Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review

Design, build quality, handing

The Galaxy S24 FE looks exactly like the Galaxy S24+ and a lot like the Galaxy S23 and S24 phones, be they FE versions or not. The iconic Samsung design is recognizable and likable among fans, so it is natural that it has stuck around for several smartphone generations.

The Galaxy S24 FE has a Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and a Gorilla Glass 5 rear panel. The aluminum frame is here to stay with its nicely brushed finish. The phone is IP68-rated for the usual dust and water resistance purposes.

The S24 FE is available in Graphite, Mint, Yellow (ours), and Blue. Samsung went with a glossy back panel, unlike the Galaxy S24 trio, which used matte rear panels. The colors are a bit muted, which some might appreciate.

The front of the Galaxy S24 FE is where the new 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X sits, and it is the most notable change since the Galaxy S23 FE. The larger screen has the same 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The perforation for the 10MP selfie camera is here to stay.

If you put a Galaxy S24+ next to the S24 FE, you will spot the thicker bezels on the FE due to its more mainstream non-LTPO screen panel.

Unfortunately, there is no real proximity sensor on the Galaxy S24 FE, and though we had no issues with the behavior of the virtual ones, it is still not a desirable option in our book.

The earpiece also doubles as a speaker above the screen. The other speaker is at the bottom of the phone, naturally.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

The Galaxy S24 FE features an optical fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable. The Galaxy S24 trio relied on ultrasonic sensors, and we would have preferred the FE to have used the same.

The back of the Galaxy S24 FE is good-looking because of its clean design and unintrusive camera aesthetics. All three cameras have independent metal rings sticking out of the back, while the LED flash is flush with the rear glass. It is the most no-nonsense housing we have seen since the big bang of smartphone cameras, and we would always appreciate it across Samsung phones.

The flat frame is matte and smudge-resistant but provides almost no grip. On the other hand, the glossy back is a fingerprint magnet, but it does help the grip, contrary to most expectations - the glossy surfaces have some good friction with your fingertips.

The Galaxy S24 FE measures 162 x 77.3 x 8mm and weighs 213 grams - 3mm taller, a hair wider and 15g heavier than the Galaxy S24+.

Like the previous Galaxy FE models, the new S24 FE is somewhat heavier and bulkier than flagship models, but this is not a reason not to like it. The S24 FE is a smartphone with a solid build, beautiful design, enough grip, and a good handling experience.

We are not sure where the extra grams of weight came from, but with this side note - we are rating the S24 FE design as an A-.