Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and Tab S11: Thinner, Lighter, Familiar
▼ Summary
– Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 FE phone and Tab S11 series tablets, which are practical but less flashy than experimental devices like foldables or XR headsets.
– The S25 FE is thinner and lighter than its predecessor but retains the same camera setup, with minor upgrades to the selfie camera, battery, and chipset.
– Both the S25 FE and Tab S11 tablets will ship with One UI 8, offering AI features and seven years of software updates and security patches.
– The Tab S11 tablets are thinner and lighter, with a redesigned S Pen featuring a hexagonal grip and side attachment, but have minimal hardware upgrades.
– The S25 FE starts at $649.99, the Tab S11 at $799.99, and the Tab S11 Ultra at $1,199.99, all available now.
For those seeking a blend of flagship style and practical affordability, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE and Tab S11 series offer refined updates focused on slim profiles and familiar usability. While not the flashiest entries in Samsung’s lineup, these devices represent the kind of reliable, high-volume products that consistently drive consumer sales.
The Galaxy S25 FE receives a notably sleek makeover, now measuring just 7.4mm thick and weighing 190g, making it both thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Its design closely mirrors the Galaxy S25 Plus, sharing identical dimensions and a premium build that includes an Armor Aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance, and Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection. Available in white, black, light blue, and navy blue, each variant features a consistent silvery trim around the camera housing and edges, reinforcing its upscale appearance.
Where the S25 FE shows restraint is in its internal upgrades. The triple rear camera system remains unchanged from last year’s model, though the front-facing camera sees a modest increase to 12 megapixels. Battery capacity grows slightly to 4,900mAh despite the smaller form factor, and wired charging speeds now reach 45W. Under the hood, the Exynos 2400 chipset offers a minor clock speed improvement over last year’s version. Wireless charging is supported but requires a magnetic accessory case for full functionality, as the device is only Qi2-ready.
On the software front, the S25 FE debuts One UI 8 based on Android 16, bringing a suite of AI tools including multimodal Gemini integration, the Now Bar, and Now Brief features. It also promises an impressive seven years of OS and security updates.
Samsung’s tablet lineup sees a shift in strategy with the introduction of the 11-inch Tab S11 and the massive 14.6-inch Tab S11 Ultra, replacing last year’s Plus model. Both tablets follow the thinner-and-lighter theme, shedding approximately 30g each. The Ultra model stands out with a remarkably slim 5.1mm profile, only slightly thicker than a fully unfolded Z Fold 7. Its size, however, makes it better suited for desk use with a keyboard than handheld operation.
A more significant redesign arrives with the new S Pen, which now features a hexagonal grip for a more pencil-like feel and a cone-shaped tip for improved tilt control. The magnetic attachment point has also been moved from the back to the side of the tablet, reducing the risk of misplacement.
Beyond these ergonomic improvements, hardware upgrades are minimal. Both tablets use the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus processor, while cameras, storage, and charging capabilities remain unchanged. The Ultra model gains a 400mAh battery increase, bringing it to 11,600mAh, but the standard S11 retains the 8,400mAh capacity from two generations prior.
Software enhancements include One UI 8 with extended desktop support via DeX mode, allowing external monitor use and up to four customizable workspaces. Preinstalled AI apps like Notion, LumaFusion, Goodnotes, and Clip Studio Paint come with free trials and exclusive discounts for buyers.
Pricing for the new devices starts at $649.99 for the Galaxy S25 FE, $799.99 for the Tab S11, and $1,199.99 for the Tab S11 Ultra. All three are available immediately.
(Source: The Verge)
