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Galaxy S26 FE vs Galaxy S25 FE: What Has Changed?
Samsung’s latest Fan Edition brings a new processor, upgraded AI tools and camera features while keeping the same 6.7-inch display and 4,900mAh battery.
Samsung’s Fan Edition range has traditionally focused on bringing flagship-style features to a more accessible price point.
The Galaxy S26 FE continues that approach, but the differences from the Galaxy S25 FE are more noticeable in performance, AI and camera software than in the core hardware.
So, what has actually changed?
A New Look for the Fan Edition
The Galaxy S25 FE came with a more understated design. The S26 FE takes a fresher approach, with colours including Pistachio, Blueberry and Graphite.
Both phones use Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The S26 FE is slightly heavier at 193g, compared with 190g for the S25 FE.
The display remains familiar.
Both models feature a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Exynos 2500 Brings the Biggest Hardware Change
Under the hood, Samsung has moved from the Exynos 2400 in the S25 FE to the 3nm Exynos 2500 in the S26 FE.
Samsung says the newer processor is designed to improve CPU, GPU, NPU and overall energy efficiency.
That upgrade should matter most to people who regularly multitask, edit content or run demanding applications.
However, the two phones are not worlds apart in every area. The basic display experience remains the same, while the battery capacity stays at 4,900mAh.
Samsung rates the S26 FE for up to 29 hours of video playback. The S25 FE is rated for up to 28 hours. Both support 45W wired charging.
Galaxy S26 FE vs Galaxy S25 FE: What Has Changed?
AI Takes a Bigger Role
This is where Samsung has packed several of the more visible changes.
The S26 FE launches with Android 17 and One UI 9. It introduces features such as My FanCam, Now Nudge and enhanced Photo Assist.
My FanCam is particularly aimed at people who shoot video.
The feature can track a selected person and automatically keep them centred in the frame. Samsung also adds Super Steady Video with Horizontal Lock to help keep footage level during movement.
The phone also comes with a six-month Google AI Pro trial for eligible users. This provides access to features including Gemini Omni.
For S25 FE users, the difference will therefore be more about the newer AI experience than a completely different phone interface.
The Cameras Look Familiar, But Processing Has Changed
On paper, both phones have a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide and 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
Samsung has, however, upgraded the imaging experience on the S26 FE through improved processing.
The company says the newer model delivers enhanced image processing, Nightography and editing tools. It also adds My FanCam and Super Steady Video with Horizontal Lock.
The front camera remains 12MP, but Samsung says the S26 FE offers a wider field of view for selfies compared with the S25 FE.
For creators, these changes could matter more than the camera megapixel numbers suggest.
So, Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The answer depends largely on where you are coming from.
For someone moving from an older Fan Edition phone such as the S23 FE, the S26 FE brings several changes together. These include a newer processor, Android 17, One UI 9, updated Galaxy AI features and enhanced video tools.
For someone who already owns the S25 FE, the decision is less straightforward.
The S25 FE already has a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a 4,900mAh battery, 45W charging and a capable triple-camera setup.
The S26 FE adds meaningful improvements, particularly in processing, AI and video. However, several core specifications remain unchanged.
That makes the upgrade more relevant for users who prioritize AI features, mobile photography, video creation and newer processing hardware than for someone simply looking for a larger screen or significantly bigger battery.
In short, the Galaxy S26 FE is an evolution of the S25 FE rather than a complete reinvention of the Fan Edition formula.
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