Samsung’s Galaxy S series represents the pinnacle of the company’s Android smartphones, coming with a premium price tag. The base model of the Galaxy S26 starts at $899.99, while the S26 Ultra begins at $1,299.99, which may be too expensive for some consumers. For those seeking a high-end experience at a lower price, Samsung offers the Galaxy FE series, introduced in 2020 with the Galaxy S20 FE. This series provides flagship-like features by making strategic compromises to reduce manufacturing costs.
In 2020, Samsung highlighted that the Galaxy S20 FE incorporated key features of the Galaxy S20 series, like a smooth scrolling display, AI-powered camera, advanced chipset, and strong connectivity, with a streamlined design. This approach continues with current FE models, which now also focus on AI capabilities.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the compromises involved. For instance, the Galaxy S25 FE, which launched after the Galaxy S25 series in 2025, features a 6.7-inch OLED display and an Exynos 2400 chip with 8 GB of RAM, compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12 GB of RAM in the Galaxy S25 models. While the S25 FE has a capable camera system, the S25 and S25 Plus offer superior zoom capabilities and sensor sizes.
Price-wise, the Galaxy S25 FE was initially $649.99 for the 128 GB version, while the standard Galaxy S25 was $799.99. The timing of purchase can affect the value, as discounts on the premium models often occur around the FE’s release. For instance, the Galaxy S25 was available for $679 at Best Buy, close to the FE’s price.
As Samsung continues to update its lineup, similar considerations apply to the rumored Galaxy S26 FE versus the S26 models. With price increases in 2026, buyers might find significant discounts on the S26 models by the time the FE variant becomes available.
