Product test
Galaxy S25 vs. S24 – is the new chipset worth the upgrade?
by Michelle Brändle
Putting the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE to the test: a more affordable version of the S25+
10.10.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Jan Johannsen
The Galaxy S25 FE is the most affordable phone in Samsung’s S series. It offers the full range of AI features and only a few things separate it from the S25+, which is the same size but more expensive.
A look at the specs quickly reveals some differences between the more affordable Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy S25+. Especially when it comes to the display, processor and cameras. The battery is identical, and there’s even a newer Android version of the software. The question remains: is the S25 FE the better deal?
Worse display that looks just as good
The Galaxy S25 FE looks confusingly similar to the Galaxy S25+. A trained eye will recognise differences in the design of the camera lenses on the back. For the 0.1 to 2.9-millimetre differences in the dimensions, however, you’d have to use a measuring device.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display of the S25 FE offers a maximum refresh rate of 120 hertz and differs from the S25+ with a lower resolution. The 2,340 × 1,080 pixels are enough for a pixel density of 385 ppi, ensuring a sharp image. At a normal viewing distance, the S25+ with 513 ppi offers no added value.
Even the lower peak brightness of 1,900 nits – compared to 2,600 nits for the Plus model – doesn’t make the S25 FE any worse when used in sunshine. At least I don’t see any difference, partly due to the fact that the peak brightness is only achieved when viewing HDR content. Samsung doesn’t specify typical brightness values for the two phones. However, they’re unlikely to differ by more than the 700 nits of peak brightness.
With Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, the S25 FE is also slightly less protected against scratches than the S25+ with Victus 2 on paper. In practice, this difference is also negligible. Both protective lenses have a hardness of 5 Mohs – meaning they can still be scored with a pocket knife, for example.
The Galaxy S25 FE is rated IP68 waterproof for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 metres. This doesn’t change anything, because its frame is only made of Enhanced Armor Aluminum and not Armor Aluminum 2.
In a nutshell: on paper, the Galaxy S25 FE has drawbacks compared to the S25+ in terms of display and manufacturing quality, but I don’t notice any of these in everyday life.
Receive updates for longer
The Galaxy S25 FE even has an advantage when it comes to software: Android 16 is already pre-installed out of the box. So, I’ve hope that Samsung’s promise of seven years of security updates and new Android versions means it’ll receive software updates for longer than the Galaxy S25+.
I don’t see any difference in the scope of the software. There are no restrictions to Galaxy AI. It’s just that the calculations might occasionally take a little longer. This is down to the system on a chip built into the phone.
Reduced performance that cannot be felt
Samsung equips the Galaxy S25 FE with its own Exynos 2400 and eight gigabytes of RAM. The performance of the system on a chip is measurably reduced compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite – supported by twelve gigabytes of RAM – in the other S25 models. But it’s not bad either. Last year, Samsung installed it in the Galaxy S24, for example, and there’s a measurable improvement compared to the S24 FE with the Exynos 2400e.
In everyday use, I only notice the 16 to 31-per cent difference in performance during very power-hungry processes, such as rendering videos. The processing times are a little longer, but honestly: when do I render long videos on my phone? Otherwise, the S25 FE is just as usable as the S25+, and the system on a chip is no reason for me not to use the more affordable phone.
The difference in the supported Wi-Fi standard is worth mentioning, but also has no major impact in everyday life. The Exynos system on a chip only offers Wi-Fi 6e, while the Snapdragon boasts Wi-Fi 7.
However, the memory options available for the Galaxy S25 FE is where big savings are made. Samsung already offers the more affordable phone with 128 gigabytes of internal memory. The other S25 models only come with at least 256 gigabytes. If I compare the prices with these features, the FE still has a price advantage of 100 francs or even 200 euros.
Good camera setup with a lack of sharpness on the telephoto camera
The Galaxy S25 FE shares the same main camera as the S25+. However, its ultra-wide-angle camera has a smaller image sensor – 1/3.0 inches instead of 1/2.55 inches – and the resolution of the telephoto camera is two megapixels lower – eight instead of ten. On the other hand, the focal length converted to 35-millimetre format has become slightly longer at 75 millimetres. Samsung specifies 67 millimetres for the S25+.
Apart from minimal blurring in the corners, I like what the main camera delivers. However, there are no directly apparent improvements compared to the S24 FE or S25+.
In the dark, night mode barely brightens up the picture compared to automatic mode. Instead, it ensures less image noise and a significantly higher level of detail.
The ultra-wide-angle camera, on the other hand, lacks sharpness in night mode. Here, it only ensures I can recognise anything at all in the picture. With automatic mode, the picture remains very dark.
I’d like a little more sharpness from the telephoto camera. The edges of the text aren’t as sharp as in reality. There’s still room for improvement here.
As a comparison, here’s the same scene with the main camera and the ultra-wide-angle camera.
All in all, the Galaxy S25 FE has a good camera setup which can take attractive photos. But it’s only really good with enough light, and the telephoto camera could be sharper.
Battery identical to the S25+
The Galaxy S25 FE has the same 4,900 mAh battery as the S25+. However, my test app won’t run on the phone, so I have to check the runtime with others. And yes, the FE performs worse, but the difference is less than 2.5 per cent.
In a nutshell
The Galaxy S25 FE almost does away with the need for the S25+
Samsung has made the Galaxy S25 FE better than its predecessor, and it shares more similarities with the Galaxy S25+ than was the case with the S24 models. In terms of features and specs, the S25+ is the better device. But the differences are so small that the S25 FE is no worse for everyday use.
With it, you get a very usable phone. Its display is nice to look at, the battery lasts a reasonably long time and the performance is more than adequate. The cameras offer a choice of several focal lengths and deliver good photos. Only the details need to be improved – such as the sharpness of the telephoto camera. Software support is available for a surprisingly long time, and the S25 FE is the most affordable phone with all Galaxy AI features.
I think you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re saving some money with the Galaxy S25 FE and don’t have to go for the Galaxy S25+. The higher price tag is hardly worth it.
Pro
- Galaxy AI in its entirety
- Savings compared to the S25+ and no significant drawbacks
- Finally with a faster charging speed
Contra
- Telephoto camera could be sharper
Header image: Jan Johannsen
Jan Johannsen
Senior Editor
Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.deAs a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.
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