Galaxy S25 FE India Review: Worth Buying Over S25 & S25 Plus?

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Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has officially launched in India as the most affordable member of the Galaxy S25 series. Priced at ₹54,999 for the 128GB base model, it sits below the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus while offering a similar design, large display, and Galaxy AI features. But with the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus already seeing price drops, the question arises: is the Galaxy S25 FE really worth buying in India, or should you pay slightly more for its bigger siblings? Let’s break it down.

Galaxy S25 FE

Price and Value in India

  • Launch Prices (India):

    • Galaxy S25 FE: ₹54,999 (128GB)

    • Galaxy S25: ₹69,999 (around ₹15,000 more)

    • Galaxy S25 Plus: ₹89,999 (256GB, around ₹35,000 more)

  • Current Market Prices (India, Online Discounts):

    • Galaxy S25 (256GB): Around ₹64,999 on Amazon.

    • Galaxy S25 Plus (256GB): Around ₹74,999 on Amazon.

    • Galaxy S24 (128GB): Available from ₹49,999.

With these discounts, the S25 and S25 Plus often cost only ₹5K–₹10K more than the FE, making the FE harder to justify at launch. Expect the S25 FE to drop closer to ₹45,000–₹50,000 in the coming months, which would make it more appealing.

Design and Build

samsung galaxy s25 FE front and back

  • Galaxy S25 FE: 6.7-inch display, 190g, 7.4mm thin.

  • Galaxy S25 Plus: 6.7-inch display, 190g (same size and weight).

  • Galaxy S25: More compact at 6.2-inch, 162g, 7.2mm thin.

All three phones are IP68 water and dust resistant with aluminum rails. The S25 and S25 Plus use Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the FE has Victus Plus (slightly older but still strong).

The S25 FE looks very similar to last year’s Galaxy S24, while the S25 and S25 Plus feature updated camera rings.

Display Comparison

  • Galaxy S25 FE: 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz (60–120Hz), 1,900 nits peak brightness.

  • Galaxy S25 Plus: 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED LTPO, 1–120Hz, 2,600 nits.

  • Galaxy S25: 6.2-inch QHD+ AMOLED LTPO, 2,600 nits.

The FE’s screen is bright and smooth but limited to FHD+ and lacks LTPO efficiency, meaning more battery drain compared to the S25/S25 Plus.

Performance

  • Galaxy S25 FE: Exynos 2400, 8GB RAM.

  • Galaxy S25/S25 Plus: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, 12GB RAM.

The Exynos 2400 is capable for gaming and daily use, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite is faster, more efficient, and future-proof, especially when paired with 12GB RAM. Given Samsung’s 7-year update promise, 8GB RAM on the FE might feel limiting in the long run.

Cameras

  • Galaxy S25 FE: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (3x optical), 12MP front.

  • Galaxy S25/S25 Plus: 50MP main, larger 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical), 12MP front.

The FE’s cameras are good but not flagship-grade, especially the ultrawide which is weaker than its siblings. Still, the main and telephoto sensors deliver solid results for the price.

Battery and Charging

  • Galaxy S25 FE / S25 Plus: 4,900mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless.

  • Galaxy S25: 4,000mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless.

The S25 FE matches the Plus in battery size and charging speeds, making it a reliable all-day phone.

Software and Updates

The Galaxy S25 FE runs Android 16 with One UI 8 out of the box, while the S25 and S25 Plus launched on Android 15 but will soon update to the same version.

Samsung promises 7 years of OS and security updates across all three models. The FE also supports the full Galaxy AI suite including Circle to Search, Call Assist, Interpreter, Notes Assist, and more.

Verdict – Should You Buy Galaxy S25 FE in India?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a strong phone with a big display, excellent software support, and Galaxy AI features at a slightly lower price. However, compared to the discounted Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, the FE feels less compelling at launch.

✔️ Buy the Galaxy S25 FE if:

  • You find it closer to ₹45K–₹50K in sales.

  • You want a large display and strong battery without paying flagship prices.

❌ Skip the FE if:

  • You can spend ₹5K–₹10K more for the S25 or S25 Plus, which offer better cameras, displays, and Snapdragon performance.

Final Verdict: A good phone, but wait for price drops or grab the Galaxy S25 Plus on discount for the best value.

Q. What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in India?

The S25 FE starts at ₹54,999 for the 128GB model.

The FE has FHD+ display, Exynos 2400, 8GB RAM, and weaker cameras, while the Plus offers QHD+ LTPO display, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and better cameras.

Yes, but the Snapdragon-powered S25 and S25 Plus perform better in sustained gaming sessions.

Samsung promises 7 years of OS and security updates.

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Lava Play Ultra

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lava play ultra - the best under 15000

Lava has been steadily climbing the Indian smartphone ladder, proving that “Made in India” can truly compete with the big brands. The new Lava Play Ultra 5G continues this trend, offering a feature-packed experience at a budget-friendly price. Positioned as a compact-yet-powerful device, it balances sleek design, strong performance, and a rich feature set — making it one of the best options under ₹15,000.

So, does it really live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Pricing and Variants

  • 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage – ₹14,999 (as low as ₹13,999 with bank offers)

  • 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage – ₹16,500 (effective ₹15,500 with offers)

Both variants make the Lava Play Ultra 5G a very attractive deal, competing directly with Redmi, Realme, and iQOO in the same segment.

Design and Build

  • Flat polycarbonate frame with a sleek matte finish

  • Unique square-and-circle camera module

  • Lightweight at 181.6g – perfect for one-handed use

  • Two colors: Arctic Frost (matte white) & Arctic Slate (black)

  • IP64 certification for dust and splash resistance

  • Box includes a good-quality case

The Play Ultra keeps things simple but stylish, feeling far more premium than its price tag suggests.

Display: Punches Above Its Weight

One of the biggest highlights of the Lava Play Ultra 5G is its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with:

  • FHD+ resolution

  • 120Hz refresh rate

  • 1000 nits peak brightness (900 nits HBM)

  • Punch-hole design with slim bezels

  • Widevine L1 support for HD streaming

At this price, the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth refresh rate are exceptional. It easily outperforms many competitors in its category.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the phone packs:

  • MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor

  • LPDDR4X RAM + UFS 3.1 storage (faster than typical UFS 2.2 in this segment)

  • AnTuTu Score: ~6.6–7 lakhs

For gaming, it handles BGMI at 60FPS smoothly with good thermals. The Game Booster Mode and Hyper Engine optimizations further enhance gameplay.

Simply put, the Lava Play Ultra 5G delivers reliable day-to-day performance and casual gaming power without breaking a sweat.

Camera System: Sony-Powered

Rear Cameras:

  • 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor

  • 5MP macro camera (better than the usual 2MP filler)

  • 4K 30FPS video recording

Front Camera:

  • 13MP selfie shooter, supports 4K video

Camera Features:

  • Pro Mode, Night Mode, Portrait, Slow Motion, AR Stickers, Dual View, Macro Mode, QR Scanner

Daylight shots are sharp and vibrant, while low-light photos are serviceable but not class-leading. The lack of an ultrawide lens is noticeable, but the primary and macro shooters make up for it.

Software and Updates

  • Android 15, near-stock UI

  • Minimal bloatware, smooth experience

  • Lava’s custom dialer supports auto call recording

  • 2 years of Android updates + 3 years of security patches

This is a major plus in the budget segment, where many brands only provide 1 year of updates.

Battery and Charging

  • 5000mAh battery

  • 33W fast charging (0-100% in ~83 minutes)

  • Type-C to Type-C cable included

While not the fastest charging in its class, the battery comfortably lasts a full day of use, even with gaming and video streaming.

Connectivity and Extra Features

  • 9 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

  • Hybrid SIM slot

  • Stereo speakers (loud, but distort slightly at high volumes)

  • 3.5mm headphone jack

  • In-display fingerprint sensor & face unlock

  • FM Radio

  • Free doorstep service

Notably missing: NFC and IR blaster.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Lava Play Ultra 5G?

The Lava Play Ultra 5G is a powerful statement from Lava — a phone that proves Indian brands can truly compete in the mid-range segment. With its vibrant AMOLED display, strong processor, reliable cameras, clean software, and long update promise, it’s one of the best compact phones you can buy under ₹15,000.

Buy it if you want:
✅ A premium AMOLED display under ₹15k
✅ Smooth gaming performance
✅ Long software support
✅ Clean Android with minimal bloatware

Skip it if you need:
❌ Ultrawide camera
❌ Very fast charging

FAQs About Lava Play Ultra 5G

1. Is Lava Play Ultra 5G good for gaming?

Yes, it runs BGMI at 60FPS smoothly with good thermals

Yes, it supports 9 5G bands

Lava promises 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches

Starts at ₹14,999 (effective ₹13,999 with offers)

No, but it supports 33W wired charging.

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