New Delhi: In a market already overflowing with smartphones from every corner of the tech world, Samsung refuses to bow out quietly. As September ushers in a fresh wave of gadget launches, the South Korean giant has sprung yet another Unpacked event on us, unveiling not just one, but four new Galaxy devices. Amid the buzz, the star of the show is the Galaxy S25 FE—short for Fan Edition—a premium mid-range contender priced at $650 internationally. It’s positioned just below the flagship S25 series, promising high-end thrills without the wallet-draining price tag. But in a year where we’ve already seen two major Samsung events and a slew of reviews, does this “fan favorite” truly stand out, or is it just another drop in the ocean?
Fresh off a closed-door briefing, it’s clear Samsung is doubling down on accessibility without skimping on style. The S25 FE joins the S25 family, borrowing its sleek design language while carving out its own niche. Think sturdy aluminum frame, a polished aesthetic, and color options that pop—especially that premium blue with a fingerprint-resistant matte finish. It’s no featherweight, but at 6.7 inches, the AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate feels just right for most hands. Plus, with an IP68 rating, it can handle a dunk in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes—perfect for those accidental poolside mishaps.
Also Read: Samsung launches Galaxy M14 with voice isolation like iPhone
Under the hood, the S25 FE packs the Exynos 2400 processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It’s zippy enough to feel like a leap forward from older phones, though it’ll be fascinating to see how it stacks up against beasts like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple’s A17 in real-world benchmarks. Battery life gets a boost too, with a generous 4,900mAh cell supporting 45W wired charging—ideal for heavy users juggling 5G and Wi-Fi without constant plug-ins.
Camera enthusiasts will appreciate the triple setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, all housed in that signature matte finish. Up front, a 12MP selfie camera promises sharper self-portraits. While hands-on time in controlled lighting left some questions unanswered, the hardware suggests solid performance for everyday snaps and zooms.
Also Read: New cell phones with improved specs to hit market this month
But the real magic happens on the software side. Running One UI 8 atop Android 16, the S25 FE delivers a clean, customizable interface that’s among the best Android has to offer. It’s loaded with Galaxy AI goodies—think writing aids, image editing and generation, transcription, translation, and more. Google’s smarts shine through with Gemini integration and Circle to Search, while the handy Now Bar keeps tabs on sports scores, music, timers, and other quick-glance info. Samsung’s commitment to seven years of software and security updates matches the longevity of Google’s Pixels and Apple’s iPhones, ensuring this phone ages gracefully.
At $150 less than the standard S25 and a massive $650 cheaper than the Ultra, the S25 FE embodies Samsung’s “flagship lite” philosophy: trickle down premium features to a broader audience. It’s not a budget beater or Samsung’s answer to a hypothetical iPhone SE equivalent, but for casual users craving AI smarts, solid cameras, and reliable performance without breaking the bank, it’s a compelling pitch. Accessories like official cases with kickstands and color-matched designs add to the appeal.
Also Read: 63 moons launches India’s first security solution for mobile market
Yet, in this glutted market, the S25 FE isn’t without rivals. If you’re shopping around, here are five alternatives that blend design, speed, and camera prowess at competitive prices—each ready to give Samsung a run for its money:
Realme GT 7 Pro (₹44,999): Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite, this beast flaunts a 6.78-inch quad-curved 120Hz display, a massive 5,800mAh battery with 120W turbo charging, and a triple 50MP+50MP+8MP rear camera setup, plus a 16MP selfie shooter. It’s a performance monster for gamers and multitaskers.
Vivo T4 Ultra (₹37,999): With a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset and a 6.67-inch curved AMOLED at 120Hz, it packs a 5,500mAh battery with 90W charging. The camera array—50MP+8MP+50MP main and 32MP front—makes it a photography-focused contender.
Also Read: Vivo to launch V40 and V40 Pro phones in India next month
OnePlus 13R (₹40,999): Snapdragon 8 Gen drives this one, alongside a 6.78-inch Aqua Touch 2.0 AMOLED with 120Hz refresh. A 6,000mAh battery with 80W charging supports the triple 50MP+8MP+50MP rear and 16MP front cameras, emphasizing speed and fluidity.
Oppo Reno14 Pro (₹49,999): Featuring a MediaTek Dimensity 8450, 6.83-inch 120Hz AMOLED, and a 6,200mAh battery with 80W charging, it boasts an all-50MP triple rear camera (50MP+50MP+50MP) and 50MP selfie lens—ideal for zoom lovers and content creators.
Google Pixel 9a (₹49,999): Google’s Tensor G4 chipset powers a 6.3-inch 120Hz Actua display, with a 5,100mAh battery. The dual 48MP+13MP rear and 13MP front cameras leverage Google’s AI magic for effortless, high-quality shots.
As the smartphone wars heat up, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE proves that “mid-range” doesn’t mean mediocre. It’s a smart play for fans wanting in on the S25 ecosystem without the full flagship splurge—but with these alternatives nipping at its heels, the choice boils down to what “accessible” means to you. Stay tuned for deeper dives as we put the S25 FE through its paces.
