Samsung's $650 Galaxy S25 FE offers many of the same features as the $800 Galaxy S25, but with noticeable changes to help the phone reach that lower price. Since the S25 FE's size skews closely to the $1,000 Galaxy S25 Plus, it could be a particularly tempting choice for someone eyeing that larger screen but can live without the fastest processor or the brightest possible screen.
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However, if you're considering the FE model, it's important to know what niceties you're skipping to ensure it's the right choice for you. For some people, it will absolutely be worth the extra $150 to get an S25 model equipped with the latest Snapdragon processor and better cameras. You may even be better off waiting if you like the newest technology, as we expect Samsung to announce its Galaxy S26 line early next year.
Let's go over the most noticeable differences between the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy S25. You can use that information, along with our specs chart, to help decide if the cutbacks are worth it.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 (right) pictured with the Galaxy S25 Plus. James Martin/CNET
Design
The Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy S25's most noticeable difference is in their design size, with the former having similar dimensions to the Galaxy S25 Plus. The S25 FE has a 6.7-inch display, whereas the Galaxy S25 has a smaller 6.2-inch display. Both phone displays show content at a 1,080p resolution and have a 120Hz refresh rate.
If you regularly use your phone in direct sunlight, the S25's 2,600-nit peak brightness will serve you better than the S25 FE's 1,900-nit peak brightness. However, the cheaper phone's screen should remain visible in those environments even at the lower maximum brightness level.
Owing to its smaller dimensions, the S25 is lighter than the S25 FE, coming in at 162 grams (5.71 oz) versus 190 g (6.7 oz). Both phones have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. They also have under-display fingerprint sensors, although the S25 has a faster-reading ultrasonic sensor versus the optical one on the S25 FE.
The cameras look identical on the Galaxy S25 (seen here) and the Galaxy S25 FE. The main difference is its telephoto camera, which as a 10-megapixel sensor on the S25 and an 8-megapixel sensor on the FE. James Martin/CNET
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