The mid-range smartphone market is heating up once more.
On the identical day that Xiaomi unveiled its 14T sequence, Samsung has returned with the Galaxy S24 FE.
Nonetheless, Samsung already has a number of profitable mid-range telephones, together with the Galaxy A55, so what makes this new one value shopping for?
Whereas we haven’t had the prospect to evaluate the S24 FE, the specs and options revealed by Samsung paint and clear image of what to anticipate. For a extra in-depth have a look at the cheaper cellphone, learn our full Galaxy A55 evaluate.
Design & construct high quality
The Galaxy S24 FE’s minimalistic design, intently resembling the common Galaxy S24, provides it a glossy look. Its various vary of color choices – Blue, Graphite, Gray, Mint, and Yellow – help you tailor the look of your cellphone to match your style.
Its measurement and weight — 162.0 x 77.3 x 8.0mm and 213g — appears to provide it a sturdy, premium really feel, though it might be barely cumbersome for one-handed use.
The IP68 score must also present strong safety towards mud and water, making it a dependable selection for individuals who want a cellphone that may face up to numerous circumstances, whether or not you’re caught within the rain or on the seaside.
The Galaxy A55 additionally focuses on a refined, premium aesthetic, borrowing components from the Galaxy S24 sequence. What units the A55 aside is the distinctive ‘Key Island’ on the fitting bezel, the place the Energy and Quantity Up/Down buttons are situated. It’s a easy raised edge that encompasses each the facility and quantity keys.
The cellphone is available in solely two colors, Superior Iceblue and Superior Lilac, whereas its glass again and aluminum body make it really feel luxurious and sturdy. Nonetheless, the construct — 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2mm and 213g in weight — may additionally not be as snug for extended, one-handed use, particularly for these with smaller arms.
The cellphone incorporates a barely worse IP67 score, however can nonetheless survive most encounters with water or mud.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Whereas each telephones have a stable construct and share comparable weight and measurement, the Galaxy S24 FE presents a better water resistance score and extra color choices, making it a extra versatile selection by way of design and sturdiness.
Show & adaptive refresh
The Galaxy S24 FE boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X show that provides a 120Hz adaptive refresh charge.
It adjusts dynamically between 60Hz and 120Hz primarily based on the content material, which not solely could improve the smoothness of scrolling and animations but in addition ought to assist preserve battery life when excessive refresh charges are usually not obligatory.
The bigger measurement of the display may additionally be excellent in the event you eat plenty of media.
However, the Galaxy A55 incorporates a 6.6-inch FHD+ OLED show, which is barely smaller than the S24 FE’s however nonetheless presents a vivid and vibrant viewing expertise.
It additionally presents a 120Hz refresh charge, nevertheless, it’s not adaptive. Don’t anticipate it to vary dynamically whilst you scroll by social media or play video games. You solely have the selection of a predetermined 60Hz or 120Hz.
Regardless of the minor measurement distinction, the Galaxy A55’s show remains to be superb and appropriate for many customers.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Whereas the display brightness and color accuracy ought to be on par with the S24 FE, the dearth of adaptive refresh charge know-how means it is probably not as environment friendly in managing energy consumption throughout extended use.
Digital camera capabilities
Images lovers ought to recognize the Galaxy S24 FE’s versatile digicam setup because it features a 50Mp principal broad digicam, a 12Mp ultrawide lens, and an 8Mp telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Moreover, there’s additionally a 10Mp entrance digicam for selfies and video calls.
This array appears excellent to cowl a variety of taking pictures situations, making it an important selection if you need flexibility in your images.
The inclusion of options like Evening Mode and Tremendous Regular video recording additional enhances its enchantment for customers who need to seize high-quality images and movies in numerous lighting circumstances.
The Galaxy A55 incorporates a succesful digicam setup, but it surely lacks the telephoto lens discovered within the S24 FE.
Its 50Mp principal digicam performs effectively in most lighting circumstances and the 12Mp ultrawide lens is beneficial for capturing wider scenes, however the 5Mp macro digicam, whereas enjoyable to make use of, doesn’t add as a lot worth as a telephoto lens would, making it a much less versatile choice for severe photographers.
Selfies, nevertheless, are dealt with by a 32Mp entrance digicam, which excels in delivering clear and natural-looking photographs.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Finally, the inclusion of a telephoto lens on the S24 FE seems to supply better flexibility in the event you’re severe about cellphone images. Whereas the Galaxy A55 presents stable efficiency in typical taking pictures situations, it lacks the optical zoom of a telephoto lens.
Different variations
That’s not all, nevertheless. Whereas the above options just about spotlight the distinction between the Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy A55, there are a number of different notable variations between the 2 telephones which are additionally value contemplating.
Efficiency
The Galaxy S24 FE makes use of the Exynos 2400e (4nm) chipset in Europe. It’s a variant of the common Exynos 2400 that powers the common Galaxy S24 and S24+ within the area, although seemingly barely much less succesful.
The Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480, however, whereas environment friendly and highly effective for day-to-day duties, could not match the S24 FE’s efficiency in additional demanding use circumstances comparable to gaming or intensive multitasking.
Battery & Charging
The Galaxy S24 FE presents a barely much less spacious 4,700mAh battery in comparison with the Galaxy A55’s 5000mAh cell, which could outcome within the latter providing higher battery life. We had been definitely impressed with it in our full evaluate.
In relation to charging, each supply speeds as much as 25W, however don’t embody chargers within the field. Utilizing a appropriate one, Samsung says you may rise up to 50% in half-hour on both.
The S24 FE, nevertheless, helps wi-fi charging and reverse wi-fi charging, which aren’t out there on the A55.
Software program
Each telephones run on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, however the Galaxy A55 misses out on Galaxy AI.
In the meantime, Samsung’s full vary of AI options are coming to the S24 FE, together with Circle to Search.
What’s extra, Samsung guarantees seven years of OS and safety updates for the S24 FE. That’s a major enchancment in comparison with 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of safety patches that Galaxy A55 will get.
This makes the Galaxy S24 FE a probably higher long-term funding with extra software program options.
Value & Availability
The Galaxy S24 FE is priced at £649/$649.99 for the 128GB mannequin and £699/$709.99 for the 256GB variant, reflecting its extra premium function set. It will likely be out there from 4 October 2024.
As with the Galaxy S23 FE, this 12 months’s mannequin shall be out there in each the UK and US by way of the Samsung web site and different third-party retailers.
The Galaxy A55, in the meantime, presents a extra budget-friendly choice, costing £439 for the 128GB model and £489 for the 256GB mannequin. It’s already extensively out there instantly from Samsung and thru numerous retailers within the UK.
Sadly, it’s not out there within the US, the place your closest selection is the Galaxy A35 5G for $399. It’s not too dissimilar however remains to be a much less succesful product with a less expensive construct, inferior efficiency and a lesser digicam setup.
Must you purchase the Galaxy S24 FE or Galaxy A55?
Each telephones are robust mid-range choices with their very own set of strengths.
The Galaxy S24 FE stands out with its superior digicam setup, adaptive show, and strong software program help, making it excellent for these on the lookout for a feature-rich machine with long-term worth.
Nonetheless, the Galaxy A55 nonetheless presents stable efficiency, construct high quality, and a lower cost level, making it a compelling choice for these on a tighter price range.
Finally, the Galaxy A55 is a well-rounded mid-ranger, however if you need a extra feature-packed machine with prolonged software program help and superior digicam capabilities, the Galaxy S24 FE is value the additional funding.
And in the event you dwell within the US, the S24 FE is your solely selection.