The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE introduces a new chipset and slight improvements, yet its near-identical design and modest upgrades raise questions about its value compared to the previous model, the Galaxy S25 FE.
Samsung’s latest Fan Edition arrives with only modest changes, leaving the Galaxy S25 FE as a credible alternative rather than a leftover bargain. GSMArena said the newer model is, in practical terms, almost unchanged in design, size and display, and that Samsung’s decision to lift the price was driven largely by higher memory costs rather than a broad hardware refresh. The result is a familiar FE formula with a sharper question attached to it: whether the Exynos 2500, and the small benefits that come with it, justify the extra outlay.
On the outside, the two phones are near twins. GSMArena found that the Galaxy S26 FE is only fractionally larger and heavier than the S25 FE, with the same 6.7-inch OLED panel, the same Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and the same aluminium frame. Samsung’s own comparison material for the Malaysian market also lists both devices with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, FHD+ resolution, up to 120Hz refresh rate and IP68 resistance, reinforcing the view that this generation is more of a refinement than a redesign.
The clearest upgrade is the chipset. GSMArena’s benchmark testing put the Exynos 2500 in the S26 FE ahead of the S25 FE’s Exynos 2400 by roughly 16% in CPU workloads and almost 25% in graphics-heavy tests, with better sustained performance as well. Tom’s Guide and Android Central both pointed to the newer chip as the main reason to consider the phone, while noting that the rest of the platform remains firmly mid-market: 8GB of RAM, base storage of 128GB and a price that can rise quickly once larger storage tiers are chosen. GSMArena also found that the newer chip delivers better battery endurance, particularly in web browsing and video playback, although charging remains largely unchanged at up to 45W wired.
The cameras tell a similar story of continuity. GSMArena said the S26 FE uses the same core hardware as the S25 FE, including a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide and an 8MP telephoto unit, with only small software-led differences in processing. Daylight results are broadly similar, and while the newer handset can look a little cleaner or sharper in some scenes, the margin is not decisive. In low light, GSMArena found that the older model sometimes produced more pleasing contrast, while the newer phone’s night processing was inconsistent. Tom’s Guide and Android Central reached comparable conclusions, describing the camera system as solid rather than class-leading.
For buyers, the wider issue is value. GSMArena’s view is that the S26 FE makes the stronger case in Europe, where the price gap is around €50, but looks less persuasive in the United States, where the difference is closer to $100. Samsung’s long software support remains a strong point for both phones, though the S25 FE naturally loses a year of cover. There are also some awkward omissions on the newer model, including the loss of wired DeX and DisplayPort output, which SamMobile flagged as a meaningful downgrade. On balance, the S26 FE is the quicker and more efficient handset, but the S25 FE still looks like the sharper purchase unless the newer chip, extra year of support and slightly improved endurance matter more than the savings.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
