The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Fan Edition) has arrived, building on the legacy of offering flagship-like experiences at a more affordable price point. With its predecessors’ success, the S24 FE is positioned as a bridge between Samsung’s premium Galaxy S series and its mid-range offerings. But does it live up to the expectations of being a “budget flagship” or does it fall short in crucial areas? In this Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review, we’ll break down its design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and how it compares to other devices in its price range.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE’s design is reminiscent of the standard Galaxy S24. It features a flat display with thin bezels and a plastic back, which keeps costs down compared to the premium glass of its flagship sibling. While plastic might feel like a downgrade, Samsung has done an excellent job of making it feel sturdy and premium to the touch.
The frame is made of aluminum, adding a bit of heft and durability, which is reassuring. The phone also retains the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a feature not always found in budget devices. This makes it suitable for everyday use, even in more challenging environments. However, it lacks some of the premium materials and polish found in the top-tier Galaxy models, which may be a letdown for those expecting a more luxurious feel.
Display Quality & Experience
One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is its 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which boasts a 120Hz refresh rate. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the overall viewing experience is top-notch, particularly for a device in this price range. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or scrolling through social media, the display handles it all with ease.
The 1080p resolution might seem like a step down compared to the higher-end S24 models, but it remains sharp and detailed for everyday use. The 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for smooth interactions, though it does take a toll on battery life, which we’ll discuss later.
Galaxy S24 FE Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE comes equipped with either Samsung’s Exynos 2200 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, depending on your region. While both are powerful chips, they’re not on par with the more recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the higher-end S24 models. That being said, performance remains solid for most tasks.
You can expect smooth multitasking, fast app loading times, and a responsive user experience overall. However, the phone can struggle with more graphically demanding games or apps, especially when compared to higher-tier smartphones. For the average user, the Galaxy S24 FE provides more than enough power, but it may feel underwhelming for tech enthusiasts who demand the latest and greatest performance.
The device also comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the model, and storage options starting at 128GB. There’s also microSD card support, which is a welcome addition for those who need extra space for photos, videos, and apps.
Camera Quality & Features
The camera setup on the Galaxy S24 FE is another area where it shines. The device features a triple-camera system: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. For a phone in this price category, this is an impressive setup.
In good lighting conditions, the main camera delivers sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors. Samsung’s AI-based image processing ensures that photos look great with minimal effort. The ultra-wide lens performs well, though there’s some noticeable distortion around the edges, which is common in many smartphones.
The telephoto lens is where the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE stands out compared to its competition, offering true optical zoom. It’s perfect for capturing distant subjects without compromising image quality, a feature typically reserved for higher-end phones.
Low-light performance is decent but not exceptional. The phone does come with Night Mode, which helps brighten up shots, but images can still come out grainy or lacking in detail. Overall, for the price, the camera setup is impressive and versatile.
Galaxy S24 FE Battery Capacity & Life
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is powered by a 4,500mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the 5,000mAh found in some of its competitors. On paper, this might seem like a concern, but the phone holds up fairly well in real-world usage.
With moderate use—browsing, social media, streaming, and some gaming—the phone can last a full day on a single charge. However, if you’re taking full advantage of the 120Hz display and engaging in more power-intensive activities, you might find yourself reaching for the charger by late afternoon.
The phone supports 25W fast charging, which is relatively fast but not industry-leading. It also has wireless charging support, a feature not always found in this price segment.
Software and Features: One UI at Its Best
The Galaxy S24 FE comes with Samsung’s One UI 6, based on Android 14. Samsung’s software is feature-rich and user-friendly, with plenty of customization options. From the integrated Samsung apps to the enhanced multitasking features, One UI offers a polished experience.
Samsung’s commitment to software updates is also a plus. The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to receive at least four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, making it a solid investment for the long term.
Conclusion About Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance, offering many of the features found in higher-end models at a more accessible price. The display is a highlight, and the camera setup is impressive for its class. However, its performance might not satisfy power users, and the battery life, while decent, could be better.
If you’re looking for a phone that provides flagship-level features without the flagship price tag, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a solid choice. But if you demand top-tier performance and design, you may want to consider stretching your budget for a higher-end model.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE worth buying?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 FE offers excellent value for money, especially with its vibrant display, versatile camera, and solid build quality. It’s a great option for those who want a near-flagship experience at a lower price.
- How does the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE compare to the standard Galaxy S24?
The S24 FE offers many of the same features, such as a 120Hz display and IP68 rating, but compromises on materials, processing power, and battery size compared to the standard S24.
- Does the Galaxy S24 FE have wireless charging?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 FE supports wireless charging, a feature not commonly found in mid-range devices.
- What processor does the Galaxy S24 FE use?
The Galaxy S24 FE uses either the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, depending on the region.
- How long will the Galaxy S24 FE receive updates?
Samsung has committed to providing at least four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for the Galaxy S24 FE.
