Galaxy S26 FE vs S25 FE: what has really changed?

In comparison, the Galaxy S26 FE vs S25 FE differences come down to three things: the Exynos 2500 processor instead of the 2400, the One UI 9 system instead of One UI 8, and a USB port that has reverted to version 2.0. The screen, all three cameras, selfie, and the 4,900 mAh battery are identical.

The S26 FE was launched on August 27, 2026, and sales start on September 4.

Place both phones side by side, and you won’t distinguish them without looking into the settings. Samsung has transferred almost all the hardware from last year and raised the price.

Below is the complete table of both models, the resolution of the circulating rumor about the silicon-carbon battery, which is even repeated in the specification tables, and a section about accessories: what fits which model and why the case from the S25 FE won’t fit the S26 FE.

When each model was released

Both phones debuted at the same time of year, less than twelve months apart. The Galaxy S25 FE had its premiere and sales start on the same day, while the S26 FE had a week break between the two.

Event	Galaxy S25 FE	Galaxy S26 FE
Launch (announcement)	September 4, 2025	August 27, 2026
Sales start	September 4, 2025	September 4, 2026
Starting price (128 GB)	750 EUR	799 EUR
System at launch	One UI 8, Android 16	One UI 9, Android 17

Galaxy S26 FE is now official. Samsung unveiled it on August 27, 2026, and immediately provided the full specifications and prices, so all the data in this article comes from the manufacturer, not leaks. The phone hits stores on September 4, 2026.

Samsung S25 FE has been on sale for a year, which changes the entire calculation. Remember this for the price section, as this is where the most important difference between these models lies.

Accessories for both generations are readily available. See the Galaxy S26 FE category →

Galaxy S26 FE vs S25 FE: full comparison table

We have bolded only those items that actually differ.

Parameter	Galaxy S25 FE	Galaxy S26 FE
Processor	Exynos 2400 (4 nm)	Exynos 2500 (3 nm)
Graphics	Xclipse 940	Xclipse 950
RAM	8 GB	8 GB
Storage	128 / 256 / 512 GB, UFS 4.0	128 / 256 / 512 GB, UFS 4.0
Screen	6.7″, Dynamic AMOLED 2X	6.7″, Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution	1080 × 2340 (385 ppi)	1080 × 2340 (385 ppi)
Refresh Rate	60–120 Hz	60–120 Hz
Peak Brightness	1,900 nits	1,900 nits
Glass	Gorilla Glass Victus+	Gorilla Glass Victus+
Main Camera	50 MP, f/1.8, OIS	50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultrawide	12 MP, f/2.2, 123°	12 MP, f/2.2, 123°
Telephoto	8 MP, 3× zoom, OIS	8 MP, 3× zoom, OIS
Selfie	12 MP, f/2.2	12 MP, f/2.2
Video	8K 30 fps, 4K 120 fps	8K 30 fps, 4K 120 fps
Battery	4,900 mAh, Li-Ion	4,900 mAh, Li-Ion
Wired Charging	45 W (65% in 30 min)	45 W (69% in 30 min)
Wireless Charging	15 W, Qi2 compatible	15 W, Qi2 compatible
Certified Charge Cycles	2,000	1,200
USB-C Port	USB 3.2 Gen 1	USB 2.0
Dimensions	161.3 × 76.6 × 7.4 mm	161.6 × 76.9 × 7.4 mm
Weight	190 g	193 g
Frame	aluminum	aluminum
Resistance	IP68	IP68
Operating System at Launch	One UI 8, Android 16	One UI 9, Android 17
Colors	Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, White	Graphite, Pistachio, Blueberry

Nine different positions out of twenty-five. Of these, five are cosmetic (dimensions, weight, colors, charging speed, version number of One UI), two are steps backward, and the performance gain comes from the processor along with the graphics unit.

What does Exynos 2500 offer in everyday use?

Exynos 2500 is the only noticeable change in daily use. The chip is built on the second generation of the 3 nm GAA process, while the Exynos 2400 in the S25 FE used 4 nm.

Performance gain according to Samsung:

• About 30% faster processor (CPU) and graphics unit (GPU)
• About 40% faster NPU, responsible for Galaxy AI functions
• Newer main core: Cortex-X925 instead of Cortex-X4
• Newer graphics unit: Xclipse 950 instead of Xclipse 940

NPU is more important here than it looks on paper. It counts the Galaxy AI functions, such as summaries, real-time translations, and photo processing. If you actually use Galaxy AI, then the biggest difference in the entire comparison.

Note: 30% on paper does not mean a 30% faster phone. Both models perform practically the same in everyday tasks, such as browsing, social media, and photos. The difference reveals itself in gaming and under prolonged load.

The screen and cameras remain unchanged

There is nothing to write about here, and that is the most important information.

The screen parameters are identical: 6.7 inches, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1080 × 2340, refresh rate from 60 to 120 Hz, declared brightness of 1,900 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus+.

The camera setup is identical, sensor by sensor:

• Main 50 MP, f/1.8, with optical stabilization (OIS)
• Ultrawide 12 MP, f/2.2, field of view 123°
• Telephoto 8 MP, 3× optical zoom, with OIS
• Selfie 12 MP, f/2.2

Video recording is also unchanged: 8K at 30 fps and 4K at 120 fps in both models.

The sensors are the same, but the photos go through a newer image signal processor (ISP), so Samsung promises slightly better dynamic range in low light. That’s the only thing that actually changes in the cameras.

New in the S26 FE are only software features: My FanCam (automatically keeping a selected person in the frame, previously available only in foldable models) and Super Steady with level lock. This is software that Samsung may also make available to older models in the future.

Battery unchanged and without silicon-carbon cell

Both phones have 4,900 mAh, the same wired charging power of 45 W and wireless charging of 15 W.

There are rumors that the Samsung S26 FE received a silicon-carbon battery. It is not confirmed. Samsung does not mention this technology in the official specifications, and SamMobile explicitly states it has a regular lithium-ion cell. However, some databases, including GSMArena, label the cell as Si/C.

There is no resolution from the manufacturer. However, it is certain that silicon-carbon was introduced in July 2026 exclusively to foldable models: Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The real gain during operation comes not from the battery, but from the more efficient 3 nm processor. Samsung claims about an hour longer video playback, and the EU energy label states 50 hours of operation compared to 42.5 hours in the S25 FE and class A instead of B.

The difference in charging is minimal: 69% in 30 minutes compared to 65% in the S25 FE. Four percentage points.

Hidden downside: the battery will last fewer cycles

This is not advertised by Samsung, and it directly results from the EU energy label. The battery in the S26 FE is certified for 1,200 charging cycles, while in the S25 FE it is 2,000. A cycle is a full charge from zero to one hundred percent; after exceeding this limit, the battery retains less than 80% of its original capacity.

In practice, 1,200 cycles still means several years of normal use. However, it is worth knowing that with seven years of system support, the battery will deplete its certified reserve much earlier than the updates.

To achieve the full 45 W, both models require the same USB Power Delivery charger (USB PD) with a power of at least 45 W. When buying accessories, you do not need to distinguish between generations.

USB port is the first step backward

The Galaxy S26 FE has a USB-C port in the 2.0 standard, while the S25 FE had USB 3.2 Gen 1. This is the second point, alongside battery life, where the newer model performs worse than its predecessor.

Charging works just as quickly, as the power does not depend on the data standard version. Only the file transfer is slower.

The scale of this difference only impresses when looking at specifics. A minute of 8K video weighs several hundred megabytes, so an hour of footage is several dozen gigabytes. With USB 3.2 Gen 1, you can transfer it in a few minutes; with USB 2.0, the phone will be connected to the computer for much longer.

If you use the cloud or transfer photos wirelessly, you won’t notice the difference.

System and updates, or the difference of one year

The Galaxy S26 FE launches with One UI 9 on Android 17, while the S25 FE debuted with One UI 8 on Android 16.

Both generations have the same support policy: seven generations of Android and seven years of security patches. However, since the S26 FE starts a year later, its support ends a year later.

This is a real advantage of the newer model, although in practice it means choosing between a phone supported until 2032 and one supported until 2033. The S25 FE will still receive One UI 9 in an update.

Here lies the real difference between the models

The starting prices of both models in Europe:

Version	Galaxy S25 FE at launch	Galaxy S26 FE at launch
8 GB / 128 GB	750 EUR	799 EUR
8 GB / 256 GB	810 EUR	899 EUR
8 GB / 512 GB	930 EUR	1,099 EUR

Samsung S26 FE is more expensive at every memory level. The increase grows with capacity: 49 EUR for the base version, 89 EUR for 256 GB, and as much as 169 EUR for 512 GB.

However, the key point is something else. The Galaxy S25 FE has been on the market for a year and has clearly dropped in price. The actual level of reduction depends on the store and promotions, but you can buy the older model today noticeably cheaper than on the day of its premiere, while the S26 FE is just starting out with the full price list.

Combine this with the specifications table: you get the same screen, the same camera set, the same battery, and a faster USB port, paying significantly less. For most people, the Galaxy S25 FE is a more sensible purchase today.

Galaxy S26 FE vs S25 FE: which one to choose?

Choose the Galaxy S26 FE if:

• You regularly use Galaxy AI features, as the NPU has gained the most here.
• You game and want power reserves for a few years ahead.
• You care about the longest possible support, which is until 2033.
• You buy a phone for six or seven years and the price difference is spread over that period.

Choose the Galaxy S25 FE if:

• You are looking at the price-to-performance ratio. The screen, cameras, and battery are identical, and you pay significantly less.
• You transfer large files via cable, because only this model has a fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.
• You do not use AI features intensively enough to feel the faster NPU.

Our choice: given today’s price difference, the Galaxy S25 FE wins for most buyers. The Galaxy S26 FE makes sense if you plan to keep the phone until the end of the support period or heavily use Galaxy AI.

If you are considering stronger models from this family, we have compared them in the Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra comparison.

Accessories: does the case from Galaxy S25 FE fit the S26 FE?

It does not fit and it’s not worth trying. This is the first question that arises when changing generations, and here the answer is clear.

The difference in dimensions is 0.3 mm in height and 0.3 mm in width, and according to Android Authority, Samsung has slightly redesigned the camera island. The thickness is identical (7.4 mm), so soft cases from the predecessor can often be stretched, but:

• The camera cutouts do not align in the same place. With the changed island, part of the lens may be covered.
• The buttons do not align with the cutouts, making clicking uncomfortable.
• Rigid cases crack at the corners when attempting to stretch them.

It’s the same with tempered glass. The diagonal and resolution have not changed, but the 0.3 mm wider front means that the glass for the S25 FE will not cover the screen evenly, and the adhesive will partially hit the edge.

Note: manufacturers released dedicated versions for the S26 FE even before the phone went on sale, so there’s no reason to compromise. Choose accessories described exactly by the model you have.

Magnets: a common problem for both generations

Neither the Galaxy S25 FE nor the S26 FE have built-in magnets. Both charge wirelessly using the Qi2 standard at 15 W, but neither will attract itself to the charger or mount.

In both cases, the solution is the same: case with a magnetic ring. You put it on, and the phone starts to hold onto Qi2 chargers, magnetic power banks, car mounts, and card wallets. We described the same mechanism with the iPhone 16e without MagSafe.

Magnetic accessories compatible with both models can be found in the categories of induction chargers and MagSafe accessories.

Accessories for Galaxy S26 FE

Cases and glass for the new model arrived in stock before the phone even appeared in stores.

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag MagSafe

What it suits: Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag, if you care about magnets.

The case combines a rigid polycarbonate (PC) back with a flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) frame, and adds a magnetic ring that is missing in the phone itself. The Frost Black version has a matte, smoky back, where fingerprints are much less visible than on the glossy variant.

Ringke Fusion Magnetic MagSafe

The transparent case has magnets and a raised edge around the camera island. A good choice if you’re buying the Pistachio or Blueberry color and want to see it.

Tech-Protect Glass Fit+

Gorilla Glass Victus+ protects the screen from scratches, but not from cracking upon impact. Replacing the display at a service center costs hundreds of zlotys, while tempered glass is a fraction of that price. Glass Fit+ comes in a set of two pieces with an installation frame.

Accessories for Galaxy S25 FE

The Samsung S25 FE has been on the market for a year, so the selection is much broader: the case category alone has over a hundred items. We have compiled a full ranking in a separate article about the best cases for Galaxy S25 FE.

UAG Scout MagSafe

Armored construction with magnets and MIL-STD-810G certification. UAG makes cases thicker than Spigen, but it is this thickness that protects during edge drops.

Tech-Protect Magflex MagSafe

This is a thinner alternative to armored constructions, also with a magnetic ring. It will work well if you don’t want the case to add bulk to your phone.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Pro

The EZ Fit system is one of the best-designed: the frame positions the glass itself, so even application is usually successful on the first try. The set includes two pieces.

Summary

Galaxy S26 FE is a remarkably cautious update. Samsung has transferred almost all the hardware from its predecessor. The processor, system, and USB port have changed. The screen, all cameras, and battery have been carried over unchanged.

Three things worth remembering:

1. The real gain comes only from the processor. Exynos 2500 is about 30% faster in CPU and GPU and 40% in NPU, which is mainly noticeable in games and Galaxy AI features.
2. There are two steps back, not one. The USB port has reverted to version 2.0, and the certified battery lifespan has dropped from 2,000 to 1,200 charging cycles.
3. The price tips the scales in favor of S25 FE. With the same screen, cameras, and battery, the older model is clearly cheaper today.

Regardless of the choice, both phones are worth complementing with the same: a case with a magnetic ring, as neither has built-in magnets, and tempered glass, as Gorilla Glass Victus+ protects against scratches, not drops.

Sources: official announcement of Galaxy S26 FE in Samsung Global Newsroom, comparison of S26 FE and S25 FE on SamMobile, explanation of the silicon-carbon battery issue on SamMobile, specification sheet for Galaxy S26 FE on GSMArena, price comparison of both generations on GSMArena, new camera features and One UI 9 according to Android Authority, EU energy label for Galaxy S26 FE on GSMArena, analysis of the decrease in charging cycles on Android Authority

FAQ: Galaxy S26 FE and S25 FE

Is it worth paying extra for Galaxy S26 FE?

Usually not. The screen, all three cameras, and the battery are identical to the S25 FE, and the newer model has a slower USB port. The extra cost makes sense if you heavily use Galaxy AI or want the longest support, which is until 2033.

When is the Galaxy S26 FE premiere and when does sales start?

The premiere took place on August 27, 2026, when Samsung showcased the phone and provided the full specifications. Sales start on September 4, 2026.

What are the differences between Galaxy S26 FE and S25 FE?

Three things: the processor (Exynos 2500 in 3 nm instead of Exynos 2400 in 4 nm), the operating system at launch (One UI 9 on Android 17 instead of One UI 8), and the USB port, which has downgraded from 3.2 Gen 1 to 2.0. The screen, cameras, selfie, and 4,900 mAh battery are identical.

Does the Galaxy S26 FE have a silicon-carbon battery?

There is no confirmation from the manufacturer. Samsung does not list silicon-carbon in the official specifications, and SamMobile mentions a regular lithium-ion cell of 4,900 mAh, although some databases label it as Si/C. It is certain that in July 2026, this technology was only available in foldable models: Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Does the case from Galaxy S25 FE fit the S26 FE?

No. The new model is 0.3 mm taller and wider, and the camera island has been slightly redesigned. The cutouts for the camera and buttons do not align in the same place, so you need a case dedicated to the specific model.

Does the Galaxy S26 FE have magnets for MagSafe?

No, just like the S25 FE. Both phones charge wirelessly using the Qi2 standard at 15 W, but they do not have a built-in ring of magnets. The magnets are added by the case, such as the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Mag or UAG Scout MagSafe.

Which phone has a longer battery life?

The Galaxy S26 FE, but the difference is small. The capacity is identical (4,900 mAh), and the gain comes from the more efficient 3 nm processor. Samsung claims about an hour longer video playback.