Samsung’s Galaxy FE (Fan Edition) line is about balance—delivering the flagship experience at a more accessible price point. The recently launched Galaxy S24 FE continues this trend, but is it a major leap forward from the S23 FE, or more of a gradual evolution?
Here’s a breakdown of the S24 FE’s new features, the areas where it improves on its predecessor, and whether it’s worth the upgrade if you already own last year’s model.
Design and Display: A Slightly Bigger Canvas
At first glance, the Galaxy S24 FE doesn’t deviate radically from the design language of the S23 FE. Both devices have a familiar, clean look with flat screens, punch-hole cameras, and minimalist aesthetics. However, there’s a noticeable increase in display size. The S24 FE ups the ante with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a step up from the S23 FE’s 6.4-inch screen.
While both phones boast the same 120Hz refresh rate, the S24 FE’s larger screen means more real estate for gaming, content creation, or multitasking. Samsung has also incorporated Vision Booster technology on the S24 FE, which optimises brightness and contrast in bright outdoor conditions—a feature absent on the S23 FE. For users who spend a lot of time outdoors or prefer bigger screens, this bump in size and clarity could be a decisive factor.
Performance: The Power of Exynos 2400
One of the key upgrades in the S24 FE is its processor. The device is powered by the new Exynos 2400 chipset, replacing the Exynos 2200 used in the S23 FE. This change is significant for users who demand higher performance, especially for gaming and intensive multitasking.
The Exynos 2400 brings with it better efficiency, faster processing, and improved graphics capabilities, including support for Ray Tracing, a feature that enhances realism in mobile gaming by improving lighting effects. This also marks the first time that an S-series handset has come bundled with an Exynos processor in the USA. For users prioritising gaming performance, the S24 FE provides a noticeable edge over its predecessor.
That said, the S23 FE’s Exynos 2200 is still a capable chipset for most tasks. If your daily usage revolves around web browsing, social media, and basic photography, the performance gap may not be a dealbreaker. But for anyone looking to future-proof their device with more raw power and enhanced gaming capabilities, the S24 FE clearly has the upper hand.
Camera System: AI Takes the Lead
Both the Galaxy S24 FE and S23 FE come with solid camera setups, but the S24 FE takes a lead with AI-driven enhancements that bring its photography experience closer to Samsung’s flagship S24 models.
The S24 FE’s rear camera system retains the same core specs as the S23 FE—featuring a 50MP wide camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front camera also remains unchanged, with both models featuring a 10MP selfie camera.
What differentiates the S24 FE, however, is the inclusion of Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, which applies AI algorithms to improve image quality, especially in low-light settings. The Nightography feature, already a strength in the S23 FE, sees further improvement in the S24 FE with AI-enhanced image signal processing (ISP). This translates into better night shots with more detail and improved colour balance.
The AI-assisted zoom is another standout feature. While both models offer 3x optical zoom, the S24 FE adds AI Zoom technology that enhances image quality even at higher digital zoom levels. For users who rely heavily on their phone’s camera, particularly for low-light or zoom photography, the S24 FE makes a compelling case for an upgrade.
Battery and Cooling: Small but Meaningful Tweaks
The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a slightly larger 4,700mAh battery, compared to the S23 FE’s 4,500mAh. While the 200mAh difference might seem marginal, it provides just that extra bit of endurance for all-day use, especially when paired with the more power-efficient Exynos 2400 processor.
One area where the S24 FE makes a notable improvement is in cooling technology. Samsung has integrated a 1.1x larger vapour chamber in the S24 FE, which is designed to dissipate heat more effectively during extended gaming sessions or other performance-intensive tasks. The S23 FE, while still capable, does not have the same level of thermal management, which may result in reduced performance over time as the device heats up.
Software and Ecosystem Integration: More AI Tools
Both devices run on Samsung’s One UI, with Android at their core. But the S24 FE has a few more tricks up its sleeve thanks to Galaxy AI enhancements. One of the standout features is Circle to Search with Google, which allows users to perform instant searches using visual inputs. Another highlight is Live Translate, which breaks language barriers during phone calls or even while using third-party apps. These features may not be game-changers for all users, but they make the S24 FE feel more connected to Samsung’s broader AI ecosystem.
On top of that, Samsung is promising seven years of OS and security updates for the S24 FE, ensuring longer support and better future-proofing compared to the S23 FE.
Price Comparison in South Africa
In South Africa, the Galaxy S24 FE is priced at R14,999 for the 128GB version and R16,999 for the 256GB version. The S23 FE currently retails at a similar price point, starting at R13,999 for the 128GB model and R15,999 for the 256GB option.
Given the minimal price difference between the two models, the S24 FE offers better value with its larger display, more powerful chipset, and enhanced AI-driven camera features. While the S23 FE still provides a solid experience, particularly for users who are less concerned with cutting-edge AI tools or the latest performance enhancements, the S24 FE clearly pulls ahead in terms of overall capability.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
The Galaxy S24 FE delivers incremental but meaningful improvements over the S23 FE. The larger display, more powerful Exynos 2400 chipset, and enhanced camera features driven by Samsung’s AI-powered ProVisual Engine make the S24 FE the better option for users who want more from their phone—whether for gaming, photography, or future-proofing.
However, if you’re already using the S23 FE and are content with its performance, particularly for standard tasks, the S24 FE may not be a necessary upgrade. The improvements, while noticeable, are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. But for new buyers or those coming from older models, the S24 FE is an attractive mid-range option that delivers a lot for its price.
