AllYouCanTech

Comparison of the Galaxy S25 FE and Standard Version: Which One Should You Choose?

The FE branding no longer holds the same significance it once did.

There is an abundance of tech products available. Some represent excellent value, while others fall short. Most are in between.

If you can’t afford to purchase one of each, you must determine if a product is suitable for your needs. This can be challenging; manufacturers will insist you need their product for a complete life, those who received a dud or were dissatisfied will label it worthless, and reviewers simply cannot cover everything.

So many tech products! It helps to pause, step back, and reflect on your genuine needs. We’re here to assist with that!

Often, it’s wise to distance yourself and consider what you’ll actually receive within that attractive packaging. Was it worth the price? Will it provide enough utility to make it worthwhile? Or perhaps you should wait and see what future options appear.

We can’t make those choices for you, but we can share our thoughts and suggest where to begin your decision-making journey.

Samsung has introduced the “budget” Galaxy S25 FE. Should you go for it, or would the original S25 be a better option?

The pricing seems appealing. At first looking, the features appear promising. Thus far, the performance has been satisfactory. Is there a valid reason to pay a bit more for the standard S25?

What makes the original Galaxy S25 exceptional

The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup stands as the pinnacle of the company’s offerings, available in three sizes and price tiers for all preferences. With the addition of the S25 Edge and the latest S25 FE, there’s something for everyone.

Samsung’s Galaxy series consistently delivers one key aspect: performance. You might not be fond of certain features or the aesthetic, but any device with the “Galaxy” label is among Samsung’s elite. Both the compact Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 FE exemplify this quality. They are truly excellent phones.

However, they do have distinct differences. Here’s where the standard Galaxy S25 excels.

It boasts a superior display. I begin here as this is the most crucial distinction. The S25 FE features a solid screen—a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED panel. The regular Galaxy S25, however, offers a better display; it has a higher pixel density for clearer visuals, greater brightness, and full HDR support. These nuances might seem trivial, but since the display occupies your full attention when using your phone, nothing is more critical than it.

The chipset is superior. The Galaxy S25 is equipped with a Qualcomm SM8750-AB, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. In contrast, the FE relies on a Samsung Exynos 2400 S5E9945. Both chips are adequately powerful for everyday tasks, but the Snapdragon significantly enhances battery life and network performance. If you enjoy benchmarks, the Snapdragon significantly outperforms the Exynos.

It has an improved camera system. The telephoto lens on the standard S25 is a higher-grade component, offering superior zoom and focal length. If you prefer to step back and zoom in, you will notice the difference.

The fingerprint scanner is enhanced. A slight detail that bothers me. I dislike in-screen sensors, and the S25 FE employs an optical sensor, while the standard version uses an ultrasonic variant.

What’s appealing about the S25 FE

The S25 FE features some qualities that the standard version lacks, despite being a bit more affordable. The standout features and specifications include:

It’s larger. Previously, many brands aimed for the smallest phone possible. That’s not the case anymore! For many users, bigger devices are preferable, and the FE strikes a balance with its size. A 6.7-inch·2340x1080px display hits the sweet spot for lots of people, and the FE excels in this regard.

The battery. It’s larger, nearly 20% more substantial. The FE has a 4,900 mAh battery compared to the 4,000 mAh in the standard S25. Although the more efficient Qualcomm chip in the standard S25 means it often lasts longer, the additional capacity of the FE accounts for its advantage—a rarity when comparing Exynos devices to Qualcomm ones, making the larger battery an excellent choice.

The update cycle. The FE comes with Android 16 and promises seven years of updates. The original S25, which launched much earlier, was released with Android 15 and also receives seven years of updates. In the end, the FE might secure one extra platform update due to its release timing.

My conclusion

You will be satisfied with either of these devices. They are remarkably

The OnePlus 15’s Sand Storm Hue: A Sturdy and Robust Option

This edition features a more robust aluminum and titanium frame.

The OnePlus 15 aims to create a notable footprint in the smartphone industry with its cutting-edge design and capabilities. This new version showcases a frame made from aerospace-quality materials, utilizing a high-voltage plasma technique that develops a ceramic coating onto the metal. This advancement results in a frame that is 3.4 times more resilient than a conventional aluminum mid-frame and 1.3 times stronger than a titanium mid-frame, guaranteeing remarkable durability.

The OnePlus 15 includes a distinctive camera configuration, shifting from the conventional circular setup to a rectangular camera protrusion. This redesign is enhanced by an ultra-light fiberglass back, elevating the device’s luxurious feel. The smartphone is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and features an impressive 7,300 mAh battery, ensuring vigorous performance and prolonged battery lifespan.

Offered in an eye-catching Sand Storm hue, the OnePlus 15 is also available in traditional black and purple colors. The phone is crafted with ultra-slim 1.15mm bezels, delivering an engaging viewing experience. It is also outfitted with OnePlus’ newest cooling system to preserve optimal performance and efficiency.

The OnePlus 15 is expected to debut with OxygenOS 16 and might boast an IP68 & 69 rating for dust and water resistance, along with an Ultrasonic fingerprint reader. With these remarkable specifications and an emphasis on durability, the OnePlus 15 is set to be a distinguished contender in the competitive smartphone arena.

How to Get Ready for Amazon Prime Day: Best Google Pixel Offers

Big Deal Days Makes Its Comeback on October 7th

The upcoming Amazon Prime Day, formally referred to as Big Deal Days, is scheduled for October 7th and 8th. This exclusive sale event for members promises some of the finest tech deals of the year, but it will only be available for 48 hours, differing from the four-day event held in July.

Google Pixel fans need not wait for the event to score fantastic bargains on Pixel products. Whether you’re interested in the AI-enhanced Google Pixel 10 or a multifunctional Pixel tablet, enticing deals are already up for grabs.

Though these early offers may not reach the unprecedented discounts anticipated during Big Deal Days, they still represent considerable savings. For those ready to upgrade their wireless plan or trade in an older device, these deals are especially attractive.

Here are some of the leading Google Pixel offers available now:

1. **Google Pixel 10 128GB**: Available for free with most plans at T-Mobile. The Pixel 10, celebrated for its AI features and impressive display, comes with a $799.99 rebate when you activate a new line on nearly any data plan.

2. **Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm)**: Now priced at $249.99 at Walmart, reduced from $399.99. This remarkable $150 discount is the largest that the Pixel Watch 3 has experienced, and it’s projected to last through Prime Day.

3. **Google Pixel 9 128GB**: Priced at $399 at Mint Mobile, including 50% off one year of Unlimited. Even though it’s a last-gen model, the Pixel 9 provides outstanding hardware and AI capabilities.

4. **Google Pixel Tablet 128GB**: Offered at $329.99 at Amazon, down from $399.99. While this deal features a 17% discount, it’s recommended to wait for Prime Day for possibly better offers.

5. **Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB**: Free with the Unlimited Ultimate plan at Verizon. This flagship smartphone, recognized for its performance and camera quality, includes a $1,000 rebate over 36 months.

6. **Google Pixel Buds Pro 2**: Priced at $179 at Amazon, reduced from $229. These wireless earbuds provide exceptional noise cancellation and AI integration, but waiting for Prime Day may result in even better deals.

Prime Day FAQ:

– **When is the next Prime Day?** Big Deal Days is set for October 7th and 8th.
– **What Google Pixel offers should I look for during Prime Day?** Anticipate great promotions on the Google Pixel 10 series and potential preorder incentives for the forthcoming Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
– **Is a Prime membership required to shop during Big Deal Days?** Yes, Big Deal Days is exclusively for Prime members. Non-members can register for a 30-day free trial to unlock the deals.

For those who prefer alternatives to Amazon, retailers like Best Buy and Walmart are expected to provide similar sales without requiring a membership.

The Factors Contributing to Restricted Use of Wi-Fi for Audio in Headphones and Earbuds

Wi-Fi is superior for music streaming compared to Bluetooth, at least theoretically. But how does it hold up in real life?

In 2025, wireless headphones and earbuds are everywhere, yet they rely on an imperfect standard: Bluetooth. There are numerous elements of Bluetooth that make it an ideal option for wirelessly linking various devices, including audio equipment. It is adaptable, compatible, and continuously advancing, incorporating new features with every update, such as Bluetooth 6 and Low Energy (LE) Audio.

Nonetheless, there are some significant drawbacks associated with Bluetooth for audio playback on headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Two major concerns are range and quality. The typical range for standard Bluetooth devices (Class 2) is around 33 feet, which is limited and can be affected by interferences, whether digital or physical, such as walls or floors. Moreover, achieving lossless sound quality for music through Bluetooth is nearly unfeasible, even though new codecs like AptX Lossless are striving to realize this goal.

This leads to an essential question: should we enhance Bluetooth or transition to Wi-Fi? Qualcomm is taking both approaches by developing AptX Lossless over Bluetooth and working on XPAN (Expanded Personal Area Network) over Wi-Fi. It’s an exciting development, yet Sonos has been implementing Wi-Fi in its speakers for years, while Qualcomm revealed XPAN some time ago.

So, what’s the status of Wi-Fi in consumer audio products like headphones and earbuds? It’s a complicated situation, but the outlook appears promising.

The necessity of Wi-Fi over Bluetooth (and its functionality)

Many casual audio fans ponder why Wi-Fi headphones and earbuds haven’t become mainstream, as highlighted in various Reddit discussions. After all, Wi-Fi speakers are quite popular, and Sonos boasts a strong ecosystem of such devices. It should be straightforward to adapt that technology for headphones and earbuds, right? Not necessarily.

The perceived ease of this objective often stems from a misunderstanding of how Wi-Fi speakers like Sonos function. When you connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones to your phone, it is your smartphone that streams the music from a service and then communicates it to those headphones separately. Your phone accesses a streaming service via Wi-Fi or cellular data (or plays stored content), then transmits the audio to a wireless device through Bluetooth.

This is different from how Wi-Fi speakers such as Sonos work. In this context, your phone acts essentially as a remote control for your Sonos speaker, which streams music from a service over Wi-Fi independently. This is why you can control playback on Sonos speakers from virtually anywhere, while a Bluetooth connection typically requires you to be within 33 feet.

To implement this technology in headphones and earbuds, these consumer audio devices need the capability to link to Wi-Fi networks and stream audio without relying on an intermediary device, like a smartphone. This presents a challenge because you’d need to incorporate additional hardware into smaller devices. This could explain why Sonos’ debut headphones, the Sonos Ace, chose Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, contrary to the rest of their ecosystem.

However, Wi-Fi clearly offers several advantages over Bluetooth, which is why many audiophiles desire it. The connectivity protocol essentially eliminates the range constraints of Bluetooth—given sufficient networking hardware and access points, Wi-Fi earbuds could function anywhere that captures your network’s signal—and elevates audio quality.

Qualcomm’s XPAN technology introduces Wi-Fi audio

This technology is not fictional; it exists now through Qualcomm XPAN. It’s available in select headphones and earbuds, such as the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, and extends the typical range offered by Bluetooth by integrating your home Wi-Fi network. Consequently, your earbuds won’t disconnect if you wander too far from your Bluetooth device, as they will revert to Wi-Fi.

Built on the Snapdragon Sound platform and the S7 series of chips, Qualcomm XPAN aims to popularize Wi-Fi headphones and earbuds. There is still much progress to be made, but the initial consumer audio products with XPAN support launched this year, including the Buds 5 Pro.

Beyond the extended range, Qualcomm XPAN provides superior audio quality by utilizing a Wi-Fi connection. The mode’s maximum specification is 96kHz/24-bit, which surpasses CD-quality standards. In other words, XPAN technology along with compatible devices like the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro offers genuine wireless lossless audio that exceeds what traditional Bluetooth can deliver.

While 96kHz/24-bit is accessible with XPAN today, the future envisions 24-bit/192kHz lossless audio. So, what hinders that future from coming to fruition?

The sluggish uptake

In some respects, Wi-Fi as an audio connectivity standard has its own set of challenges comparable to Bluetooth, which could be impeding its adoption. The additional hardware required for functionality may be costly or introduce a range of new issues in research and development. Moreover, using Wi-Fi consumes more

Samsung Launches One UI 8 Ahead of Schedule for Galaxy S23 During Android 16 Growth

If you possess any of these gadgets, make sure to check them regularly throughout the week.

Verizon Provides Complimentary Galaxy S25 Showcasing Cutting-Edge Galaxy AI and Gemini Technology

There’s a single stipulation — you must introduce a new Verizon line on a qualifying plan to be eligible.

8BitDo’s Ultimate Phone Controller Enjoys Major Price Reduction Ahead of October Prime Day

Every controller ought to be this affordable and comfortable.

Controllers are plentiful, so when a great deal pops up on an even superior controller, we like to highlight it. The newest offer is for the 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller, which is currently available for just $0.50 less than its lowest price ever. The best part is that you don’t have to wait for the next Prime Day to grab a controller and save some cash now.

It’s simpler than ever to discover a great controller that meets your gaming requirements, whether you’re gaming on a desktop rig or using your phone. 8Bitdo is one of the most recognized third-party brands around, and after years of specializing in Bluetooth controllers, it expanded into the mobile gaming arena.

Despite its annoyingly long name, 8Bitdo applied everything it has learned over the years to create a controller for your phones. This incorporates features like Hall Effect joysticks and triggers along with remappable buttons through the accompanying 8Bitdo app.

While it may not have all the fancy features compared to competitors, this controller from 8Bitdo excels at the fundamentals. You will appreciate excellent ergonomics and a familiar feel if you’ve used other 8Bitdo controllers before.

✅Recommended if: You’re in the market for an economical phone controller from a brand known for making some of the best controllers available.

❌Skip this deal if: You want a controller that supports passthrough charging or can fit smaller tablets such as the Legion Tab Gen 3.

Telescopic controllers come either with a USB-C port for connecting to your phone or depend on Bluetooth. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller falls into the latter category, so keep that in mind if you’re sensitive to latency.

Regarding compatibility, this controller will work with virtually any device that has Bluetooth connectivity. However, when it comes to determining if it will fit your phone, 8Bitdo considered that as well. The product page indicates that the Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller “fits mobile devices ranging from 100mm to 170mm in length.”

This means it will even accommodate many of the top Android phones and foldable devices, without much thought required. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for tablets, as even smaller gaming tablets like the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 are still too large for 8Bitdo’s mobile controller.

8Bitdo has long been a leader in the gaming controller industry, so we were naturally thrilled when a controller designed for phones was launched. Furthermore, even if it weren’t discounted below $40, it’s priced at about half of what many competitors charge. Thankfully, that’s a non-issue, as you can save $10 and secure one of the best controllers for your Android phones.

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) Evaluation: Superb Battery Performance, Ongoing Concerns, and Hopeful Prospects

My week with the Wayfarer (Gen 2) specs reveals what first-gen issues Meta has addressed and which ones you’ll still need to manage.

Testing the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses for the past week, following two years of intermittent use of the original Ray-Ban Metas, has quickly highlighted that Meta has made significant enhancements to these glasses in several important areas — but has retained the fundamental experience (and some of my previous issues) as is.

Meta distributed the Gen 2s generously at Connect 2025, resulting in my unexpected acquisition of the Shiny Cosmic Blue Wayfarer Gen 2 frames equipped with Transitions lenses.

Transitioning from my old Matte Black Gen 1 sunglasses permits me to wear them while at home or during evening runs, which I appreciate.

However, these additional sessions, bolstered by improved battery longevity, also present more chances to notice the shortcomings of these smart glasses.

My comprehensive review will follow in a few weeks after more in-depth testing. But for anyone pondering whether to upgrade or continue using their current pair right now, my initial thoughts may assist in your decision-making.

Battery performance is the Gen 2 highlight

When I initially began using my 2023 Ray-Bans, they typically provided around three hours of playback with music streaming, regular photo-taking, and the sporadic phone call or command. By early 2025, when I wore them for a half-marathon, they hardly lasted two hours. Establishing a strong baseline for Gen 2 will be crucial for new consumers, who know that capacity diminishes over time.

So far, the Gen 2s deplete about 20% capacity per hour, including one instance of 3K video, frequent Meta AI commands, and high-volume music streaming to counteract outdoor noise. A two-hour run left me at 60% capacity, while a one-hour run the following day left me at 79%.

Using them indoors at a lower volume, and having the Meta AI commands switched off to save power, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2s were at 69% after two hours — quite efficient! Then, a two-minute phone call and recording my cat in 3K for another minute drained an additional 8% power, so keep that in mind.

I don’t think you could reliably use these for continuous audio streaming throughout the day, unless you’re prepared to remove them once or twice for a brief recharge in the case. But this is a substantial improvement over before, and the 50% recharge in 20 minutes is beneficial.

In general, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 battery enhancement makes me much more inclined to wear them for outings or work-related events, with the reassurance that they won’t become a burdensome weight on my face after just a few hours.

These glasses don’t feel THAT different, yet they continue to evolve

Around the Oakley Meta Vanguard launch scheduled for late October, Meta will introduce numerous updates to the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2s: slow motion and hyperlapse videos, Garmin/Strava integration for real-time workout data, “conversation focus” mode to amplify whichever voice you are engaging with, and new voice command shortcuts like “Photo” without requiring the Meta AI wake word.

Meta has also asserted that the Ray-Ban Gen 2s will be capable of capturing in 1200p resolution at 60 FPS, but this option is not yet operational. Meta has even made available its “Wearable Device Access Toolkit” so developers can integrate Meta AI glasses directly with third-party applications — but we likely won’t see outcomes from this until 2026 or later.

Aside from battery longevity, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2s don’t strike me as particularly different right now. However, all the features mentioned make me hopeful that they will soon feel more “next-gen.”

On that note, even though the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses provide “over 2x more pixels” than the preceding generation for video recording, the distinction doesn’t seem all that significant. You can discern more details and reduced compression in side-by-side comparisons if you scrutinize closely, at least.

Yet, Nick, who tested the same cameras on the Oakley Meta HSTNs, concurs with me that the image stabilization is impressive at 1080p, creating a super-smooth, gliding video while running swiftly that nearly replicates the effect of a dolly shot in films. Therefore, I find myself favoring that mode; perhaps the 1200p 60FPS mode will serve as a pleasant, smoother compromise between the two when it becomes available.

Honestly, I simply wish we had witnessed an enhancement in photo quality as well. The unchanged 3024 X 4032 resolution remains excellent in ideal conditions, but I would still prefer to see improved low-light performance, color balancing that’s not overly saturated, or a landscape mode when the Gen 3s arrive in a few years.

The drawbacks and minor issues that you’ll have to tolerate

With my previous Ray-Bans, I wore a “Large” pair that exerted less pressure on

Selecting the Optimal Color and Design for Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) Eyewear

The ideal set of glasses can transform your entire appearance.

“Initial Glimpse of OnePlus 15, Introduction of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Significant Google Search Update, and More Tech News”

This week in technology news, numerous significant advancements have taken center stage. OnePlus unveiled its newest smartphone, the OnePlus 15, which boasts a redesigned square camera bump and the robust Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Qualcomm’s latest chipset is said to deliver a 20% enhancement in CPU performance alongside improved AI functionalities. Leaks have emerged regarding Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro, suggesting new features are on the way. Users of the Pixel Watch received the M3 Expressive update, which provides a revamped UI incorporating Material 3 design elements. Google Search launched a new “Live” feature that allows real-time interactive dialogues through AI Mode. Other noteworthy updates include YouTube’s experimentation with a new AI feature, Amazon’s Vega OS for Fire TV, and Verizon’s initiative towards 6G technology.