Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: a fine addition?

There was a moment in time when the Samsung 'Fan Edition' model in the Galaxy range was thought to be dead and done. "Oh, that must be as part of a more positive sustainability action plan," I had mused, in light of how many great Galaxy flagships already exist in the line-up, year upon year.

Turns out that wasn't the case, though, as evidenced by the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, which I'm reviewing here after two weeks of personal use, continuing Samsung's latent release cycle – and the direct follow-up to its S23 FE predecessor.

The FE offers a robust feature set at an affordable price point, but in a package that's marginally different from any other S24 model in the range. Price is its real appeal though, as one of the best affordable phones, although context might not be its best friend given the shrunken price of other Samsung Galaxy handsets that launched months previous.

If you've arrived here wondering if the Galaxy S24 FE is worth buying then you're in good company – as in this review I'll get to the bottom of whether Samsung's Galaxy release still makes sense.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Price & Availability

From a price perspective alone, however, you may immediately think "yes, it makes sense" – as the FE is far more affordable than any other S24 model was at launch.

One can be yours, in a range of fancy colour options, for just £649/$649/AU$1099. I've got the 'Blue' model on review (which, indeed, is sky blue), but you can also pick from Graphite, Grey, Mint, or Yellow options – all of which are available now.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Features & What's New?

I'm not actually going to compare the S24 FE to its S23 FE predecessor, because I doubt many people will view it as a must-have upgrade phone. Instead, I'm looking to the S24 Plus instead, because that's where so many similarities are clear to see.

It's a sensible comparison, as both S24 FE and S24 Plus feature 6.7-inch panels. It's just that the FE is lower in resolution and close to a third less bright. That's about all, though, as both are OLED panel types, so deep blacks are rich and inky, and both can perform 120Hz fast refresh rates for smooth visuals (the Plus is dynamic, the FE doesn't feature an LTPO screen type and therefore can only switch between 120Hz and 60Hz rather than anything in between).

The big difference in the FE is that it uses Samsung's silicon, the Exynos 2400e, which isn't as powerful as the S24 Plus' Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and has a question mark over power consumption reliability based on previous Exynos mid-level chips' performances. There's also less RAM in the FE, so multi-tasking has a potential added barrier to contend with too.

But, roughly speaking, that's about all. Sure, the cameras differ a little – the 3x zoom dips from 10-megapixels to 8MP, while the 50MP main and 12MP wide-angle remain the same – and the FE has slightly lower battery capacity too.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Design & Display

Samsung has found its swagger with the S24 range and, having handled every one of the devices in the range, I think it's safe to say that the Fan Edition looks a whole lot like the others. That's no bad thing at all, of course, as this is a tried-and-tested design that works.

There's no over-engineered curved display, no unwanted giant camera array, instead the S24 FE is controlled and measured to every degree. It feels really comfortable to hold too, which may sound like a given – but it's the subtlety in design to ensure the edges are rolled off for comfort's sake that shows care and attention.

Whether you like how the simple form-factor and the exposed triple camera 'dots' to the rear appear is down to personal taste, of course. I think it's become almost iconic, a Samsung visual staple that's easily recognisable. I know from other phone briefings in recent weeks that it stands out.

The display is in the sweetspot in terms of scale, too, that 6.7-inch diagonal measure being the go-to for most flagship devices these days. Not too tall, not too wide, it's just about right. That it's not the brightest in the range doesn't tell too much, as it's still plenty punchy and looks great to my eyes. I do think the bezel could do with a bit of a trim though.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Performance & Battery

Over my couple of weeks of use, I've found the Galaxy S24 FE to acquit itself well in the majority of tasks. The Exynos 2400e seems to me to be ample in its function – and while battery life isn't as stellar as I'd hoped, it's enough to get you through a long working day without major troubles. The 25W charging means half the battery can be refilled in just half an hour too.

I've noticed some slight downgrades (aside from the battery) in having Exynos under the hood compared to a flagship processor from Qualcomm. But nothing so stark that you'll be held back. Mobile gaming here is no difficulty, with apps running smoothly.

That's a most welcome push from Samsung's silicon, as I've found earlier iterations haven't been able to render performance that's knocking on the door of flagship. The phone can get a little warm, but I've most noticed this when charging compared to an extended gaming session.

Samsung's software is familiar and engaging, too, with OneUI not adding barriers like some other competitors' systems. There's plenty of onward support for security and feature drops, while AI features persist here as in any of Samsung's flagship range – so you can do Circle to Search, or use Photo Assist functions for cloud-based advanced edits.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Cameras

While the S24 FE's camera array might look much the same as that of the S24 or S24 Plus, there are some differences to keep in mind. The main camera, the 50-megapixel one, is fundamentally the same, which is great.

However, the 3x optical zoom has been dropped to an 8MP sensor. While it's practical to use for getting subjects to fill up the frame, I've not been hugely impressed with what this optical snapper can do. From image grain to softness, this is one of the clear compromises in choosing the FE model.

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That said, I would rather have all three lenses than not, as I've been using the full array during a work trip overseas. The wide-angle doesn't quite have that magic sharpness that I'd like, but at least the results look consistent between the lenses – which isn't something all Samsung's competitors can manage.

Shots have a natural look about them, with colour punchy without being to excess saturation. The main camera is also adept when it comes to low-light shots (the same can't be said for the wide and zoom), plus there are various AI features from Samsung's suite of tools – fun enhancements work well, while on-device editing has its limits.

Verdict

There's no doubting that the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a great phone. Assessed in isolation I can wax lyrical about its solid feature set – from the decent screen to ample performance from the Exynos chip here – and the sensible price point.

Thing is, with the Galaxy S24 series having sunk in price at the very time of the FE's launch, there's a question mark over whether it really needs to exist – as aren't there enough Galaxy flagships to pick from already? The S24 Plus would be a natural option, for the right price.

That may not matter, however, as if you come to find yourself staring in the face of an S24 FE deal then it's a tried-and-tested handset style that's hard to be hugely critical about, save for the zoom camera.

Also consider

One problem with the Galaxy S24 FE is its proximity to other theoretically 'better' phones that used to be more expensive – but are now of a similar price. The Galaxy S24 Plus, for example, ought to be found for around the same money – which would make it the more obvious pick.

If spending less is your priority, however, then of recent affordable handsets with a lick of luxury, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is really impressive. It'll cost you about half as much as the Samsung, while delivering ample features and a great finish in some vibrant colour options.