Samsung's new Galaxy S24 FE aims to bring flagship features to a more affordable price point, but how does it stack up against the standard S24? Let's compare the key differences to see if the FE model offers enough value to justify its lower cost.
Design and Display
At first glance, the S24 FE and S24 look quite similar, with matching vertical camera layouts. However, the FE model sports a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the S24's 6.3-inch screen. Both offer 120Hz refresh rates, but the S24 can drop down to 1Hz to save battery, while the FE likely bottoms out at 60Hz. The S24 also uses slightly more durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 versus Victus+ on the FE.
The sleek design of the Samsung Galaxy S24, emphasizing its modern aesthetic and camera layout |
Performance
This is where the biggest trade-off comes in. While US S24 models use the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the S24 FE opts for Samsung's Exynos 2400e processor. Early indications suggest this will result in noticeably lower performance compared to Snapdragon-equipped S24 variants.
Cameras
Both phones feature 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide cameras. The FE includes an 8MP 3x telephoto lens, which is rare at this price point, though it's a step down from the S24's 10MP telephoto. The S24 also has a higher resolution 12MP selfie cam versus 10MP on the FE.
Galaxy S24 showcasing its photography capabilities with a vibrant flower image |
Battery and Charging
With its larger 4,700 mAh battery, the S24 FE may offer better battery life than the 4,000 mAh S24. However, the S24's more efficient processor could level the playing field. Both support 25W wired and wireless charging.
Software and AI Features
Impressively, the S24 FE includes most of the Galaxy AI capabilities found on the flagship S24 models. This includes features like Live Translate, Interpreter Mode, and Circle to Search. Both phones will receive 7 years of software updates.
Exploring AI features on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, highlighting its advanced capabilities |
Price and Value
At $649, the Galaxy S24 FE costs $150 less than the base S24 model. While you sacrifice some performance and camera quality, you gain a larger display and most of the premium AI features. For many users, this could represent a compelling value proposition.
Verdict
The Galaxy S24 FE makes some clever compromises to hit a lower price point while still delivering a premium-feeling experience. If you can live with slightly reduced performance and don't need cutting-edge camera capabilities, the larger screen and inclusion of Galaxy AI features make the FE an attractive option. However, power users may still prefer the added horsepower of the standard S24.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your priorities and budget. The S24 FE proves that you don't need to spend $800+ to get a feature-packed Samsung flagship in 2024.