Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Review: A Budget-Friendly Flagship with Premium Features
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the latest addition to Samsung’s Fan Edition (FE) lineup, offering a blend of premium features at a more affordable price. Designed for those who want flagship-level performance without breaking the bank, the Galaxy S24 FE is a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. In this review, we’ll explore the specifications, performance, and key differences between the Galaxy S24 FE and the standard Galaxy S24. We’ll also provide details about its price in India and internationally to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.
Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refreshing
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE features a design that’s both familiar and refreshing. It retains the sleek and modern look of the Galaxy S24 series but with a few subtle changes. The phone has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with slim bezels and a centered punch-hole camera, giving it a clean and premium appearance.
The back panel is made of glastic (a combination of glass and plastic), which not only reduces the weight but also makes the phone more durable. The device is lightweight at 180 grams and feels comfortable to hold. It also comes with an IP68 rating, making it dust and water-resistant, which is a great feature at this price point.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The 6.4-inch AMOLED display on the Galaxy S24 FE is one of its standout features. With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and support for HDR10+, the display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or browsing the web, the display provides an immersive experience.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, making the phone feel responsive and fast. The display is also bright enough to be easily readable in direct sunlight, which is a big plus for outdoor use. While it’s not as sharp as the Galaxy S24’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, it still offers a great viewing experience.
Performance: Flagship-Level Power
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200 chipset (in some regions) or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (in others). Both variants deliver flagship-level performance, handling multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease. The phone comes with 6GB/8GB RAM options, ensuring smooth performance even with heavy usage.
Gaming performance is impressive, with titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile running smoothly at high settings. The phone doesn’t overheat thanks to its efficient cooling system. The 5G connectivity ensures that you’re future-proofed for faster internet speeds as 5G networks expand.
One area where the Galaxy S24 FE differs from the standard Galaxy S24 is in the storage options. While the Galaxy S24 offers up to 256GB of storage, the S24 FE maxes out at 128GB. However, this should be sufficient for most users.
Camera: Versatile and Reliable
The camera system on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is versatile and reliable. It features a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens. The primary camera captures stunning photos with excellent detail and dynamic range, while the ultra-wide lens is perfect for landscapes and group shots.
The 8MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without losing detail. The camera also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to Samsung’s advanced night mode. The 32MP front camera takes sharp and detailed selfies, making it a great choice for selfie enthusiasts.
Video recording is another strong point, with the phone supporting 4K video recording at 60fps. The footage is stable and clear, thanks to the built-in optical image stabilization (OIS). While the camera setup is similar to the Galaxy S24, the S24 FE lacks some of the advanced AI features found in the flagship model.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage. The phone supports 25W fast charging, allowing you to recharge the battery from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging, which is convenient for quick top-ups.
Battery life is one area where the Galaxy S24 FE shines compared to the standard Galaxy S24, which has a slightly smaller 4,000mAh battery. This makes the S24 FE a better choice for users who prioritize battery life.
Software: One UI 6.0
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE runs on One UI 6.0 based on Android 14, which is smooth, intuitive, and feature-rich. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, with plenty of customization options. Samsung has also committed to providing four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates, ensuring that the phone stays up-to-date for years to come.
One area where the Galaxy S24 FE differs from the standard Galaxy S24 is in the software experience. While both phones run on One UI 6.0, the Galaxy S24 comes with some exclusive features like Advanced AI camera modes and DeX support, which are not available on the S24 FE.
Key Differences Between Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy S24
Here’s a quick comparison of the key differences between the Galaxy S24 FE and the standard Galaxy S24:
- Display: The Galaxy S24 FE has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with higher resolution.
- Processor: The Galaxy S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the Galaxy S24 uses the Exynos 2300 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- Storage: The Galaxy S24 FE maxes out at 128GB, while the Galaxy S24 offers up to 256GB of storage.
- Battery: The Galaxy S24 FE has a larger 4,500mAh battery compared to the Galaxy S24’s 4,000mAh battery.
- Camera: The Galaxy S24 FE lacks some of the advanced AI features found in the Galaxy S24.
Pros of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Here are the key advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Affordable Price: The Galaxy S24 FE offers flagship-level features at a more affordable price.
- Vibrant Display: The 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a great viewing experience.
- Long Battery Life: The 4,500mAh battery ensures all-day usage.
- Durable Build: The glastic back and IP68 rating make the phone durable and water-resistant.
- Software Updates: Samsung’s commitment to four years of OS updates ensures long-term usability.
Cons of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Here are the drawbacks to consider:
- Limited Storage: The phone maxes out at 128GB of storage, which might be insufficient for some users.
- No Advanced AI Features: The camera lacks some of the advanced AI features found in the Galaxy S24.
- Plastic Back: The glastic back, while durable, doesn’t feel as premium as glass.
Price in India
In India, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to be priced at around ₹49,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 8GB RAM model may cost approximately ₹54,999. This makes it a more affordable alternative to the standard Galaxy S24, which starts at ₹69,999.
International Pricing
Internationally, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to retail for around $699 (approximately €650 or £600). Prices may vary depending on the region and local taxes. Despite its lower price, the Galaxy S24 FE offers features that are often found in more expensive devices, making it a great value for money.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is an excellent choice for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you want flagship-level features without the high price tag, the Galaxy S24 FE is perfect for you.
- Casual Gamers: The powerful processor and 120Hz display ensure a smooth gaming experience.
- Everyday Users: The long battery life and durable build make it a reliable choice for daily use.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a budget-friendly flagship that offers a vibrant display, powerful performance, and long battery life. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as limited storage and a plastic back, its pros far outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for a premium smartphone experience without the premium price, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is definitely worth considering.
What do you think about the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE? Would you consider buying it, or do you have another smartphone in mind? Let us know in the comments below!