The Samsung Galaxy FE series is offered to the market every year as a more capable model of the Galaxy S flagship device with slightly different specifications. This year they made some changes because the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is offered as an alternative model to the Galaxy S24+ instead of the Galaxy S24. This is my first look after testing the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE a few days ago
Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen,
60-120Hz, HDR10+
Gorilla Glass Victus+
Exynos 2400e processor
1x 3.11 GHz Cortex-X4 chip
2x 2.9 GHz Cortex-A720
3x 2.59 GHz Cortex-A720
4x 1.95 GHz Cortex-A520
Xclipse 940 Graphics Chip
RAM 8GB LPDDR5X RAM
Internal Storage 256/512 GB UFS 4.0
Main Camera 50mp f/1.8 OIS, (Wide Angle)
12MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide Angle)
8MP f/2.4, OIS (Telephoto)
Selfie Camera 10 MP f/2.4
4700 mAh battery
25W wired charging
15W wireless charging
SIM/Telephony Nano SIM
5G
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Waterproof IP68
Scan System Under-screen fingerprint scanner
Face scan
Sale Price RM 3,299 (8/256GB)
RM 3,899 (8/512GB)
Screen
This year's screen increased to 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a refresh rate of 120Hz but not of the LTPO type. The bezel of the device is even though not very thin. The screen is also flat so there is no issue of content overflowing to the sides when viewed in full screen mode. HDR10+ content can be displayed and there is a fingerprint scanner built under the screen. There is also a facial scan system if you are more comfortable with this method of unlocking.
Design
The design of the S24 FE is the same as the Galaxy S24+ and the Galaxy A55. This year Samsung used the same design on more than one device so I can hardly tell them apart at a glance. The body frame is just plain aluminum instead of the durable Aluminum Armor. The sides are flat but still comfortable in the hand. On the back there is a glass panel that traps dirt quite easily.
On the right side there is a power button and audio adjustment made of metal. The button is comfortable to press and looks sturdy. The USB-C charging port, audio grille and SIM tray are placed at the bottom of the device. The device is also equipped with a stereo audio system to provide a balanced audio experience.
The three cameras on the back are arranged vertically with it consisting of a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens and an 8MP telephoto lens. The difference between this camera system and the Galaxy S24+ is that the telephoto lens is larger at 10MP. Changes are also made to the smaller 10MP selfie camera compared to the 12MP on the Galaxy S24+. One of the ways to reduce costs that Samsung has done on the FE model this year is to change the camera specifications.
Although the hump of the camera is not very high, it still causes the camera to not be placed flat on the table. Samsung doesn't provide a case with every purchase so you have to buy your own case to protect the body and allow the device to sit flat on a table surface.
The device also still passes the IP68 waterproof and dustproof standard which is necessary for a flagship device. Samsung also provides NFC support but no audio jack, microSD support or infrared emitter.
Use and Software
The One UI 6.1.1 operating system based on Android 14 is used which is the same as the Z Fold6, Z Flip6 and the recent S24 series. In terms of interface design it is simple, easy to use and smooth when we use it even for a relatively short period of time. This is not surprising because the S24 FE is equipped with an Exynos 2400E chip paired with 8GB of RAM memory.
Circle to Search
This processor is a more economical version than the Exynos 2400 used in the Galaxy S24+. The difference is that the 10 CPU cores operate at a lower speed. Admittedly 8GB of RAM is small for a flagship device. To remedy this problem the RAM Plus feature can add another 8GB of RAM virtually when needed.
Sketch to Image
The similarities are not limited to the operating system features alone as Samsung provides support for 7 versions of Android and 7 years of security patches on the Galaxy S24 FE as well. This puts it on par with the S24 series, Z Fold6 and Z Flip5.
Galaxy AI is once again given the spotlight with support for Sketch to Image, Portrait Studio, Composer, Note Assist, Interpreter and Circle to Search. Free Galaxy AI support is until the end of 2025 only.
Conclusion
In Malaysia, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is sold at a price starting at RM3299 which is cheaper than the Galaxy S24+ which is sold at a price starting at RM3999. So this makes the Galaxy S24 FE a rather interesting alternative device for those who want a Samsung flagship device this year. The strength is seen in the still powerful Exynos 2400E chip and support for 7 years of operating system updates.
Pro
The screen is larger than the previous Galaxy FE model.
The body is comfortable in the hand.
IP68 waterproof.
The software is the same as the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6.
Software update support for 7 years.
Cons
The RAM size is only 8GB which is small for a flagship device.
Charging is only 25W.