The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE feels solid and well-built in the hand. It strikes a fine balance between premium aesthetics and practicality, with its metal frame and glass back. It doesn’t feel too slippery, but it is prone to fingerprints, which means you’ll likely want to use a case. One thing I appreciate about the design is the subtle curve on the edges, which makes it more comfortable to hold for long periods.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung has ensured that the S24 FE looks like a high-end device, even though it’s a more affordable option in the Galaxy lineup.
Its design might not stand out dramatically, but it’s clean and modern, offering a sleek look. It’s also surprisingly lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around in your pocket without feeling too bulky. Overall, the design might not be groundbreaking, but it certainly gives you that premium feel without the premium price.
Display Performance
The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the Galaxy S24 FE is undoubtedly one of its highlights. Whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or just scrolling through social media, everything looks sharp and vibrant. The colors are rich and deep, and the brightness is more than enough for outdoor use, even in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures that animations and transitions feel smooth, which is especially noticeable when switching between apps or browsing websites.
I did notice that the automatic brightness adjustment can sometimes be a little slow to react, but it’s a minor issue that didn’t affect my overall experience. For the price, you’re getting a display that feels almost flagship-level, which is a big plus for media lovers or anyone who enjoys a smooth, immersive viewing experience. It’s also great for reading, with text appearing crisp and easy on the eyes.
Performance and Software
Powered by either the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, depending on your region, the Galaxy S24 FE performs quite admirably for everyday tasks. Whether it’s multitasking, running demanding apps, or gaming, the phone handles it all without breaking a sweat. In my experience, there were no noticeable slowdowns, even with several apps running in the background. The 8GB of RAM also helps to keep everything running smoothly, making switching between apps quick and efficient.
On the software side, Samsung’s One UI 6.0 based on Android 14 is intuitive and packed with features. Samsung has continued to improve its software experience, and it shows here. The interface is clean, customizable, and comes with plenty of useful tools like Samsung DeX and multitasking enhancements. I found the overall software experience to be smooth and easy to navigate, with little in the way of bloatware. However, some might find the pre-installed apps unnecessary.
Camera Performance
The Galaxy S24 FE sports a versatile triple-camera setup, which includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto lens. In good lighting conditions, the main camera delivers sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors. The ultra-wide camera is also impressive, capturing more of the scene without much distortion around the edges. For a mid-range device, the image quality holds up well even when compared to more expensive phones.
In low-light scenarios, the performance is a bit of a mixed bag. The main sensor does a decent job thanks to the built-in night mode, but the images sometimes appear grainy.
The telephoto lens allows for decent zoom capabilities without too much quality loss, making it great for capturing distant subjects. Overall, the camera setup provides versatility for most scenarios, though it does struggle a bit when it comes to night photography.
Battery Life and Charging
The 4500mAh battery in the Galaxy S24 FE comfortably lasts a full day on moderate use. With tasks like social media, streaming videos, and taking photos, I was easily able to get through the day without needing to top up. Samsung’s software optimization certainly helps here, as I didn’t notice any unusual battery drain, even when pushing the device harder with gaming or long video calls.
When it comes to charging, the phone supports 25W wired charging, which isn’t the fastest compared to some competitors, but it’s sufficient. A full charge takes just over an hour, which is reasonable for this price range. Wireless charging is also supported, which is a nice convenience, though it’s a bit slower. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind topping up your battery overnight, the battery life and charging speeds won’t be an issue.
Audio and Haptics
The stereo speakers on the Galaxy S24 FE offer surprisingly good sound quality for a phone in this price range. The audio is loud and clear, making it great for watching movies or listening to music without needing headphones. There’s a noticeable balance between the highs and mids, though the bass can be a little lacking at times. Still, for casual use, the audio performance is more than adequate.
One thing that stands out to me is the haptic feedback. It’s not too strong, but just enough to provide a subtle vibration when typing or using certain gestures. It adds a tactile feel to the phone that enhances the overall experience. Samsung seems to have fine-tuned the haptics here, and it feels more refined than what I’ve experienced on some other phones in this range.
Connectivity and Extra Features
The Galaxy S24 FE comes with all the standard connectivity options you’d expect from a modern smartphone, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. In my time with the phone, I didn’t experience any connectivity issues, and the call quality was consistently clear. 5G speeds were fast, and the phone maintained a stable connection even in areas with slightly weaker signals.
Additionally, the inclusion of features like Samsung DeX, which allows you to use the phone as a desktop when connected to a monitor, and an IP68 water resistance rating, make the S24 FE feel like it’s packed with value. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, adding to the ease of use. These extras contribute to making this phone a well-rounded option for anyone looking for premium features at a more affordable price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE strikes a good balance between price and performance. It may not have all the high-end features of the Galaxy S series, but it certainly holds its own in areas like display quality, camera performance, and overall usability. For anyone who wants a solid, well-rounded phone without breaking the bank, the S24 FE is an excellent choice. It delivers on the essentials and even throws in some premium features that make it feel like a phone that’s punching above its weight.
