Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 • Locked T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S24 (released January 2024) and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Fan Edition, released October 2024) are both Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship S24 series. While the Galaxy S24 represents the core model of the series, the S24 FE offers a larger display and battery, positioning itself as a slightly more recent, value-oriented alternative within the same generation. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, ensuring a consistent software experience.

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S24 FE benefit from Samsung's commitment to extended software support.

• Release timeline: The Galaxy S24 was released in January 2024, while the Galaxy S24 FE followed in October 2024. This means the S24 FE has a slightly newer launch date, potentially extending its practical lifespan by a few months in terms of software updates.
• Software longevity: Both models are part of the Galaxy S24 series, which is promised up to seven years of operating system and security updates. This commitment ensures that both devices will receive critical software support well into the future, maintaining functionality and security for an extended period.
• Durability features: Both devices feature a glass rear protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame, contributing to their overall resilience against everyday wear and tear. They also share an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in water.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 FE cater to different user demands, primarily due to their internal processing units.

• Processor capabilities: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a current-generation processor, either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy or the Exynos 2400, depending on the region. This allows for very smooth operation, rapid app loading, and efficient handling of demanding applications and high-fidelity gaming. The Galaxy S24 FE utilizes an Exynos 2400e processor, which is a slightly underclocked variant of the Exynos 2400. While still capable of handling daily tasks and most applications smoothly, it may exhibit a marginal difference in peak performance during intensive gaming or heavy multitasking compared to the standard S24.
• Multitasking and storage: Both phones offer 8GB of RAM, with the standard S24 also having a 12GB RAM option, which supports efficient multitasking and keeps multiple applications running in the background without significant slowdowns. Storage options for both include 128GB and 256GB, with the S24 also offering a 512GB variant, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media.
• Battery behavior: The Galaxy S24 FE features a larger 4700 mAh battery, which generally translates to longer usage times between charges for most users. The Galaxy S24 has a 4000 mAh battery, which provides a full day of typical use but may require more frequent charging for heavy users.

Both the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 FE offer vibrant display experiences, though they differ in size and specific panel characteristics.

• Display technology and clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED displays with a 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution, delivering sharp images and vivid colors. The Galaxy S24's 6.2-inch display offers a compact viewing experience, while the Galaxy S24 FE provides a larger 6.7-inch screen, which can enhance media consumption and productivity for users who prefer more screen real estate.
• Brightness and refresh rate: Both phones support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy S24 boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits, offering excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S24 FE's display also provides good brightness for outdoor use, though specific peak brightness figures may vary slightly.
• Viewing experience: The larger screen of the S24 FE is well-suited for users who frequently watch videos, read, or engage in mobile gaming, providing a more immersive experience. The S24's smaller display offers easier one-handed use and portability.

The camera systems on the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 FE are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, with some distinctions in their telephoto and front-facing capabilities.

• Rear camera system: Both devices feature a versatile triple-camera setup. The main wide-angle sensor on both is 50 MP with optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of capturing detailed photos in various lighting conditions. For telephoto capabilities, the Galaxy S24 includes a 10 MP sensor with 3x optical zoom and OIS, while the Galaxy S24 FE has an 8 MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom and OIS. Both also include a 12 MP ultrawide camera for expansive shots.
• Low-light and video: Both phones are capable of recording 8K video at 30 frames per second, offering high-resolution video capture. Their main sensors perform well in low-light environments, producing clear images.
• Front camera and audio: The Galaxy S24 features a 12 MP front camera, while the S24 FE has a 10 MP front camera, both suitable for selfies and video calls. Both devices provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and their speaker outputs offer a good media consumption experience.