Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review: The almost-flagship that gets most things right

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S25 FE, a model designed to appeal to a broad audience by offering the high-end aesthetics and features of the S25 series in a more accessible form. At first sight, the phone presents a familiar yet sleeker design, with a lightweight frame that fits comfortably in the hand. Its matte finish exudes a sense of sophistication that feels deliberate rather than a cost-cutting measure. The Navy color option tested stands out as one of Samsung’s most attractive finishes in recent memory. The rear of the device is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, which is resilient but not impervious—fine scratches appeared within days, suggesting that users may want to consider a case. The Armour Aluminium frame adds strength while maintaining comfort, and the IP68 rating allows it to withstand dust and splashes effortlessly. On the display front, the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen meets expectations with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. However, it's worth noting that the absence of a screen protector is a letdown, as minor scuffs can emerge quickly. Under the hood, the Galaxy S25 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. This setup delivers a smooth user experience, with quick app launches and seamless multitasking. Nonetheless, it does struggle with heat management; prolonged use, especially during gaming or heavy app usage, can cause noticeable warmth around the device. Games like BGMI can run at 90fps, but extended sessions may lead to overheating. Samsung’s One UI 8.0, based on Android 16, is well-optimized, featuring useful Galaxy AI tools like Circle to Search and Generative Edit that enhance usability rather than just serving as gimmicks. The promise of seven years of software updates adds significant value, ensuring that this phone will remain reliable for years to come. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple rear camera setup, which includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The main camera excels in capturing sharp, well-balanced images with impressive HDR capabilities. While the ultra-wide lens may produce noisier images, it remains functional, and the telephoto performs admirably in bright conditions. The upgraded 12MP selfie camera produces natural and well-lit portraits. Battery performance is another highlight, with a robust 4900mAh cell that comfortably lasts a full day and often beyond. Charging options include 45W wired and 15W wireless, although a charger is not included in the box. With the right adapter, users can achieve a 65% charge in around 30 minutes. Priced at Rs 59,999, the Galaxy S25 FE delivers a robust flagship experience without the premium price tag. While it excels in key areas such as display quality, camera performance, reliable software, and solid build, minor issues like heating and durability quirks prevent it from being flawless. Nevertheless, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade or step into the S-series for the first time, offering a balanced blend of features without overextending itself.