Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Review: Is It Worth £649?

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S24 FE marks a significant size jump from previous Fan Edition models, now matching the 6.7-inch display of the S24 Plus. For users preferring compact phones, this growth is substantial - the dimensions closely resemble Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max. Despite flat edges reminiscent of iPhones, curved corners make one-handed use manageable though not ideal. Weighing 213g, you'll notice its presence in your pocket.

During my week-long test, the Gorilla Glass 5 back proved surprisingly resilient against scratches despite being pocketed with heavier devices. IP68 water resistance provides peace of mind for accidental spills or shower use. Color options include Light Blue, Mint, Yellow, Graphite, and exclusive (but bland) Gray. The Light Blue model attracted noticeable fingerprint smudges in my testing.

Performance and Software Experience

Powering the S24 FE is Samsung's Exynos 2400e chipset paired with 8GB RAM. Despite historical concerns about Exynos processors, everyday performance remains smooth - apps launch instantly and multitasking handles effortlessly. Gaming performance impressed me: Warzone Mobile ran at maximum settings with stable frame rates during hour-long sessions. Thermal management deserves praise - the enlarged vapor chamber kept temperatures reasonable despite sustained load.

Samsung's software approach remains a double-edged sword:

Preinstalled bloatware includes redundant browsers, file managers, and Samsung's frustrating keyboard (I immediately replaced it with GBoard)
Galaxy AI features shine with Circle to Search, live translation, and browsing assist summarization
Seven years of OS updates future-proofs your investment

OneUI's gaming mode needs refinement - accessing it through notification shade feels clunky compared to rivals like Xiaomi or OnePlus.

Display and Audio Quality

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers flagship-level vibrancy with excellent HDR support. While the Full HD+ resolution (downgraded from S24 Plus' QHD+) isn't razor-sharp, most users won't notice during daily use. Brightness performs admirably in direct sunlight, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling.

Audio quality stands out with a balanced stereo speaker setup. At maximum volume, distortion remains minimal while maintaining vocal clarity. Bass response exceeds expectations for smartphone speakers, making it suitable for media consumption without headphones.

Battery Life and Charging

The 4,700mAh battery proved disappointing in my testing:

Average screen-on time: 5-6 hours
Required midday top-ups during moderate-heavy usage
Adaptive battery may improve longevity over time, but initial results concern me

Chasing speeds compound the problem:

25W wired charging takes "freaking forever" (over 90 minutes for full charge)
15W wireless charging provides cable-free convenience but remains slow
No charger included in box

Camera Capabilities

S24 FE's camera system mirrors the base S24 with key hardware differences:

Main 50MP Sensor

Daylight shots deliver vibrant, crowd-pleasing colors with excellent dynamic range. Samsung's Pro Visual Engine AI reduces noise effectively, though some low-light images appeared flat. The processing sometimes over-brightens shadows unnaturally.

Ultra-Wide and Telephoto

12MP ultra-wide: Serviceable in good light but struggles in dim conditions
8MP 3x telephoto: Provides lossless zoom up to 3x optical, usable digital zoom to 20x
Stabilization excels during video capture and high-zoom photography

AI Editing Tools

Samsung's generative AI tools allow:

Object repositioning/resizing
Background replacement
Portrait studio transformations
Results vary - while fun, artifacts appear when adding complex elements

Video performance impresses with crisp 4K footage and effective wind noise reduction. The AI-powered slow-motion interpolation works surprisingly well despite occasional glitches.

Value Proposition and Alternatives

At £649, the S24 FE faces fierce competition:

Samsung's own S24 often nears this price during sales
Xiaomi 14T Pro offers superior charging and potentially better battery life
Pixel 8 Pro provides more consistent computational photography

The FE retains core flagship features like DeX desktop mode and full Galaxy AI suite, making it a compelling option for Samsung ecosystem users. However, the subpar battery and charging speeds are significant drawbacks at this price point.

Verdict and Final Thoughts

The Galaxy S24 FE delivers a near-flagship experience with some sensible compromises. Its excellent display, competent performance, and comprehensive AI features justify consideration, but battery limitations and slow charging are legitimate concerns.

Who should buy it:

Samsung loyalists wanting flagship AI tools at lower cost
Users prioritizing display quality over compact design
Those who value long-term software support

Who should avoid:

Heavy users needing all-day battery
Photography enthusiasts wanting consistent low-light performance
Fast-charging advocates

Actionable next steps:

Test device ergonomics in-store - the size/weight disappoints some
Compare real-world camera samples with Pixel 8 series
Monitor holiday sales - the regular S24 often dips near £649

What's your dealbreaker - battery life or charging speed? Share your priorities in the comments! For more tech insights, subscribe to our newsletter below.