What is it?
The baby of the S25 family, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, released in September 2025, offers an AI experience to a broader audience. This new edition brings the latest style and hardware upgrades, and maintains a modern, refined design, making only a minor shift from its predecessor, the S24 FE. Positioned as an affordable choice, it still delivers powerful performance.
The device features a slim profile at 7.4 mm and weighs just 190 grams. It’s built with an Armor Aluminium frame and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering durability and a premium feel. It carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and is available in Icy Blue, White, Jet Black, and Navy. The Icy Blue model reviewed stood out with its vibrant, luxurious finish.
Under the hood, the S25 FE runs on the Exynos 2400 chipset, the same processor found in the flagship S24 series. This ensures strong performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. Compared to the Tab S10 FE, which uses the Exynos 1580 and Android 15, the S25 FE shows noticeable improvements in speed and responsiveness. It operates on Android 16 and includes 8GB of RAM with 128GB of internal storage. However, the lack of a memory card slot limits expandability.
Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates, a major plus for longevity. The device comes preloaded with Google Gemini and other AI tools, offering smarter, more intuitive interactions. Features like Generative Edit and Circle to Search enhance productivity and streamline everyday tasks. The display is a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology, ensuring clarity even in bright conditions. Stereo speakers deliver rich, immersive sound, making media consumption enjoyable and attention-grabbing.
The camera system includes a 50MP main lens with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. While the 30x digital Space Zoom is available, it becomes shaky at full capacity. The upgraded 12MP front camera produces clear, vibrant selfies, especially in natural light.
Battery life is supported by a 4,900 mAh cell, which comfortably lasts a full day under moderate use. Charging is fast, with 45W wired super-fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The device also includes Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI features, enhancing usability and performance. Accessibility is addressed with the TalkBack feature, which reads aloud on-screen elements for users who are blind or have low vision. While helpful, it can sometimes read irrelevant information and compromise privacy in public settings.
Quick Share allows seamless wireless file sharing via Bluetooth and Samsung Cloud. Users can also generate QR codes or links for easy file access and downloads.
How much does it cost?
The Samsung S25 FE retails for approximately R14,999 in South Africa.
Why do we care?
The S25 FE integrates flagship-level performance with embedded AI tools, making it a compelling option for users who want cutting-edge features without the premium price tag. With a long update commitment and a sleek, lightweight design, it’s positioned as a smart choice for tech-savvy consumers.
What are the biggest negatives?
- Average battery life.
- Shaky results with 30x digital zoom.
- No expandable storage.
What are the biggest positives?
- Affordable price.
- Seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
- Strong performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Excellent image quality in natural light.
- Long-term software support.
*Angelique Mogotlane is content manager of Gadget.co.za, World Wide Worx. Follow her on Bluesky on @angelique31.bsky.social.