The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE could be here sooner rather than later

By Patrick Hearn Published May 3, 2025

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE laying face-down outside. — Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Good news, Samsung fans: it seems likely the Galaxy S25 FE will release before the end of the year. Samsung has released an FE (Fan Edition) of its main flagship every year since the Galaxy S20, with the exception of 2021. The news that the Galaxy S25 FE is on the way isn’t really news — it’s been leaked several times before — but SamMobile has now discovered the firmware for the US variant of the phone, assuaging worries that Samsung might skip this generation. Some fans feared that, due to the upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge, there might not be a Fan Edition in 2025.

According to SamMobile, the US version for the Galaxy S25 FE uses model number SM-S731U and firmware version S731USQU0AYDH. This doesn’t mean much on its own, but it’s a distinct identifier confirming a US model is on the way. If Samsung sticks to timing from years past, the Galaxy S25 FE is likely to drop sometime around September or October.

The Galaxy S25 FE is expected to run on Android 16 and One UI 8.0 and retain the same 6.7-inch size of the Galaxy S25 Plus. Some rumors have suggested the S25 FE might adopt a slimmer profile, but likely not as thin as the Galaxy S25 Edge. Other leaks point to a MediaTek processor, but there’s a lot of debate on that point with more recent tips suggesting the Exynos 2400e.

Recommended Videos

As for memory and storage, the Galaxy S25 FE will probably have either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256/512GB storage options. The battery capacity is anyone’s guess, although if Samsung opts for a silicon-carbide battery instead of traditional lithium-ion, it could offer significantly improved battery life in a smaller amount of space. Just remember: until Samsung makes an official announcement, likely sometime in July, all of these are educated guesses.

Former Technology Writer

Patrick has written about tech for more than 15 years and isn't slowing down anytime soon. With previous clients ranging from…

Topics

Phones

I’d trade the Pixel 11 Pro’s temperature sensor for HiLight every single time

I don’t miss the Pixel’s temperature sensor. I need HiLight more

Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

During the recent Pixel 11 announcement, Google showcased its new HiLight feature. We had our initial skepticism about it, but what caught my eye more was the temperature sensor being replaced. This was a feature barely anyone remembers (or uses), though it was something unique to the Pixels at the time.

The hardware eventually became capable of measuring body temperature, and I can appreciate the engineering behind squeezing something like this into a smartphone's body. Even then, I rarely had a reason to reach for it in day-to-day use. While I wasn't immediately drawn to the concept behind its replacement, I don't mind making this trade at all.

Phones

I played around with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. I think Google finally saw the right focus points

The Pixel Fold’s smallest upgrades make the biggest difference

Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone

Google has a new foldable ready to hit the shelves, and it's quite a compelling package with some alarms going off. I spent some time with the phone earlier today, and after collecting my thoughts, I can’t quite figure out whether I should be excited about it or disregard it in favor of rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 pair.

The conundrum is warranted. It’s a $1,899 phone after all, and that’s the base price. But based on my limited time with the phone, it comes out as an overwhelmingly more practical device, especially for buyers based in the US. But let’s set aside the comparisons for the latter part of the debate.

Phones

Samsung may be going in for the full iOS-esque Liquid Glass look in OneUI 9.5

Well, well, well, Samsung could very much adopt the full Liquid Glass look instead of the mild-baked version we see currently.

Samsung Galaxy S26 showing the storage menu on One UI 8.5

Samsung appears to be preparing a major visual overhaul for One UI, with early leaks suggesting One UI 9.5 could adopt a more glass-like design with shinier edges, transparency, and greater visual depth.

The reported changes surfaced shortly after Samsung began rolling out One UI 9 Beta 5 for the Galaxy S26 series. According to Android Central, tipster Fahad Ali shared leaked screenshots of the upcoming interface on X, offering an early look at Samsung's apparent design direction.