The $650 Galaxy S24 FE went on sale this fall with a easy pitch: Get the entire options from Samsung’s most costly telephones at a lower cost than the $800 Galaxy S24. I examined the S24 FE for six weeks, and it’s able to working every part I often use a cellphone for. I get pleasure from a lot of the pictures I take with its cameras, and I particularly admire its giant 6.7-inch show and loud audio system. The inclusion of the Galaxy AI suite provides instruments for transcribing, which I used for a Fortnite press occasion to transcribe my audio recording of the press convention. I additionally used Galaxy AI for altering pictures with Sketch to Picture, notably to rework pictures of espresso cups with photorealistic additions made by my doodles.
Then there’s the Galaxy S24 that has extra processing energy and higher cameras but additionally a better $800 beginning value. At a time when Samsung has 4 completely different Galaxy S24 telephones, the Galaxy S24 FE stands out, prioritizing its worth and longevity over fancier bells and whistles.
After testing each telephones, I discovered the Galaxy S24 is value the additional $150 premium over the S24 FE. However in case you’re searching for a cellphone that feels premium for the bottom potential value, the FE is a strong choice.
On the time of this writing, the Galaxy S24 FE might be discovered for $575, which is even higher than Samsung’s $650 record value. The upper-end Galaxy S24 is $700, which is a $100 low cost, when additionally signing up for cellphone service with the unlocked mannequin.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 sequence specs in contrast
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show measurement, decision | 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels, 120Hz adaptive refresh fee | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh fee | 6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh fee | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh fee |
| Pixel density | 385 ppi | 416 ppi | 509 ppi | 501 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in. | 5.79 x 2.78 x 0.3 in. | 6.24 x 3 x 0.3 in. | 6.40 x 3.11 x 0.34 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm | 147 x 71 x 7.6 mm | 158 x 76 x 7.6 mm | 163 x 79 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight (ounces, grams) | 213g (7.51 oz.) | 168g (5.93 oz.) | 197g (6.95 oz.) | 233g (8.22 oz) |
| Cell software program | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Digital camera | 50-megapixel (broad), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 8-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (broad), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (broad), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 200-megapixel (broad), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) |
| Entrance-facing digital camera | 10-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video seize | 8K | 8K | 8K | 8K |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2400e | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 8GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | None |
| Battery/Charger | 4,700mAh | 4,000mAh | 4,900mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Underneath show | Underneath show | Underneath show | Underneath show |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None |
| Particular options | 7 years of OS and safety updates; 5G; IP68 water and mud resistance; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different gadgets; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6E | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and safety updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and mud resistance; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different gadgets; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6E | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and safety updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and mud resistance; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different gadgets; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6E | Titanium body, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and safety updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water resistance; wi-fi PowerShare to cost different gadgets; built-in S Pen; UWB for locating different gadgets; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cowl glass |
| US beginning value | $650 (128GB) | $800 (128GB) | $1,000 (256GB) | $1,300 (256GB) |
Design and options
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
The display screen measurement is the obvious distinction between the Galaxy S24 and S24 FE. The S24 has a 6.2-inch show that appears diminutive subsequent to the S24 FE’s 6.7-inch display screen. Each telephones’ screens have a 120Hz refresh fee, which makes Android animations like scrolling and video video games look extra immersive. The Galaxy S24’s smaller show has a better pixel density: 416 pixels per inch in contrast with the FE’s 385 ppi. The S24 has thinner display screen bezels.
The S24 FE’s display screen has a peak brightness of 1,900 nits and was a lot seen for me in vibrant environments. Evaluate that with the Galaxy S24’s 2,600-nit display screen, which after I had each telephones aspect by aspect cranked to their high brightness, was definitely brighter.
Then there are the underneath display screen fingerprint readers on every cellphone. The Galaxy S24 makes use of an ultrasonic sensor that my colleague Patrick Holland described as “blazing quick to unlock.” The FE nonetheless makes use of a slower optical fingerprint sensor, which is functionally the identical, however it’s definitely not “blazing.” Apart from velocity, the ultrasonic would not have to shine as vibrant to light up your fingerprint, whereas the optical one does — which could possibly be significantly annoying when unlocking your cellphone in the midst of the night time.
Watch this: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Assessment: A Cheaper Method to Get Galaxy AI
Each telephones function its three rear cameras stacked vertically on the highest left of their physique. Each can be found in a wide range of colours: 4 for the FE and 7 for the common S24. The bottom mannequin for every cellphone comes with 128GB of storage, which might be doubled to 256GB for $60.
Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite is the headline function for the entire firm’s Galaxy S24 telephones and has options like textual content message translation, increasing the body of a picture, turning a sketch into a photograph and audio recording transcription. It is value noting that older Samsung telephones, like final yr’s Galaxy S23 line, now assist Galaxy AI. We anticipate AI options just like the Galaxy AI suite to proceed to evolve, however for now I would not think about Galaxy AI to be a necessity when making a cellphone shopping for determination.
Battery and charging
The battery exercise web page on the Galaxy S24 FE.
Each the Galaxy S24 and 24 FE have first rate battery life, benefiting from their respective 4,000mAh and 4,700mAh batteries alongside software program enhancements. Each telephones withstood lengthy days of testing throughout our evaluations, whereas ending the day at about 25% to 30%.
Once we evaluation telephones, we use them as our day by day driver: taking pictures, recording movies, making calls (audio and video), utilizing new options and taking part in video games. The S24 FE’s battery life improved in contrast with final yr’s S23 FE, which regularly ended the day with little battery left.
Each telephones assist 25-watt wired charging. Throughout our 30-minute quick charging check the Galaxy S24’s battery recharged from 0% to 51% in half-hour, whereas the S24 FE recharged from 0% to 56% over the identical time. Understand that the S24 FE has a bigger battery.
Efficiency
Each the Galaxy S24 and S24 FE’s processors are designed to deal with AI processing.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE has an Exynos 2400E chip, whereas the common S24 has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Having completely different processors would possibly partly clarify why the S24 FE prices much less, although in my expertise it is nonetheless a speedy machine.
Within the Geekbench 6.0 benchmark CPU check, the Galaxy S24 FE outperformed the complete Galaxy S23 line, whereas arising a hair shorter than the Galaxy S24.
Increased scores are higher
Shifting to a extra graphics-intensive 3DMark Wild Life Excessive check, the Galaxy S24 totally outperforms the S24 FE, with the cheaper cellphone coming in nearer to the Galaxy S23 line.
I had no points taking part in video games on the S24 FE, together with on-device in addition to the cloud-based Xbox Recreation Cross. However a extra power-hungry gamer ought to think about the S24.
Cameras
The Galaxy S24 FE does an honest job taking pictures, however the dearer Galaxy S24 makes use of its extra highly effective processor to boost them.
Relating to cameras, I will be direct: Samsung’s dearer cellphone takes higher pictures. That is to not say the S24 FE is unhealthy, removed from it truly. Samsung’s cheaper flagship has a digital camera that includes a broad lens with a 50-megapixel picture sensor, an ultrawide digital camera with a 12-megapixel picture sensor and — notably for this value — a 3x telephoto lens with an 8-megapixel picture sensor.
Listed here are a number of pictures from the Galaxy S24 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE essential digital camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE’s essential digital camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE’s ultrawide digital camera.
The Galaxy S24 equally has a trio of broad, ultrawide and 3x telephoto lenses. The principle digital camera is equivalent on each telephones, however the common S24 has the benefit in the case of picture processing. Listed here are a handful of pictures from the Galaxy S24.
Samsung Galaxy S24 ultrawide digital camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24 essential digital camera portrait mode.
Samsung Galaxy S24 telephoto digital camera in night time mode.
General, the Galaxy S24 takes higher pictures in darker settings than the S24 FE. In side-by-side digital camera exams, I can see the distinction between how the 2 telephones dealt with these more difficult conditions. It is potential that the FE’s efficiency is “ok” so long as you are not truly taking direct comparisons.
This cloudy avenue scene taken on the S24 FE (left) versus the S24.
I took the pictures above on an overcast, wet night. Each pictures are from the principle 50-megapixel digital camera, which is similar digital camera on each telephones. Unsurprisingly, it is laborious to see any noticeable variations between the 2 pictures. For those who look intently, the constructing within the S24’s photograph is tack sharp whereas it is softer within the S24 FE’s picture — this is perhaps from the best way I used to be holding the telephones after I took the pictures. Apparently, the FE’s photograph reveals extra of the purple automotive’s avenue reflection.
I pulled the black out curtains almost utterly closed in CNET’s TV lab to check how the cellphone’s dealt with a darker scene.
Galaxy S24 FE essential digital camera, night time mode.
Galaxy S24 essential digital camera, night time mode.
The Galaxy S24 FE’s photograph is brighter however has a purplish hue — discover the desk. In the meantime the S24’s picture has extra correct colours. You’ll be able to’t make out the entire completely different televisions within the background in both photograph.
Then there are the selfie cameras. The S24 has a 12-megapixel front-facing digital camera, whereas the S24 FE has a 10-megapixel one.
Galaxy S24 FE selfie (left) and Galaxy S24 selfie (proper)
I took the selfies above with my boyfriend underneath the combined lighting of a brewery. The pictures aren’t that completely different, however in case you look intently, the S24’s picture (on the suitable) has higher distinction, which helps the colours pop and our pores and skin tones look extra pure. The S24 FE’s photograph nearly seems like there is a haze to it particularly in the case of our faces.
What in regards to the Galaxy S24 Plus?
Samsung Galaxy S24 (white) and bigger S24 Plus
Regardless that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus begins at $1,000, it presents related advantages because the almost equivalent S24 however with all the benefits of a 6.7-inch show. The S24 Plus is the same measurement because the Galaxy S24 FE however helps 45-watt wired charging and comes with the identical quick ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that the Galaxy S24 has. It comes with 12GB of RAM in comparison with the 8GB of RAM discovered within the S24 and S24 FE.
The bottom mannequin for the S24 Plus begins with 256GB of storage for $1,000, however you may get the S24 FE with that a lot area for $710. Because of this you may have to resolve whether or not the higher digital camera, quicker charging and different upgraded specs are value that value hole. And whereas the $150 distinction to the Galaxy S24 is a bit simpler to argue for, I believe it would be comprehensible to take the cheaper FE in case you do not think about the S24 Plus value the additional $290.
Must you purchase the S24 or the S24 FE?
The Galaxy S24 FE is available in 4 colours within the US. This one is Blue, and it is also out there in Mint, Graphite and Grey.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE is a straightforward advice for somebody who desires a Galaxy cellphone that may final for years and has the entire newest options — so long as you are content material not having the quickest cellphone or the very best digital camera. It is also a tempting choice for somebody searching for a larger-screened Galaxy S24, however would not wish to scale all the best way as much as the $1,000 Galaxy S24 Plus.
Samsung’s $800 Galaxy S24 may need a smaller show than the FE — which could possibly be a perk for many individuals — however it additionally has a variety of additions which might be value its larger price, like a quicker ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a extra highly effective processor and higher assist for graphically intensive duties. Photographs from the S24 have higher picture high quality, with the cellphone with the ability to seize brighter pictures in darker environments and telephoto pictures having a greater total dynamic vary (the lightest a part of the photograph in contrast with the darkest half).
I like to recommend shopping for the S24 over the Galaxy S24 FE only for the advantages in case your funds permits for it. In any other case, the S24 FE is a legitimate selection if you must pocket that $150 distinction.
The most important con to purchasing the S24 this vacation season although is that Samsung is anticipated to unveil its Galaxy S25 sequence early in 2025. And as such, in case you resolve the Galaxy S24 is the transfer for you, you must then additionally ask in case you want a cellphone proper now or if it may wait till this winter.