What's the difference? We reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

After the initial wave of flagship smartphones, the market is flooded with devices across various categories. Where once our options were limited to iPhones or Galaxy devices, other players—big and small—have entered the fray. Price gaps are dramatic, ranging from a few hundred shekels for basic devices aimed at kids to over 7,000 shekels for ultra-premium models.

Leading manufacturers realized about a decade ago that there’s room for another category between flagship and mid-range devices: sub-premium. This category caters to those wanting a status symbol at a reduced price. Early in 2024, Samsung, whose devices are imported to Israel by Sunny Communications, launched the Galaxy S24. In recent months, its slightly smaller sibling, the S24 FE ("Fans Edition"), debuted. The name, coined back in 2017, essentially says: We know you find our flagship pricey, so here’s an alternative to keep you in our ecosystem. It’s a brilliant strategy that’s proven effective.

The S24 FE offers nearly all the features of its flagship counterpart, with minor differences that might matter to some users. For instance, the FE is heavier, weighing 213 grams compared to the S24’s 167 grams. Its size is 6.7 inches, slightly larger than the 6.2-inch standard S24 and smaller than the monstrous 6.8-inch Ultra. As an iPhone 15 Pro (6.1 inches) owner, I had to adjust to the larger size, but it didn’t take long—we love bigger screens, after all.

True to Samsung’s style, the design is outstanding. The phone feels smooth (as smooth as a phone can) and exudes warmth and sophistication, like driving a luxury car. It runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s ONE UI interface. While the interface may require some acclimatization for newcomers, experienced users will find it intuitive, provided they remember their Samsung account credentials (who does, though?).

 Key Features

Internally, the FE includes 8GB of RAM and starts at 128GB of storage. While this is typical for flagship devices like the S24, it feels a bit outdated in an era of significantly larger storage options. For basic browsing or moderate usage, the difference is negligible. However, during intensive use or gaming, the device may heat up slightly more—though even flagship models face this issue during prolonged usage. The takeaway? Let the phone rest occasionally; it’s good for you and the device.

The hardware features the slightly downgraded Exynos 2400e processor compared to the S24’s Exynos 2400. Samsung claims the core performance difference is minimal—who are we to argue?

The AMOLED display technology is identical to the S24, and the FE boasts an IP68 rating, meaning it’s water-resistant in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and dust-proof. However, as a self-confessed hydrophobe, I wouldn’t even risk splashing tap water on it. Unlike the S24, which uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the FE features Gorilla Glass Victus+. The difference is minor, but regardless, avoid testing the durability.

The FE supports Samsung’s AI capabilities for image and text processing and comes preloaded with Samsung and Google apps, including Netflix and Facebook. With 29GB of the initial 128GB occupied by pre-installed software, storage might feel cramped for heavy users.

 The Camera

The triple-lens rear camera setup is similar to the S24, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 3x telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. However, the FE offers slight advantages, such as a better zoom range (3.1x vs. 2.8x), making it superior for image magnification. While the S24’s ultra-wide sensor is physically larger, the difference is negligible for most users.

Photos taken during the day and at night impressed me with their sharpness and focus, even without flash. Overall, the FE holds its own in this category.

 Battery Life

Four years ago, I owned a Galaxy S20, my first Samsung device after years of using Android phones. While it had many strengths, the battery was a nightmare—it drained quickly, and replacing it didn’t help. Thankfully, the S24 FE is a different story. The battery depletes slowly, and while charging from 5% to 100% took 68 minutes—not the fastest time—it’s acceptable given the solid battery life. However, the lack of a wall charger is disappointing.

 Price and Verdict

The FE costs NIS 2,499, compared to NIS 2,700 for the 128GB S24. Given the minimal differences, the FE is an excellent choice for large-screen enthusiasts looking for a similar experience at a lower price.

That said, 128GB feels restrictive nowadays, especially since SD card expansion is no longer an option. You may find yourself frequently deleting files. The 256GB model at NIS 2,749 offers a better balance and is worth considering. For those requiring even more space, the 512GB version is priced at NIS 3,199. All prices are based on Sunny Communications’ official website, and from experience, it’s worth buying from the official importer for warranty peace of mind.