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| The Galaxy S25 FE failed to impress in DxOMark's camera analysis. |
Samsung’s “Fan Edition” smartphones have long been a favorite for those seeking flagship-like features without the flagship price. The newly released Samsung Galaxy S25 FE continues this tradition, with an appealing starting price of around $475 on Amazon. Positioned as a budget-friendly sibling to the Galaxy S25+, it promises premium design and solid performance. However, a recent in-depth analysis reveals that to hit this attractive price point, Samsung may have made deeper cuts than some fans hoped—particularly in the camera department, an area where many buyers won’t accept compromise.
The Triple-Camera Setup: Specifications vs. Reality
On paper, the Galaxy S25 FE’s camera system sounds robust. It boasts a triple-lens array:
- A 50 MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture.
- A 12 MP ultrawide shooter.
- An 8 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
For a mid-range phone, this seems competitive. However, the devil is in the details—or more specifically, in the sensor sizes. The main sensor is a reasonable 1/1.57-inch, but the ultrawide uses a small 1/3-inch sensor, and the telephoto is even more constrained with a tiny 1/4.4-inch sensor. In modern smartphone photography, sensor size is often more critical than megapixel count, heavily influencing light capture and image quality.
The Verdict from the Experts: DxOMark's Disappointing Score
The true performance of this setup has now been quantified by the renowned camera evaluators at DxOMark. In their rigorous laboratory and real-world testing, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE achieved a global score of 118. This places it a disappointing 123rd in DxOMark’s global smartphone rankings.
For context, this score puts it behind not only current rivals but also devices from years past. It is notably outperformed by the five-year-old Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (131 points) and the more affordable Google Pixel 6a (122 points). You can explore the detailed breakdown of their testing methodology and see how other phones compare on the DxOMark smartphone rankings page.
Where the Galaxy S25 FE's Camera Falls Short
So, what exactly went wrong? According to DxOMark’s comprehensive Samsung Galaxy S25 FE camera test, the issues are widespread:
- Persistent Image Noise: The small sensors struggle to gather light efficiently, leading to noisy photos and videos even in good daylight conditions. This is a fundamental hardware limitation that software processing can only partially mask.
- Unreliable Video Performance: While photo exposure and color are often accurate, HDR videos frequently appeared underexposed and with a pinkish tint, pointing to inconsistent white balance calibration.
- Detail Loss and Artefacts: The portrait mode with bokeh simulation resulted in a noticeable loss of detail across the entire image. Furthermore, the camera had significant trouble with moving subjects, producing unpleasant artefacts that ruin otherwise good shots.
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| The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE delivered lacklustre performance in every category. |
The Bottom Line: Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy It?
The DxOMark conclusion is stark for camera-focused buyers. They state that those seeking a high-quality camera system at a mid-range price would be better served by alternatives like the Xiaomi 15, Google Pixel 10, or Xiaomi 14T.
This isn't to say the Galaxy S25 FE is a bad phone. It offers the sleek design, bright display, and generally smooth performance associated with the Galaxy S line, powered by the Exynos 2400 processor. It will undoubtedly satisfy users whose camera needs are limited to occasional social media snaps.
However, for photography enthusiasts or anyone who values reliable, high-quality photo and video capture, the camera compromises are significant. The test results confirm that the lower price tag comes with tangible sacrifices in imaging performance, placing the device behind both older flagships and newer competitors.
Final Thought: The "Fan Edition" concept is about bringing beloved features to a wider audience. But if a core flagship feature—like camera excellence—gets diluted too much, it risks losing the very fans it aims to please. Potential buyers must weigh the attractive price and overall package against these specific camera shortcomings.
You can check the latest pricing and availability for the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE on Amazon.