When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S20 FE, it redefined what consumers could expect from a more affordable, yet powerful, version of its flagship Galaxy S series. Over the years, however, the FE line experienced some missteps—particularly with models that couldn’t quite live up to the “Fan Edition” promise.
This year, Samsung has turned things around with the Galaxy S24 FE, a device that seems to have hit the sweet spot in terms of quality, performance, and affordability. Having used this phone extensively over the past three weeks, I can confidently say the S24 FE might just be the best FE phone Samsung has ever made, delivering a nearly flagship-level experience at a price that’s easier to swallow.
A Design That Feels Premium
At first glance, you might mistake the Galaxy S24 FE for one of Samsung’s more premium devices, like the Galaxy S24 Plus. With its 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display running at 120Hz, the S24 FE offers a viewing experience that feels high-end, despite a slightly lower resolution and peak brightness compared to the full-fledged S24.
Samsung has kept it sturdy with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, and the slightly rounded aluminum frame provides a comfortable grip without a case. Add to that an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and you have a phone that feels as tough and luxurious as more expensive models.
Performance That Holds Its Ground
In terms of power, the S24 FE packs the Exynos 2400e processor, an underclocked variant of the Exynos 2400, paired with 8GB of RAM. Despite being a toned-down version of Samsung’s top-tier processor, the 2400e handles everyday tasks and even demanding games with ease.
Samsung has also upgraded the base storage, offering 256GB right out of the box, with options going up to 512GB—giving users plenty of room without the need for external storage. Concerns about Exynos chips have lingered in the past, but in my experience, the S24 FE remains cool even during outdoor 4K video recording, dispelling worries about overheating.
Software That Adds Real Value
What really sets the Galaxy S24 FE apart from many other mid-range competitors is Samsung’s commitment to software. Like other Samsung devices, it receives up to seven years of software and security updates, ensuring a longer device lifespan. Additionally, Samsung’s Galaxy AI has become significantly more useful over the past year.
Features like article summarization in the Samsung Internet browser, photo editing with Sketch to Image, and even instant translations on WhatsApp chats are not just fun but genuinely practical. Plus, with the inclusion of a USB 3.2 port and support for Samsung DeX, the S24 FE can easily transform into a desktop workstation, offering a level of versatility few competitors can match.
Cameras That (Mostly) Deliver
Samsung has equipped the S24 FE with a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom.
For general lighting, the camera produces impressive photos, though it struggles slightly in low light, especially with the ultrawide and telephoto lenses.
The front-facing 10MP camera may be the same as its predecessor, but it still shines, capturing detailed selfies and smooth, stabilized 4K 60fps videos—a rare feature even in some flagship models.
Battery Life and Charging: Reliable and Convenient
The Galaxy S24 FE doesn’t compromise on battery life, either. With its 4700mAh battery, I can comfortably make it through a day, even with moderate to heavy usage. In my tests, the phone delivered around five hours of screen-on time, including activities like using a mobile hotspot.
When it comes time to recharge, the 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging make it easy to top up quickly.
The Verdict: Outstanding Value in an Era of Pricey Flagships
The Galaxy S24 FE offers nearly all the perks of a flagship Samsung device without the associated price tag. It is a phone that provides everything a typical user could want: a stunning display, excellent performance, a versatile camera system, and reliable battery life—all backed by Samsung’s robust software ecosystem.
While the phone was initially priced from RM3299, Samsung has recently introduced price cuts on Shopee that makes it starts at just RM2199 for the 256GB model at this time of writing, while the 512GB model costs more at just RM2799, which makes sense as the company will soon introduce the Galaxy S25 series, it is still a whole lot cheaper than the Galaxy S24+.
Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE from Samsung’s official Shopee store here.
