Samsung has released a new phone, but it’s not a flagship or a foldable—it’s the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the latest in their lineup of “value flagship” smartphones. Priced at $650, the S24 FE offers a similar experience to the Galaxy S24 Plus, but with a few cutbacks in specs.
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Galaxy S24 FE and left feeling somewhat conflicted. Here’s why.
A Large and Sturdy Design
After spending about an hour with the phone, one thing is clear—the Galaxy S24 FE is big. It measures 162.0mm by 77.3mm by 8.0mm, making it larger and heavier than the Galaxy S24 Plus. Although the screen size remains the same at 6.7 inches, the overall dimensions and weight (213 grams vs. 196 grams) make a noticeable difference. If you enjoy large phones, this might be perfect for you, but for those preferring compact devices, it could feel unwieldy.
On a positive note, the phone’s build quality is solid. Its aluminum frame feels durable, the buttons offer a satisfying click, and the color options—blue and mint—are appealing, though not as bold as the iPhone 16’s vibrant colors. One downside? The vibration motor feels underwhelming.
Display, Performance, and Cameras
The S24 FE has a lower-resolution display compared to the S24 Plus—Full HD instead of Quad HD—but it still looks good. There’s some softness if you look closely, but the AMOLED panel shines with its colors and 120Hz refresh rate. It doesn’t scale down to 1Hz like the S24 Plus, but the smoothness is still impressive. Apple could learn a thing or two here.
In terms of performance, the S24 FE is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2400e chip rather than a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. While it’s unusual to see an Exynos chip in the U.S. market, my initial experience was positive, with apps running smoothly during my brief time with the device. More testing will be needed to fully assess its power.
The cameras are where I have some concerns. The S24 FE features a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP 3x telephoto lens. While the main and ultrawide sensors are the same as those on the S24 Plus, the telephoto is a downgrade. Given that the S24 Plus struggled with telephoto shots, I’m skeptical of the S24 FE’s performance here—especially when photographing moving subjects.
Is the Galaxy S24 FE Worth It?
On its own, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a capable phone with a large display, 120Hz refresh rate, and promising performance. However, the $650 price and spec compromises—especially in the camera department—raise questions about its value. When compared to alternatives like the OnePlus 12R or Google Pixel 8a, the S24 FE struggles to stand out. It’s not a bad device by any means, but as of now, it doesn’t feel particularly special.
Preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE are open now, with general sales beginning on October 3rd. Keep an eye out for our full review soon.
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