As Techtember gears up for Techtober, Samsung unveils its much-anticipated lineup of devices. Among the highlights are the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE, both aimed at delivering high-end experiences without the premium price tag. We had the chance to go hands-on with these devices, and here’s our in-depth review.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: A Balance of Power and Affordability
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE brings flagship-like features at a more approachable price. Priced at $650, this phone sits comfortably between Samsung’s S Series and A Series, making it an attractive option for those wanting solid performance without breaking the bank.
Key Specifications:
- Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 2400e
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
- Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
- Battery: 4,700 mAh
- Selfie Camera: 10MP
- Colors: Blue, Mint, Graphite, Gray
With its 6.7-inch display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, the S24 FE offers smooth scrolling and vibrant colors, perfect for media consumption. The 50MP primary camera is expected to capture high-quality images, similar to previous Samsung phones, and the 12MP ultrawide and 8MP telephoto lenses provide versatility for different shooting scenarios.
However, the phone’s biggest selling point may be its combination of display and battery life. The 4,700 mAh battery ensures that users can enjoy long hours of content consumption, which, when combined with the stunning display, makes the S24 FE an ideal phone for binge-watching shows or gaming.
While the Exynos 2400e chipset doesn’t quite match up to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, it should still deliver a solid performance in everyday use, although heavier tasks, particularly those involving AI features, may require more robust testing.
AI Integration: Enhancing the Experience
One of the standout aspects of the Galaxy S24 FE is its integration of AI-driven features. Samsung has introduced several AI-based tools, including:
- Generative Edit: Seamlessly edit images with AI assistance.
- Portrait Studio: Capture studio-quality portraits.
- Instant Slow-mo: Slow down moments in real time.
While these features are not new, their inclusion in a midrange device like the S24 FE is impressive. However, given that the Exynos 2400e is not specifically optimized for AI like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it remains to be seen how smoothly these features will perform in real-world usage.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE: Freedom with LTE
Samsung also released the Galaxy Watch FE LTE, an enhanced version of the Watch FE that adds LTE connectivity, offering users the ability to stay connected without their phone. The original Galaxy Watch FE was launched earlier this year with a 40mm casing, 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display, and Exynos W920 processor, and the LTE version carries forward most of these specifications.
Key Specifications:
- Display: 1.2-inch Super AMOLED
- Processor: Exynos W920
- RAM: 1.5GB
- Storage: 16GB
- Battery: Smaller than flagship models
- Price: $250
The addition of LTE is a notable upgrade, allowing users to make calls, send messages, and stream music without their phone nearby. However, as with most LTE-connected wearables, this comes at a cost to battery life. While the Watch FE LTE does maintain a smaller battery than flagship models, it should still provide a reasonable daily usage experience, but heavy LTE use will likely drain it faster.
One notable exclusion is the Sleep Apnea monitoring feature, which was found in Samsung’s higher-end watches. However, given that the feature had mixed results in previous testing, its absence may not be a dealbreaker for many potential buyers.
At $250, the Watch FE LTE offers excellent value, being just $50 more than the non-LTE version. This price point, combined with the robust feature set, makes it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for an affordable smartwatch with LTE capabilities.
Comparison to Flagship Models
Both the Galaxy S24 FE and Watch FE LTE offer a significant portion of the flagship experience at a more affordable price point. While some corners have been cut, particularly in terms of processing power and camera performance, these devices still deliver excellent value for money. The Galaxy S24 FE’s display and battery life, paired with the inclusion of AI tools, will appeal to most users, while the Watch FE LTE’s freedom from the phone makes it a standout option in the smartwatch market.
Conclusion
Samsung’s new Fan Edition devices strike a delicate balance between performance and affordability. The Galaxy S24 FE offers impressive display quality, solid battery life, and useful AI features, making it a great choice for media enthusiasts and power users alike. The Watch FE LTE, on the other hand, gives users the flexibility to stay connected on the go, without sacrificing too much in terms of features.
Both devices are available for preorder now and will start shipping on October 3. If you’re looking for Samsung quality without the premium price tag, the Galaxy S24 FE and Watch FE LTE are certainly worth considering.