Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Premium Price, Familiar Chip – Is It Worth the Wait?

If you're an Android enthusiast, you've likely noticed the increasing costs of flagship phones. Many top-tier devices now exceed £1,000, which is a significant investment. That's where more affordable options like the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE come into play – offering a premium experience at a lower price point. Now, attention is turning to the expected update, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, and recent reports are bringing both good and potentially disappointing news.

Good News: It's Still Coming!

The good news first – the Galaxy S25 FE is still on the horizon! Code discovered by Android Authority suggests continued development of the device. This code reveals details about the intended processor, among other things. However, this leads us to the less positive aspect of the story.

The Processor: A Familiar Face?

The report indicates that the Galaxy S25 FE will likely utilize the same Exynos 2400e chip found in the S24 FE. This has led to some disappointment within the tech community, as a new processor is generally expected with each new generation of phone.

While generational changes can sometimes be incremental, a new chip is often a baseline expectation for many consumers. It's understood that manufacturers sometimes make subtle design tweaks, but a significant upgrade like a new processor is often anticipated.

Why the Reuse?

Samsung's reasoning behind this decision isn’t hard to grasp. While tech enthusiasts focus on granular details, many everyday consumers aren't overly concerned with specifications. From a practical perspective, most users won’t notice the difference between chip generations.

Details from Android Authority's Findings

• Samsung is working on at least two new smartphones: the Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy M36 5G.
• Code suggests the Galaxy S25 FE will retain the Exynos 2400e processor.
• The India-specific Galaxy M36 5G will likely use the Exynos 1380 processor, the same as in the Galaxy M35 5G.
• Samsung uses internal codenames for their phones, with “R” series typically referring to FE smartphones—R13 likely being the S25 FE.

A Look at the Exynos 2400e

The Exynos 2400e, while not a poor chip, already lagged behind Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in performance when the S24 FE launched. The gap is expected to widen with Qualcomm's next Snapdragon flagship SoC. Launching with the same chip in October 2025 would position the S25 FE further behind the performance curve.

The Galaxy M36 5G - Another Reuse

Adding to the trend, the India-specific Galaxy M36 5G is also predicted to feature the Exynos 1380 processor, the same as the Galaxy M35 5G. This chip, released in 2023, has been used extensively in Samsung’s budget and mid-range smartphones.

The Exynos 2400e was already a bit behind in 2024, and when compared to alternatives like the Snapdragon's 8 Gen 3 or MediaTek's Dimensity 9400, it doesn't quite measure up. It seems Samsung is opting to remind consumers what “FE” stands for – “False Economy”.

What to Expect & Future Outlook

While Samsung hasn’t officially announced either the Galaxy S25 FE or the Galaxy M36 5G, leaks and code analysis offer valuable insights. Samsung may attempt to compensate with upgrades to the camera, display, or design. However, given the S24 FE’s pricing, another release with minimal upgrades might not be well-received, especially with competitors like OnePlus making strides in the value flagship market.

The Galaxy Z Flip FE might also share the same processor, meaning that Samsung's cost-cutting efforts are impacting multiple lines of phones.

As of now, we’ll have to wait for official announcements and further leaks to confirm the specifics of these upcoming phones. For now, the Galaxy S24 FE might remain a more attractive option for those looking for a balance between price and performance.