The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers many of the features from its higher-end siblings in a more affordable package, making it an entry point for those who want to be in the Samsung ecosystem. We got to try it out at a media preview days before it was officially launched globally, and here’s what I think about it.
At first glance, the phone appears and feels premium, drawing design cues from this year’s Galaxy S25 series to achieve a more uniform and consistent design and form. It has a slim, lightweight design with flat edges and an Armor Aluminum frame that provides a solid feel in the hand.
The unit in Icyblue stood out for its playful tone, while options like Jetblack, Navy, and White cater to more classic tastes. At 190 grams and 7.4mm thin, the phone sits comfortably in the hand despite its large 6.7-inch display. It also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which gives peace of mind for everyday use.
The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display impressed immediately. FHD+ resolution, combined with a 120Hz refresh rate, made scrolling and animations smooth and responsive. Vision Booster automatically adjusts brightness and contrast depending on the lighting, which was noticeable when moving between indoor and outdoor environments. Colors appear vibrant, and blacks are deep, giving the display a premium feel despite being a mid-tier model. We paired the phone with the Galaxy Buds3 FE and enjoyed seamless connectivity with crisp audio for music and video.
Samsung has upgraded the camera system in the Galaxy S25 FE while keeping it approachable. The rear setup includes a 50MP wide camera with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The 12MP front camera is supported by Samsung’s AI-based ProVisual Engine, which improves clarity and skin tones for selfies.
Portrait Studio allows for more personalized avatar creation, and Generative Edit can automatically remove unwanted objects from photos, which makes editing faster and easier. Low-light photography also benefits from Nightography, keeping noise levels low while boosting brightness, and Super HDR enhances video by preserving highlights and shadows. Tools like Instant Slow-mo and Audio Eraser make video creation and editing straightforward, letting users slow down clips or reduce background noise with minimal effort.
Performance is solid for everyday tasks. The phone is powered by the Exynos 2400 processor and 8GB of RAM. During our hands-on, multitasking, switching between apps, and using the camera felt smooth, with minimal lag. The larger vapor chamber inside helps keep temperatures manageable during extended use, which should help for gaming and video editing sessions.
One UI 8, based on Android 16, adds Galaxy AI features that make interactions more intuitive. Gemini Live allows users to ask contextual questions by pointing the camera at objects, providing smart guidance in real time. Now Bar and Circle to Search surface helpful information exactly when you need it, whether for daily updates, gaming tips, or reminders. Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection adds an extra layer of security, keeping sensitive app data encrypted and on-device.
Battery life is reliable thanks to the 4,900mAh battery, which handled routine tasks without issue. The Galaxy S25 FE also has 45W wired charging, which can reach about 65% in 30 minutes with a compatible adapter. Wireless charging and Wireless PowerShare add flexibility for topping up on the go or charging other devices.
Overall, the Galaxy S25 FE succeeds in delivering a premium-feeling experience in a mid-range package. The combination of an attractive display, upgraded cameras with AI-powered features, smooth performance, and long-term software support makes it an appealing choice for users who want a capable device without the full flagship price.
From creating selfies and videos with ease to enjoying responsive day-to-day performance, the S25 FE feels like a well-rounded smartphone that could fit most lifestyles.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is priced starting at PHP 39,990, with discounted offers available until September 18. You can check our news story for more information about this, including how you can upgrade your storage for less during the period.
