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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Short answer

The Galaxy S25 FE for most people, unless you want longer battery life.

The Galaxy S26 FE and Galaxy S25 FE are close to the same phone. The S26 FE has a newer chip that runs faster and lasts longer on a charge. Reviewers still found it a small step, so the older phone makes sense for most buyers.
Updated Oct 16, 2026
Reviewers' pick for most people
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

$650 launch price
Compass Score 7.8 from 34 critic reviews
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Get it if you want most of the same phone for less. Reviewers found the two nearly identical in screen, cameras and charging.
See prices Full review
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

$699 launch price
Compass Score 7.5 from 22 critic reviews
Change phone
Get it if you want a big, long-lasting Samsung phone at a midrange price, or you are coming from a much older Fan Edition or midrange phone.
Skip it if you already own an S25 FE or S24 FE, since reviewers found the upgrade small. Gamers who want top performance were also steered elsewhere.
See prices Full review
What reviewers found

Topic by topic

Each row is something review sites agreed on. Open a row for the details.

Performance Galaxy S26 FE has the edge

The S26 FE has a newer Exynos 2500 chip, and reviewers found it a clear step up from the S25 FE's Exynos 2400. GSMArena measured about 16% faster CPU results and almost 25% faster graphics. Most people will only notice this in games.

3 sites agree: GSMArena, SamMobile and 1 more
Battery life Galaxy S26 FE has the edge

Both have the same 4900 mAh battery, but the S26 FE lasts longer. In GSMArena's battery test, its active use score was 14 hours 49 minutes, against 11 hours 57 minutes for the S25 FE. Some reviewers still found it only fair next to other phones.

4 sites agree: GSMArena, SamMobile and 2 more
Charging

Both charge at 45W wired, and the S26 FE is slightly faster. It reaches 69% in 30 minutes, against 63% for the S25 FE. Its wireless charging is slower, at 15W against 25W. GSMArena found no meaningful change in full charge time.

3 sites agree: GSMArena, Engadget and 1 more
Camera No clear winner

The camera hardware is the same on both phones. Reviewers found main camera photos close, with a slight edge in detail for the S26 FE. The newer phone adds video features like My FanCam that the older one will not get.

3 sites agree: GSMArena, SamMobile and 1 more
Build

The two phones look almost the same, but the S26 FE has a glossy back, where the S25 FE has a matte one. It is 3g heavier and thinner on paper. Reviewers also noted its USB port drops to USB 2.0, so file transfers are slower.

4 sites agree: GSMArena, SamMobile and 2 more
Prices

Where to buy

The lowest prices we track today.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Best Buy New · 128GB $649.99 See deal Amazon New $649.99 See deal Samsung New $649.99 See deal Certified refurbished 1 seller from $369.99 See refurbished
See all 7 Galaxy S25 FE deals →

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

Best Buy New · 128GB $599.99 See deal Samsung New · Unlocked · 128GB $699.99 See deal Certified refurbished 1 seller from $599.99 See refurbished
See all 5 Galaxy S26 FE deals →

Today the Galaxy S25 FE costs $50 more at the lowest new price we track.

Spec data

How they compare

Choosing the cheaper Galaxy S25 FE means giving up most on: Battery life, Software support

Galaxy S25 FE
Galaxy S26 FE
Price (MSRP)
$650
$108/yr of support
Price (MSRP)
$699
$100/yr of support
OS
Android
OS
Android
Processor
Samsung Exynos 2400 Deca-core
Processor
Samsung 2500 deca-core
Camera zoom
3×
Camera zoom
3×
Battery life
11h 57m
GSMArena Active Use
Battery life
14h 49m
GSMArena Active Use
Wired charging
45W
Wired charging
45W
Wireless charging
25W
Wireless charging
15W
Display
Color, 120Hz
1900 nits peak
Display
Color, 120Hz
1900 nits peak
Software support
Until 2032
7 years guaranteed
Software support
Until 2033
7 years guaranteed
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
190g (6.7 oz)
Weight
193g (6.8 oz)
Fingerprint
Yes
Fingerprint
Yes
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.

Specifications are sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases and may contain errors. Suggest a correction →

Third-party data

Testing & benchmarks

Galaxy S25 FE
Galaxy S26 FE
DxOMark
118
photo 130 · video 98
DxOMark
—
AnTuTu v10
2.06M
AnTuTu v10
2.29M
GSMArena endurance
11h 57m
Active Use
GSMArena endurance
14h 49m
Active Use
iFixit repairability
—
iFixit repairability
—
Physical comparison

Size & weight

Footprint · to scale
Galaxy S25 FE
6.4" × 3"
Galaxy S26 FE
6.4" × 3"
Thickness · to scale
Galaxy S25 FE
0.3"
Galaxy S26 FE
0.3"
Height
6.4" (161.3 mm)
Height
6.4" (162 mm)
Width
3" (76.6 mm)
Width
3" (77 mm)
Depth
0.3" (7.4 mm)
Depth
0.3" (7 mm)
Weight
190g (6.7 oz)
Weight
193g (6.8 oz)
Screen
6.7"
Screen
6.7"

Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.

Common questions

Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy S26 FE: FAQ

Is the Galaxy S26 FE worth it over the Galaxy S25 FE?

For most people, no. The Galaxy S26 FE has a faster chip and better battery life. But the screen, cameras and design are nearly the same, and reviewers called it a small update. Buying the Galaxy S25 FE gets you most of the same phone for less.

Should I upgrade from the Galaxy S25 FE to the Galaxy S26 FE?

No. Reviewers advised against it. The S26 FE gains a newer chip and some battery life, but the screen and cameras are unchanged. It also loses USB 3.2 speeds for USB 2.0, which slows file transfers.

Does the Galaxy S26 FE have better battery life than the Galaxy S25 FE?

Yes. The Galaxy S26 FE uses the same size battery but lasts longer. In GSMArena's battery test, it scored 14 hours 49 minutes of active use, against 11 hours 57 minutes for the S25 FE. Web browsing and video streaming showed the biggest gains.

Is the Galaxy S26 FE better for gaming than the Galaxy S25 FE?

Yes, a little. The Galaxy S26 FE's Exynos 2500 chip was about 25% faster in GSMArena's graphics test and held its speed better under load. Reviewers said the gap may go unnoticed if you do not play demanding games.

Which is better, the Galaxy S25 FE or Galaxy S26 FE?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the Galaxy S25 FE earns a Compass Score of 7.8 compared to 7.5 for the Galaxy S26 FE. That 0.3-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.
Which phone is more affordable, the Galaxy S25 FE or Galaxy S26 FE?
The Galaxy S25 FE launches at $650, which is $49 less than the Galaxy S26 FE at $699. Factoring in guaranteed software support, the Galaxy S26 FE works out to roughly $100/year compared to $108/year for the Galaxy S25 FE. The pricier phone actually costs less per supported year because of its longer update commitment.
Which phone gets software updates longer, the Galaxy S25 FE or Galaxy S26 FE?
The Galaxy S26 FE is guaranteed updates through 2033 (7 years from launch), compared to 2032 (7 years) for the Galaxy S25 FE. That 1-year gap means more OS upgrades, security patches, and new features before end-of-life. Longer software support also improves resale value, since buyers prefer phones that still receive updates.
Compare with another phone

Not sold on either?

Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →

Galaxy S25 FE from $649.99 Galaxy S26 FE from $599.99