Samsung Unveils Galaxy S25 FE and AI-Powered Tablets at IFA 2025
The tech giant bets big on AI-driven devices and accessible innovation with a new "Fan Edition" phone and the advanced Galaxy Tab S11 series.
Samsung used the stage of IFA 2025 in Berlin to show that it is betting big on AI-driven devices and accessible innovation. At its Galaxy Unpacked event, the company launched the new Galaxy S25 FE smartphone and the Galaxy Tab S11 series of tablets. It also teased future devices like a tri-fold smartphone concept and its upcoming mixed-reality headset, Project Moohan.
The event made it clear: Samsung’s strategy for the next year is to bring high-end features and intelligent AI experiences to more people, not just those buying the most expensive models.
Galaxy S25 FE: Flagship Power at a Friendlier Price
The star of the show was the new Galaxy S25 FE, the latest “Fan Edition” phone. Samsung designed it as a budget-friendly version of the flagship Galaxy S25, offering premium features at a lower cost.
- Price and availability: Expected to start around $649 for the 128 GB model, making it one of the most affordable entries into the S25 family.
- Design: It mirrors the look of the standard Galaxy S25 with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display running at high refresh rates, slim bezels, and Samsung’s modern flat-edge design.
- Performance: To keep prices down, the FE model will ship with the Exynos 2400 processor in some regions instead of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. Still, it promises strong performance for daily tasks, gaming, and AI features.
- Cameras: A triple-lens rear camera system (50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 8 MP telephoto) delivers versatility for photography. Samsung also upgraded the selfie camera to 12 MP for sharper video calls and social content.
- Battery and charging: A 4,900 mAh battery supports 45 W fast charging, keeping pace with higher-end models.
- Software: Runs Android 16 with One UI 8 and includes Samsung’s new Galaxy AI tools, such as smart photo editing, AI search, and real-time translation.
- Longevity: Samsung promises up to 7 years of software and security updates, giving the S25 FE better support than most phones in its price range.
By moving the FE launch earlier in the year and aligning it with IFA, Samsung is signaling strong confidence in the phone’s appeal. It’s a product designed to attract buyers who want flagship-like experiences without paying flagship prices.
Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra: AI in the Tablet World
Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Tab S11 and the larger Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. These tablets highlight the company’s mission to infuse AI into productivity and entertainment.
Displays
- Tab S11: 11-inch AMOLED display
- Tab S11 Ultra: 14.6-inch AMOLED display with ultra-thin bezels and one of the sleekest profiles ever for a tablet (just 5.1 mm thick).
Performance
Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus processors, with large batteries (8,400 mAh for S11, 11,600 mAh for Ultra) to support heavy use.
AI Features
- Intelligent camera framing during video calls to keep users centered.
- AI-assisted multitasking, such as summarizing documents or generating creative content.
- Smart home hub capabilities, turning the tablet into a control center for Samsung SmartThings devices.
S Pen Improvements
A redesigned stylus with a more natural pencil-like feel, magnetic side charging, and deeper integration into apps for drawing, note-taking, and design work.
Connectivity
The Ultra model adds Wi-Fi 7 support for faster connections, making it a strong choice for professionals.
By marketing these devices under the tagline “Introducing the Galaxy AI Experience,” Samsung emphasized that its new tablets aren’t just bigger screens—they are AI-powered productivity tools meant to replace or complement laptops.
Samsung’s Bigger Picture: AI Everywhere
Samsung didn’t stop at phones and tablets. At its booth, the company presented a vision of the AI-powered smart home:
- Phones controlling robot vacuums that adapt to daily routines.
- Refrigerators that suggest recipes using AI analysis of their contents.
- Galaxy devices syncing seamlessly with wearables and appliances through SmartThings AI integration.
This AI-everywhere ecosystem shows that Samsung is not only competing with Apple and Google on devices but also positioning itself as a leader in connected living.
Teasing the Future: Tri-Fold Phone and Project Moohan
Two other announcements, though not full product launches, stole attention at IFA 2025:
- Galaxy Tri-Fold (G Fold concept): Samsung gave a sneak peek at its next bold form factor—a tri-fold smartphone that folds out into an even larger display than current Galaxy Z Folds. It wasn’t released yet, but the preview shows Samsung is continuing to push boundaries in mobile design.
- Project Moohan mixed-reality headset: Samsung confirmed work on its own XR (extended reality) headset, expected to integrate deeply with Galaxy phones. Though still in preview, it represents Samsung’s bet on the future of immersive computing.
Both devices highlight Samsung’s long-term vision: innovation in new categories, not just iteration on existing ones.
Market Impact and Competition
Samsung’s decision to launch the Galaxy S25 FE at IFA—months before Apple’s next iPhone announcement—was strategic. By doing so, it:
- Steals attention from other IFA exhibitors.
- Secures shelf space in time for the holiday season.
- Positions the S25 FE as the go-to choice for consumers wanting a high-performance phone at mid-range pricing.
The Tab S11 series also takes aim at both Apple’s iPad Pro line and the growing market of hybrid devices like Microsoft’s Surface. By stressing AI features and productivity, Samsung is making the case that its tablets are serious work tools, not just entertainment devices.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s IFA 2025 showcase was more than a product launch—it was a statement of intent. With the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung is making flagship experiences more affordable. With the Tab S11 series, it’s positioning AI as central to the future of productivity and creativity. And by teasing the Tri-Fold phone and Project Moohan headset, it’s reminding the world that it’s still one of the boldest innovators in consumer tech.
The key takeaway: Samsung is betting that AI plus accessibility will win the next wave of consumer trust. The company isn’t just selling hardware—it’s selling a smarter lifestyle where phones, tablets, wearables, and home devices all work together.
As the holiday season approaches, Samsung has set the tone with a strong lineup. The real test will be whether consumers embrace the Galaxy S25 FE as the ultimate “affordable flagship” and whether AI-powered tablets can carve a place in homes and workplaces worldwide.