The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, anticipated as the next iteration in Samsung's "Fan Edition" lineup, is generating buzz, but recent leaks suggest that its camera capabilities might not offer the significant upgrades some users were hoping for. While details are still emerging, the rumored specifications point towards a rather familiar setup, potentially leading to a somewhat underwhelming photography experience compared to other devices in the Galaxy S25 series.
One of the most prominent concerns revolves around the telephoto lens. According to multiple reports, the Galaxy S25 FE is expected to feature an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This is the same configuration found in its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 FE. While a 3x optical zoom is certainly useful, the 8MP sensor may limit the level of detail and clarity achievable in zoomed-in shots, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. In a world where many smartphones are pushing the boundaries of telephoto capabilities with higher megapixel counts and more advanced zoom technologies, this could be a point of disappointment for photography enthusiasts.
The primary rear camera is rumored to remain a 50MP sensor, which isn't necessarily a negative aspect. The Galaxy S24 FE's main camera was generally well-regarded, and Samsung could potentially improve image processing and optimization to extract even better results from the same sensor. However, without any significant hardware upgrades, the improvements might be incremental rather than revolutionary.
Similarly, the ultra-wide lens is also expected to remain at 12MP, mirroring the Galaxy S24 FE. While a capable ultra-wide lens is valuable for capturing expansive landscapes and creative perspectives, the lack of improvement in this area further contributes to the perception of modest upgrades.
There is a silver lining, however. Leaks suggest that the selfie camera will receive a boost to 12MP, up from the 10MP sensor in the Galaxy S24 FE. While the megapixel count alone doesn't guarantee superior image quality, it could potentially lead to sharper and more detailed selfies, provided Samsung utilizes a higher-quality sensor and optimizes its image processing algorithms. Some reports suggest the new front camera may be the same one used in the rest of the Galaxy S25 series.
Overall, the rumored camera specifications of the Galaxy S25 FE paint a picture of incremental updates rather than groundbreaking innovation. While the improved selfie camera is a welcome addition, the unchanged telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, coupled with a potentially similar primary sensor, may leave photography enthusiasts wanting more.
Of course, it's important to remember that these are still just leaks and rumors, and the final product could differ. Samsung may have some software tricks up its sleeve to enhance the camera performance beyond what the hardware specifications suggest. It's also worth noting that the Galaxy S25 FE is expected to be a more affordable alternative to the flagship Galaxy S25 models, and some compromises are to be expected in order to keep the price competitive. The expected price in India is ₹50,000 to ₹55,000.
Beyond the camera, the Galaxy S25 FE is expected to feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, potentially powered by either an Exynos 2400 or a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. It is also expected to run on Android 16 with One UI 8. The phone could house a 4,700mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging. The launch is anticipated in September or October 2025.
Ultimately, whether the Galaxy S25 FE's camera is "disappointing" will depend on individual expectations and priorities. If you're looking for a significant upgrade in mobile photography, particularly in telephoto capabilities, this phone may not be the best choice. However, if you prioritize overall value and are willing to accept modest camera improvements in exchange for a more affordable price point, the Galaxy S25 FE could still be a worthwhile option.
