Samsung Galaxy S25 FE vs S24 FE: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Samsung’s “Fan Edition” (FE) lineup has carved a niche for those who want flagship-like features without the premium Galaxy S Ultra price tag. Every year, Samsung tweaks this formula—balancing cost, performance, and user-centric features. With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, a natural question arises: is it worth upgrading from the Galaxy S24 FE, or should you hold onto your current phone and wait? Let’s take a closer look.
Design and Display: Subtle Yet Impactful Refinements
At first glance, both the S24 FE and S25 FE look similar, featuring Samsung’s recognizable design language and the same 6.7-inch AMOLED 2X display with a buttery-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate.
Where the S25 FE shines is brightness and durability. Samsung boosted the peak brightness to nearly 1,900 nits, making it easier to use in bright outdoor conditions. The display also comes protected with Gorilla Glass Victus+, ensuring better resistance against scratches and drops.
The S25 FE has also shed some weight. At 190 grams and just 7.4 mm thick, it’s slimmer and lighter compared to the 213-gram, 8 mm S24 FE. The difference may seem minor on paper, but it improves in-hand comfort for daily use.
Performance: A More Capable Powerhouse
Under the hood lies one of the most critical changes. The Galaxy S24 FE shipped with the Exynos 2400e, a solid but efficiency-focused processor. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 FE comes with the full-fledged Exynos 2400, bringing a clear edge in raw performance.
For heavy multitaskers, gamers, or professionals who push their phones with demanding apps, this means smoother gameplay, faster app launches, and better thermal handling thanks to Samsung’s redesigned cooling system with a larger vapor chamber.
Camera System: Familiar Setup, Smarter Improvements
Samsung has kept the rear camera setup largely unchanged—featuring a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3× optical zoom. The improvements, however, are noticeable on the front camera.
The S24 FE had a 10 MP selfie camera. The S25 FE upgrades this to 12 MP, supporting sharper selfies and even 8K video recording at 30 fps. Combined with AI-driven enhancements, users can expect better dynamic range and more natural skin tones—an important upgrade for content creators and social media enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging: Faster, Smarter, Longer
Both models feature strong batteries, but the S25 FE steps ahead with a 4,900 mAh cell versus the 4,700 mAh on the S24 FE. The bigger leap, however, is in charging speed.
- Galaxy S24 FE: 25 W wired charging + 15 W wireless
- Galaxy S25 FE: 45 W wired charging + Qi2 wireless support
In practical terms, the S25 FE can charge to around 65% in just 30 minutes, making it far more convenient for users who are constantly on the go.
Software Longevity: A Future-Proof Advantage
Software support often decides the real lifespan of a smartphone. The Galaxy S24 FE shipped with Android 14 and is promised four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches.
The S25 FE, however, starts with Android 16 (One UI 8) and will enjoy seven years of major updates and security support. This makes it a significantly more future-proof investment, appealing to those who prefer holding onto their phones for several years.
Thermals and Durability: Built for Sustained Performance
Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. But the S25 FE’s redesigned cooling system with a larger vapor chamber and a new liquid thermal interface gives it a clear advantage. For power users, this ensures less throttling during extended gaming or video editing sessions.
Price and Value: Balancing Your Priorities
Price may be the ultimate deciding factor. At launch, the Galaxy S25 FE costs around ₹57,290 in India, while the Galaxy S24 FE has dropped to roughly ₹45,999 after the new release.
This creates a tough choice:
- If you’re budget-conscious, the S24 FE delivers excellent performance at a discounted rate.
- If you want future-proof features, faster charging, and improved performance, the S25 FE justifies its higher price.
Who Should Upgrade?
- Power Users: Upgrade to the S25 FE. The full Exynos 2400 and new thermal system give you smoother, longer-lasting performance.
- Content Creators & Selfie Lovers: The improved 12 MP front camera with 8K video is a game-changer.
- Long-Term Owners: Seven years of updates make the S25 FE one of the most future-proof phones in its price segment.
- Budget Buyers: Stick with the S24 FE. Its price drop makes it a compelling deal for those who don’t need the absolute latest.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is more than just a small upgrade. With its brighter and lighter design, stronger processor, upgraded selfie camera, faster charging, and industry-leading seven years of software support, it feels like a polished and forward-looking device.
That said, the Galaxy S24 FE remains an excellent option, especially at its reduced price. If you already own one and are satisfied, there’s no urgent need to switch. But if you’re buying new—or demand the very best Samsung’s FE lineup offers—the S25 FE is absolutely worth it.
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