Samsung’s Fan Edition phones have always been that sweet middle ground, premium enough to feel like a flagship, but far easier on the wallet. The Galaxy S24 FE carried that reputation well, and now the Galaxy S25 FE is here. It brings a slimmer frame, faster charging, better selfies, and a few AI extras.
But here’s the real question: if you already own the S24 FE, should you spend $650+ to upgrade? Or is last year’s model still the smarter pick? Let’s break it down.
Galaxy S25 FE vs S24 FE: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Weight/Design | Slimmer, lighter body: 190 g | Bulkier: 213 g |
| Processor | Exynos 2400 | Exynos 2400e |
| RAM | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP | 10 MP |
| Display | 6.7” AMOLED, 60/120Hz | 6.7” AMOLED, 60/120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | ~1900 nits | 1900 nits |
| Wired Charging | 45W | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | 25W | 15W |
What’s New in the Galaxy S25 FE
At first glance, the S25 FE looks a lot like the S24 FE. But the changes become clear once you use it:
- Slimmer and lighter build: Thickness drops to 7.4 mm (from 8 mm), and weight trims down to 190 g (from 213 g). That 23 g difference genuinely makes it feel easier to hold for long scrolling sessions or binge-watching.
- Bigger battery + faster charging: The S25 FE packs a 4,900 mAh cell vs. 4,700 mAh before. More importantly, wired charging jumps to 45W—65% in 30 minutes instead of ~50%. Wireless charging also climbs to 25W in select regions.
- Performance leap: Out goes the cut-down Exynos 2400e; in comes the full Exynos 2400 with a 13% larger vapor chamber and better thermals. Early impressions show smoother gaming with fewer drops.
- Front camera upgrade: A 12MP selfie shooter with autofocus replaces the 10MP fixed-focus. It’s not a game-changer, but video calls and low-light selfies look noticeably sharper.
- Software + AI features: Launches with Android 16 + One UI 8, promising seven years of updates through 2032. You also get Samsung’s full Galaxy AI suite: Circle to Search, Generative Edit, Instant Slow-Mo, Sketch to Image, upgraded Audio Eraser, and more.
- Fresh colors: Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, and White. Icyblue feels especially modern compared to last year’s muted shades.
Where It Feels the Same
Despite the polish, the S25 FE is still very much an S24 FE with tweaks. The display is identical: a 6.7-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh and ~1900 nits brightness. It’s not LTPO, so no adaptive refresh like the S25 flagships. Biometrics, frame materials, water resistance – all unchanged. The rear cameras, as mentioned, are identical. And RAM stays at 8GB across the board.
In short, if you strip away the battery, charging, and weight differences, you’re holding a phone that feels awfully familiar.
My Take: Should You Upgrade?
If you already own the Galaxy S24 FE, upgrading to the S25 FE doesn’t make much sense. The slight improvements in battery and charging speeds are real, but they’re not worth spending another $650 for such small tweaks. Your S24 FE still has years of updates ahead, solid cameras, and reliable performance.
But if you’re coming from an older phone, say a Galaxy S21 FE or even a midrange A-series, the S25 FE is the clear pick over the S24 FE. It’s the same price, but you get faster charging, longer software support, AI features, a lighter design, and slightly better selfies. Even if the S24 FE drops in price, the extra year of updates alone makes the S25 FE more future-proof.
One last thought: if you’re truly craving a big leap, consider skipping the FE lineup altogether and grabbing the regular Galaxy S25 (or S25 Plus). They cost a bit more but deliver Snapdragon power and upgraded cameras, an upgrade you’ll actually feel.
So here’s my verdict: keep your S24 FE if you own it, and buy the S25 FE if you’re choosing between the two.
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