Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Updated Sep 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Samsung Galaxy S25 is the better pick — it scores 72/100 to the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE's 68, leading on Chip and Memory. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE instead if power & battery and miscellaneous matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE are closely matched overall (within 4 points).
  • Samsung Galaxy S25 stands out on Chip Model: Snapdragon 8 Elite, Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB (50% more), Display Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
  • Samsung Galaxy S26 FE counters with Miscellaneous SAR (Head): 0.5 W/kg (56% less), Design & Weight Dimensions: 7.69 × 16.16 × 0.74 cm, Miscellaneous Operating system: Android 17.
  • Best value: Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (from $649) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE are closely matched
Samsung Galaxy S25
72
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
68
Where Samsung Galaxy S25 stands out
  • Chip Model: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB (50% more)
  • Display Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Where Samsung Galaxy S26 FE stands out
  • Miscellaneous SAR (Head): 0.5 W/kg (56% less)
  • Design & Weight Dimensions: 7.69 × 16.16 × 0.74 cm
  • Miscellaneous Operating system: Android 17

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Sep 2026.

Samsung Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a premium compact smartphone designed for users who want flagship-level performance in a pocket-friendly form factor. Built with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy processor and 12 GB of RAM, it delivers top-tier processing speeds within a highly lightweight 162-gram frame. It also features a bright 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display that supports variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz.

Best for One-handed phone usage and lightweight daily carryingBest for Outdoor mobile viewing under direct, bright sunlightBest for High-performance mobile gaming on a compact display panel
Pros
  • High-end processing performance driven by the custom Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy chipset
  • Highly portable, slim design measuring just 7.2 mm in thickness and weighing only 162 grams
  • Dynamic LTPO display with a high peak brightness of 2,600 nits for strong outdoor visibility
  • Generous 12 GB of RAM across all configurations to support efficient multitasking
Cons
  • Wired charging speeds are limited to 25W, which is slower than the 45W capability of the S25+ and Ultra
  • Lacks Ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity, which is reserved for the larger and more expensive models in the lineup
  • The entry-level storage option starts at 128 GB, whereas the step-up models start at 256 GB

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is a sub-flagship smartphone designed for users seeking premium features at a more accessible tier. Powered by the Samsung Exynos 2500 processor, the device comes equipped with a substantial 4900 mAh battery and support for 45W wired charging. It distinguishes itself by launching natively with Android 17 and One UI 9.0, while also supporting modern wireless standards like Qi2.

Best for All-day battery enduranceBest for Magnetic wireless charging via Qi2 accessoriesBest for High-speed home internet via Wi-Fi 7
Pros
  • Large 4900 mAh battery capacity matching the larger S26+ flagship
  • Fast 45W wired charging and modern Qi2 wireless charging support
  • Ships out of the box with the newer Android 17 operating system
Cons
  • Equipped with the older or lower-tier Exynos 2500 chipset rather than the Snapdragon 8 Elite or Exynos 2600
  • Slightly heavier footprint at 193 grams compared to the standard S26

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Samsung Galaxy S25

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Samsung Galaxy S252,193,701
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE2,119,022

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Samsung Galaxy S254,000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE4,900 mAh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

162 g193 g
Samsung Galaxy S25Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is 31 g (19%) heavier than Samsung Galaxy S25.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Samsung Galaxy S25 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Samsung Galaxy S25 rates higher at 79/100 versus 76/100 for Samsung Galaxy S26 FE — a 3-point lead. Samsung Galaxy S25 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 79/100 for Samsung Galaxy S25 and 76/100 for Samsung Galaxy S26 FE.
At launch, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE was the more affordable option ($649) versus Samsung Galaxy S25 ($800). Weigh that against the overall scores (79/100 vs 76/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
If you want the higher-rated smartphones option overall, Samsung Galaxy S25 (79/100) edges out Samsung Galaxy S26 FE (76/100). But if Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.

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