The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a brand new budget-friendly, mid-range cellphone unveiled on Thursday, is designed to permit customers to expertise among the Galaxy S24 collection’ bells and whistles — with out spending practically $900.
I spent about two hours with the brand new Galaxy S24 FE. As somebody who makes use of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely daily, I used to be curious to see whether or not I might discover a stark distinction between the 2.
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Granted, we’re evaluating apples and oranges right here. A greater comparability could be the brand new Galaxy S24 FE (begins at $649.99) and the entry-level Galaxy S24 (begins at $859.99). They share extra of the identical specs and the value distinction between the 2 is simply $210.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, priced at a steep $1,299, is sort of $650 greater than the Galaxy S24 FE. Nonetheless, I didn’t anticipate such a dramatic distinction — and boy was I approach off.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hands-on
The second I picked up the Galaxy S24 FE, I stated, “Whoa!”
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Solely after holding the FE did I notice how luxurious my Extremely, with its refined titanium body, actually feels.
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Galaxy S24 Extremely – Corning Gorilla Armor (on the again), Corning Gorilla Armor (on the entrance), and titanium body
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Galaxy S24 FE – Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (on the again), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the entrance, and aluminum body
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, unsurprisingly, does not really feel as sturdy. If I did not know any higher, and also you informed me the Galaxy S24 FE was demo unit of types, I might have believed you.
In the meantime, my Galaxy S24 Extremely feels prefer it’s stuffed with heft, density, and gravitas. If each have been personified as wrestlers in a hoop, you’d undoubtedly be involved for the Galaxy S24 FE whereas the Extremely mannequin flexes its brawn.
The Galaxy S24 FE can be a lot lighter, which I believed I might recognize — however I do not. You already know that satisfaction you get from sporting a high-end watch? It is heavier and extra strong, and as such, it feels extra high quality. A funds watch, then again, feels lighter and extra flimsy.
This is not to say that the Galaxy S24 FE is delicate — it is undoubtedly not. It is nonetheless a well-crafted cellphone, however coming from the Galaxy S24 Extremely, you’ll be able to actually really feel the distinction.
The show threw me off
Once more, have in mind, that the Galaxy S24 Extremely is the show that I am accustomed to.
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
And it comes with the next specs:
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6.8 inches
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1,440 x 3,120-pixel decision
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2,600 nits of peak brightness
The 6.7-inch Galaxy S24 FE has a well-recognized measurement that is not too far off from my 6.8-inch Galaxy S24 Extremely, however with a 1,080 x 2,340-pixel decision OLED display screen, I seen the distinction immediately.
Mashable Gentle Pace
The wealthy and vivid colours that I loved on my Galaxy S24 Extremely have been barely diminished. There was additionally a minor lack of sharpness and element. The Galaxy S24 FE, by itself, is nicely saturated, however in comparison with my Galaxy S24 Extremely, the funds mannequin does not do it for me.
I am additionally not a fan of the broader bezels on the FE mannequin. On the plus facet, I like how zippy it was to navigate on the Galaxy S24 FE with its 120Hz variable refresh charge. That is an expertise that matches my Galaxy S24 Extremely.
Colours do not match my style
My Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely is available in a placing Titanium Yellow colour, which makes it look as if it has been dipped in gold.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely in Titanium Yellow
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The Galaxy S24 FE telephones have pastel vibes, that means they’re devoid of vividness.
Credit score: Samsung
As somebody who prefers wealthy, deep colours, my solely possibility is Graphite, which is miles higher than the opposite choices: (barely-there) Blue, (merely) Mint, and (ghostly) Grey.
Cameras are OK
Take into account that I solely had two hours with the Galaxy S24 FE, however I shrugged after I took a selfie with the cellphone’s 10MP front-facing digital camera.
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Top-of-the-line promoting factors of the Galaxy S24 Extremely is its selfie digital camera. Each time I take selfies with my buddies, even the iPhone snobs, they gush about how good the 12MP selfie lens is.
After I briefly examined the 10MP selfie lens, I used to be neither blown away nor upset; the image was simply OK.
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
I suppose I anticipated higher colour replica. Once more, it isn’t unhealthy. I am simply used to the spectacular photos that the Galaxy S24 Extremely takes.
Galaxy AI is a enjoyable addition
I am relieved that Samsung did not reserve Galaxy AI for its flagship lineup. Galaxy AI is probably not good, nevertheless it’s been enjoyable to discover on my Galaxy S24 Extremely.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE collection
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Whether or not you wish to take away an object in a photograph, want to speak in a overseas language, or summarize a long-winded story, Galaxy AI has your again.
Conclusion: I am too bougie for the Galaxy S24 FE
I get that some of us downgrade from a high-end cellphone as soon as it’s run its course and splurging isn’t possible, however I’d really feel completely disoriented if I needed to transfer from the Galaxy S24 Extremely to the Galaxy S24 FE.
I do know what you are pondering. “Duh! Of course the Galaxy S24 FE doesn’t come close to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.” As I discussed on the outset, I am conscious of this and even made a degree to say that the Galaxy S24 base mannequin could be a greater comparability.
Nevertheless, this hands-on was meant to spotlight how bowled over I used to be relating to the stark variations between my Galaxy S24 Extremely. Should you ever questioned if the Professional Maxes, Ultras, and XLs of the world are actually that distinct from their funds counterparts, the reply is a convincing sure.
The variations are way more pronounced than I anticipated, leaving me with an excellent higher appreciation for my Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely.
Nonetheless, the Galaxy S24 FE seems to be strong sub-$700 cellphone with a 50MP extensive digital camera that matches the Galaxy S24 (although inferior to the 200MP lens on my Galaxy S24 Extremely), Galaxy AI assist, and a barely greater battery.
As soon as I obtain a overview unit, I’ll shift my focus and assess it via the eyes of a mid-range cellphone person, placing apart my spoiled expertise with the Galaxy S24 Extremely.
