Samsung's latest Fan Edition smartphone punches well above its weight class, offering nearly all the features of the premium Galaxy S24 lineup at a significantly lower price point.
The Galaxy S24 FE, released on October 3, 2024, starts at just $649 for the 128GB model. This positions it as a compelling alternative to the $799 Galaxy S24 and $999 Galaxy S24 Plus.
Design and Display
Despite its lower cost, the S24 FE doesn't skimp on build quality. It features the same glass and metal construction as its pricier siblings, complete with IP68 water and dust resistance.
The 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display is a standout feature. In testing, it achieved a peak brightness of 1,516 nits - actually outshining both the S24 and S24 Plus. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations.
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| A sleek and modern design that reflects the premium build quality of the Galaxy S24 FE |
Performance
Powering the S24 FE is Samsung's Exynos 2400e chip, paired with 8GB of RAM. While benchmark scores fall slightly behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in other S24 models, real-world performance remains snappy for everyday tasks and even demanding games.
Camera System
The triple camera setup includes:
- 50MP main camera
- 12MP ultrawide
- 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
Image quality is impressive, rivaling shots from more expensive devices in many scenarios. The main camera excels in both well-lit and low-light conditions. While the 10MP selfie camera can struggle with bright highlights, overall camera performance is strong for the price point.
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| The Galaxy S24 FE captures stunning detail and color, as shown in this vibrant floral image taken with its camera |
Software and AI Features
One of the S24 FE's biggest selling points is its inclusion of the full Galaxy AI suite found on flagship models. This encompasses features like:
- Interpreter Mode for real-time translation
- Circle to Search for visual queries
- Chat Assist for writing style adjustments
- Note Assist for summarizing recordings
- Various AI-powered photo editing tools
The device also supports Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external display.
Battery Life and Charging
The 4,700 mAh battery delivered 11 hours and 25 minutes in our standardized battery test. While solid, this falls short of the exceptional longevity seen in the S24 Plus. The phone supports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.
Verdict
The Galaxy S24 FE delivers an experience remarkably close to Samsung's top-tier offerings at a much more attractive price point. With its excellent display, capable cameras, and full complement of software features, it's a compelling option for those who want a premium experience without the premium price tag.
The inclusion of 7 years of software support further enhances the value proposition. While battery life could be better, the S24 FE stands as one of the best midrange values of 2024.
