Taeki Chan Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition) is here, launched on September 4, 2025. It’s pitched as the affordable Galaxy S25 sibling—but after a week of real-world use, it’s clear this isn’t a compromise device. With Galaxy AI, Gemini Live, and upgraded camera tricks like Nightography, the S25 FE feels like the mid-range phone that wants to punch above its weight.
Design & Display
The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120 Hz refresh rate looks brilliant whether you’re scrolling through socials or watching Netflix. At 1,900 nits brightness, We had no trouble reading WhatsApp messages outdoors in midday sun. The Armor Aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance, and slim build give it a reassuringly premium feel—like a flagship dressed down just enough to be approachable.
Performance & Battery
The Exynos 2400 processor with 8 GB RAM breezed through multitasking, streaming, and casual gaming. We tested “Genshin Impact” with settings at high—frames stayed smooth without the device getting uncomfortably hot, thanks to its larger vapor chamber cooling.
Battery life is a highlight. The 4,900 mAh pack easily lasted me a full day: from morning emails to evening Youtube, with some photography in between. With 45W charging, We was back to 65% in around 30 minutes, which meant we never worried about leaving the house on a half-full battery.
Camera Experience
Rear Cameras
The triple system—50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto (3x zoom)—delivered consistent results. At the park, ultrawide landscapes captured every detail of the sunset sky, while zooming in on architecture held sharpness without overdoing contrast. Video recording in Super HDR produced smoother highlights, especially when shooting traffic against evening skies.
Nightography in Action
We tested Nightography on a street in Kuala Lumpur at 10pm. The usual haze of neon lights and shadowy corners looked clearer and more balanced than on older FE models. Noise reduction was evident—the dark skies stayed clean without blotches. Even moving subjects, like passing cars, came through with less blur.
Selfie Camera
The 12MP front camera is easily one of the S25 FE’s hidden gems. At a café, selfies had accurate skin tones—not washed out, not overly smooth, just realistic textures. My freckles and hair details were well preserved, showing Samsung’s restraint from heavy-handed processing.
At night, we snapped a selfie outside Kwai Chai Hong under dim lanterns. Normally, this setting would kill selfie quality, but the S25 FE pulled off a bright, flattering shot with minimal noise, where faces stayed clear and the lantern glow added mood instead of blur.
Galaxy AI in Action
During daily use, Galaxy AI felt less like a novelty and more like a quiet helper:
- Now Brief: Every morning, it gathered my schedule, weather, and news headlines into a neat digest. No app juggling needed.
- Browsing Assist: While reading a long article, we tapped the bar, and AI gave me a 3-line summary—great for when I didn’t want to scroll endlessly.
- Instant Slow-mo: We filmed pigeons taking flight, then slowed it down with AI. The wings fluttered smoothly, almost like it was shot natively in slo-mo.
- Audio Eraser: Recorded a voice memo at a crowded food court—background chatter was reduced, leaving my voice clean and clear.
- Auto Trim: Shot a 2-minute clip at the park; AI cut it into a neat 20-second highlight, perfect for Instagram.
- Reply Recommendation & Call Assist: While texting, AI suggested quick replies that actually sounded natural.
- Generative Edit & Photo Assist: At one of the Ipoh temple, we erased stray tourists from my shot. AI convincingly filled in the temple background without awkward patches.
Gemini Live & Circle to Search
Here’s where the S25 FE stands out in 2025. Gemini Live felt like having a tutor, travel guide, and assistant in my pocket.
- At a bookstore, we pointed the camera at a Japanese novel, and Gemini not only translated the title but also suggested related authors.
- While cooking, we showed it a pack of spices, and it suggested recipe ideas on the spot.
- During a walk, we scanned a flower with the camera; Gemini identified it and gave care tips in seconds.
Meanwhile, Circle to Search proved invaluable. we circled a café address inside a screenshot from Instagram, and Maps opened immediately with directions. This integration is smooth, fast, and practical—small touches that add up.
Verdict
What we loved most:
- The versatile selfie camera—sharp, natural, and reliable even at night.
- Nightography that makes low-light shots truly usable, not just passable.
- Galaxy AI tools that felt helpful day-to-day, especially Generative Edit, Best Face, and Audio Eraser.
- Gemini Live, which genuinely changes how you use your phone as a lens for the world.
- Solid design, all-day battery, and smooth performance.
The Galaxy S25 FE isn’t just “flagship lite.” It’s a thoughtfully balanced device that gives most people exactly what they need—future-ready AI, reliable cameras, and a polished experience at a more approachable price.
