4 methods the Galaxy S25 FE makes the iPhone 16e appear like a nasty deal

I am more and more of the opinion that even folks with the cash for them ought to (often) skip the costliest smartphones. Sure, it is mighty spectacular to have a folding screen, or camera zoom that is truly worthwhile, however the high quality of mid-range telephones has superior considerably. In the meantime, the price of getting the very best of the very best retains rising. Some foldables already value as a lot as an honest gaming laptop. If you happen to can dwell with lacking out on just a few picture alternatives — or not having a pill in all places you go — it can save you your self a whole bunch of {dollars}.

Two high-profile choices alongside these strains are Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 FE, and Apple’s barely older iPhone 16e. Sizing them up, I feel the S25 FE stands out as the more sensible choice for individuals who aren’t already deeply dedicated to the Apple ecosystem. And if you’re, it’d nonetheless make you query a few of Apple’s design selections, given the place the remainder of the business is at.

1

Higher digital camera choices

Flexibility issues

Apple is thought for high-quality smartphone cameras, and the 48-megapixel shooter on the iPhone 16e isn’t any exception. It is ok to cowl the vast majority of eventualities, particularly if you happen to’re principally recording family and friends. However notice the singular — there aren’t any ultra-wide or telephoto cameras, so that you’re out of luck if you wish to zoom in on distant surroundings, or seize the entire gang on a group ride. With out an ultra-wide, you can also’t take macro pictures, which can be an issue if you happen to’re the kind who likes to snap receipts or submit your restaurant dishes to the gram.

The cameras on the S25 FE aren’t going to demolish my iPhone 16 Professional, a lot much less an S25 Extremely, however no less than it has multiple possibility. You get a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto with 3x zoom. The latter most likely is not good for way more than portraits — however at this level, Apple is the one main smartphone maker (in North America, anyway) that locks up a telephoto lens behind its costliest SKU. By no means thoughts that normally folks wish to get nearer to their topics, not additional away.

2

A 6.7-inch AMOLED display

Extra room to work and play

One other thought I have been transformed to in current instances is that telephone makers ought to nonetheless be placing out small telephones you need to use one-handed. That battle appears to be misplaced — however some telephones are nonetheless smaller than others, and in that regard, you may truly favor the iPhone 16e’s 6.1-inch OLED display. It is about as ergonomic and transportable as you will get on a contemporary system with out spending on a flip-foldable system like a Moto Razr or Galaxy Z Flip7.

That stated, I personally favor gigantic shows, and the 6.7-inch display on the S25 FE delivers. It is greater than the 6.3-inch display on my iPhone 16 Professional, which suggests it could possibly match loads of textual content and imagery onscreen and supply an affordable substitute for a pill when watching video. As if that weren’t sufficient, the S25 FE has a dynamic 120Hz panel, whereas the 16e is caught at 60Hz. That permits smoother movement in addition to always-on show (AOD) capabilities. If you happen to’ve by no means used AOD tech earlier than, the power to examine notifications at a look is usually a game-changer — through the workday, I can monitor information and different alerts with out having to faucet or decide up something.

Hopefully, Apple will lastly compensate for entry-level refresh charges with the iPhone 17.

3

Quicker charging

As a result of everybody runs late for work generally

For no matter purpose, Apple has by no means actually prioritized charging. Its tech does evolve, however at a tempo properly behind the curve of the Android world, on condition that some Chinese language telephones cost at speeds upwards of 80W. The 100W Honor Magic 7 Professional can hypothetically cost from zero to 100% in 35 minutes or much less. In the identical period of time, my 30-40W iPhone 16 Professional could be a bit over the midway mark.

The iPhone 16e is even additional behind the instances. Its USB-C port tops out at 27W, and there is not any MagSafe or Qi2 compatibility right here — wi-fi charging is caught at a sluggish 7.5W. By comparability, the 45W wired and 15W wi-fi charging specs on the S25 FE are blazing.

I get that Apple’s modus operandi typically includes reusing outdated elements to maintain prices down, however that is one space the place the corporate ought to by no means have skimped. Quick charging is usually a necessity for frequent vacationers, or individuals who discover themselves dashing out the door within the morning. I am fairly even handed about charging myself, and even I’ve often discovered myself wishing my telephone would transfer quicker whereas ready at an airport gate.

Notice that the S25 FE additionally has a bigger 4900mAh battery pack versus the 4005mAh one within the 16e. That might in concept be one other edge, however since I’ve but to see anybody check the S25 FE’s longevity, I’ll withhold judgment for now. The hole might be additionally offset by Samsung’s bigger show, and Apple’s tight {hardware} and software program integration.

4

Higher USB, Wi-Fi, and SIM connectivity

For all these area of interest predicaments

Admittedly, this can be a minor level. Many individuals do not plug into USB for something however charging, or change carriers typically sufficient to fret about SIM help. Likewise, many people most likely care extra about mobile than Wi-Fi. The 16e has the higher hand in that regard, supporting a wider vary of 4G and 5G bands.

In some conditions, nevertheless, the S25 FE’s connectivity may come to the rescue. It provides 5Gbps USB for wired knowledge sync, whereas the 16e is restricted to USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps). If you happen to’ve acquired 5GB of music or video, the FE ought to have the ability to copy it in eight seconds — however the iPhone will take practically a minute and a half. Frankly, it is inexcusable to make use of USB 2.0 for knowledge on any fashionable system, not to mention one which prices upwards of $600.

As for SIM help, the S25 FE has each a nano-SIM slot and an eSIM. Within the US, 16e house owners get an eSIM — that is it. That is nice below regular circumstances, however can probably make it extra of a ache to modify carriers on the fly, say you probably have a second telephone or commonly journey to different international locations. If you happen to’ve acquired a bodily SIM card already, essentially the most it’s essential fear about is popping open the SIM tray.

The S25 FE’s Wi-Fi 6E provides the potential of a quicker 6GHz connection if you happen to’ve acquired a suitable router. The Wi-Fi 6 on the iPhone 16e is hardly going to be sluggish, but it surely’s virtually a bit insulting when Wi-Fi 7 has been out since January 2024.