Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Introduced with AI Power In An Affordable Package

In a world where smartphones are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the challenge for many consumers lies in balancing top-tier features with affordability. Samsung’s latest offering, the Galaxy S24 FE, looks to do just that. Announced during an event at Samsung’s flagship New York store, the Galaxy S24 FE brings much of the innovation found in the Galaxy S24 to a more budget-conscious audience. At $650, it offers significant savings compared to the $800 Galaxy S24, but does it compromise too much to hit that price point?

AI-Driven Features for the Masses

One of the most exciting aspects of the Galaxy S24 FE is its inclusion of advanced AI features, many of which are borrowed directly from its pricier sibling. Samsung’s focus on AI is evident, and they’re clearly betting big on it being a core feature moving forward. Tools like Live Translation, which can instantly translate languages in real-time, and Generative Edit, which allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos, are key additions. The phone also supports Circle to Search, a unique AI-powered feature that lets you identify objects within photos, and Note Assist, which formats, summarizes, and even translates notes.

These AI tools aren’t just about adding flash; they’re about functionality. In the ever-competitive smartphone market, both Google and Apple have made AI a key part of their latest devices. Samsung’s aggressive push to bring these AI-powered tools to its lower-cost phones signals that it views AI as an essential part of the mobile experience, not just an extra feature for premium devices.

Design and Display Get Slight Tweaks with Big Impact

With a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, the Galaxy S24 FE is slightly larger than its predecessor, the S23 FE, which had a 6.4-inch screen. During a brief hands-on experience with the phone, I noticed the additional screen real estate isn’t just about size—it enhances the overall viewing experience. Colors pop, and the larger size feels more comfortable for watching videos or playing games. Despite its affordable price, the S24 FE’s screen holds its own against premium competitors.

Another key improvement is the 4,700mAh battery, up from 4,500mAh in the S23 FE. Battery life is often a deciding factor for smartphone users, and based on early impressions, the upgrade could make a big difference. Many users found the S23 FE’s battery life subpar, often finishing the day with only 12-20% remaining. Samsung seems to have addressed this concern in the S24 FE, though full-day testing will ultimately reveal how it performs in real-world scenarios.

Camera Capabilities and AI Enhancing What’s Already There

On the camera front, Samsung once again leans into AI to elevate the S24 FE’s capabilities. The phone comes equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While this setup is nearly identical to last year’s S23 FE, Samsung is emphasizing the new ProVisual camera engine, which uses AI to improve photo quality by enhancing details and textures. This, paired with the established hardware, offers a robust photography experience at a price point below the flagship S24.

Even though the S24 FE doesn’t have the higher-end 10-megapixel telephoto camera found on its pricier sibling, the AI enhancements are expected to bridge much of that gap in day-to-day usage. Samsung’s decision to rely on software improvements for better photos shows how far AI has come in smartphone technology, making high-quality imaging accessible to a wider audience.

Exynos for Performance and Gaming Makes a Comeback

One interesting twist in the Galaxy S24 FE is the return of Samsung’s Exynos 2400e processor, instead of the Qualcomm processors seen in the Galaxy S24 series and S23 FE. Samsung has used Exynos chips in its midrange devices in the past, and the decision to return to Exynos here could be a cost-saving measure, allowing the company to offer such competitive pricing.

The Exynos processor, paired with a larger vapor chamber for cooling, should make the S24 FE a solid performer for everyday tasks and even gaming. The cooling system will likely appeal to mobile gamers, who often experience overheating issues during longer sessions.

Colorful Choices and Future Updates

The Galaxy S24 FE comes in a range of colors, including blue, mint, gray, and graphite. Samsung also teased a yellow model, though it wasn’t on display during the launch event. Beyond the aesthetics, Samsung is offering seven years of software updates, a feature previously reserved for its flagship models. This is a strong value proposition, ensuring the phone remains relevant and secure for years to come.

Samsung’s Growing FE Lineup Features More Value for Less

The launch of the Galaxy S24 FE wasn’t just about one phone. Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Watch FE, with a $200 base model and a $250 LTE variant, further extending its “Fan Edition” (FE) series. It’s clear that Samsung sees potential in expanding this line, providing consumers with high-value, feature-rich devices at more accessible price points.

A Smart Move for Samsung?

The Galaxy S24 FE reflects Samsung’s strategy of leveraging AI to create a more seamless and intelligent user experience, even for those shopping at lower price points. By including AI-driven features and offering long-term software support, the S24 FE stands out as a solid choice for anyone looking to get the best of Samsung without breaking the bank.

As competition heats up between smartphone makers, it’s clear that AI is the future. Samsung’s decision to bring advanced AI features to a mid-range phone like the S24 FE shows they’re committed to making that future accessible to a wide range of users.