This week, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 FE, offering a more budget-friendly option in its flagship S-series lineup. Alongside this, they introduced the Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra tablets. Let’s dive into what these releases entail.
The Galaxy S25 FE is available now. There’s no pre-order phase; you can grab it right away with a free storage upgrade from 128GB to 256GB, plus a $100 Amazon Gift Card.
Just days ago, the previous model, the Galaxy S24 FE, dropped to $460 for the base model. Those deals are hard to find now, but they might return if stocks allow. Still, it raises the question: is the older model worth it anymore?
Samsung trimmed the weight of the S25 FE by 23g and made it slimmer by 0.6mm. They’ve also improved the battery capacity to 4,900mAh, up by 200mAh. Wired charging is faster too, now at 45W, which can charge the battery to 65% in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging speeds have also improved to 25W. The new device uses the regular Exynos 2400 chipset with enhanced clock speeds.
If you’re considering the S25+, it’s worth noting that there are no special deals on that model either. We can also compare it to the S25 Edge, which has a notable discount. The 12/256GB variant costs only $50 more than the S25 FE, or $150 more when including the gift card. The S25 Edge is thinner and lighter, weighing in at 163g and measuring 5.8mm. It has a slightly smaller 3,900mAh battery, but boasts a higher resolution 6.7” display. Instead of the Exynos 2400, it features the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a dual-camera setup that includes a powerful 200MP main lens.
If you’re looking for a more budget-oriented Samsung option, consider the Galaxy A56. It features a 6.7” 1080p+ OLED display, but its Exynos 1580 chipset lags behind the S25 FE’s capabilities. With a 5,000mAh battery supporting 45W wired charging (but no wireless), the A56 also comes with a lower price tag, even though the S25 FE with the gift card is just slightly more expensive.
Shifting gears, the OnePlus 13R has maintained its price at $500. It features last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a 6.78” LTPO display with high resolution. With a dedicated telephoto lens and a robust 6,000mAh battery, it’s another noteworthy option for potential buyers, even without wireless charging.
In the flip phone market, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE has seen prices as low as $700, though it’s back to MSRP now. This model continues to use the Exynos 2400 chipset and offers a compact design with a 6.7” 1080p+ LTPO OLED display. However, its 4,000mAh battery might raise concerns for long-term use, especially with relatively slower charging speeds.
On the other hand, the Motorola Razr 2025 is priced at $600 and stands out with a larger inner display, though it’s limited by the Dimensity 7400X chipset.
There’s also the Motorola Edge (2025), which is appealing for its 6.7” OLED display and dedicated telephoto camera. It houses a larger 5,200mAh battery that supports fast 68W wired charging, powered by the Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset.
When it comes to tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 has re-entered the fray with an 11” screen and the Dimensity 9400+ chipset. Unlike previous generations, there’s no Plus model—just this streamlined offering.
Although the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has been anticipated, no notable deals have emerged yet. The previous Galaxy Tab S10+ still remains on shelves, but it lacks the newer tech available in the Tab S11.
For a more affordable alternative, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE+ offer larger screens at a lower cost but are equipped with the older Exynos 1580 chipset, which may not match the performance of newer models.
Overall, the newly launched devices clearly aim to cater to various budget needs while enhancing user experience. As technology progresses, keeping an eye on these evolving features will be essential for anyone in the market for a new phone or tablet.