Kerry Wan/ZDNET
If the saying, “Jack of all trades, grasp of none,” was a smartphone, it will be the Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung’s new mid-range handset that slots proper beneath the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra.
It would not have the identical industrial appeal as its extra premium siblings — the lighter construct and thicker bezels are a giveaway that you simply’re now not in flagship territory — however the Galaxy S24 FE has nearly every thing else that you simply’d need for $649.
Additionally: Forget iPhone 16: Samsung’s $649 Galaxy S24 FE may be the new mainstream phone to beat
I spent hour and a half utilizing the Galaxy S24 FE throughout Samsung’s launch occasion this week, and whereas I will not get into the nitty-gritty of each spec (my colleague, Cesar Cadenas, has you covered), there have been some standout options that made the telephone extra memorable than I used to be anticipating.
That checklist contains the flagship-tier digicam system, seven years of software program updates, and Galaxy AI options. I will begin with the final level, which makes the Galaxy S24 FE some of the reasonably priced telephones to area AI instruments like Circle to Search, dwell translations, generative enhancing, and extra.
Solely the Google Pixel 8a comes shut so far as AI accessibility goes, but it surely’s a a lot smaller handset (6.1 inches versus 6.7 inches) with a a lot smaller battery (4,492mAh versus 4,700mAh). Contemplating how visible and interactive these options may be, I discovered the bigger canvas of the Galaxy S24 FE extra sensible, whether or not I used to be circling objects to Google Search or scanning a translated PDF.
Additionally: Galaxy AI is coming to mid-range Samsung phones. These models will get it first
The Galaxy S24 FE’s digicam system captures pictures with wonderful element and vividness. That should not come as a shock, because it packs the identical 50MP most important sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens because the flagship Galaxy S24, whereas the telephoto lens (with 3x optical zoom) falls simply quick at 8MP (as a substitute of 10MP). I took a few photos all through the occasion area, which had areas that assorted in brightness, coloration temperature, and lighting angles, and the Galaxy S24 FE dealt with the inconsistencies gracefully.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
I additionally did a selfie check with Milesabovetech and Parker Burton, who TikTok for a dwelling (learn: they know probably the most optimum poses and angles for being on digicam), and the pictures captured have been fairly detailed, although my pores and skin appeared paler than regular.
Additionally: Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S10 series may be the iPad Pro for Android users (but better)
The desaturated look extends to the again of the Galaxy S24 FE, which is available in 4 pastel finishes, together with Graphite, Grey, Blue, and Mint. Not one of the coloration choices this yr will essentially ring a bell, however my recommendation is to stay with a lighter coloration like Blue and Mint. The shiny glass layering means the telephones gather extra fingerprints than an FBI agent, and the darker hues make that extra obvious.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Samsung’s actually pushing the Galaxy S24 FE because the telephone that may deliver AI to the lots, and the timing could not have been higher. Earlier this month, Apple launched the iPhone 16 series, and whereas it is clearly spent all its advertising and marketing funds selling Apple Intelligence, not one of the firm’s on-device AI capabilities are readily available.
At $649, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE not solely undercuts the base-level iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 by $150, but it surely additionally comes with AI options, amongst different advantages, proper out of the field. My shopping for recommendation is to benefit from Samsung’s Supply Packages. For instance, college students can get the Galaxy Buds FE bundled at no cost, and it can save you as much as $500 by making an eligible trade-in.