The recent unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has generated quite a buzz, particularly for those looking for a more budget-friendly option within the Galaxy S24 lineup. Priced starting at $649.99, this mid-range device aims to deliver many features that users love in the flagship series, but without the hefty price tag that often comes with it.
Having spent two hours hands-on with the Galaxy S24 FE, I couldn’t help but reflect on my daily experience with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which retails for around $1,299. The initial comparison may seem a bit unfair—after all, we are looking at a flagship versus a more accessible model. However, the subtle nuances and differences quickly became apparent, particularly when we consider the entry-level Galaxy S24, which starts at $859.99 and is more comparable to the FE.
Picking up the Galaxy S24 FE was an eye-opening experience. The first thing that struck me was the weight difference. The Ultra feels substantial, with its refined titanium frame, while the FE is noticeably lighter due to its aluminum frame. It’s a common sentiment among tech enthusiasts: a heftier device often exudes a sense of quality and durability. The Galaxy S24 FE, while well-crafted, lacked the luxurious feel that I had grown accustomed to with the Ultra.
This isn’t to say that the Galaxy S24 FE is flimsy; far from it. It features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, which offers a certain level of protection. However, the overall build felt less robust. If you’ve ever experienced the satisfaction of wearing a high-quality watch, you’ll understand the sentiment. The lighter feel of the FE didn’t quite match the expected quality that comes with a higher-end device.
Then there’s the display. The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1,440 x 3,120 pixels and an impressive 2,600 nits peak brightness, which makes colors pop vividly. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 FE sports a slightly smaller 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,340 pixels. The difference in clarity and color saturation was noticeable to me right away. While the FE holds its own, it simply doesn’t deliver the same rich experience as the Ultra. Moreover, the wider bezels on the FE were a bit of a letdown.
On the color front, my Galaxy S24 Ultra’s striking Titanium Yellow stands out as a bold choice, while the FE offers more subdued pastel options. For someone who enjoys vibrant colors, the choices felt limiting. My only option for a deeper hue is the Graphite, while the others—like Mint and Gray—seemed lackluster in comparison.
When it comes to photography, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 12MP selfie camera is often praised for its quality, and rightly so. In my brief testing of the FE’s 10MP front-facing camera, I found the results to be adequate but not particularly inspiring. The image quality was decent, but I expected a little more vibrancy and detail.
One feature I found exciting in the Galaxy S24 FE is its integration of Galaxy AI. This capability allows users to perform tasks like object removal in photos or translating languages directly with their camera. It’s an impressive inclusion that enhances the overall user experience without making it exclusive to the flagship models.
As I wrap up my thoughts on the Galaxy S24 FE, it’s clear that while it serves as a solid option for those seeking a mid-range smartphone, the differences between it and the Galaxy S24 Ultra are significant. The Ultra’s premium build, superior display, and camera capabilities set it apart in ways that might make the budget-friendly option feel a bit lacking for someone used to high-end devices.
For anyone considering the upgrade or transition from a flagship to a mid-range model, it’s essential to weigh these differences carefully. The Galaxy S24 FE is undoubtedly a capable device, but as someone who has enjoyed the luxuries of the Ultra, I find it hard to imagine making that leap without feeling a sense of loss in quality. In the end, while the FE shines in its own right, it also highlights just how remarkable the premium devices can be.