Samsung's Budget-Friendly Smartwatch Surfaces Ahead of Official Launch
Samsung appears to be on the verge of releasing a more affordable smartwatch option, the Galaxy Watch FE (Fan Edition). While the tech giant has yet to make an official announcement, a flurry of leaks and premature listings have painted a clear picture of what to expect from this new wearable.
Key Specifications and Features
According to multiple sources, the Galaxy Watch FE will likely feature:
- A 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display (396 x 396 resolution)
- Exynos W920 dual-core processor
- 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage
- Wear OS with One UI Watch 5.0
- 247mAh battery with up to 30 hours of life
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Various health sensors, including ECG and heart rate monitoring
Design and Colors
The Galaxy Watch FE appears to borrow heavily from the design of the Galaxy Watch 4, featuring a circular face with two buttons on the right side. Leaked renders suggest it will be available in three colors: black, silver (with a light blue strap), and rose gold.
Pricing and Availability
While not officially confirmed, multiple sources point to a price tag of around €199-€219 (approximately $215-$235). This positions the Galaxy Watch FE as an entry-level option in Samsung's smartwatch lineup.
Interestingly, some retailers seem to have jumped the gun on the release. A Dutch retailer briefly listed the watch for sale at €219.95, while Samsung's own Belgian website accidentally included the Galaxy Watch FE in a promotional offer.
Release Date
The most recent leaks suggest a potential launch date of June 24th, ahead of Samsung's expected Unpacked event in July. This aligns with the timing of promotional offers that have already surfaced.
Analysis
The Galaxy Watch FE appears to be Samsung's attempt to clear older stock by repackaging the Galaxy Watch 4 at a more attractive price point. While it may not offer cutting-edge features, it could provide an affordable entry point into the Samsung smartwatch ecosystem for budget-conscious consumers.
However, with the current Galaxy Watch 6 available for $239 in some markets, Samsung will need to position the FE carefully to avoid cannibalizing sales of its more recent models.
As always with leaks, it's important to approach this information with some skepticism until Samsung makes an official announcement. Nevertheless, the volume and consistency of the leaks suggest that the Galaxy Watch FE is indeed real and likely to hit the market soon.
Update: Saturday June 08 19:03
The Galaxy Watch FE is expected to be a rebadged version of the 2021 Galaxy Watch 4, offering a 40mm case size with Bluetooth connectivity. An LTE variant (model number SM-R866) is also anticipated. Samsung has inadvertently confirmed the watch's existence through a blank product page on their US website and a promotion on the French website offering it free with Galaxy S24 purchases. The launch strategy for the Galaxy Watch FE may involve a low-key release, potentially preceding Samsung's next major Unpacked event in July, where the Galaxy Watch 7 series is expected to be showcased alongside new foldable smartphones and earbuds.
