Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S24 FE: Which is better to buy in 2025?

Deciding between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 FE can be a challenge. Each model presents a strong case, but pinpointing the key distinctions is crucial for making the right choice. This guide provides a comprehensive side-by-side analysis, examining design, display, performance, camera systems, and more to help you identify which 2025 smartphone aligns best with your priorities and budget.

Key Points

The Galaxy S24 and S24 FE both feature premium metal frames paired with glass backs.

The S24 offers a brighter, more vibrant screen with significantly slimmer bezels.

Performance varies considerably, with the S24 using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the S24 FE equipped with the Exynos 2400.

Camera capabilities are superior on the S24, particularly for low-light photography.

Battery life is extended on the S24 FE thanks to its larger capacity.

Each phone receives seven years of OS updates and includes excellent connectivity features.

Your choice ultimately depends on your budget and whether you value gaming performance, camera quality, or battery longevity most.

Detailed Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 FE

Design and Build Quality: A Premium Feel

Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 FE deliver an outstanding design and premium build quality. Each features a solid metal frame and a glass back, resulting in a sophisticated and durable feel.

The review highlights this shared premium construction early on. Both devices utilize a metal frame for structural integrity and a glass back panel. The S24 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the S24 FE features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+.

However, there are some nuanced differences. The standard S24 has a notably slimmer profile at 7.6mm thick compared to the FE's 8mm. It is also significantly lighter, weighing 167g versus the FE's 213g, making it feel more compact. Both share the iconic vertical triple-camera array, but the S24 sports a glossy finish while the FE has a matte texture. Fingerprint smudges can be noticeable on both finishes. These variances in size, weight, and texture may influence your preference based on ergonomics and style.

The review also points out the easily noticeable difference in screen size, with the S24 at 6.2 inches and the S24 FE at 6.7 inches.

Here’s a summary of the key differences in design:

Display: Brightness, Bezels, and Resolution

The display specifications reveal more pronounced differences. The Samsung Galaxy S24 features a more compact 6.2-inch screen, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has a larger 6.7-inch panel. Both share a Full HD+ resolution.

This means the S24 has a higher pixel density. A major distinction is in the bezels; the S24's borders are far smaller, approaching a bezel-less look, while the FE's are more noticeable.

Peak brightness is another key differentiator. The S24 display can reach 2600 nits, significantly higher than the FE's peak of 1900 nits. The review notes that while both are usable outdoors, the S24 also produces more vibrant colors.

Performance: Snapdragon vs Exynos

The most substantial difference lies in performance. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE utilizes the Exynos 2400.

Performance tests show the S24's Snapdragon chip is significantly more powerful, exhibiting less thermal throttling. The review notes both run One UI 7 smoothly, but benchmark results illustrate the performance gap:

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers superior performance and better thermal efficiency. The review states both handle casual gaming well, but neither is optimized for prolonged, heavy graphics-intensive gameplay. The standard S24 also maintains a 120Hz refresh rate on the home screen, where the FE switches down to 60Hz.

Camera: Capture Your Memories

The camera systems differ slightly. Both share a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The FE has a 10MP telephoto lens, while the standard S24 uses an 8MP telephoto. Image processing differs; the S24 captures more detail, while the FE tends to produce warmer and brighter images. Both support 4K and 8K video recording.

The review concludes that the S24 generally offers better picture quality, with an advantage in low-light detail and overall capture clarity, which is expected for the flagship model.

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Battery Life and Charging: Keeping You Powered

Battery capacity differs: the S24 FE has a 4700mAh battery, while the S24 has a 4000mAh unit. In a test involving YouTube and gaming, both phones lasted around 6 hours. Both take approximately one hour for a full charge and, notably, neither includes a charging brick in the box.

Both models support wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, sufficient for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.

The review also advises that the average user may not consistently notice the real-world difference between the 1900-nit and 2600-nit peak brightness levels.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 FE offer similar connectivity, including Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, USB Type-C 3.2, and dual physical SIM slots.

The S24 holds an edge in audio output via the USB-C port, featuring a dedicated 32-bit audio pathway unlike the FE.

Software and Features: User Experience

Both the Galaxy S24 and S24 FE launch with Android 15 and One UI 7, with a promised upgrade to One UI 8. All Galaxy AI features, such as Note Assist, Live Translate, and AI photo editing tools, are present. However, certain AI features on the S24, like Circle to Search, feel more instantaneous due to the extra processing power of the Snapdragon chip.

How to use the Key features for Samsung Galaxy S24 & FE

How to use Samsung's Night Mode?

1. Open the Camera app: Launch the Camera application on your Samsung Galaxy device.
2. Select "More" mode: Swipe to or tap the "More" option to access additional shooting modes.
3. Choose "Night" mode: Select "Night" mode from the list.

   The camera will automatically optimize settings for low-light conditions.

4. Frame your shot: Compose your photo and keep the device steady.
5. Capture the photo: Press the shutter button. The capture may take a few seconds, so hold the phone still until the process is complete.

Taking advantage of AI

Galaxy AI is a key feature suite. Here's how to access it:

1. Open Settings and navigate to the 'Advanced Intelligence' section.
2. Browse and select from the available functions, such as Interpreter or Transcript Assist.
3. Explore and ensure you check the settings for each function to fully understand its capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S24 FE:

Pros

Cons

Pros

More compact, pocket-friendly design

Brighter, more vibrant display with minimal bezels

Superior performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset

Enhanced overall camera quality

Cons

Higher price point

Smaller battery capacity

Tends to generate more heat under load

Smaller display size

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which phone is better for gaming?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the superior choice for gaming, thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which ensures smoother gameplay and improved heat management.

Do both phones support wireless charging?

Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the S24 FE support 15W wireless charging.

What is the battery capacity of each phone?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, whereas the S24 FE features a larger 4700mAh battery.

Which phone has a better display?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 boasts a brighter, more vibrant display with much smaller bezels for a more immersive experience. It also maintains a 120Hz refresh rate on the home screen, compared to the FE's 60Hz.

What kind of USB-C port do both phones have?

Both devices feature a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 port for fast data transfer. The S24 also includes a superior audio pathway through its dedicated 32-bit audio hardware.

Related Questions

Are Samsung FE phones worth buying?

Samsung's Fan Edition (FE) phones typically offer excellent value, delivering core flagship features and performance at a more accessible price. The Galaxy S24 FE continues this tradition, providing a compelling way to experience premium Samsung functionality while saving a significant amount.