Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy Buds3 FE: Finally Worth It Two Months After Launch

Every year there’s the same discussion: Is the FE line of the Galaxy S devices and Galaxy Buds even worth it? The main argument is usually that they’re too expensive compared to the regular models, which have been on the market longer and have already dropped in price. I agree with that. But two months after the launch of the Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy Buds3 FE, things look very different.

Why the price works now

The Galaxy S25 FE is now available from €470 to €500. That’s €250 to €300 cheaper than the Galaxy S25 Plus, which is the one you have to compare it with because of the display and battery size. The Galaxy Buds3 FE now cost only half as much as the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. With that price difference, both devices can be a really good choice in their price range.

Galaxy S25 FE: design and display

The FE model has never been this close to the regular S models. I still remember the S21 FE as a plastic brick. The S25 FE is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, even though it has a battery that’s 200 mAh bigger. It feels very comfortable in the hand despite its size.

• The matte glass back and aluminum frame look high-end. On the regular S25 models, I like it better that the frame is the same color as the back.
• The display is a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED with Full HD+ resolution and fairly thin bezels.
• The bottom bezel is still a bit thicker, even if it’s less pronounced than on the predecessors. I think Samsung built that in on purpose as an upselling argument. If you want even bezels, you have to go for the S25 or S25 Plus.
• Instead of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, there’s an optical one. It’s fast and reliable.

Performance and software

The S25 FE has the Exynos 2400, which was already in the S24 series. It’s not the fastest processor on the market, but it runs all the current AI features and keeps the device fast, smooth and reliable. One small objection: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 came out two months before the S25 FE and has the newer Exynos 2500. I would have liked that in the S25 FE too. Samsung would have saved itself a lot of discussion.

On the software side, it runs One UI 8.0 based on Android 16. On my unit, the October security patch was installed at the beginning of November. In my view, One UI is one of the main arguments for not going with a Google Pixel or Xiaomi 15T in this price range, even though their cameras are better. With the S25 FE you buy into the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem: AI features in close cooperation with Google, plus tablets, smartwatches, smart rings, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and cordless vacuums, all connected and controllable.

Battery

The battery has 4,900 mAh. On mine, it lasts 6.5 to 7 hours of screen-on time. If I’m away from Wi-Fi a lot, it’s sometimes 6 hours. With the camera running continuously and Google Maps in parallel, I end up at around 5.5 hours. That easily gets you through a day, and on normal days even a day and a half.

Camera

The camera hasn’t changed dramatically compared to the predecessor. It’s not as well equipped as the one on the S25 or S25 Plus, especially the telephoto lens.

	Galaxy S25 FE
Wide-angle	50 megapixels
Ultrawide	12 megapixels
Telephoto	8 megapixels, 3x optical zoom
Front camera	12 megapixels

The 3x optical zoom is still pretty okay. You can forget about the digital zoom entirely. The main camera, ultrawide, video recording and front camera, on the other hand, do a really good job.

The S25 FE is worth it for anyone who wants to save money, doesn’t insist on the latest processor, is happy with a solid camera, has no demands for zoom photos and wants the Samsung and Galaxy AI ecosystem.

Galaxy Buds3 FE: four reasons for them

I think the Galaxy Buds3 FE are a very successful Fan Edition:

1. They look really good in matte black, even better than the Buds3 Pro.
2. Like the Buds3 Pro, they have a very secure fit.
3. The sound is really good. With music or podcasts, there’s no big difference from the Buds3 Pro on first listen.
4. They now cost only half as much as the Buds3 Pro.

Galaxy Buds3 FE: three downsides

1. No decent ANC. It’s listed in the app, but whether ambient sound or noise cancellation is on makes hardly any difference. With ANC on, they even hiss. That’s okay for everyday use, but unusable on a plane.
2. Shorter battery life than the Buds3 Pro. Especially the charging case has to be charged very often. With the earbuds themselves, though, I get through a workday with music, phone calls and Instagram Reels.
3. No Galaxy AI translator mode like on the Buds3 Pro with near real-time translation. Not everyone needs that, though.

Verdict

If you can do without really good ANC and the Live Translator, the Galaxy Buds3 FE are a cheap alternative to Samsung’s premium buds. Whether it’s the Galaxy S25 FE or the Galaxy Buds3 FE: In my view, both are great if you can live with the downgrades mentioned.