The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has made waves in 2024 as one of the most compelling budget-friendly flagship phones. With an impressive array of features packed into a sleek, durable design, this phone offers a great balance of performance, display quality, camera prowess, and battery life—all at a more affordable price than many high-end models. But is it the best budget flagship of 2024? Let’s dive into the details to see if it lives up to the hype.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE shines as an example of a budget-friendly flagship done right. From its high-quality display to robust performance and capable cameras, this phone delivers great value. One of its standout features is its heavy reliance on artificial intelligence (AI). Samsung has integrated various AI-powered tools into the phone, giving it enhanced capabilities like photo editing, transcription, and text generation.
The AI features, while impressive, are somewhat hit or miss. AI transcription and translation tools perform well, but photo editing through AI, such as Photo Assist, can sometimes yield mixed results, especially when removing objects. Sketch to Image, an AI tool that lets you add illustrations to photos, adds a fun twist but feels slightly hidden in the settings. Despite this AI focus, some of the key features are not front and centre, which might leave users unaware of their potential.
That said, the Galaxy S24 FE covers the essentials very well. Its sleek, iPhone-inspired design, paired with excellent performance, makes it a solid option for those seeking a premium experience at a lower price. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a beauty, with rich colours and fluid visuals, even if it doesn’t reach the brightness levels of Samsung’s pricier models.
In short, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE packs a lot for its price, and despite some limitations with its AI features, it’s still a top contender in the budget-friendly flagship phones of 2024.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Price and availability
Starting at $649.99 / £649 / AU$1,099, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers great value compared to the classic Galaxy S24, which is priced $150 higher. The 256GB variant bumps the price up slightly, but even then, it remains within reach for those looking for the best affordable flagship smartphones in 2024.
Available since October 3, 2024, this phone comes in five colour options—Blue, Graphite, Grey (US only), Mint, and Yellow (UK only).
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Specs Overview
- Dimensions: 162 x 77.3 x 8mm
- Weight: 213g
- Screen: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1,900 nits peak brightness
- Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels (FHD+), 120Hz refresh rate
- Chipset: Samsung Exynos 2400e
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB
- OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP telephoto (3X zoom), 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP front camera
- Battery: 4,700 mAh with 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging
- Colors: Blue, Graphite, Grey, Mint, Yellow
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Design
The design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is simple yet elegant, featuring a smooth, curved finish that bears a striking resemblance to the iPhone’s minimalist style. Available in subtle, professional colour options, it’s clear that Samsung wanted to create a phone that appeals to those who prefer a sleek and understated look. It’s worth noting that it’s a bit heavier and thicker than the standard Galaxy S24, weighing in at 213g, which may not be to everyone’s taste, but it gives the phone a solid, premium feel.
The IP68 rating means the Galaxy S24 FE is dustproof and can withstand being submerged in water, making it durable for everyday use. The phone uses Gorilla Glass Victus Plus for added protection, though the back is prone to fingerprints.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Display
Despite not having the sharpest or brightest display in the market, the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S24 FE is bold and beautiful. With a peak brightness of 1,900 nits, it’s more than sufficient for most users, even if it doesn’t match the Galaxy S24’s peak of 2,600 nits.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, while Samsung’s Vivid Mode makes colours pop on the screen. Whether watching HDR content or playing games, the display excels, offering plenty of customization options like Eye Comfort Shield and Always On Display.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Performance
The Exynos 2400e chipset powers the Galaxy S24 FE, offering a solid performance that, while not as fast as the Galaxy S24, holds up well under most tasks. Paired with 8GB of RAM, it’s more than capable of handling multitasking, video streaming, and gaming. Although AI features can sometimes take a little longer to load, overall performance remains fluid, especially given its lower price.
For gamers, the 120Hz refresh rate and ray tracing capabilities make for a satisfying experience, even with demanding titles like Genshin Impact.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Cameras
The camera setup on the Galaxy S24 FE is surprisingly good for its price. The 50MP main camera delivers crisp, vibrant images, while the 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom performs well, even if it’s a slight step down from the Galaxy S24’s 10MP sensor. The 12MP ultra-wide lens rounds out the package, capturing a broad field of view.
Photos look best in well-lit environments, but the Galaxy S24 FE struggles a little in low-light conditions. Video capabilities are solid too, with the ability to record in 8K at 30fps, making it ideal for content creators on a budget.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Battery life
Where the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE truly excels is in battery life. The 4,700 mAh battery provides all-day power, even with heavy use. From streaming high-quality videos to gaming and AI tasks, the phone comfortably lasts over a day on a full charge.
It supports 25W fast charging, which isn’t the fastest available, but it’s enough to get a decent charge in a short time. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add extra convenience.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Software
The Galaxy S24 FE runs on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. The AI-powered features, although impressive in concept, often feel hidden and underutilized. Tools like Photo Assist and Chat Assist add value, but they can feel more like novelties than must-use features. Samsung DeX, on the other hand, remains a standout feature for those who want to turn their phone into a desktop-like workstation.
Software score: 3.5/5
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
If you’re someone who wants a premium smartphone experience without shelling out for the most expensive flagship devices, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a great choice. It strikes a fantastic balance between price and features, making it ideal for those who value affordability but don’t want to miss out on cutting-edge technology.
This phone is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for a flagship experience under ₹50,000.
- Android enthusiasts who enjoy Samsung’s user interface and ecosystem.
- Anyone who loves photography and video, with the added bonus of 3x zoom and 8K video recording.
- Users who need excellent battery life for long-lasting performance throughout the day.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE stands tall as one of the best budget-friendly flagship phones of 2024. It brings the premium features you’d expect from Samsung at a significantly lower price than its more expensive counterparts. While it might not compete with top-tier devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro in every category, it certainly delivers where it counts.
With its beautiful design, vibrant display, and solid performance, the Galaxy S24 FE is an excellent choice for users who want a high-quality smartphone without the premium price tag. The addition of AI features, even if somewhat hidden and a bit unpolished, adds a layer of fun and utility that will likely improve with future updates.
Of course, there are a few downsides, such as the lack of brightness compared to higher-end models, and some inconsistencies with AI-powered tools. However, these are minor quibbles when you consider the overall package you’re getting for the price.
The battery life is outstanding, the cameras are strong, and the 3x optical zoom is a welcome inclusion at this price point. For those looking for a balance between price and performance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE should be high on your list.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Impressive battery life
- Great camera performance for the price
- Sleek design with a premium feel
- High-quality display with 120Hz refresh rate
Cons:
- AI features are not fully polished
- Display brightness could be higher
- Heavier and thicker than competitors
Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE the Best Budget Flagship of 2024?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE stands out as one of the best budget flagship phones of 2024. It offers a well-rounded package with robust performance, strong battery life, and solid camera quality at a price that undercuts many of its competitors. While its AI features may not be game-changers, the phone’s overall value and feature set make it a top choice for anyone looking for a flagship experience under 50,000 INR.
If you’re a fan of Samsung’s ecosystem or simply want an affordable flagship smartphone in 2024, the Galaxy S24 FE should be high on your list.
FAQs related to the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
1. What are the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera, 3x optical zoom, and advanced AI features like Photo Assist and Sketch to Image. It also boasts a 4,700mAh battery, making it a budget-friendly flagship with solid performance.
2. How does the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE compare to the regular Galaxy S24?
While the Galaxy S24 FE has a slightly less powerful Exynos 2400e processor compared to the Galaxy S24, it offers a larger screen, longer battery life, and many of the same AI and camera features, all at a lower price point.
3. What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
The starting price for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is $649.99 for the 128GB version. The price increases to $709.99 for the 256GB model, making it a more affordable option than many flagship phones in 2024.
4. Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE a good option for gaming?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a solid choice for gaming. It comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and 8GB of RAM, providing smooth gameplay. It also supports ray-tracing technology, which enhances the visual experience in supported games.
5. Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE support fast charging and wireless charging?
Yes, the Galaxy S24 FE supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices like earbuds or wearables using the phone.
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