Samsung Galaxy S25 FE S25 FE Jet Black 128GB

The S25 FE is the sensible flagship killer we've been waiting for. Killer screen, all-day battery, and a telephoto camera at a price that makes the Ultra look silly.

The Exynos 2400 here is a solid performer, landing in the 81st percentile of our database. It's not going to win any benchmark drag races against the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Ultra, but you'd be hard-pressed to notice in daily use. Apps open fast, the 120Hz screen keeps scrolling buttery smooth, and the improved cooling system means it doesn't turn into a hand warmer during a long gaming session. The real surprise is how well it handles Samsung's AI tricks. Generative Edit and Audio Eraser work without the painful lag you might expect from a 'budget' flagship.

The Pixel 10a is the obvious rival here, and it's a real fight. The Pixel takes cleaner, more contrasty photos and gets updates faster, but the S25 FE's screen is bigger and brighter, and the telephoto lens gives it a versatility Google can't match at this price. The OnePlus 15 is the other one to watch. It's faster and charges in a flash, but its camera processing is inconsistent and the software experience isn't as polished. For most people, the Samsung's balance of screen, camera, and build quality makes it the smarter all-rounder.

Pricing is all over the map right now, with a $374 spread across vendors from $548 to $922. At the low end, this phone is an absolute steal. You're getting a flagship-grade display, great cameras, and a premium build for less than a Pixel 10a. At the high end, you're creeping into proper flagship territory, and the value proposition gets shaky. Hunt for a deal closer to that $550 mark and you'll feel like you got away with something.

The Galaxy S25 FE is Samsung doing what it does best: taking the stuff people actually care about from the flagship line and putting it in a phone that doesn't require a small loan. You get a gorgeous 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, a battery that genuinely lasts all day, and a camera system that punches way above its price tag. The Exynos 2400 isn't the absolute fastest chip on the block, but for 99% of what you'll do, it's smooth sailing. If you want 90% of the S25+ experience for way less cash, this is your phone.

If you're a spec hound who needs the absolute fastest processor and the highest benchmark scores, this isn't it. The Exynos 2400 is great, but it's not top-tier. Go grab a OnePlus 15 or save up for the S25 Ultra if you need every last drop of power. Also, if you refuse to live without expandable storage, look elsewhere because that ship has sailed.

The Galaxy S25 FE is the phone to buy if you want a big, beautiful screen and a reliable camera without paying flagship money. It nails the fundamentals and throws in just enough AI tricks to feel current. The lack of a charger and SD card slot are annoying, but not dealbreakers when the core experience is this good. Find it for under $600 and buy it without hesitation.