As an Android diehard, I’ve always had a soft spot for Google’s Pixel phones.
The Pixel 10, with its shiny new Tensor G5 chip, AI-driven features, and a promise of seven years of updates, had me ready to hit the purchase button.
Its 5x telephoto lens and Qi2 wireless charging seemed like the perfect blend of innovation and practicality for my compact flagship dreams.
But then Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 FE at its Galaxy Unpacked event today, and my loyalty wavered.
Priced at $650, this “Fan Edition” isn’t necessarily a budget compromise — it’s a near-flagship contender.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers a crisp 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a 4,900mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and Android 16 out of the box.
After diving into its specs and features, I found myself swayed by its value and polish. Here’s why the Galaxy S25 FE stole the spotlight from the Pixel 10 for me.
A top-notch display
The Pixel 10’s 6.3-inch Super Actua display is sharp, with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits of brightness, making it great for everyday use.
However, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE’s 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, also at 120Hz, beats it with a higher peak brightness and LTPO technology for dynamic refresh rate adjustments.
This means that whether you’re scrolling through X, playing games, or watching videos, the S25 FE’s larger screen will not only be more enjoyable to look at, but it will also consume less battery.
Not to mention, its Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection adds durability, perfect for my occasional fumbles.
The Pixel 10’s smaller display is easier to handle one-handed, but its 204-gram weight feels clunky compared to the S25 FE’s svelte 7.4mm frame.
For $650, the S25 FE delivers a display that rivals the $1,000 Galaxy S25 Plus, making the Pixel 10’s screen seem less impressive.
If you’re after an immersive visual experience without breaking the bank, the S25 FE’s display is tough to beat.
Much faster charging
Battery life was a big draw for the Pixel 10, with its near-5,000 mAh cell offering much better battery life than previous Pixels, and Qi2 wireless charging adding convenience.
However, the Galaxy S25 FE matches it with a 4,900mAh battery, likely offering equally good if not better battery life.
What sets it apart is the 45W wired charging, which can reach 50% in less than 30 minutes with a compatible charger (sold separately, unfortunately).
The Pixel 10’s 25W charging feels sluggish in comparison, taking longer to top up when I’m on the go.
The S25 FE also supports 15W wireless charging, which works fine with my existing pads, even if it lacks Qi2.
Samsung’s ability to pack this battery and charging speed into a slim body is a win over the Pixel 10’s chunkier design.
For anyone who needs quick power-ups without carrying a bulky phone, the S25 FE’s charging prowess is a clear advantage.
Having used OnePlus phones in the past, slow charging is a compromise I am unwilling to make anymore.
A price difference you can’t ignore
The Pixel 10’s $800 starting price gets you 12GB of RAM, the Tensor G5 chip, and Google’s AI magic, but the Galaxy S25 FE’s $650 price tag delivers comparable value with less sticker shock.
Its Exynos 2400 chip, while not as potent as the Tensor G5, handles multitasking and light gaming smoothly with 8GB of RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
The S25 FE’s triple-lens camera — 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP 3x telephoto — matches the versatility of the Pixel 10, and its seven-year update promise rivals Google’s.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that someone looking at either of these phones isn’t particularly looking for the most performant device, and for such people, both the Tensor and the Exynos chips will be sufficient.
For $150 less, you’re getting a phone that feels ergonomic, has a nice vibrant display, and a feature-packed software suite.
The Pixel 10’s extra RAM is nice for heavy multitaskers, but most users won’t notice a gap in everyday use.
The S25 FE’s balance of performance, features, and affordability makes it a smarter pick for budget-conscious Android fans.
Different software approaches
Google’s AI leadership shines on the Pixel 10, with features like Super Res Zoom and Audio Magic Eraser, powered by the Tensor G5.
However, the Galaxy S25 FE’s Galaxy AI suite keeps pace, offering Circle to Search, live translations, and Sketch to Image, which turns crude sketches into polished graphics.
Unlike the Pixel 10, which requires a paid Google One subscription for some advanced AI features, the S25 FE includes everything out of the box, even borrowing Google’s Gemini AI for certain tasks.
Having said that, many of these features don’t always work as promised, so keep that in mind when evaluating the AI prowess of either of the devices.
The S25 FE comes with One UI 8 atop Android 16, making it a feature-packed experience. It, too, gets seven years of updates, matching the Pixel 10 in terms of longevity and value.
Bigger yet more ergonomic
The Pixel 10’s 204-gram, 8.9mm-thick body feels substantial, but not in a good way when compared to the Galaxy S25 FE’s sleek 7.4mm frame and lighter build.
Despite its larger 6.7-inch display and 4,900mAh battery, the S25 FE is easier to slip into a pocket or hold for long sessions.
Its Gorilla Glass Victus+ back and aluminum frame give it a premium feel that belies its $650 price, closely mirroring the look of the pricier Galaxy S25.
The Pixel 10’s design is bold, but its heft makes it less comfortable for extended use. The S25 FE’s slim profile and lighter weight make it a joy to carry, especially for users who want a big-screen phone without the bulk.
When you factor in the price difference, the S25 FE’s design feels like a better deal.
Why I’d choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
The Pixel 10 is a stellar phone, with its Tensor G5 chip, 5x telephoto lens, and Google’s AI ecosystem making it a top contender for 2025’s compact flagship.
But the Galaxy S25 FE, at $650, delivers a near-flagship experience for significantly less.
Its larger, brighter display, faster 45W charging, Android 16-based software, and sleek design will outweigh the Pixel 10’s advantages in RAM and raw processing power for most users.
The Google Pixel 10 is a great phone for many people, especially if photography is your top priority. But at an $800 price, it doesn’t offer enough over the new Samsung Galaxy S25 FE — at least for me.
