Why Did Samsung Give the S25 FE 45W Charging But Leave the Tab S10 Lite at 25W?

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 FE is making waves with its 45W fast charging—a massive upgrade from its predecessor’s 25W limit. But just as fans celebrate, the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite gets left behind, stuck at 25W despite its siblings supporting 45W.

Why the discrepancy? The answer lies in Samsung’s product segmentation strategy:

• The S25 FE is a "Fan Edition"—meant to deliver flagship-like specs at a lower cost. Faster charging is a key selling point.

• The Tab S10 Lite, however, is a budget tablet, where Samsung cuts corners to hit a lower price.

But there’s more to it than just cost-cutting. From battery longevity concerns to market positioning, we break down Samsung’s controversial decision—and whether the Tab S10 Lite is still worth buying.

Samsung’s Charging Strategy: S25 FE vs. Tab S10 Lite

1. The S25 FE’s 45W Leap: A Calculated Upgrade

The Galaxy S25 FE isn’t just another mid-range phone it’s a refined version of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series, designed for power users who want premium features without the premium price.

Why 45W Matters:

• 80% faster charging than the S24 FE’s 25W.

• Competitive edge against rivals like the OnePlus Nord 4 and Pixel 8a, which also support 45W+ charging.

• Battery health optimization—Samsung’s adaptive charging ensures longevity despite the speed boost.

Samsung knows charging speed sells. By giving the S25 FE 45W, they’re ensuring it stands out in the crowded mid-range market.

2. The Tab S10 Lite’s 25W Limit: Cost-Cutting or Strategy?

While the Galaxy Tab S10 family supports 45W, the Lite model is capped at 25W—a clear downgrade.

The Budget Reality:

• Lower manufacturing costs: 25W charging components are cheaper.

• Differentiation from premium models: Samsung wants buyers to upsell themselves to the Tab S10+ if they want faster charging.

• Battery longevity: Tablets have larger batteries, and slower charging may help extend lifespan.

If the Tab S10 Lite is priced too close to the base Tab S10, buyers may skip it entirely. Samsung must keep the price well below $400 to justify the compromise.

What Competitors Missed: The Hidden Factors

Most coverage focuses on cost-cutting, but Samsung’s decision is more nuanced.

1. The "Lite" Problem: How Samsung Undercuts Its Own Tablets

• iPad (10th Gen) Comparison: Apple’s budget iPad still offers 20W charging only slightly behind Samsung’s 25W. But Apple doesn’t reserve faster charging for pricier models.

• Market Perception: If "Lite" means "worse" rather than "better value," Samsung risks alienating budget buyers.

2. The Environmental Angle 

• No charger in the box: Samsung claims eco-friendliness, but selling 45W chargers separately contradicts this.

• E-waste concerns: Slower charging on the Tab S10 Lite means users might keep chargers longer, but is that the real reason?

3. TÜV Rheinland’s Role: More Than Just Certification

• The TÜV Rheinland certification confirms charging speeds but doesn’t explain why Samsung chose these limits.

• Unlike UL or Qualcomm’s tests, TÜV doesn’t assess real-world charging efficiency—just safety compliance.

For more on TÜV’s certification process, see their official guide. 

Will Buyers Care? The Real-World Impact

 Charging Speed Comparison (0% to 100%)

Conclusion: 

Samsung’s 45W vs. 25W split isn’t just about specs—it’s about market control. The S25 FE gets premium perks to lure mid-range buyers, while the Tab S10 Lite suffers to protect Samsung’s upsell strategy.

Final Verdict:

• For phone buyers: The S25 FE’s 45W charging is a major win.

• For tablet users: The Tab S10 Lite’s 25W limit is frustrating but understandable if priced right.

 What to Watch:

• October launch prices will the Tab S10 Lite be cheap enough to forgive its flaws?

• Competitor responses will brands like Xiaomi or Realme undercut Samsung with faster charging at lower prices?

FAQs

1. Why doesn’t the Tab S10 Lite have 45W charging?

Samsung likely limited it to reduce costs and differentiate it from the premium Tab S10 models.

2. Is 25W charging too slow for a tablet?

For overnight charging, no. But if you need quick top-ups, it’s a noticeable drawback.

3. Will the S25 FE include a 45W charger in the box?

No. Like recent Samsung phones, it’ll be sold separately.

4. Should I wait for the Tab S10 Lite or buy another tablet?

If charging speed matters, consider the iPad (10th Gen) or Xiaomi Pad 6, which offer better value.