The Fan Edition has always been Samsung’s way of distilling the Galaxy S experience into something more attainable. It’s not quite the flagship Ultra, not quite a mid-ranger, but a deliberate middle ground that lets you hold on to the Samsung ecosystem without paying top-tier money. With the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung has leaned into that positioning once again. On paper, it looks like a device that borrows a little from everywhere — the flagship S25 series, the older FE models, and even the company’s broader software vision with Galaxy AI. But as I discovered during my time with the 8/128GB Navy model, it is not without quirks.
Design and build
The S25 FE is the kind of phone that tricks you into thinking it’s more expensive than it actually is — at least until you turn it over to the front. The back panel is Samsung at its best: a matte Gorilla Glass Victus+ finish that doesn’t pick up smudges and reflects light with a subtle shimmer. The Navy variant I tested carries a depth that feels very close to the S25 Ultra’s signature tone. It’s understated, but in bright light, there’s a playfulness to how it catches the eye.
The frame, made from Samsung’s Armor Aluminum, feels solid and cool to the touch. At 7.9 mm thick and 190 grams, the phone is balanced enough to carry around without feeling either chunky or flimsy. It has IP68 protection, which adds confidence for day-to-day use. Drops from waist height weren’t a problem. In hand, the S25 FE feels reliable, practical, and premium in the right places.
Display
Samsung’s display reputation is strong, and the S25 FE benefits from that legacy. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is colorful and bright, hitting up to 1900 nits outdoors. Watching HDR content is enjoyable, and even on bright afternoons, the screen remains visible without forcing your eyes to strain.
This is a Full HD+ panel and it is more than capable with vivid colors and smooth 120 Hz refresh that keep everything looking sharp. Always-On Display works here too, though in a simpler format. For everyday use, it’s a dependable screen that most people will enjoy.
Software
If there’s one area where the Galaxy S25 FE doesn’t feel like a cut-down version, it’s software. Running One UI 8 on Android 16, it ships with Samsung’s promise of seven years of OS and security updates — longevity that beats most rivals outright.
This version of One UI carries forward the major design overhaul from One UI 7 and adds polish. Widgets are more interactive, the quick panel layout is simplified, and Samsung’s system apps like Gallery, Notes, Health, and Wallet continue to feel more refined than their Google equivalents.
Galaxy AI, meanwhile, brings in practical additions. Circle to Search now works with music recognition, Generative Edit and Sketch to Image give you flexible photo tools, and Now Brief delivers summaries and daily suggestions right on the lock screen. I found the AI keyboard handy for rewriting messages in different tones, though not every feature feels equally useful.
What stands out is the cohesion: Quick Share, Good Lock customization modules, and multi-control with Samsung tablets make the S25 FE feel like part of a larger, well-thought-out ecosystem. Performance
The Exynos 2400 powers the S25 FE, and in everyday use, it’s capable. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and animations run without stutter.
Gaming on the Galaxy S25 FE feels surprisingly solid for a phone that carries the “Fan Edition” tag. The Exynos 2400 chipset, paired with the AMD-backed Xclipse 940 GPU, delivers good results in popular titles. In my experience, Genshin Impact runs between 45–48 FPS on high settings, while BGMI stays close to 60 FPS at Smooth + Extreme. The larger vapor chamber helps the phone sustain performance during shorter bursts without getting uncomfortably hot, and visual quality remains consistent with no sudden stutters.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED panel adds to the immersion, showcasing rich colors and contrast that make gaming sessions enjoyable. Casual and mid-core titles run flawlessly, and even demanding games hold their ground for 15–20 minute sessions. For most players, the S25 FE’s performance will be more than satisfactory.
Samsung has tuned the stereo speakers on the S25 FE surprisingly well. Volume is loud without distortion, and the bass has enough weight to keep music and movies engaging. For a device in this price range, the audio experience feels dependable.
Haptics do the job reliably, giving you a decent amount of feedback when typing or navigating. They’re not the most refined in the market, but they’re consistent enough for regular use.
Cameras
The camera setup is familiar: a 50 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultra-wide, 8 MP telephoto, and a 12 MP selfie camera. It’s a system that works best in daylight.
The main sensor produces clean, detailed shots with natural colors. Dynamic range is wide, and most daylight images look balanced. In low light, the automatic night mode is useful enough, and manual night mode adds more detail when needed.
The ultra-wide and telephoto are more situational, delivering their best results in good light. Portrait mode is versatile with multiple focal lengths, and the selfie camera is consistent for social media and video calls. Video performance is dependable, with 8K30 on the main sensor and 4K on others.
Overall, the S25 FE’s cameras handle everyday needs well, and while they don’t aim for pro-level results, they’re strong enough for most users who rely on a mix of photos and videos.
Battery and charging
The Galaxy S25 FE carries a 4900mAh battery, an upgrade over last year’s FE. With standard usage, it comfortably lasts through a day, delivering 5–6 hours of screen-on time. Switch to Light performance profile, and it can stretch closer to seven hours, especially on Wi-Fi. Gaming naturally drains it faster, but not alarmingly so.
Charging speeds have improved. The 45W wired charging tops the phone in about 72 minutes, while wireless charging is limited to 15W and reverse wireless charging caps at 4.5W. These strike a balance between speed and long-term battery health.
Verdict
The Galaxy S25 FE refines Samsung’s Fan Edition formula without reinventing it. It delivers premium design, polished One UI 8 with Galaxy AI, and dependable day-to-day performance backed by long-term updates. Gaming is enjoyable for casual and mid-core players, while the cameras are reliable across most scenarios. The display, while not flagship-level, is bright and immersive enough for streaming and everyday use.
At under Rs 60,000, it makes sense for those tied to Samsung’s ecosystem or upgrading from older FEs. Rivals may push harder in specific areas, but the Galaxy S25 FE succeeds by focusing on balance, longevity, and an overall reliable experience.
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