Samsung has recently unveiled the Galaxy S24 FE smartphone along with the Galaxy Tab S10 series of tablets. However, if you are contemplating purchasing one, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
As mentioned in our review of the Galaxy S23 FE, the timing of the FE (which stands for ‘fan edition’) release is somewhat awkward. It arrives several months after the flagship range of the same name, posing a significant challenge.
The main issue at hand is the drop in prices. Samsung has introduced the S24 FE with a starting price of £649 (or £699 for the 256GB storage option). While this may seem cheaper than the base models of the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9 series, the comparison with Samsung’s own phones raises doubts about the necessity of purchasing the latest FE model.
If you are looking to save some money, it is advisable to consider purchasing the regular S24 model. Tech products often receive price cuts at major retailers shortly after their release, even if the prices remain constant on official stores. At present, you can find the Galaxy S24 for as low as £510 on Amazon, or £659 for the 256GB variant, which is only slightly more expensive than the cheapest S24 FE option.
Alternatively, if you prefer a larger screen, you can opt for the Galaxy S24+ available for £649 on Dealmonday.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, last year’s Galaxy S23 FE is available for just £378 on Amazon. Despite minimal changes from its predecessor, the S24 FE offers the same seven-year software support as other S24 models, a significant improvement from the four-year support of the S23 FE.
If you are open to exploring other brands, Xiaomi has recently announced the Xiaomi 14T Pro, priced at £649, which boasts impressive specifications. With a flagship-level Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ processor, a 6.67-inch 144Hz OLED display, a Leica-branded triple camera system, and rapid 120/50W charging capabilities, the Xiaomi 14T Pro presents a compelling alternative to the S24 FE. It is available for £599 on Amazon.
For customers in the US, the Xiaomi 14T Pro may not be an option. However, the S24 FE is rumored to be priced at $650 or $710 for the 128GB and 256GB variants respectively. In such a scenario, the S24 or S23 FE can be purchased for $699 and $599 (256GB) from Amazon.
While new phone releases may be enticing, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE appears to be another unconventional launch that may not offer significant value compared to its predecessors or alternative options in the market.