A complicated addition to the lineup

Samsung’s managed to confound me for the second straight 12 months. The Galaxy S25 FE occupies an odd spot within the firm’s smartphone lineup.

It’s not a straightforward machine to suggest on launch, but it’ll be a superb alternative for many individuals later within the 12 months.

The Galaxy S25 FE is a weird mixture of premium {hardware} and apparent compromises, wedging itself between the Galaxy A56 and the Galaxy S25+.

Samsung’s midrange lineup is already complicated sufficient, even with out the addition of the Galaxy S25 FE.

I battle to grasp who the machine targets and which want it fills within the market.

Is it for individuals who need the premium really feel of the Galaxy S25+ with out spending a couple of {dollars} extra? Is it for individuals who just like the Galaxy A56, however want a contact extra energy?

Neither one among these is sensible for most individuals. I could just like the Galaxy S25 FE, however Samsung makes it inconceivable to purchase one.

Specs that don’t belong on both aspect of the fence

The OnePlus 13R does it higher

Samsung powering the Galaxy S25 FE with an Exynos 2400 makes extra sense than I initially thought.

It’s already featured within the equally weird Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. And placing an Exynos 2500 chipset would increase the worth even additional.

Samsung is pushing Exynos chipsets wherever it will possibly, and it’s the equal of OnePlus placing a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 within the OnePlus 13R.

For all of the complaints I’ve had about Samsung this 12 months, I like the Galaxy A56.

Sadly for Samsung, the OnePlus 13R is a greater machine.

We are able to argue over software program, and I’ll concede that One UI remains to be higher than OxygenOS. Nonetheless, that’s the place the benefits cease.

I’ll take the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset over the Exynos 2400, and the OnePlus 13R options 12 or 16GB of RAM in comparison with 8GB within the Galaxy S25 FE.

The OnePlus 13R additionally encompasses a large 6,000mAh battery and 80W wired charging, figures Samsung can’t match.

The corporate talked about growing the battery measurement of the Galaxy S25 FE to 4,900mAh, however that appears insignificant by comparability.

In the event you’re a gamer or heavy consumer on a funds, the OnePlus 13R is your alternative.

Pricing makes the Galaxy S25 FE a tough alternative

Even if you happen to love Samsung, there are different choices

I discussed that the OnePlus 13R is cheaper than the Galaxy S25 FE, however I admit that OnePlus units aren’t for everybody.

Even Samsung’s lineup affords engaging options. The Galaxy S25+ is routinely on sale for $750 to $800, with service offers making these costs much more engaging.

It’s an objectively higher telephone than the Galaxy S25 FE, with extra energy and improved cameras.

It’s not truthful to check the preliminary MSRP of the Galaxy S25 FE to the worth of a telephone that’s been out for eight months, however sensible shopping for recommendation suggests individuals ought to take into account selecting up a Galaxy S25+.

There’s additionally a tool under the Galaxy S25 FE that is sensible — the Galaxy A56.

For all of the complaints I’ve had about Samsung this 12 months, I like the Galaxy A56. It’s a incredible mix of efficiency and worth, and relying on how you utilize your telephone, it’s a extra engaging deal than the Galaxy S25 FE.

Its Exynos 1580 chipset supplies easy efficiency, and the Galaxy A56 has a beautiful show.

I simply get two days of combined use from a single cost, and it has a premium really feel within the hand — all the things you’d need from the Galaxy S25 FE, however for $150 much less.

Galaxy AI isn’t prepared for prime time

Cease telling me it provides worth to telephones

I praised Google for its Gemini enhancements on the Pixel 10 collection. The corporate has modified its AI philosophy, so I now not have to determine which instruments to make use of to get the advantages.

Options like Magic Cue work within the background, and I like the extra passive method to AI. Extra importantly, it really works. Google really shipped the enhancements it promised.

Galaxy AI is in a a lot totally different state. I lately bought a demo of some new options on the Galaxy Tab S11 units with Galaxy AI, and sure, there are legitimately spectacular features that work nicely.

Nonetheless, these nonetheless aren’t explanation why you’d choose one up, and completely not a justification for charging extra for a tool.

Like final 12 months, Samsung’s presentation of the Galaxy S25 FE centered closely on its full suite of Galaxy AI capabilities. That’s incredible, however that shouldn’t be why the telephone prices $650.

Sure, it does embrace extra AI performance than the Galaxy A56, however I don’t discover the distinction.

Galaxy AI hasn’t confirmed its price in filling a task in my life, and till Samsung can display that, I’m not paying extra for it.

The Galaxy S25 FE is a telephone and not using a residence

None of what I’m saying means the Galaxy S25 FE is a foul telephone. The Galaxy S24 FE was a superb machine, with easy efficiency and a beautiful show — I count on extra of the identical from the Galaxy S25 FE.

Nonetheless, there are higher choices that make extra sense for the cash, even in Samsung’s lineup.

Until you’re getting one on a incredible sale, Samsung makes it inconceivable to purchase the Galaxy S25 FE.