Samsung has recently unveiled the Galaxy S24 FE smartphone along with the Galaxy Tab S10 series of tablets. However, if you’re thinking about purchasing one, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
As highlighted in our review of the Galaxy S23 FE, the timing of the FE (which stands for ‘fan edition’) is a bit awkward. It is released several months after the flagship range with the same name, creating a significant issue in terms of price drops.
The Galaxy S24 FE has been launched with a starting price of £649 or £699 for the 256GB storage option. While this may seem cheaper compared to the base models of the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9 series, the real challenge arises when comparing it to Samsung’s own phones. This makes it difficult to justify purchasing the latest FE model.
If you are in the market for a new Samsung phone, consider opting for the regular S24. Major retailers often offer price cuts on tech products shortly after their release, allowing you to find a bargain. For example, the Galaxy S24 is currently available on Amazon for as low as £510, or £659 for the 256GB variant, which is only slightly more expensive than the cheapest S24 FE model.
Alternatively, you can also explore the Galaxy S24+ which offers a similar big screen experience to the S24 FE. The S24+ can be purchased for £649 from Dealmonday, providing another compelling option for potential buyers.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, the previous year’s Galaxy S23 FE is available on Amazon for just £378. While the differences between the S23 FE and the S24 FE may not be significant, the S24 FE does offer seven years of software support compared to the four years provided for the S23 FE.
If you are open to exploring other brands, Xiaomi has recently introduced the Xiaomi 14T Pro, which is priced at £649, the same as the Galaxy S24 FE. The Xiaomi 14T Pro features impressive specifications including 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 support. This could be a solid alternative for those seeking high-end hardware.
In the US, the Xiaomi 14T Pro may not be available, but you can consider purchasing the Galaxy S24 or the S23 FE from Amazon for $699 and $599 (256GB) respectively. While new phones are always tempting, the release of the Galaxy S24 FE seems to be a bit perplexing and may not offer a compelling reason to upgrade from previous models.
