Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Review

Samsung recently passed me their newly launched Samsung Galaxy S25 FE to review, and to do it justice, I brought it around with me to various events and product launches – a typical couple of weeks in the life of a journalist in Malaysia – using it to shoot photos for my editorial here and on my social media pages (you can find me on FB, IG and TT @timchew1311).

I ditched my DSLR and system cameras years ago, after the quality of phone cameras improved to the point where I felt they were good enough to be used in editorial on this site. Also, the advent of smartphones auto-enhancing my photos was also a major factor of me ditching my cameras, as it saved a lot of time used to post-edit photos. (Of course, for paid content creation jobs for my social media agency MHB Digital http://mhb-digital.com, we would have our principal photographer Andy Kho shoot with his DSLR.)

Before we proceed any further, I must state here that I was not paid by Samsung to say good things about their latest smartphone. As a Christian, my beliefs and values won’t allow me to oversell or promote a product that is inferior or low-quality, and I will never accept payment to undertake such unethical actions. My opinion is based on my real-life use of the phone for work and some play. Also, all photos are straight from the phone and unedited (not edited with Lightroom, etc. etc. like some tech “influencers” do, which to me is highly dishonest) unless stated otherwise. Any post-editing that I did was very mild and was done using the phone’s own native photo/ gallery editor.

The device features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate that delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and fluid motion whether viewing photos, streaming videos, or just scrolling through apps. The high refresh rate means animations and transitions feel responsive and quick, enhancing the overall user interface experience.

For content creators or avid media consumers, the large and sharp screen is perfect for reviewing photos or watching high-definition videos without straining your eyes. Samsung’s Vision Booster technology also optimises brightness and colour based on your environment, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight—a handy feature if you often take your phone outdoors for photography or entertainment.

My review unit featured 8GB of RAM paired with 256GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for multitasking, casual gaming (F1 Clash worked fine even on the highest graphics settings), editing photos, and storing a decent library of media. For users with more demanding storage needs, Samsung offers a 512GB variant, giving ample room for large apps, video projects, or extensive photo collections. The Exynos 2400 chipset under the hood delivers efficient and smooth performance whether switching between apps, streaming, gaming, or using AI-powered camera features.

Powering the phone is a 4,900mAh battery that comfortably supports a full day of moderate to heavy use. Fast wired charging at 45W via USB-C means you can quickly top up the battery in as little as 30 minutes to about 65%, making it practical for users constantly on the go who don’t want to be tethered to a charger for long periods. For those preferring cable-free convenience, the S25 FE also supports wireless charging and Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare, allowing the phone to share battery power wirelessly with compatible devices like Galaxy Buds or even other phones.

One of the biggest selling points of the Galaxy S25 FE is Samsung’s commitment to seven years of Android OS upgrades and security patches. This exceptional level of software support (many brands only offer 5 years of updates) ensures that your device remains secure, updated with the latest features, and compatible with new apps and services for many years—something that’s especially valuable for users looking to maximise their device’s lifespan beyond typical two or three-year hardware upgrade cycles, or those like me who pass it on to my family members when I upgrade to a newer phone.

Camera Setup and Real-World Performance

A shot of the bustling Jalan Bukit Bintang using the Night mode

The Galaxy S25 FE’s camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. While these specs aren’t quite as advanced as Samsung’s flagship Ultra model or even the S25+, the camera system holds its own in various lighting conditions and photographic scenarios—adequate for an entry-level flagship.

Night photography has been a highlight during my testing. Thanks to Samsung’s proprietary Quality Optimisation engine, the phone intelligently improves image quality by maximising details and minimising noise in darker environments. Paired with the Scene Optimiser, which automatically adjusts colours, brightness, and contrast, night shots and dimly lit scenes come out clearer and more vibrant than you’d expect at this price point. Food photography, which often suffers in poor lighting, surprisingly looks appetising with rich colours and balanced exposure, although I did use a video light as I always do when shooting food. View more photo examples right at the bottom of this feature.

The 12MP front camera is a noticeable upgrade for selfies, featuring autofocus and an AI-powered ProVisual Engine. Selfies come out with crisp focus and reduced noise, even in low-light settings, making it a versatile tool for social media enthusiasts and vloggers.

Generative AI Enhancing Photography

What really gives the Galaxy S25 FE an advantage in photography are the AI-powered creative tools baked into the camera system. Samsung’s Generative Edit feature is a huge time-saver, automatically detecting unwanted people or objects in the background and suggesting their removal. This feature works seamlessly, eliminating distractions from photos without needing complicated editing software. It’s a practical tool that saves hours of post-processing and makes it easier to get polished shots right from the camera app. I, for one, really hate fully AI-generated images. However, Samsung’s AI erase and Generative Edit feature is incredibly useful – removing unwanted people and objects and replacing them with realistically generated content. As much as possible, I will try not to have a dirty background. However, there are situations where I simply cannot do anything about people or objects in the background. This, for me, is a real game-changer and a feature that I really like!

Other AI innovations include Instant Slow-mo, which allows users to capture slow-motion video with a single tap for dramatic effects, and Audio Eraser, which isolates and reduces unwanted background noise in videos, such as ambient chatter or wind. Auto Trim intelligently selects the best parts of your video clips to streamline editing, empowering creators to produce engaging content with minimal effort.

Below are videos of me trying the Audio Eraser. The first video is straight out of the phone, the second had Audio Eraser applied to reduce the ambient noise.

Video performance on the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is generally acceptable, though I found that keeping the zoom level below 2x results in noticeably better quality. When recording video and zooming beyond 2x, the phone switches from the 50MP main sensor to the 12MP telephoto camera, which introduces a visible difference in image clarity and detail. Additionally, zoom transitions during recording could benefit from smoother rendering. While the HDR performance in a recent recording of a Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra concert (below) at Dewan Philharmonik PETRONAS was serviceable, it lacked the dynamic range and tonal balance found on higher-tier models. However, considering the S25 FE’s position as an entry-level flagship, these limitations are understandable and do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The main camera’s optical image stabilisation (OIS) provided effective stabilisation for handheld video capture without requiring external gimbal support, delivering steady and usable footage in most situations.

Samsung also introduces Gemini Live—a next-generation interactive AI companion integrated with the camera. Gemini Live combines voice, touch, and visual inputs to create natural, multimodal conversations. You can ask the AI contextual questions or get creative assistance as you shoot or edit. For example, point the camera at different outfits and ask Gemini which one’s better suited for a trip based on weather forecasts—Gemini offers real-time advice. This blend of AI and mobile technology reflects Samsung’s vision of natural and intuitive device-user interactions, designed to save time and make everyday tasks easier.

In terms of build quality, the Galaxy S25 FE features Samsung’s enhanced Armor Aluminum frame, which is not only lighter and thinner than before but also more durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear. This means you get a premium feel without sacrificing reliability or sturdiness.

Thermal management has been improved with a vapor chamber that is over 10% larger than previous models, combined with liquid thermal interface materials. These technologies help dissipate heat efficiently, reducing the risk of overheating during extended gaming sessions, video recording, or intense multitasking. The result is a phone that remains cool and responsive, protecting both performance and comfort during prolonged use.

The S25 FE supports 5G networks along with LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. An IP68 rating for water and dust resistance means the phone can withstand accidental splashes or brief submersion, adding peace of mind for everyday use.

Samsung’s One UI 8—based on Android 16—powers the software experience, bringing a clean, user-friendly interface with smart AI optimisations and privacy features. Alongside Knox Enhanced Encryption Protection, the phone ensures personal data stays secure and apps have controlled access to sensitive information.

For RM3,099 in Malaysia, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers a decent package for anyone seeking flagship-level essentials without the ultra-premium cost. It strikes a balance between a vibrant, high-refresh display; capable camera system bolstered by powerful generative AI tools; battery longevity; and a durable, sleek design supported by long-term software updates.

Whether you’re a casual photographer, avid social media user, or someone ready to upgrade from mid-range devices, the Galaxy S25 FE empowers creativity and productivity through thoughtful hardware and intelligent software. Its AI-driven tools like background removal and Gemini Live add real-world value by simplifying complex edits and enhancing interaction.

Overall, my experience with the S25 FE has been very positive—it’s a dependable, versatile companion for creative expression and everyday use.