanwhile, the “Adaptive” mode is its standout feature. Although Samsung does not explicitly mention the use of an LTPO panel, its behavior shows very similar characteristics. The screen can lower its refresh rate to as low as 1Hz when displaying a static image, then ramp up to 120Hz when touched or when the user is scrolling.

In our opinion, this approach is a highly effective power-saving solution. The display will only operate at its maximum rate when absolutely necessary, making energy consumption much smarter and more efficient.

Galaxy S25 FE Camera Specifications: A Complete Breakdown

Okay, now let’s get into the section that is perhaps the most frequently asked-about: the camera.

If we “dissect” the spec sheet, frankly, Samsung appears to be playing it safe here. Its triple-camera setup looks very familiar:

• Main Camera: 50MP
• Ultrawide Camera: 12MP
• Telephoto Camera: 8MP (with 3x optical zoom)

This is a configuration we have seen often. But there is one upgrade that, in my opinion, is quite significant: the front (selfie) camera is now 12MP, an increase from the previous generation.

So, the question is, what do these numbers mean in the real world? Let’s analyze them one by one.

Main Camera (50MP)

This is the 50MP main camera. Most likely, this is the same sensor (or at least a similar one) used in the previous FE model or the regular S25 series.

In theory, this sensor should be quite capable. In broad daylight, we can expect its photos to be detailed, sharp, with Samsung’s signature color reproduction that is vibrant but not excessive. The dynamic range will also most likely be adequate.

The biggest challenge for a sensor like this is usually in awkward lighting conditions or in areas of uniform color (like the sky). I suspect there will still be a bit of noise if you look closely.

Zoom and Telephoto

For 2x zoom, this is almost certainly achieved by cropping from the 50MP main sensor. It should still produce sharp results with well-preserved detail.

However, what’s worth noting is the 8MP 3x telephoto camera. 8MP is not a high resolution by today’s standards.

This means that on a bright, sunny day, the results will probably look good, with appealing colors and proper contrast. But I personally wouldn’t expect much when this camera is used indoors or at night. A sensor this small will highly likely struggle to capture light, which can impact detail and introduce noise.

Ultrawide Camera (12MP)

We move on to the 12MP ultrawide. Again, this is a very standard specification in its class.

Don’t expect the detail to be as sharp as the main camera. This camera’s function is more about capturing a wide field of view. Most likely, its color reproduction will remain consistent with the main camera.

One thing that is usually a strength for Samsung is distortion correction. So, it should mean that landscape or architectural photos will look straight and proportional, without excessive curving at the edges.

Front Camera (12MP Selfie)

Here it is! In my opinion, this is one of the more tangible upgrades on the S25 FE. Finally, Samsung has provided a 12MP sensor on the front.

My expectation is that this improvement will lead to more detailed selfies, more natural skin tones, and better performance in challenging light (like backlighting). This is a functional upgrade, not just a gimmick.

Low-light Performance

Even without holding the unit, we can guess the pattern. Low-light performance will most likely rely heavily on software processing and its automatic Night Mode.

The 50MP main camera should be able to produce reasonably bright and detailed night photos with the help of software.

My advice (and this applies to almost all phones in this class): it’s essential to use Night Mode if you are shooting with the telephoto or ultrawide cameras. Without software assistance, both of those sensors will likely produce suboptimal photos.

Video Recording Capabilities

In the video department, the specifications look quite appealing. The main camera is capable of recording up to 8K at 30fps.

Honestly, 8K still feels like overkill for most users and can consume a lot of storage space. What’s more important is its ability to record 4K at 30fps on all cameras, including the front camera. This makes the S25 FE appear quite flexible for vlogging or content creation needs.

Seeing Samsung’s track record, its video stabilization (a combination of OIS and EIS) is also very likely to be quite good and smooth, especially on the main camera.

---

Galaxy S25 FE Under the Hood: Performance and Hardware Analysis

Now, let’s “open the hood” of this Galaxy S25 FE. This is where one of the most-discussed upgrades is located. This year, Samsung is providing the full Exynos 2400 chipset, an enhancement from the Exynos 2400e used in last year’s S24 FE.

For those unfamiliar, the Exynos 2400 is Samsung’s 2024 flagship chipset, built on a 4nm fabrication process. Architecturally, its CPU consists of ten cores: one high-performance Cortex-X4 main core, and nine other cores designed to balance performance and power efficiency. On the graphics side, it features the Xclipse 940 GPU, based on AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture—a high-end specification.

Memory Configuration (An Important Point)

For memory, the options are similar to last year: 8GB of RAM with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options.

However, there is an important point that, in our view, is worth noting. based on reports, the 256GB and higher variants already use UFS 4.0 technology (which has faster read/write speeds). Meanwhile, it’s likely that the 128GB variant still uses UFS 3.1.

This difference impacts the loading speed of heavy apps and data transfers. So, this could be a consideration for those of you planning to choose the most standard variant.

Performance on Paper (Synthetic Benchmarks)

We have not been able to conduct direct testing, so we are referencing the benchmark results from the GSMArena team to provide an idea of its raw performance.

• Geekbench 6 (Multi-core): 6,948
• Geekbench 6 (Single-core): 2,153
• AnTuTu 10: 1,748,449
• 3DMark (Wild Life Extreme): 4,262

What do these numbers mean? Simply put, an AnTuTu score breaking 1.7 million and high Geekbench results indicate that the Exynos 2400 CPU offers very strong performance. For daily activities, multitasking, and heavy CPU-based tasks, this device should feel very responsive.

However, looking at the 3DMark score (which focuses on the GPU), the result is still good but slightly below some high-end Snapdragon chips. This is an early indication that its graphics performance may not be at the absolute peak of the flagship category.

Stability and Thermal Management

This is a crucial part to discuss. High initial performance is easy to achieve, but sustaining it consistently is the real challenge.

Samsung mentions that the Galaxy S25 FE has a cooling system with a 10% larger heatsink than the previous generation. However, the stress test data from GSMArena shows results that need closer inspection.

In their stress test report, it was mentioned that:

1. CPU performance dropped significantly after about 10 minutes.
2. GPU stability (which affects gaming) fell below 50%.
3. The temperature on the frame increased to the point of feeling quite warm to the touch.

Analysis: Who is This Phone For?

Based on this data, we see the Galaxy S25 FE as more suitable for users who focus on light to moderate activities—such as social media, browsing, video streaming, photography, or casual gaming. In such scenarios, the Exynos 2400 will feel fast and responsive.

However, for power users or mobile gamers who frequently play demanding games like Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, or Wuthering Waves for long durations (more than an hour), the stability test results indicate that its performance might decline over time.

In practice, the initial gaming session will feel smooth, but after 10–15 minutes, it’s highly probable that you will start to feel a performance decrease or minor frame drops. Furthermore, the body temperature could also rise until it feels rather warm in the hand. This is a reasonable compromise for a high-performance device in a slim design like this.

Dissecting the Galaxy S25 FE’s Battery Life and Charging

Okay, let’s talk about the “lifeblood” of a phone: the battery. On paper, the Galaxy S25 FE gets a slight capacity increase to 4,900 mAh, up from 4,700 mAh on the S24 FE. This size should be very capable.

However, large capacity doesn’t always mean exceptional endurance. To get objective data, we are referencing the comprehensive battery test results conducted by the GSMArena team.

Battery Endurance Test Results

In their test report, the S25 FE earned an “Active Use Score” of 11 hours 57 minutes. In our opinion, this figure is considered standard, and interestingly, it’s almost the same as last year’s S24 FE despite the larger battery capacity.

To give a clearer picture, here are their specific test results:

• Call Time: 30 hours 02 minutes
• Video Streaming: 16 hours 28 minutes
• Gaming: 7 hours 12 minutes
• Web Browsing: 9 hours 40 minutes

From this data, the results for video watching and gaming look quite solid. However, what we believe causes the overall score to feel mediocre is the web browsing time of just 9 hours 40 minutes—a figure that is considered low compared to some competitors in its class.

Our conclusion: For normal use, this 4,900 mAh battery should still be able to last a full day of activity. But, for users who frequently browse or read articles for long periods, this data suggests a need to pay a little attention to the remaining battery life.

Charging Speed

In this section, there is something interesting and also somewhat confusing. In theory, the S25 FE gets a significant upgrade to 45W, up from 25W. This means charging should be faster, on par with the S25+ series.

However, the test data from GSMArena shows a different result. In their test, despite using an original Samsung 45W adapter and a compatible 5A cable, the S25 FE never pulled more than 28W.

This finding is quite important. It means the 45W upgrade, for now, does not show a significant difference in practice. Its charging speed is still similar to the previous 25W model.

Here is their charging time data (from 0%):

• In 15 minutes: 30% charged
• In 30 minutes: 52% charged
• Full (0–100%): 1 hour 10 minutes

To fully charge a 4,900 mAh battery in 1 hour and 10 minutes, in our opinion, is a reasonable result, although it can’t be called fast by 2025 phone standards. GSMArena themselves mentioned that further testing would be conducted, so these results could change in the future.

Battery Protection Features

On the other hand, Samsung provides more attention to long-term battery protection. In One UI, features are available to preserve battery health, such as options to limit charging to 80%, 85%, or 90%, as well as an option to disable fast charging (for example, when charging overnight).

These features, in our opinion, are very useful for users who want to maintain optimal battery performance in the long run.

Analysis of Audio Quality & Speakers on the Galaxy S25 FE

Now we turn to one of the often-overlooked entertainment aspects: audio.
On the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung maintains a hybrid stereo speaker configuration. In our opinion, this is a common setup found in its class: one main speaker is placed at the bottom (near the charging port), while the other serves a dual function as the earpiece at the top.

In theory, this type of configuration does have a slight imbalance. The bottom speaker will most likely produce a stronger, more dimensional sound, while the top speaker (earpiece) tends to sound a bit softer. This is a common compromise on phones with a similar audio system.

Loudness vs. Quality (GSMArena Test Results)

To understand its performance objectively, we refer to the laboratory test results conducted by the GSMArena team. In their testing, the Galaxy S25 FE recorded a loudness score of -25.6 LUFS.

This figure places it in the “Very Good” category. With such a result, the volume produced should be more than sufficient for enjoying music, movies, or other content in an indoor environment.

Interestingly, although this score is slightly quieter than last year’s S24 FE, GSMArena noted a tangible improvement in overall sound quality.

Based on our analysis of their test results and public audio samples, the S25 FE produces a richer and more balanced sound character. Low tones (bass) feel deeper, while vocals sound clearer and more natural.

Our conclusion: Samsung appears to have chosen to trade a slight degree of loudness for an improvement in overall tonal quality.
This approach gives the Galaxy S25 FE a more mature and pleasant audio character for daily multimedia consumption, especially compared to the previous generation.

---

Connectivity & Network: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and DeX Functionality

When evaluating a smartphone, the connectivity aspect is often overlooked. And yet, this is a critical factor that determines how convenient the device is to use in daily life. Based on its official data, the Galaxy S25 FE appears very modern and comprehensive in terms of connectivity. Let’s discuss it in more detail.

Wireless Connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Satellite)

On paper, the Galaxy S25 FE already supports Wi-Fi 6E. In our opinion, this is an important future-proof feature. In theory, Wi-Fi 6E provides a more stable, faster connection with lower latency, especially in signal-congested areas. Keep in mind, to enjoy its full speed, a Wi-Fi 6E router is also required at home or in the office.

For peripheral connections, the latest Bluetooth version is available. But what’s more interesting are the following two features:

1. Satellite Connectivity: Some S25 FE models are reported to have this feature. This means the phone potentially can send emergency text messages in areas with no cellular signal at all. However, this feature is most likely region-dependent and may not be active in Indonesia.
2. Wireless Charging (Qi2): The S25 FE also supports wireless charging with the new Qi2 standard. This should provide better charging efficiency and more precise magnetic alignment (like MagSafe).

Cellular Network and SIM Configuration

In the network sector, the Galaxy S25 FE is fully ready for 5G. The list of supported bands—ranging from N1, N3, N5, N40, to N78—is quite comprehensive. Simply put, this device should be compatible with all 5G operators in Indonesia and abroad.

What’s more important in daily use is the flexibility of the SIM configuration. Based on official information, the S25 FE is Dual SIM with a flexible hybrid system. Users can choose:

• Physical SIM 1 + Physical SIM 2
• Physical SIM 1 + eSIM
• Dual eSIM (two active eSIM numbers simultaneously)

For us, this eSIM support is a big plus, especially for users who frequently travel between countries.

Wired Connectivity and Samsung DeX

For wired connections, the Galaxy S25 FE uses USB Type-C 3.1. Honestly, this is a significant upgrade that we really appreciate. Many phones in a similar class still use the much slower USB 2.0 port. The transfer speed, up to 10 times faster than the previous version, will be clearly noticeable when transferring large files, such as 4K videos or project documents.

This port is also the key to one of Samsung’s flagship features: Samsung DeX. In other words, users can connect the S25 FE to a monitor or TV and enjoy a desktop-like computer experience. This feature makes the S25 FE not just an entertainment device, but also a serious productivity tool.

Ecosystem Support & Others

One of Samsung’s biggest strengths is its interconnected ecosystem. The Galaxy S25 FE is well-integrated within it, making the device feel more “alive” when used with other Samsung products. Based on official information, the S25 FE can connect with:

• Wearables: Ranging from the Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, to previous series like the Galaxy Watch6, Watch5, Watch4, Buds3, and Fit3.
• Smart Home: Full integration with the SmartThings platform to control smart home devices.
• Accessibility: Supports Android Audio Streaming for Hearing Aid (ASHA), which is very helpful for hearing aid users.

With its comprehensive connectivity, broad network support, and mature ecosystem, the Galaxy S25 FE seems designed not only for general users but also for those who want to remain productive in various situations.

Analysis of Software, Features, and Galaxy AI on the Galaxy S25 FE

Now, let’s discuss one of the aspects we are most focused on: the software side. The Galaxy S25 FE comes right out of the box with the latest One UI 8 based on Android 16.

An interesting fact that we find quite surprising is that the S25 FE is reportedly the first model in the S25 series to run the stable version of One UI 8—even ahead of the regular S25 variants, which are rumored to still be in the beta stage. This shows Samsung’s seriousness towards the FE line, which is now increasingly positioned on par with its main series.

However, frankly, that’s not the main story. The most important point lies in the promise of long-term updates: 7 major OS updates and 7 years of security updates. For us, this is a huge commitment rarely offered in its class—a guarantee that this device will remain relevant, secure, and up-to-date for years to come.

User Interface (One UI 8)

Visually, we don’t see any major changes compared to the previous version. It seems One UI 8 is more focused on under-the-hood performance improvements and deeper artificial intelligence integration. One UI 7 had already brought many design changes, so this round of refinements feels more oriented towards a smooth, stable, and efficient user experience.

Based on initial reports, the operating system reportedly runs very smoothly and responsively—something that is indeed a top priority for Samsung users.

The Complete Galaxy AI Suite

Undeniably, Galaxy AI is now the main highlight in Samsung’s smartphone lineup. The good news is, the Galaxy S25 FE reportedly gets all the same AI features as the other S25 variants. For us, this is a big step that ensures the S25 FE is no longer considered a “lite” version of the flagship.

Some of the main enhancements coming in One UI 8 include:

• Gemini Live: Our analysis suggests this is Samsung’s move to deliver a more proactive digital assistant. Gemini should now be able to better understand screen context, natural voice commands, and content seen by the camera.
• Circle to Search (in-game): This popular visual search feature is now rumored to be usable directly within games, making it easier for users to find walkthroughs or item information without leaving the app.

In addition, various well-known creative AI features are also fully present:

• Generative Edit: An AI-based photo editing feature that should allow users to move, remove, or resize objects quickly and easily.
• Instant Slow-mo: A feature that in theory can turn regular videos into cinematic slow-motion with just a touch.
• Audio Eraser: For us, this is one of the most practical real-world features—capable of effectively removing wind noise, traffic, or background crowd noise from videos.

Our conclusion: The presence of the complete Galaxy AI suite on the S25 FE is the biggest enhancement on the software side. The combination of the mature One UI 8, long-term update support, and advanced AI features makes this device not just a smartphone, but a smart assistant that should be able to genuinely boost its user’s productivity and creativity.

Conclusion: “The Right Step” with a Significant Caveat?

We’ve arrived at the end of our analysis. At the beginning, we posed an important question: is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE a “right step” for the fans? And does it truly succeed in packaging the essence of a flagship experience into a more affordable package?

After dissecting all the available specification data and test reports, our answer is: Yes, but with a significant caveat.

On one hand, the Galaxy S25 FE succeeds in delivering the core flagship experience in the areas that matter most. We greatly appreciate its brilliant display (120Hz adaptive, 1,247 nits), the outstanding 7-year update promise, and the full inclusion of Galaxy AI features. All of this offers solid long-term value. Coupled with a premium build quality (Armor Aluminum and Victus+) and productivity support like Samsung DeX, this device feels very mature and classy.

However… that “more affordable package” it turns out comes at the cost of several compromises in performance and battery.

The performance, which was expected to be on par with the Galaxy S25+, has not been fully achieved. Based on the test results we referenced, the Exynos 2400 chipset shows performance degradation due to high temperatures (thermal throttling) when used for heavy loads like gaming. On the other hand, the 45W charging claim has also not been fully proven in practice—test results show the device only draws a maximum of around 28W, with a full charge time of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. For us, these are two areas that still need refinement in the next generation.

So, Who is This “Right Step” For?

Based on the entire analysis, we see that the Galaxy S25 FE is not a “budget S25+” for everyone. Its target market is quite specific and clearly defined.

This phone is the right step for you if:
You are looking for a flagship experience for productivity, entertainment, and daily use. The high-quality screen, long-term software support, and Galaxy AI features make it an attractive choice—especially if you are not a heavy gamer.

This phone is less suitable for you if:
You are a gamer or a power user who requires stable performance over long durations. Test results indicate this device tends to heat up quickly under heavy loads, and its charging speed is still below expectations for 2025 standards.

---

Our final conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a prime example of how the “flagship for everyone” strategy can work reasonably well—as long as you understand its limitations. It’s not a perfect phone, but it clearly shows the right direction for the future of the Fan Edition series.

Primary source references: GSMArena.com and Samsung technical data.