If you’re looking for a true flagship smartphone but don’t have $1,000, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE It’s an ideal choice.
In the Philippines, Samsung’s latest S series “Lite” products start at just 100 yen. 39,990 Pesos (~695 USD) For configurations with 128GB internal storage.
Samsung is running a storage upgrade promotion until the end of October 2024, offering customers the 256GB version at the same price.
Some competing Android smartphone brands have released their own smartphones in a similar price range, but we feel they’re either too expensive or lack the features to be a true flagship.
The Galaxy S24 FE, on the other hand, looks, feels, and performs like a true flagship device. Even if it is the lowest version in the series.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE specs
- Processor: Exynos 2400e
- Display: 6.7 inch Adaptive Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Display resolution: FHD+ (1080 x 2340)
- RAM: 8GB
- Internal storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
- Main camera: f/1.8 50MP with OIS
- Other rear cameras: 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 8MP telephoto lens
- Front camera: f/2.4 10MP
- Battery: 4,700mAh
Additionally, the Galaxy S24 FE comes with Type-C ports for both charging and audio. Supports dual 5G SIM. Similarly, Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 are enabled for better connectivity.
The phone comes in three color options: Blue, Mint, and Graphite. The particular unit we reviewed was a pastel blue.
look, feel
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has the largest display of any FE model to date. It has a short and wide rectangular shape, unlike the long rectangular shape of other Android devices. The reinforced aluminum frame on the sides gives it a square impression. It’s well balanced.
Plus, it comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on both the front and back. As a result, it can feel slippery at times. Don’t put this on your lap.
The cameras, on the other hand, are lined up in Samsung’s signature style and stick out much more prominently than previous versions.
The Galaxy S24 FE also comes with IP68 dust and water protection, which is another feature you can take advantage of in certain scenarios.
Even “light” is difficult to become a flagship
As GadgetMatch’s Mr. Practical, the closest thing I’ve ever used to an actual flagship is the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12R, and realme’s 12 Pro+ and 13 Pro+ series. In a sense, these are all being marketed as “flagship killers” (though of course OnePlus claims that its number series is its flagship line).
But once I tried the Galaxy S24 FE, I realized why the term “flagship killer” doesn’t mean much anymore. We already have some idea why, and reviewing the Galaxy S24 FE reinforces that fact.
Galaxy S24 FE offers a smooth experience overall. It’s more responsive than your average midrange device. It takes much less time to move around the screen, move from app to app, and get where you want to go, without any lag or display freezes.
Affordable AI devices
As smartphone companies begin to democratize AI and make it available on more affordable lines, it’s refreshing to have a terminal with all the AI features you’d expect from a flagship-level device.
Unsurprisingly, the Galaxy S24 FE comes equipped with Samsung’s suite of AI features, collectively known as Galaxy AI. Circle to Search with Google, Interpreter, Live Translation, and Note Assist. Think of them as a toolbox that you have at your fingertips whenever you need them.
I feel that I was not able to fully utilize the functions of AI. But as they say, I think it’s better to have something and not need it than not have something and need it. For example, Circle to Search is very useful when looking for information based on images.
Smooth and stable performance
While I was carrying my Galaxy S24 FE, I used it a lot for gaming and browsing. Both efforts work. You can push your device to its limits by dialing up your mobile game’s graphics and frame rate settings. Your phone comes with a dedicated priority mode/game booster whenever you open titles such as: king’s honor or Honkai: Star Rail.
Elsewhere, performance is smooth and stable. You will have no problem watching various videos on YouTube in FHD quality. No slowdowns even when running multiple apps.
immersive display
A friend told me that another feature of Samsung is its display technology. And yes, you can clearly see that the Galaxy S24 FE’s display has a different level of immersion.
But more importantly, it supports titles that require graphics, such as: Honkai: Star Rail. I was able to play HoYverse’s space fantasy RPG smoothly with realistic graphics.
The visual effects look even better, especially when you unlock the super state during some of the battle scenes in Luminary Wardance. There were no dropped frames or delays.
When it comes to everyday content consumption, the Galaxy S24 FE definitely offers that and more. If this is the only device you plan on purchasing, it’s also great for displaying the photos and videos you’ve just taken.
AI-enhanced photography
The Galaxy S24 FE’s camera package also supports advanced features such as Generative Edit, Portrait Studio, Edit Suggestions, and Instant Slow-Motion.
But what sets it apart from the midranger is the ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI Photo Assist. Obviously, some comparable products with similar price tags may feature the same technology.
But after taking lots of photos and pushing the phone to its limits, we’re confident that the Galaxy S24 FE’s camera package can offer all that and more.
Customers naturally expect excellence from flagship-level products when it comes to camera performance. Samsung’s latest device does just that.
In fact, I noticed that my phone was heating up after I performed the capture. This means there’s a lot of processing going on throughout.
As you’d expect from a Samsung device, photos appear crisp, detailed, sharp, and with high contrast. Color reproduction leans toward the saturated side of the spectrum. The red looks stronger. Even the sky sometimes looks bluer. Browns and golds don’t look pale, so they’re especially good for food and cosmetics.
Its quality is such that it can be easily posted to social media without the need for post-processing. You can take clear pictures of everything from food to buildings.
Below are some samples.
Wide (1x zoom)
food
portrait
Similarly, I’m a fan of Portrait mode’s features, especially the color focus that makes objects stand out. Use this when you want to add a dramatic effect to your shots. No doubt, these also exist in other brands such as OPPO and Xiaomi.
Just the regular portrait blur effect is great for me. The bokeh feels more natural and not overdone. A focused subject will not look cropped. Simple objects like flowers and leaves are more highlighted.
night
Additionally, the night mode was a revelation for me and I took advantage of it when I was at home. I experimented by taking pictures of my display collection, including Funko Pops. and other toy figures. These were literally shot in the dark.
Not only was this shot in the dark, but it was also shot with 5x zoom. are you kidding me
Still, this process produced bright results that looked as if they had been taken during the day. This is something I couldn’t do with my OnePlus 11. The retention of detail is also impressive. The result is noise-free and grain-free.
For outdoor scenarios, it’s perfect for capturing low-light landscapes or cafes on balconies with general warm light.
I also noticed that in low light, the colors look more toned down and natural instead of being saturated. This treatment definitely helps to reduce light sources such as warm light.
Telephoto, ultra wide angle, selfie
Even with “just” the 8MP telephoto lens, the Galaxy S24 FE does a great job at long-range shooting. I recently stumbled upon a cosplay and toy fair that featured celebrity Myrtle Sarrosa. I was able to take high quality photos even from quite a distance.
Even the 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens doesn’t feel outdated. Even snaps are guaranteed to be of sufficient quality. However, I found the colors to be a bit too saturated with this sensor.
Case in point: Chipotle sauce on a salad looks brighter orange and more accurate when using the main camera, but looks more yellowish like cheese sauce when using an ultra-wide lens.
See more photos of the ultrawide and main camera:
Selfies are also sharp and detailed, proving that pixel count is only half the equation. Note that this is *only* a 10MP selfie shooter. However, your skin tone will appear warmer than normal. Whether you dial it down or not is a matter of preference.
Is this your gadget match?
Sorry if you seem surprised by what the Galaxy S24 FE can offer. Again, I’m only used to mid-range devices. But I can see a clear difference. I also feel that some of the “flagships” costing around 45,000 pesos (approximately $783 USD) or more are too expensive.
But what about the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE? You get what you pay for. From Samsung’s signature security package to its AI-enhanced camera, smooth performance, and immersive audio-visual hardware and technology, this supposedly “light” device is a powerful flagship.
