6 reasons the Galaxy S25 FE feels like the better buy than the Pixel 10

The Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE aim to solve the same problem: bring the best features of their more expensive siblings to a more affordable price point.

While the Galaxy S25 FE delivers on this front, striking the perfect balance between features and price, Google’s base Pixel 10 stumbles big time.

From design trade-offs to missing features, it falls short in areas that matter most, making the Galaxy S25 FE feel like the smarter buy.

6

Sleeker design

And a bigger display

The Pixel 10 is smaller, thicker, and heavier than the S25 FE. While the Pixel 10 is 8.6mm thick and weighs 204g, the S25 FE has a relatively svelte frame, with a 7.4mm-thick chassis and 190 grams.

That might not sound like a big deal, but in daily use, it plays a big role.

The S25 FE should be noticeably easier to handle one-handed. And that’s despite its larger 6.7-inch screen.

Samsung focused on making the Galaxy S25 slimmer and lighter this year, and it paid off, with more customers than ever flocking to it.

Now, the company is following the same playbook with the S25 FE. In stores, its lighter and slimmer design should give it a clear edge over the Pixel and sway more people to buy it.

While I personally don’t place much importance on a phone’s thickness or weight, the difference becomes obvious in day-to-day use. Between the two, I’d prefer the S25 FE over the Pixel 10 because it would be more comfortable to handle.

Admittedly, I like the Pixel 10’s more vibrant colors. But that alone is not a big enough reason to buy it over the S25 FE. The latter’s slimmer and lighter design will be more practical in daily use.

5

A better primary camera

Larger is better

On paper, it might seem like Google gave the Pixel 10 a big camera upgrade by adding a 5x telephoto zoom. It also has a longer reach, offering 5x optical zoom vs. the S25 FE’s 3x shooter.

However, in reality, the S25 FE will take better pictures. It packs a noticeably larger 50MP primary sensor — 1/1.57 inches versus the Pixel 10’s smaller 1/2 inch unit.

While Google uses a fast f/1.7 lens on the Pixel, it won’t be enough to make up for the sensor size difference. The Galaxy S25 FE’s primary camera will take better pictures, especially in low light.

The Pixel 10’s 5x telephoto lens does have an edge in reach and focal length, but the telephoto sensors on both phones are so small that they can only capture decent shots in daylight. In less-than-ideal lighting, the image quality will quickly fall apart.

4

8K video recording

And support for 60fps HDR videos

It’s not just about a bigger primary camera. The Galaxy S25 FE can record 8K videos at 30fps.

Yes, this feature is mostly a gimmick, as the 8K video quality won’t blow you away. But it provides flexibility in post to reframe a shot and zoom in if needed.

With the Pixel 10, you are limited to 4K 60fps resolution. And even that would have been fine if the phone supported Video Boost.

Unlike its Pro siblings, the regular Pixel 10 cannot upload high-bitrate videos to Google’s server for enhanced processing.

Even if it’s a gimmick, almost all premium and flagship Android phones feature 8K video recording. So, there’s little reason that the $800 Pixel 10 can’t do it.

Worse, the Galaxy S25 FE can record 4K 60fps videos in HDR resolution for better dynamic range. The Pixel 10 falls short here, as Google’s flagship phones rely on Video Boost for HDR processing, and the base Pixel 10 lacks support for it.

3

Better 5G support

A big problem with Pixels

In recent years, Google has brought its Pixel phones to many more markets worldwide. But it still pales in comparison to Samsung, which sells its Galaxy devices in almost every market you can think of.

The limited Pixel 10 availability in itself is not that big of an issue. The problem is that Pixels often lack 5G support in countries where they aren’t officially sold.

Google has added support for more markets over time, but there’s still a noticeable gap. And in some countries where 5G does work, Pixels may still miss out on VoLTE support.

Given their wide availability, this is not an issue with Samsung phones. You will get 5G connectivity on supported networks in almost every part of the world, and this is irrespective of whether the phone is officially sold there or not.

2

Faster wired charging speeds

Speedier top-ups when needed

Both Samsung and Google bumped the charging speed on their base model flagships this year.

The Pixel 10 can now fast charge at up to 30W speeds, enabling it to top up its bigger 4,970mAh cell to 55% in 30 minutes. In comparison, the Galaxy S25 FE can draw up to 45W of power, albeit only momentarily, and when the battery is empty.

Even so, this will allow the phone to fill up its 4,900mAh cell noticeably faster. Even apart from the 0 to 50%, the time to fully charge the battery should still be around 15 to 20 minutes faster than the Pixel.

Faster wired charging is a bigger deal than you might think, especially in daily use.

It’s not that the Galaxy S25 FE is blazing fast. At 45W, it’s still nearly 50% slower than many Chinese flagships. Still, it’s quick enough to make a real difference, especially compared to the Pixel 10’s paltry 30W charging speed.

Both phones offer the same wireless charging speed, topping out at 15W. The Pixel 10 gets Qi2 and Pixelsnap support, so you can directly attach magnetic accessories to its back.

Tempting, especially from an everyday viewpoint, but the S25 FE’s faster wired charging speed is a bigger draw.

1

Lower price point

More value for the money

In many areas, the Pixel 10 trumps the Galaxy S25 FE. In others, Samsung’s latest Fan Edition phone is a better choice.

But one thing is clear: none of the phones are as good as their Pro or Ultra siblings, making significant compromises to reach a lower price point.

Given the whole value proposition, it becomes hard to justify buying the Pixel 10 over the Galaxy S25 FE. There’s a big $150 gap between their starting prices.

The Galaxy S25 FE costs $650, while the Pixel 10 starts at $800. And that’s before Samsung’s attractive trade-in deals or other offers.

If I’m spending $800 on a phone, there are far better options than the Pixel 10, including the OnePlus 13.

The Galaxy is the practical everyday choice

On paper, the Pixel 10 might seem like the better device over the Galaxy S25 FE.

It packs a brighter display, comes in more vibrant colors, features a newer and more efficient Tensor chip, a versatile camera setup, and deep Gemini AI integration.

Still, the $800 price tag makes it a tough sell, as it loses out on the value proposition.

Making matters worse, you can get a substantially better experience by spending $200 extra and getting the Pixel 10 Pro instead.

In comparison, the Galaxy S25 FE may not be as powerful or pack new AI features.

However, it delivers respectable everyday performance with a better primary camera and some practical everyday features at a more affordable $650 price — $150 less than the Pixel 10.