Samsung Galaxy Watch FE Review: Repacked but Reliable

Worth When Reviewed

From $199

Greatest Costs At this time: Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

$179.99

$199

Samsung’s FE line stands for ‘fan version’. These fashions usually come at a less expensive worth than the usual fashions, however most individuals will recognise the title from smartphones within the Korean tech big’s lineup.  

However the FE line now expands past telephones and tablets, as the newest Samsung Galaxy Watch FE goes to show. Designed as a extra cost-friendly different to the Watch 7 collection, this mannequin is principally a repackaged model of 2021’s Galaxy Watch 4 – with the identical processor, the same design and some tweaks together with longer software program assist. 

I’ve spent a while with the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, exercising, sleeping and extra, to find if that is the finances smartwatch for you.  

Design & Construct 

• Three colors
• IP68/5ATM
• 26.6g

Placing Galaxy Watch 4 similarities apart, the Watch FE has a mode and construct akin to 2024’s Watch 7. It has a smaller display and a much bigger bezel, however it retains the traditional face form that blends seamlessly with any outfit. 

The Watch FE is accessible in three colors: gold with a light-weight pink band, absolutely black or silver with a blue band. I examined out the latter and I cherished the contemporary pastel really feel and the colored threads within the band are additionally a pleasant distinctive contact.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Whereas this smartwatch isn’t too large or heavy (weighing simply 26.6g) the perimeters appear to dig in after extended use. I’ve fairly bony wrists, so which may be why – however I’ve examined extra comfy smartwatches up to now, together with the Amazfit GTS 4 and unique Google Pixel Watch. 

You’ll be fantastic to make use of this watch each within the rain and within the pool, due to its IP68 and 5ATM water resistance rankings. Simply be certain that to lock the display when underwater (you’ll have to allow this manually), after which the system will expel any water from the speaker when you’re performed by taking part in a sound.  

Display & Audio 

• 1.2-inch show
• Speaker and microphone

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE solely is available in one 40mm measurement. Whereas large smartwatch followers could also be disillusioned, the 1.2-inch tremendous AMOLED sapphire crystal show is an honest measurement and enormous sufficient that faucets don’t really feel finicky – although the bezel is without doubt one of the thickest round, partly because it’s a digital bezel for scrolling.  

The show has a decision of 396 x 396 and a color depth of 16M. Whereas the shades gained’t match the unimaginable tones seen on the OLED display of the Watch 7 and related wearables, it’s vivid sufficient to be seen underneath direct daylight, with textual content clearly seen.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Speaker quantity might be adjusted, however even turned up midway is punchy sufficient to be heard. I examined the gentle strolling coach on the system and will hear it clearly on fairly roads, although busy site visitors does drown it out.

Fortuitously, instructions from this additionally pair with headphones, which I like to recommend in the event you’re out working in built-up areas. 

There’s additionally a built-in microphone, so you’ll be able to take calls in case your smartphone is linked close by – there may be an LTE model of the Galaxy Watch FE within the US.  

Software program & Options 

• Put on OS 4
• One UI 5
• Points with non-Samsung telephones

The Galaxy Watch FE runs on Google’s Put on OS 4, with Samsung’s One UI 5 layered on high. In order that’s not the newest model with Put on OS 5 now formally out.

Nonetheless, this smartwatch gives the preferred Android wearable apps on the market. That features Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp and extra – an actual benefit over cheaper watches from the likes of Amazfit and Huawei. 

Samsung additionally contains its pre-installed apps, together with Samsung Pockets, plus accompanying Buds and SmartThings apps. Nonetheless, these might be uninstalled straight on the Watch, or by way of the Galaxy Wearable app. 

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

There’s a separate app for Well being monitoring, which is annoying – it could be a lot much less arduous if Samsung consolidated its software program so I might organise my apps and discover my knowledge multi function place. 

I set this smartwatch up with a Xiaomi Combine Flip, and sadly, it was fairly a faff. Not solely did I’ve to repeatedly allow the Watch to entry numerous issues, however I additionally struggled to get it to hyperlink to my Google account, one thing that’s mandatory for apps equivalent to Maps and so forth.  

After trawling some boards, I discovered a workaround that meant I needed to disable the lock on my telephone. It appears like it is a widespread difficulty on different Samsung watches, so is one thing the model ought to contemplate investigating. 

As soon as I’d overcome these hurdles, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE was simple to make use of. All of the apps are organised in a tile, Apple Watch fashion in contrast to different Put on OS units, whereas swipes left, proper, up and down entry numerous notifications, monitoring and so forth. The digital bezel additionally means that you can scroll up and down rapidly.  

The Residence button might be customised to an extent, with completely different instructions accessible for double urgent and lengthy urgent – Go to most up-to-date app and Bixby have been set as default on my unit. It integrates excellently with Google, one of many key advantages of going for a Put on OS watch.  

Health & Monitoring 

• 100+ exercise modes
• Complete sleep monitoring
• ECG monitoring locked for Samsung telephones

There’s a variety of well being and health monitoring choices accessible on the Samsung Galaxy FE, however it’s price saying off the bat that you simply’ll get essentially the most out of the options in case you have an accompanying Samsung telephone.  

Greater than 100 exercises can be found to trace, together with weighted machines, swimming, biking, pilates, ballet and extra. In case your particular train isn’t included, you’ll be able to add it as a customized exercise or select the free exercise mode as a substitute.  

All modes will monitor your coronary heart price and energy burned, whereas some will embrace further info. For instance, runners will get info on cadence and a map of their route, whereas swimmers can see the strokes used and the time elapsed between laps. 

Auto detect was very responsive, with strolling picked up and tracked with accuracy, and stopping in a short time in comparison with different wearables I’ve examined with this capability. You’ll be able to select which exercises the Watch FE helps for such a monitoring, which is helpful.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

I had one mysterious incident the place this wearable thought I used to be doing a ‘free exercise’. I can solely assume that this was once I was dancing round my room at one level. I suppose that type of counts as train? With that in thoughts, I disabled auto detect on the free exercise mode.  

Step monitoring appeared fairly liberal, giving me round 1,000 steps greater than what I usually document on my telephone.  

The working coach is a pleasant addition, because it guides you thru the velocity you ought to be going, with prompts to regulate your velocity and phrases of encouragement whenever you’re on the proper stage. Plus, it contains ten levels of issue, from gentle strolling up to the mark endurance, with the choice so as to add customized ones as effectively.  

Sleep monitoring appeared fairly correct with my very own experiences, accurately figuring out any disturbances within the evening. I additionally discovered the sleep coach characteristic extremely helpful, which makes use of animals to establish your patterns (shout out to my fellow lions) and recommend suggestions to enhance your high quality.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

There are eight sleep animals in whole, and this info is concise and grammatically correct, in contrast to another cheaper wearables. You’ll be able to learn up on my interview with a sleep skilled to see why this knowledge is so necessary.  

Different neat well being options embrace physique composition monitoring, which analyses your fats, muscle, and water ranges and provides a primary evaluation of your findings. This might not be as correct as what it’s possible you’ll discover on a wise scale, however not many different smartwatches provide this characteristic.  

Stress monitoring, menstrual cycle monitoring and SpO2 monitoring are additionally accessible. Nonetheless, if you wish to use the ECG monitor, you gained’t be capable to and not using a Samsung telephone as that is the one method you’ll be able to entry the Samsung Well being Monitor app. If that’s a dealbreaker, then there are many different smartwatches you’ll be able to contemplate.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Specs & Efficiency 

• Exynos W920 Twin Core processor
• 1.5GB reminiscence
• 16GB storage

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE runs on an Exynos W920 Twin Core processor, the identical chip seen within the Galaxy Watch 4, which at this level is a three-year-old wearable. That is paired with 1.5GB reminiscence and 16GB storage. 

Whereas this isn’t the newest and best chip that you simply’ll discover on Samsung’s flagship mannequin, it’s ok for day-to-day use and primary monitoring.  

The Watch FE is a bit of sluggish in addition up and cargo up some apps equivalent to Google’s, however swipes and faucets are responsive, as is monitoring. As for longevity, the Watch FE will get three put on OS updates and 4 years of safety patches.

My fear is how effectively that already getting old processor will maintain up in a couple of years time.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Battery Life & Charging 

• 247mAh battery
• Round 1.5 days of common use
• Two hours to cost

One of many weakest factors of the Galaxy Watch FE is the battery life, however that’s commonplace throughout all of Samsung’s smartwatch line and plenty of rivals. 

This wearable is provided with a 247mAh cell, which is a smaller battery than the 300mAh one seen on the Watch 7. Regardless of that, the longevity is about on par with the pricier mannequin, if even barely higher. I assume that’s right down to its extra primary specs.  

On common I’d get between one and a half to 2 days’ price of utilization. That features monitoring my sleep, coronary heart price, steps and taking calls. The Watch FE could deplete quicker in the event you use it closely day by day, or last more in the event you disable some options equivalent to common coronary heart monitoring, location and so forth.  

Charging the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE from flat to full with the included 5W cable takes slightly below two hours. That’s longer than the 76 minutes of the Watch 7 and never supreme whenever you imagined to put on it across the clock, however this is without doubt one of the compromises you get by choosing a less expensive mannequin.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Worth & Availability 

The Galaxy Watch FE prices £199/$199 for the common mannequin and $249 for the LTE choice (which is US solely). UK readers can purchase it straight from Samsung, Amazon, Argos or Currys. These within the US can get it from Samsung, Greatest Purchase and Amazon. 

Whereas that’s £90/$100 cheaper than the common Watch 7, you’ve acquired to understand that this system makes use of an previous processor and isn’t bringing a lot new to the market because it’s a lot just like the Watch 4.  

Just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, this Watch has come at an odd time, contemplating you should purchase final 12 months’s Galaxy Watch 6 for £131/$187, which gives extra options for the cash – the one benefit of the FE is that you simply’ll get software program assist for longer.

In the event you spot it in a sale equivalent to Amazon Prime Day then it might make for a cut price however at full worth it’s more durable to justify. 

Exterior of Samsung, you could possibly contemplate the Google Pixel Watch 2, which is now discounted to £239/$249, or the OnePlus Watch 2R for £189/$229. We even have additional choices in our checklist of the very best smartwatches.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Do you have to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE? 

Let’s be sincere, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is only a repackaged model of the Watch 4 though that doesn’t imply it’s inherently unhealthy.   

The Watch 4 was a stable smartwatch, and so is that this. There’s a variety of monitoring options accessible, with the auto detect and sleep monitoring being significantly spectacular. The design is smooth and traditional, and Put on OS remains to be superior to different software program options exterior of Apple.  

Nonetheless, the faff organising with a non-Samsung Android telephone was annoying, and different rivals provide way more spectacular battery lives.

The one factor that will tempt you for the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is in the event you already personal a Samsung telephone, as set-up must be simpler, and also you’ll additionally get bonus ECG monitoring.  

Specs

• 1.2in 396×396 (40mm) AMOLED show
• Sapphire crystal
• Exynos W920 Twin Core processor
• 1.5GB RAM
• 16GB storage
• One UI Watch 5 over Put on OS 4
• Bluetooth 5.3
• NFC
• GPS
• Wi-Fi
• 4G LTE (optionally available)
• Microphone
• Speaker
• Optical coronary heart price sensor (PPG)
• Electrical coronary heart sensor (ECG)
• Bioelectrical impedance evaluation sensor (BIA)
• Blood oxygen monitoring
• Sleep monitoring
• Physique composition evaluation
• Guided exercises
• Bixby Voice
• Digital bezel controls
• 5ATM swim-proof
• IP68-certified mud/water resistance
• 247mAh
• 39.3 x 40.4 x 9.8 mm
• 26.6g
• Colors: Silver, Black, Gold
• Suitable with Android 11 or increased (units require greater than 1.5GB RAM)