A comparison published October 7, 2026, reported that the Galaxy S26 FE outperformed the Galaxy S25 FE in CPU and GPU benchmark runs and web-browsing and video-streaming endurance tests. The trade-off: the S26 FE lacks wired Samsung DeX and DisplayPort output, while the S25 FE retains those wired options. The right choice depends on whether you value the newer model’s reported test results or need a cable-connected display setup.
The meaningful differences at a glance
| Comparison | Galaxy S26 FE | Galaxy S25 FE | What it means for you |
| Processor | Exynos 2500 | Exynos 2400 | The newer model led in the reported CPU and GPU benchmarks. |
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED | The listed screen size and display type are shared. |
| Battery capacity | 4,900 mAh | 4,900 mAh | The S26 FE’s reported endurance advantage came without a larger listed battery. |
| Wired charging | Up to 45 W with a compatible PPS-profile charger | Up to 45 W with a compatible PPS-profile charger | Both support the same stated maximum; the measured difference was small. |
| Camera hardware | 50 MP main, 8 MP telephoto, 12 MP ultrawide; 12 MP selfie | Same camera hardware | The comparison did not show a consistent camera winner. |
| CPU benchmark runs | About 16% higher than the S25 FE | Baseline for the comparison | The S26 FE had the higher reported CPU result. |
| 3DMark Wild Life | Nearly 25% higher than the S25 FE | Baseline for the comparison | The S26 FE had the higher reported GPU result in this test. |
| Web-browsing and video-streaming endurance | Higher in the reported tests | Lower in those tests | The newer model lasted longer in those specific activities. |
| Wired display connection | No wired DeX or DisplayPort output; wireless DeX remains | Wired DeX and DisplayPort output are reported | The S25 FE suits a setup that relies on a cable to connect to a display. |
| Major OS upgrades | Up to seven generations; support ends about a year later | Seven years; support ends about a year earlier | The later-launched S26 FE has the later support horizon. |
Performance and endurance: the reported results
The S26 FE’s Exynos 2500 replaces the S25 FE’s Exynos 2400. In the comparison published October 7, 2026, the S26 FE scored about 16% higher in CPU benchmark runs and nearly 25% higher in 3DMark Wild Life, a graphics test. It also performed better in CPU and GPU stress tests. These are results from that comparison, not a claim that every app or game will feel that much faster.
The S26 FE also had a higher reported active-use score, with the advantage chiefly in web browsing and video streaming. That’s useful if those activities make up much of your day, but it doesn’t mean the phone has a larger battery: both models are listed at 4,900 mAh. Battery capacity is the amount of energy a battery can store; endurance is how long a device lasts under particular use and test conditions.
Display, battery and charging
Both phones have a 6.7-inch OLED display and a 4,900 mAh battery. The S26 FE’s reported battery advantage is therefore about test performance in browsing and streaming, not a difference in those listed specifications.
The charging results were closer. In the comparison, the S26 FE was 4 percentage points ahead after 15 minutes and 6 points ahead after 30 minutes, but reached a full charge only 2 minutes sooner. Both models support wired charging up to 45 W with a charger that has the correct PPS profile. If you’re choosing between them for charging alone, the reported lead is modest.
Camera results vary by scene
The S26 FE and S25 FE share the same listed camera hardware: a 50 MP main camera, an 8 MP telephoto camera, a 12 MP ultrawide camera and a 12 MP selfie camera. The comparison found some daylight advantages for the S26 FE in zoom and video detail, while often favoring the S25 FE for low-light contrast and telephoto rendering. The results varied by scene and camera, rather than pointing to a clear overall winner.
Wired DeX, DisplayPort and software support
The S26 FE retains wireless DeX but lacks wired DeX and DisplayPort video output, according to the comparison. Samsung DeX provides a desktop-style interface on a compatible display; if you depend on a cable for that setup or for wired video output, the reported feature difference favors the S25 FE. The specification comparison lists USB Type-C 2.0 for the S26 FE and USB Type-C 3.2 for the international S25 FE variant.
Both models are described as receiving seven generations of major OS upgrades. Because the S25 FE launched earlier, its support window ends about a year before the S26 FE’s. NeoTeo’s earlier Galaxy S26 FE coverage of daily use and wired DeX looked at the newer phone on its own; this comparison adds the reported results against the S25 FE.
Which one fits your setup?
Choose the Galaxy S26 FE if the newer processor, stronger reported benchmark results, better tested browsing and streaming endurance, or later software-support horizon matter most to you.
Choose the Galaxy S25 FE if you rely on wired DeX or DisplayPort output, or if the mixed camera results match the kinds of scenes you shoot. For a camera decision, weigh the specific results that matter to you: the reported comparison favored the newer phone in some daylight zoom and video detail, and the older one in low-light contrast and telephoto rendering.
