The Galaxy S25 FE is new to Samsung’s line-up, but one of the company’s older phones is actually cheaper – and better, too.
Joshua Boyles Technology, gaming and entertainment affiliates writer
21:30, 05 Sep 2025
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreThere’s a new Samsung phone in town, but the model from earlier this year is now cheaper.(Image: Samsung)
Samsung has just brought out a brand new addition to the Samsung Galaxy S25 family of phones with the S25 FE. Intended to slot in at the bottom of the pack, it comes remarkably close to the spec sheet of its more powerful brother, but with £150 shaved off the price tag.
The main differences are a slightly lower megapixel count on the ultrawide lens, down to 8MP from 12. The newer FE also comes with a larger 6.7 inch screen compared to 6.3 inches, although it retains that 120Hz smooth motion display.
Elsewhere, the battery is also larger than the S25, a by-product of the phone being larger by design. However, we won’t know how the real-world battery life compares to the S25 until reviews make their way out into the wild.
Looking at the spec sheet though and screen size aside, the S25 and S25 FE are incredibly similar phones on paper. As such, shoppers would be forgiven for thinking the S25 FE is now the cheapest way to get in on the most up-to-date Galaxy phones – but they’d be wrong.
Since the Galaxy S25 phone launched way back in February, it’s actually possible to find it at a pretty hefty discount at sellers away from Samsung’s own site. Head on over to Laptops Direct, for example, and the Galaxy S25 is currently on sale for £599 – that’s £50 cheaper than the newer S25 FE.
That’s for the 128GB model, with the price jumping up by £100 for upgraded storage of 256GB. The phone is available in all four colours, including Navy, Mint, Icyblue and SIlver shadow.
Samsung Galaxy S25
£799
£599
Laptops Direct
Buy Now on Laptops Direct
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE might be here, but the older S25 is a better deal right now.
What’s more, shoppers can claim a free Galaxy Watch7 with their purchase of S25. This is redeemable from Samsung once the order of the S25 has gone through at Laptops Direct.
Shoppers looking to save even more might want to go for an older refurbished Samsung model. Wowcher has a few options, including the Samsung Galaxy S22+ for £279 and the much older Samsung Galaxy J3 for £39.
These are refurbished devices, so may show some signs of cosmetic wear. They’re also much older devices, so won’t run nearly as fast as the much newer S25 phones.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in four different colours.(Image: Samsung)
The other benefit of picking up the S25 over the S25 FE is that it’s been out for over six months with plenty of customer reviews attesting to the performance of the phone. On the Samsung site, the review score sits at a staggering 4.9 stars, with one reviewer writing: “The phone’s speed and intuitive UI , along with its build and camera quality, are significantly superior to my previous device. While I might not utilize all the AI features, the writing style feature is particularly helpful, allowing me to express myself effectively and customize my messages for different recipients, whether a friend or a formal business email.”
A second happy shopper says: “Very happy with S25 speed and battery life. Camera is excellent too. Nice design and well built.” Meanwhile, a third customer left these words: “S25 is the perfect feel for a phone. I used to be an iPhone guy but changed to the S24 and loved the phone and how it worked but the feel of the phone was slightly off. Now the shape and feel of the S25 is spot on so I now have the perfect phone.”
However, some owners do find the AI features to be a bit obtrusive at times. “Far too many notifications, far to many attempts by ‘AI’ to intervene, or suggest what I need to do,” one review reads.
Another shopper laments the lack of the S Pen with this latest model of Galaxy phone: “No pen feature. No customising text and email signatures and if there is it’s so difficult to find it almost impossible. App folders don’t show names so it’s guess work when opening one. But at least Samsung don’t appears to have sacrificed the camera which still seems to be great.”
