— Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy Tab S11 this week, and retailers have already posted introductory bundles and discounts. The S25 FE is available immediately with a free storage upgrade (128GB→256GB) plus a $100 Amazon gift card; the Tab S11 is being listed with a free storage bump on some retailers. We surveyed current US prices and nearby alternatives across Samsung’s line and competing brands to show where the best value now lies.
Key Takeaways
- The Galaxy S25 FE launched on 7 September 2025 and is on sale now at Amazon US: 8/256GB for $650 with a free storage upgrade and a $100 Amazon gift card.
- S25 FE hardware changes vs. the previous FE: weight reduced to 190g, thickness to 7.4mm, battery increased to 4,900mAh (+200mAh), wired charging to 45W (0–65% in 30 minutes), wireless up to 25W, and it uses the standard Exynos 2400.
- The Galaxy S25 Edge is discounted; listed prices at Amazon US are 12/256GB for $700 and 12/512GB for $820, offering higher display resolution and a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip compared with the FE.
- Midrange alternatives include the Galaxy A56 (8/128GB $450; 8/256GB $500) and Motorola Edge (2025) at $450 (8/256GB); OnePlus 13R is holding at $500 (12/256GB).
- Samsung’s Tab S11 (11”) is listed with a free storage upgrade: 12/256GB $800 and 12/512GB $860; larger Tab S11 Ultra showed no notable offers at time of survey.
- Older Tab models remain in the market at lower prices: Tab S9 (12/256GB $670) and Tab S10+ (12/256GB $880), affecting value comparisons for buyers prioritizing screen size or chip generation.
Background
Samsung’s FE (Fan Edition) line aims to transplant flagship features into a lower-price package, and the S25 FE continues that strategy by trimming weight and thickness while boosting battery and charging. The FE has typically targeted buyers who want near-flagship cameras and performance without the Ultra price, and this new refresh follows that product role for 2025.
The tablet lineup also shifted: Samsung introduced an 11” Tab S11 where the S10 generation had skipped an 11” model, and the company did not add a new Plus model for this generation. That reshuffle alters the upgrade calculus for buyers choosing between newer, smaller slates and older, larger displays.
Main Event
Retailers opened listings for the Galaxy S25 FE on 7 September 2025 with immediate availability and promotional bundles. At Amazon US the headline offer pairs a free upgrade from 128GB to 256GB and a $100 gift card with the 8/256GB model priced at $650. Samsung did not require pre-orders for the FE — units went on sale the same day the device was announced.
Specification differences are notable: Samsung reduced the S25 FE’s mass to 190g and thickness to 7.4mm, increased battery capacity to 4,900mAh (up 200mAh), and raised wired charging to 45W which Samsung advertises as reaching 0–65% in 30 minutes (vs. the previous FE’s 0–50% in 30 minutes). The phone runs the standard Exynos 2400 with higher clocks than the prior 2400e variant.
Price positioning puts the S25 FE between midrange models and full-size S25 variants. The S25 Edge appears discounted at Amazon US: the 12/256GB configuration is listed at $700 — $50 higher than the S25 FE’s sticker but competitive once the $100 gift-card value is considered. The Edge offers a thinner chassis, a higher-resolution 6.7” LTPO display and Snapdragon 8 Elite silicon, at the expense of a smaller 3,900mAh battery.
On tablets, the 11” Tab S11 is now the mainstream flagship-sized slate for the generation; prices start at $800 for 12/256GB when retailers include a free storage upgrade. The larger 14.6” Tab S11 Ultra did not show compelling discounts during the initial stock week, while older Tab S9 and S10+ models remain available at reduced prices.
Analysis & Implications
Samsung’s choice to equip the S25 FE with a larger battery and faster wired charging narrows the practical gap between FE and true flagship models, especially for users who value battery life over top-tier camera hardware. Increasing the battery to 4,900mAh and a 45W wired capability addresses a long-standing FE criticism around endurance and charging speed.
However, pricing and bundle structure shape perceived value: a $650 S25 FE that includes a $100 gift card effectively offsets part of the premium over midrange rivals. Buyers should weigh that against the Edge’s upgraded display and Snapdragon 8 Elite performance for roughly $700–820 depending on storage — the Edge can be a better pick for display and raw performance-centric users despite a smaller battery.
In tablets, the reintroduction of an 11” S11 widens choices for users who prefer a more portable slate while still wanting flagship-level hardware. Yet the Tab S9 and S10+ remain relevant for buyers who prioritize larger screens or can accept older chipsets for lower cost — the S9’s $670 listing represents a meaningful saving versus the new S11.
Comparison & Data
| Model | Config | Price (Amazon US) | Key hardware notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 FE | 8/256GB | $650 + $100 gift card | 4,900mAh, Exynos 2400, 45W wired |
| Galaxy S25 Edge | 12/256GB | $700 | 6.7″ LTPO, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 3,900mAh |
| OnePlus 13R | 12/256GB | $500 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 6,000mAh, 80W |
| Galaxy A56 | 8/128GB | $450 | 6.7″ 1080p+, Exynos 1580, 5,000mAh |
| Galaxy Tab S11 | 12/256GB | $800 | 11″ Dimensity 9400+ |
The table summarizes retail prices and headline specs to help buyers compare battery, chipset and display priorities in one view. Price differences between FE, Edge and competing phones can be small once bundles are considered; always total bundle value (gift cards, storage upgrades) into any price comparison.
Reactions & Quotes
Retail listings rolled out quickly after the announcement, with Amazon showing immediate availability and bundled incentives.
GSMArena (tech media)
Early price moves place the S25 FE in a tight spot between true flagship edges and premium midrange phones, prompting close buyer comparison.
Market observers (aggregated commentary)
Unconfirmed
- Longer-term discount patterns for the S24 FE: previous deep discounts reappeared in some cycles, but whether similar stock-driven cuts will return for the S24 FE is unconfirmed.
- Tab S11 Ultra future discounts: no meaningful offers appeared in week one; timing and depth of future markdowns remain unclear.
Bottom Line
The Galaxy S25 FE is a competitive mid-high tier option at launch due to a larger battery, faster wired charging and a modest launch price augmented by a $100 gift card and free storage upgrade. For buyers prioritizing display fidelity and raw performance, discounted S25 Edge listings with Snapdragon silicon remain attractive despite a smaller battery.
Tablet buyers should weigh the Tab S11’s newer 11″ form and Dimensity 9400+ against older Tab S9 and S10+ units that can be significantly cheaper. As always, consider total bundle value and your own priorities — battery life, camera telephoto, display resolution or raw chipset speed — before deciding.