Galaxy S26 FE draws attention with its newer processor and software. However, Galaxy S25 FE; It is still nearby with its screen, camera options and charging features. When deciding between the two, the real issue is how much more you’ll pay for the new model and what that difference will get you.
Samsung’s FE phones have long been an important option for those who want the features of the Galaxy S series at a more affordable budget. However, when the new model goes on sale, the previous generation does not suddenly lose its appeal. Especially when discounts come into play, it becomes difficult to decide between the previous year’s phone and the new model.
The situation between Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy S25 FE is similar to this. The S26 FE has an Exynos 2500 processor and newer software, but the screen size, camera resolutions and battery capacity remain unchanged. So when you choose the newer model, you don’t get more in every area.
If you use the phone mostly for messaging, social media, taking photos and watching videos, do not leave the S25 FE off your list. If you care more about games, content creation and using the phone for many years, it is worth taking a closer look at what the S26 FE offers. Moreover, a detail that does not come to mind at first glance, such as file transfer via cable, can also affect the choice.
Is it necessary to switch to S26 FE for screen and design?
The first thing that stands out when evaluating the two phones side by side is how many common features they offer. According to Samsung’s S26 FE and S25 FE specifications, both have a 6.7-inch, FHD + resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Refresh rate up to 120 Hz is also one of the common features of the two models.
So you don’t have to choose the S26 FE to get a larger screen while browsing the web, scrolling social media feed or watching TV series. Of course, the same size and resolution does not mean that the panels offer the same image in all conditions. However, considering these features, the screen alone does not constitute a strong reason to pay extra for the new model.
There is a similar picture on the design side. The S25 FE weighs 190 grams, the S26 FE weighs 193 grams, and both are 7.4 mm thick. Although the new model is slightly longer and wider, these differences do not stand out as much as the processor or price in the purchasing decision.
Key features side by side
| Feature | Galaxy S26 FE | Galaxy S25 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Exynos 2500, 3nm | Exynos 2400, 4nm |
| Screen | 6.7 inches, 2340 × 1080, 120 Hz | 6.7 inches, 2340 × 1080, 120 Hz |
| Memory and storage compared | 8GB RAM, 256GB | 8GB RAM, 256GB |
| rear cameras | 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 8 MP telephoto | 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 8 MP telephoto |
| optical zoom | 3 layers | 3 layers |
| front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| battery and charger | 4.900 mAh, 45 W wired, 15 W wireless | 4.900 mAh, 45 W wired, 15 W wireless |
| Dimensions | 161.6×76.9×7.4mm | 161.3×76.6×7.4mm |
| Weight | 193 grams | 190 grams |
| Software out of the box | Android 17, One UI 9 | Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Update commit | 7 generation operating system, 7 years of security | 7 generation operating system, 7 years of security |
| USB data standard | USB 2.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
For whom is the new processor important?
The most obvious hardware change in the S26 FE is the Exynos 2500 processor. While the S25 FE has Exynos 2400, the production process moves from 4 nm to 3 nm with the new model. This is one of the first differences that those who use the phone extensively and especially those who play games will notice.
However, just because the processor is newer does not mean that you will feel the same difference in every application. Messaging on WhatsApp, reading e-mails or watching videos on YouTube and playing games for a long time demand different things from the phone. Therefore, if your use consists mainly of daily applications, you can give more weight to the price advantage of the S25 FE when making your decision.
If you play games or edit videos on the phone frequently, the new processor of the S26 FE may interest you more. However, cross-testing is required to see how well the frame rate is maintained and how hot the body gets during long gaming sessions. Since this file does not contain a test that measures two phones under the same conditions, it does not give a specific performance percentage or temperature difference.
Cameras are similar, video tools are different
Both phones have a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and an 8-megapixel telephoto camera. The telephoto camera offers 3x optical zoom on both models. On the front, there is also a 12 megapixel camera.
The S25 FE has a significant advantage here: You don’t have to give up a separate telephoto camera if you can get it at a more affordable price. When you step up to the S26 FE, you don’t get a longer optical zoom or a higher resolution telephoto camera. However, it is important to remember that the same megapixel values do not mean the same photo quality.
The new processor and image processing software can affect many points, from the colors of the photo to the clarity of moving objects. Night shots, skin colors and scenes forced by light provide more meaningful examples to see the real differences between the two models. Therefore, if you are thinking of switching from the S25 FE simply with the expectation of better photos, it is worth looking at samples taken in the same scenes.
In the introduction of the S26 FE, Samsung highlights tools such as following the selected person with My FanCam, re-framing the video and helping to keep the horizon line stable. These features may be useful, especially if you frequently shoot videos at events, travel, or for social media. On the other hand, if you occasionally take photos and mostly make video calls, the price difference may be more decisive in your decision.
No major change in battery and charging
Samsung uses a 4,900 mAh typical capacity battery in both phones. 45 W wired and 15 W wireless charging support is also maintained. So you don’t have to go for the S26 FE for a larger battery or higher charging power.
Samsung’s Türkiye product pages include up to 28 hours of video playback time for the S25 FE and 29 hours for the S26 FE. These are the manufacturer’s values under test conditions; It does not mean that you will definitely get an hour more screen time in daily use. Mobile network, brightness, gaming and camera use can change how long the battery lasts.
Here, what you expect from your current phone becomes important. If your S25 FE doesn’t let you down during the day, upgrading just for the battery doesn’t seem appealing. When buying a new phone, it would be better to evaluate the battery difference between the two devices directly through tests conducted under the same conditions.
Is there a year’s equivalent in software support?
The S26 FE was launched with One UI 9 based on Android 17, while the S25 FE was launched with Android 16 and One UI 8. Samsung is promising seven generations of operating system upgrades and seven years of security updates for both models. The arrival of the S26 FE a year later also extends the support schedule by approximately a year.
This detail may be important if you plan to use the phone for four, five years or longer. However, please note that the update period does not restart on the date of purchase. When you buy an S25 FE today, you benefit from the remaining support calendar that has been running since launch.
On the other hand, Galaxy AI features should not be evaluated as if they only belong to the new model. The S25 FE also offers various AI tools that help with photo editing and daily tasks. If your reason for purchasing is a specific feature, you can also check which model, which software version and in Türkiye that feature is available.
An overlooked advantage of the S25 FE: USB connection
If you frequently transfer files to your computer via cable, do not ignore the USB difference between the two models. Samsung’s technical tables for Türkiye include USB 3.2 Gen 1 for the S25 FE and USB 2.0 for the S26 FE. Just because both ports are USB Type-C does not mean that the data transfer standard is the same.
The connection standard of the S25 FE is especially advantageous for those who transfer long videos and large photo archives to their computers. Since the actual transfer time varies depending on the cable, computer and the structure of the files, it is not possible to give a measured time here. If you mostly share your files wirelessly, this difference may be more in the background.
Which options should you look at on Amazon and which one should you buy?
To make a comparison based on the same capacity, you can look at options with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. When purchasing, check the product model, storage capacity and current price of the selected offer.
Seller and shipper information on Amazon may vary depending on the selected offer. It is useful to check these areas separately when purchasing.
If you’re buying a new phone for daily use and there’s a significant price difference, the S25 FE is still a logical choice. You can get a similar size screen, 3x optical zoom, and the same charging power for a lower budget. It is important that the difference you pay for the new model does not go to features that do not correspond to your use.
If prices are converging, the S26 FE’s newer processor and later software support may change the choice. The new model deserves more attention, especially if you plan to use the phone for a long time and benefit from video tools. If file transfer via cable is important to you, factor in the S25 FE’s USB advantage.
If you are already using the S25 FE, you can be more selective about switching. A larger screen, higher capacity battery or longer optical zoom is not waiting for you. If your phone meets your needs, it seems more logical to continue using it, and consider switching to the S26 FE with a feature you really need or a suitable exchange opportunity.