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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: A Solid Phone That Falls Short
At Squaredtech, we constantly evaluate which devices offer the best mix of price, performance, and user experience. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE entered the market in September 2025 as the most affordable member of the S25 family. For $649, users get a 6.7-inch display, Samsung’s Exynos 2400 processor, 45W fast charging, and IP68 water resistance.
These specifications look impressive on paper, but the S25 FE arrives in a crowded market filled with competitors that give users more power, better cameras, or unique form factors for a similar cost. Squaredtech’s editorial team believes that while the S25 FE is not a bad phone, Android buyers in 2025 have far stronger options to consider.
Below, we break down five smartphones that we think beat the Galaxy S25 FE in terms of overall experience, value, and long-term satisfaction.
Read More About Our Article of Samsung One UI 8.5 Leak Reveals Major Update for Galaxy Phones Published on September 20th, 2025 SquaredTech
Google Pixel 10: The Smarter Choice
The Google Pixel 10 represents the best of Google’s hardware and software integration. Priced at $799, it is $150 more expensive than the Galaxy S25 FE, but we notice the difference as money well spent.
Google’s clean Android experience remains unmatched. The Material 3 Expressive interface is visually striking, and Pixel-exclusive features like Now Playing and Call Assist tools elevate daily use. These features automatically identify songs, block spam calls, and provide real-time call transcription — functions that Samsung’s One UI still cannot fully match.
On the hardware front, the Pixel 10 offers a smaller but sharper 6.3-inch display, a superior telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, brighter screen visibility, and magnetic charging support thanks to built-in magnets. The Indigo and Lemongrass color finishes further distinguish it in design.
From our perspective, the Pixel 10 delivers a longer-lasting and more intelligent experience. For buyers who value camera performance, software innovation, and thoughtful hardware, the Pixel 10 is a better purchase than the Galaxy S25 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: The Better Samsung Buy
For users loyal to Samsung, the Galaxy S25 Plus is a stronger option than the FE edition. Retailing at $999, it carries a higher MSRP, but frequent discounts bring its price down to the $799 range — making it directly competitive with the Pixel 10.
Compared to the Galaxy S25 FE, the S25 Plus features a more durable aluminum frame, a sharper QHD+ display, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and 12GB of RAM. These upgrades result in smoother multitasking, longer support for future software, and improved display clarity.
Squaredtech also highlights that the S25 Plus benefits from Samsung’s deep AI integration and longer ecosystem support, making it a logical step up for anyone already using Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watches, or Galaxy Tabs.
While the S25 Plus does carry a higher entry price, its consistent deals make it the better Samsung purchase over the FE model.
OnePlus 13R: The Value King
The OnePlus 13R is the definition of a high-value Android smartphone in 2025. With a retail price of $599, it undercuts the Galaxy S25 FE by $50 while offering more advanced features.
The 6.78-inch display offers higher brightness and resolution. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor is faster than Samsung’s Exynos 2400, and OnePlus pairs it with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of base storage compared to Samsung’s 8GB and 128GB. Its 6,000mAh battery with 80W charging makes the FE’s 4,900mAh cell and 45W charging feel dated.
The Galaxy S25 FE does have advantages: IP68 water resistance and seven years of software updates. In contrast, OnePlus promises only four Android updates. However, Squaredtech sees this as a reasonable trade-off, given the price and specifications OnePlus delivers.
For buyers focused on performance and charging speed, the OnePlus 13R is the smarter buy over the Galaxy S25 FE.
Motorola Razr (2025): A Fun Foldable Alternative
For Android fans seeking something different, the Motorola Razr (2025) offers an experience that no traditional phone can match. Retailing at $699, the Razr gives users a large 6.9-inch display when open, plus a compact 3.6-inch external display when closed.
The foldable design is not just practical but also fun. Users can fold the Razr into a pocket-sized square, use it as a stand for selfies, or close it to minimize distractions.
While the Razr’s cameras, IP rating, and charging speed do not beat the Galaxy S25 FE, its unique form factor creates an entirely different ownership experience. Squaredtech notes that many users are willing to compromise slightly on specifications for the excitement of a foldable device — especially one priced competitively under $700.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: Foldable on a Budget
Samsung expanded its FE lineup into foldables in 2025 with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. Priced at $899, it sits above the Galaxy S25 FE but often sells at discounts around $759.
The Z Flip 7 FE has weaker specifications than the Motorola Razr, including a smaller cover screen, limited refresh rate, smaller battery, and slower charging. However, the biggest advantage of the Z Flip 7 FE is Samsung’s promise of seven years of software updates, Galaxy AI integration, and strong compatibility with the broader Galaxy ecosystem.
We recommend this model for users who want a foldable phone with Samsung’s long-term support and ecosystem benefits. At its retail price, it is difficult to justify, but discounted pricing makes it a worthy alternative to the S25 FE.
Read More About Our Article of 5 Best Android Phones That Beat the iPhone 17s Published on September 15th, 2025 SquaredTech
Final Verdict: Better Options Exist in 2025
The Galaxy S25 FE delivers solid performance at $649, but the Android market in 2025 is filled with stronger alternatives. The Google Pixel 10 provides smarter software and better cameras, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus offers a superior Samsung flagship experience, the OnePlus 13R dominates in value and charging, the Motorola Razr (2025) brings foldable excitement, and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE extends Samsung’s software commitment into the foldable segment.
At Squaredtech, our analysis shows that the Galaxy S25 FE is a safe choice but not the most exciting or rewarding purchase. Buyers willing to explore alternatives will discover phones that deliver more power, better longevity, or more unique experiences for nearly the same price.
In short, before committing to the Galaxy S25 FE, Android users should seriously weigh these five options. Each one, in Squaredtech’s view, represents a smarter way to spend money in 2025.
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