Samsung fans eagerly awaiting the next iteration of the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 FE could be in for some disappointment. While the tech giant is working on the much-anticipated Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy M36 5G, there are growing concerns about the processor choices for these devices, potentially putting them behind competitors in terms of performance.
Recent leaks suggest that Samsung is likely to repeat the Exynos 2400e processor in the upcoming Galaxy S25 FE. This chip is the same one that powered the Galaxy S24 FE, which launched in October 2024. According to internal code and reliable sources, the device is being developed under the codename R13, following the pattern established by Samsung's previous FE smartphones.
While the Exynos 2400e is a competent chip, it is facing significant competition from Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite. As a result, the S25 FE could struggle to keep up with next-gen performance expectations, especially if it launches in October 2025. By then, the performance gap between the Exynos 2400e and newer Snapdragon chips may widen considerably.
“It’s fair to assume that Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE will rely on the same Exynos 2400e chip as the previous model,” said industry analyst, noting the consistency in the company's chip usage. However, it could also mean that the S25 FE’s performance might not stack up well against other flagship devices by that time.
Samsung's decision to reuse the Exynos 2400e might be seen as a safe move, but it raises questions about the company’s commitment to improving the Galaxy FE lineup. The Galaxy S24 FE was praised for offering a solid mid-range alternative to the Galaxy S24 flagship, but if the same processor powers the Galaxy S25 FE, it could limit the phone's appeal, especially among tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance.
The Exynos 2400e has already shown it lags behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw performance, and the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip promises even more power. If Samsung wants the Galaxy S25 FE to continue offering a compelling alternative, it will need to rethink its processor strategy or risk alienating loyal customers.
In addition to the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung is also reportedly working on the Galaxy M36 5G, which will be exclusive to India. According to leaked information, the Exynos 1380 chip will power this budget-friendly 5G device, similar to the Galaxy M35 5G. The Exynos 1380 was released in 2023 and has been used in several mid-range Samsung phones, including the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy M54 5G.
Given that the Exynos 1380 continues to be the go-to processor for Samsung's more affordable models, it’s not surprising that the M36 5G will likely follow suit. However, this may indicate that Samsung isn't looking to make significant upgrades in this price range, instead opting to stick with the same chip to maintain consistency.
Fans of Samsung’s FE series might feel a sense of déjà vu with the potential return of the Exynos 2400e processor in the Galaxy S25 FE. While Samsung has not officially confirmed the specifications of the S25 FE or the M36 5G, the reliance on the same chip could signal a lack of major innovations in these upcoming models.
As the smartphone industry continues to evolve rapidly, with major players like Apple and Google constantly upping the ante, Samsung may need to rethink its strategy for future FE models. To remain competitive, the company will have to find ways to offer more than just a decent processor—it will need to deliver performance and features that make its phones stand out.