Samsung’s new IFA lineup lands as a careful, incremental push to make flagship features more attainable: the Galaxy S25 FE tightens the S-series value proposition, the Galaxy Tab S11 family presses thinner and lighter into tablet territory, and the Galaxy Buds3 FE brings a Buds3‑style audio experience down to FE price points — all with One UI 8 and a heavier emphasis on Galaxy AI. This early hands‑on reveals sensible engineering choices, a few surprising trade‑offs, and clear signals about where Samsung is steering its mid‑range and productivity hardware for the next year. (news.samsung.com)
Samsung’s “FE” lineup has historically been an exercise in delivering flagship DNA — premium materials, high‑tier software support, and core camera capabilities — at a lower entry price than the true flagship. For 2025 the FE strategy has evolved: Samsung is folding more of the S‑series aesthetic and Galaxy AI features into the FE, while shifting some hardware compromises to maintain margins. The result is devices that feel closer to flagship in daily use, but with carefully chosen sacrifices (and occasionally surprising upgrades) that shape real purchasing decisions. (sammobile.com)
For WindowsForum readers, the Tab S11’s DeX improvements and the S25 FE’s update commitment are the two most meaningful takeaways. Both devices are designed to play well with PCs — whether by acting as a secondary screen, a pen‑forward creative device, or a long‑lived phone that won’t fall out of software support five months after purchase. The Buds3 FE completes the ecosystem circle with more capable, comfortable audio at an FE price.
Caveats remain — processor preferences, accessory compatibility, and repairability should be weighed against the clear strengths. Still, for buyers who want flagship feel and software longevity without flagship pricing, Samsung’s FE family continues to be one of the safer, better‑rounded choices on the market. (news.samsung.com)
Note: regional pricing and availability (especially promotional vouchers and launch discounts) vary by market and can change during launch windows; local Samsung channels and authorised retailers should be consulted for the final on‑shelf price and stock dates.
Source: My Everyday Tech Early Hands On - Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11 Series, Galaxy Buds3 FE
Background
Samsung’s “FE” lineup has historically been an exercise in delivering flagship DNA — premium materials, high‑tier software support, and core camera capabilities — at a lower entry price than the true flagship. For 2025 the FE strategy has evolved: Samsung is folding more of the S‑series aesthetic and Galaxy AI features into the FE, while shifting some hardware compromises to maintain margins. The result is devices that feel closer to flagship in daily use, but with carefully chosen sacrifices (and occasionally surprising upgrades) that shape real purchasing decisions. (sammobile.com)Galaxy S25 FE — What Samsung actually changed
Design and display
The Galaxy S25 FE is slimmer and lighter compared with earlier FE generations — Samsung lists a 7.4mm profile and roughly 190 g weight — and adopts the Enhanced Armor Aluminum frame that visually and materially aligns the FE with the standard S25 models. The screen is a 6.7‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, maintaining the smoothness and peak brightness headroom users expect from modern Galaxy phones. These refinements make the S25 FE feel like a compact flagship without the flagship price. (news.samsung.com, tomsguide.com)Cameras
Samsung kept the rear camera array familiar: a 50 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultra‑wide, and an 8 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The notable change is the front‑facing camera, upgraded to 12 MP and tied into Samsung’s ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI editing features. The company’s focus is increasingly software‑driven: tools like Generative Edit, Instant Slow‑mo, and Audio Eraser are emphasized as differentiators even when sensor counts stay stable. That’s a pragmatic move — better computational processing often yields more visible improvements in everyday photos than swapping sensors. (news.samsung.com, tomsguide.com)Performance, cooling, and battery life
The S25 FE runs an Exynos 2400 (the same Samsung‑branded silicon seen in recent Galaxy models in many regions), and Samsung says it improved the cooling solution — a larger vapor chamber plus tuned thermal paths — to keep the chip steady under load. Battery capacity is 4,900 mAh, with 45W wired and 15W Qi2 wireless charging supported; Samsung highlights quicker top‑ups and better sustained performance under sustained workloads. For buyers who prioritize long‑term software support, Samsung’s commitment of seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security patches is a headline feature that frames the S25 FE as a longer‑term purchase. (news.samsung.com, business-standard.com)Software and AI
The S25 FE ships with Android 16 and One UI 8, bringing Galaxy AI features to a broader audience. Samsung continues to fold in agentic and generative capabilities — from Gemini Live integrations to enhanced device‑level editing tools — positioning the FE as a capable entry to the breadth of Samsung’s software stack rather than a stripped down alternative. For many users the software experience now matters more than the last decimal of CPU benchmarks. (news.samsung.com, gizmochina.com)Pricing and market position
Samsung’s global pricing places the S25 FE in the upper midrange: commonly reported launch pricing sits around $649 (USA) for base models in many markets. For Malaysia, local retail figures (manufacturer and local press disclosures) list the S25 FE at RM3,099 for 256 GB and RM3,699 for 512 GB, which places it competitively against near‑flagship alternatives and premium midrange phones. Regional promos (vouchers and launch discounts) further affect the effective street price, so buyers should check local reservation programs for targeted discounts.Galaxy Tab S11 series — thinness and a new S Pen philosophy
The hardware split: Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra
The Tab S11 family returns in two flavors: an 11‑inch Tab S11 (base) and a 14.6‑inch Tab S11 Ultra. Samsung has dramatically prioritized thinness: the Ultra is listed at 5.1 mm and weighs about 692 g. That’s an aggressive engineering trade‑off and one of the headline talking points from Samsung’s launch notes. Both models adopt streamlined bezels, and the Ultra adds an anti‑reflective coating reserved for the larger panel. (myeverydaytech.com)Processing and battery
Both tablets use MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ silicon — a high‑end Android tablet chipset that balances performance and efficiency for long multimedia sessions and large‑format multitasking. Battery sizes reflect the screen trade‑offs: 11,600 mAh for the Ultra and 8,400 mAh for the base Tab S11, with 45W wired charging supported on both. The larger battery on the Ultra is necessary to offset its bigger display while still delivering credible endurance. (soyacincau.com)The S Pen redesign and feature trade‑offs
Samsung redesigned the S Pen into a hexagonal, pencil‑like stylus that magnetically attaches to the tablet’s side instead of the back. The new form factor improves grip ergonomics for extended drawing and note‑taking, but Samsung has made an important trade: Bluetooth LE support — and thus gesture‑based air commands — has been removed from the S Pen for this generation. That’s a deliberate simplification: improved physical feel and slimmer tablet chassis at the cost of some quick‑access remote features. For illustrators and students who value raw writing comfort, this is likely a net positive; for users who relied on air gestures, the experience will feel more basic. (myeverydaytech.com)Productivity: One UI 8 Tablet and DeX improvements
Both tablets ship with One UI 8 Tablet and upgraded Samsung DeX: DeX now supports an Extended Mode, up to four virtual desktops, and tighter multi‑screen workflows — useful when pairing the tablet with external displays or when using it as a secondary screen for a Windows PC. Samsung’s direction is clear: the Tab S11 series is trying to compete more directly with laptop workflows and to be a practical companion to Windows machines, especially for users who want a pen‑first note‑taking and creative device that also functions as a productivity slab. Keyboard accessories will be bundled in select markets and pogo pins have been moved to the back to match the thinner profile. (myeverydaytech.com)Galaxy Buds3 FE — FE audio learns the premium lingo
Design and fit
The Galaxy Buds3 FE borrows the blade aesthetic from Samsung’s higher‑end Buds3 family, with a semi‑transparent case lid and stemmed earbuds. Samsung retained pinch and swipe controls, but the new version addresses prior comfort complaints with redesigned silicone tips and larger 11 mm drivers to deliver fuller low end. The FE earbuds aim to feel and sound closer to the mainstream Buds3 experience while keeping the price point accessible. (news.samsung.com, myeverydaytech.com)ANC, battery, and features
Samsung quotes active noise cancellation up to ~32 dB for the Buds3 FE and provides customizable EQ through its companion app. Battery life with ANC on sits in the region of ~6 hours on the buds, extended to ~24–30 hours with the case depending on ANC usage and regional spec sheets. IP ratings improved over earlier FE buds — some markets list IP54/IP64 dust and splash tolerance depending on the variant — and the buds add Galaxy AI features such as Crystal Clear Call and interpreter integrations when paired with One UI 8 devices. Malaysian retail prices have been reported around RM499 at launch, consistent with Samsung’s local positioning for FE‑class accessories. (lowyat.net, soyacincau.com)Pricing, availability, and regional caveats
- Global launch windows and street prices vary by market; Samsung’s global materials place the S25 FE and Tab S11 family at competitive entry points into flagship features. Typical reported US launch prices put the S25 FE base at $649, Tab S11 starting in the high hundreds, and the S11 Ultra in the four‑figure band for top specs. (tomsguide.com, theverge.com)
- Malaysia-specific retail rates (as published by local press and retailers) list the S25 FE at RM3,099 (256 GB) and RM3,699 (512 GB); Tab S11 Wi‑Fi at RM3,899 for 12 GB + 256 GB and the Tab S11 Ultra Wi‑Fi at RM5,999 for 12 GB + 256 GB, with higher trim levels listed accordingly. The Buds3 FE local pricing has been reported near RM499 in official Malaysian press and reseller posts. These regional figures are consistent across multiple local outlets but are subject to promotional changes, reservation vouchers, and launch discounts. Buyers should verify with Samsung Malaysia or authorized retailers for final, day‑of sale prices.
Critical analysis — strengths, compromises, and risks
Strengths
- Software longevity: Seven generations of OS support plus seven years of security patches put the S25 FE in the same long‑lifespan conversation as premium Samsung devices. That alone will sway value buyers who plan to keep a phone for multiple major Android versions. (news.samsung.com)
- Flagship materials at FE price: Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+, and thin, light construction shift perceived premium feel into the midrange bucket.
- Galaxy AI availability: Putting generative and agentic capabilities on the FE and Tab S11 broadens access to features that increasingly define user experiences (editing, transcription, live translation).
- Tab productivity: The Tab S11 Ultra’s thinness combined with DeX improvements and a more realistic stylus for long sessions makes Samsung’s tablet offering more convincing as a laptop replacement for many creators and power users.
Compromises and trade‑offs
- Processor choices and regional variants: The Exynos 2400 is not the Snapdragon 8 Elite used in S25 flagships in some markets. For users who prioritize raw benchmarks and maximum GPU performance (mobile gamers and certain creative apps), this matters. The majority of everyday workloads will be fine, but the choice is deliberate and not invisible. (gizmochina.com, sammobile.com)
- S Pen regressions: Removing Bluetooth LE (gesture functionality) from the S Pen may upset users who valued remote actions for presentations and camera triggering. That loss reduces some of the S Pen’s utility as a multi‑modal remote.
- Battery vs. thinness trade‑offs: Samsung’s move to extreme thinness on the Tab S11 Ultra required design decisions that affect port placement and accessory electrical contacts (pogo pins moved to the rear). Thin can be beautiful, but it also complicates third‑party accessory ecosystems and increases replacement costs when physical damage occurs.
Risks
- Software promise vs. reality: long update guarantees are compelling, but the quality of feature parity across generations and regions — especially for AI features that may require cloud services or region‑specific partnerships — can vary. Buyers should treat multi‑year feature promises as dependent on service availability and local regulations.
- Market segmentation confusion: Samsung’s product grid (S‑series, FE variants, A‑series, and recent Galaxy Book cross‑promotions) can muddy decision making; some buyers may pay for “FE” premium materials yet not need the AI features, while others may prefer lower‑priced A‑series models with similar battery and screens.
- Repairability and thin hardware: extreme thinness reduces structural tolerances — repair costs and durability over multi‑year ownership are real concerns. Samsung’s materials are premium, but tradeoffs exist.
Where these devices sit relative to competitors
- The S25 FE targets buyers who previously would have considered near‑flagship phones from OnePlus, Google, and Xiaomi: it undercuts full flagships on price while matching many tangible flagship cues (materials, battery, camera software).
- The Tab S11 Ultra aims at the larger tablet market dominated by Apple’s iPad Pro; Samsung’s selling points are S Pen ergonomics, DeX multitasking, and multi‑desktop workflows that pair more naturally with Windows PCs and external displays.
- The Buds3 FE is a standard FE strategy for audio: bring the Buds3 aesthetic and many audio features to a wallet‑friendly price, undercutting many premium earbuds while offering deeper Galaxy integration.
Practical buying guidance for everyday users
- If you prioritize long‑term value and software updates: the Galaxy S25 FE is a strong pick. The 7+7 update promise and One UI 8 out of the box make it a conservative, future‑proof choice. (news.samsung.com)
- If you’re a content creator or heavy note‑taker who wants a tablet that can plausibly replace a laptop for many tasks: the Tab S11 Ultra is worth the premium, provided you’re comfortable with the thinner chassis and the S Pen’s lack of Bluetooth gestures.
- If you need comfortable, feature‑rich earbuds that tie tightly into the Galaxy ecosystem without a heavy price tag: Buds3 FE hits the sweet spot, especially for users who value ANC, on‑device AI features, and a long pairing life across Samsung devices. (lowyat.net, news.samsung.com)
Final verdict
Samsung’s September lineup — led by the Galaxy S25 FE, Tab S11 series, and Buds3 FE — is a textbook exercise in feature triage: bring the best of flagship software and materials to a broader audience while pruning peripheral features that are expensive to develop or less broadly used. For mainstream buyers and ecosystem users, the trade‑offs are sensible: longer software support, improved materials, and accessible Galaxy AI features outweigh losses like S Pen gestures or the highest‑end silicon.For WindowsForum readers, the Tab S11’s DeX improvements and the S25 FE’s update commitment are the two most meaningful takeaways. Both devices are designed to play well with PCs — whether by acting as a secondary screen, a pen‑forward creative device, or a long‑lived phone that won’t fall out of software support five months after purchase. The Buds3 FE completes the ecosystem circle with more capable, comfortable audio at an FE price.
Caveats remain — processor preferences, accessory compatibility, and repairability should be weighed against the clear strengths. Still, for buyers who want flagship feel and software longevity without flagship pricing, Samsung’s FE family continues to be one of the safer, better‑rounded choices on the market. (news.samsung.com)
Note: regional pricing and availability (especially promotional vouchers and launch discounts) vary by market and can change during launch windows; local Samsung channels and authorised retailers should be consulted for the final on‑shelf price and stock dates.
Source: My Everyday Tech Early Hands On - Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11 Series, Galaxy Buds3 FE