Samsung SM-S731W Review

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE costs $1257 but performs like a $600 phone, landing in the 40th percentile. Its only strong suit is 5G connectivity. Skip this one and buy a competitor that actually delivers for the price.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a confusing phone. It's priced like a flagship at $1257, but its performance lands in the 40th percentile. That means it's slower than most phones in its category. The 128GB storage is also a bit tight for a phone at this price point, especially when you consider the camera and display scores aren't exactly top-tier either.

On the plus side, its 5G connectivity is solid, sitting in the 83rd percentile. So if you're in a good coverage area, you'll get fast data speeds. But that's about where the standout features end. For a phone with 'Fan Edition' in the name, it doesn't feel like it's delivering exceptional value for the fans.

Let's talk numbers. This phone's overall performance score is in the 40th percentile. In plain English, it's slower than 60% of the phones we track. That's not what you'd expect for over twelve hundred dollars. The battery and build quality are both hovering around the 40th-42nd percentile mark, which is just okay. Nothing to write home about, and definitely not flagship-level endurance or feel.

The value proposition here is tough. At $1257, you're in flagship territory. But this phone performs like a mid-ranger. You're paying a premium for the Samsung brand and 5G connectivity, but you're making big compromises on performance, display, and features. There are simply better-performing phones at this price, and much better-value phones if you drop down a few hundred dollars.

Look at the competition. The Google Pixel 10 at a similar price will almost certainly crush it in camera performance and software smoothness. The OnePlus 15 will likely offer better performance and faster charging for less money. Even the base model Apple iPhone 16e, while more expensive, will have a more polished ecosystem and likely better long-term support. The S25 FE's main advantage over something like a Motorola Moto G is the 5G radio and Samsung's UI, but you're paying over twice the price for that privilege.

Anyone looking for flagship performance should skip this. If you're spending over $1200, you should be in the 80th percentile or higher for performance and features. This phone sits in the 40th. Also, avoid it if you care about having the latest bells and whistles—its 'feature' score is an abysmal 4th percentile. It's a basic phone with a premium price tag.

We can't recommend the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE at its $1257 price tag. The data is clear: its performance is mid-pack, its features are nearly non-existent, and its display and camera scores don't justify the cost. Unless you find it for a deep, deep discount (think mid-range phone prices), your money is better spent on a Google Pixel, a OnePlus device, or even last year's flagship Samsung that will outperform this 'Fan Edition' model.