Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: an AI-powered phone that’s light on sacrifices, heavy on value

samsung galaxy s24 fe

1. Introduction and Price Positioning
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE positions itself between budget and flagship models with a competitive price of around $649.99. This model is designed to appeal to those who want premium features without the higher price tag of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24, which starts at $799. The S24 FE is part of Samsung’s “Fan Edition” lineup, offering flagship-esque hardware with compromises in certain areas to keep the price down.

2. Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S24 FE resembles Samsung’s current design language, with a sleek, rectangular form and slim bezels, but it’s slightly bulkier and heavier than the standard Galaxy S24. At 213 grams, it is 46 grams heavier than its flagship counterpart. The build quality is enhanced by Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering improved scratch and drop resistance compared to older FE models, and it features an aluminum frame for durability. An IP68 rating allows for dust and water resistance, making it versatile for everyday situations​​

3. Display Quality
The S24 FE sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. While it shares the resolution of the standard Galaxy S24, it has a larger display, which slightly reduces the pixel density, resulting in a slightly less crisp image. The screen provides a peak brightness of 1,100 nits, which is adequate but doesn’t match the flagship S24’s 2,600-nit capability. The display performs well in most lighting conditions and delivers vibrant colors, especially in Vivid mode, which enhances contrast and saturation for a bold viewing experience​​

4. Performance and Hardware
The S24 FE is equipped with Samsung’s Exynos 2200 processor in global markets, and some versions might come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. With 8GB of RAM, it is capable of handling multitasking and high-performance apps, though users may see slight lag in extremely demanding apps compared to the Galaxy S24’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. For most daily tasks, this model performs smoothly, but there may be a noticeable difference for users who heavily rely on gaming or graphics-intensive applications.

Gaming performance is solid, with titles like PUBG and Call of Duty running at reasonable settings without major frame drops, though intensive games may cause heating over extended periods. Samsung’s cooling technology helps, but it doesn’t entirely eliminate performance throttling during prolonged gaming sessions​

5. Camera System
The camera system on the Galaxy S24 FE is a significant improvement over previous FE models, featuring the same 50MP main sensor as the Galaxy S24 flagship. This main sensor, combined with an 8MP telephoto and 12MP ultra-wide lens, offers a versatile shooting experience for different photography styles.

  • Main Camera: The 50MP sensor performs well, capturing detailed and color-accurate shots with high dynamic range in good lighting conditions. It struggles slightly in low light, though software enhancements and night mode help improve clarity.
  • Telephoto Lens: The 8MP telephoto lens offers up to 3x optical zoom, though image quality suffers beyond this due to digital zoom limitations.
  • Ultra-Wide Lens: The 12MP ultra-wide performs decently in bright light, though edge softness and reduced detail are noticeable in low-light settings​

6. AI and Software Features
Samsung has incorporated several AI features in the S24 FE to align with the Galaxy S24 series. The device runs on One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, which includes Galaxy-specific AI functions such as photo editing, voice commands, and Samsung’s DeX for a desktop-like experience. However, many users feel that Samsung’s AI features are not as well-integrated or intuitive as on competing models like the Google Pixel series.

Despite some of the advertised AI features, reviewers note that they are not fully accessible out of the box and often require toggling in the settings. AI-based enhancements to photos, such as scene optimization, are functional but lack the refinement seen in competitors at similar price points​​

7. Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy S24 FE’s battery capacity is around 4,500mAh, which is slightly below flagship standards but offers solid endurance. According to multiple tests, it comfortably lasts a full day under regular use, offering approximately 15 hours of screen time. For charging, it supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, enabling a quick boost but not at the same speed as the Galaxy S24 flagship’s 45W charging. Despite the slower speeds, the battery performance is generally reliable for everyday tasks, with efficient power management that suits the phone’s target users​

8. Comparison with Competitors
The S24 FE’s main competitors include the Google Pixel 8a, OnePlus Nord 3, and iPhone SE. Each brings distinct strengths:

  • Google Pixel 8a: Known for its superior camera quality and Google-exclusive AI features, it’s a strong competitor if photography is a priority. However, the Pixel 8a lacks Samsung’s high-end build materials and waterproof rating.
  • OnePlus Nord 3: The Nord 3 offers faster charging and comparable display quality, but it doesn’t have the same software polish or support longevity Samsung provides.
  • iPhone SE: Apple’s budget offering delivers high performance in a smaller form factor, but its dated design and lower battery life may not appeal to Android users or those wanting larger screens​

9. Value for Money and Conclusion
Overall, the Galaxy S24 FE offers a well-balanced package that includes Samsung’s iconic design, reliable performance, and a strong camera setup, especially for its price point. Although the device doesn’t match flagship models in every aspect, the trade-offs in camera quality, display brightness, and AI software integration are reasonable given the savings. For Samsung enthusiasts or those within the Galaxy ecosystem, the S24 FE is an excellent mid-range alternative that covers most essentials without compromising on the overall Galaxy experience.

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