Samsung Galaxy S25 FE underwhelms in DxOMark camera analysis, beaten by Google Pixel 6a

The Galaxy S25 FE failed to impress in DxOMark's camera analysis. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE falls short in DxOMark’s camera analysis, surpassed by the much older and more affordable Google Pixel 6a and Apple iPhone 13 in the rankings. The testing revealed significant weaknesses, particularly in the phone’s ultrawide and telephoto lenses.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Zhiwei Zhuang), Published 12/23/2025 🇩🇪

Smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE (starting at approx. $475 on Amazon) is positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the Galaxy S25+. However, Samsung has made two significant cutbacks to reach the lower price point. The device not only uses a much slower Exynos 2400 processor but also comes with downgraded cameras.

The Galaxy S25 FE includes a 50 MP f/1.8 main shooter with a 1/1.57-inch sensor, a 12 MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera with a tiny 1/3-inch sensor, and an 8 MP f/2.2 telephoto camera with an even smaller 1/4.4-inch sensor and 3x optical zoom. DxOMark’s in-depth camera analysis has now revealed the actual extent of the compromises in this triple-camera setup. With a score of 118, the Galaxy S25 FE is placed 123rd in the global rankings – outperformed by even the five-year-old Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (131 points) and the more affordable Google Pixel 6a (122 points).

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE delivered lacklustre performance in every category. (Image source: DxOMark)

Image noise and video issues resulted in points deduction

Despite delivering mostly accurate exposure and colour reproduction in photos, the triple-camera setup on this premium mid-range phone underwhelms in nearly all other areas. HDR videos were often underexposed and exhibited a pinkish tint, indicating unreliable white balance. The tiny sensors also produced noisy photos and video, even in daylight.

Using portrait mode with bokeh simulation led to a noticeable loss of detail across the entire image. Unpleasant artefacts also frequently appeared when capturing moving subjects. According to DxOMark, those seeking a high-quality camera system at a mid-range price would be better off purchasing the Xiaomi 15, Google Pixel 10 or Xiaomi 14T rather than the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE.

Source(s)

DxOMark | Global rankings

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19505 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Zhiwei Zhuang - Translator - 529 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, I moved from Singapore to Cologne in 2014 and began pursuing a career as a freelance translator. Much of my translation work focuses on science, engineering and technology. My fascination with computers and mobile electronics began when I was young. And I have fond memories reading countless tech and gaming magazines. Working with Notebookcheck gives me the opportunity to incorporate my personal interests into my professional work.

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