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Another Samsung Galaxy Watch is getting the Wear OS 5 treatment
One UI 6 Watch is rolling out to the Galaxy Watch 4 range
It comes with new AI fitness features, watch faces, and more
After a slow, gradual rollout of Wear OS 5 to its Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 5 models,Samsunghas confirmed that the Galaxy Watch 4 is now also receiving the free upgrade, as One UI 6 Watch rolls out to users.
It’s a major milestone for Samsung, as its entire Wear OS smartwatch range now supports the latest software, despite a fairly clunky and disjointed rollout.
Samsung has confirmedthat it’s now rolling out the One UI 6 Watch (Samsung’s skin for Wear OS 5) upgrade for its Galaxy Watch 4 range. So what’s new in the One UI 6 upgrade for 2024?
As with the Wear OS 5 updates for the Galaxy Watch 5 and 6, the new software brings a host of upgrades, tweaks, and improvements.
Galaxy Watch 4 owners will get new watch faces and visual improvements to the interface, with a new default font, buttons, and toggles. Tile graphics have also been upgraded to make things look better.
Under the hood, new health metrics and improvements bring Samsung’s AI-powered energy score, showing you your physical and mental condition based on your sleep and exercise, with advice to help you stay on top of your wellbeing.
There are also more detailed sleep insights, custom workout routines, and the new double-pinch gesture to make navigation easier.
There’s also a new power-saving mode that limits some health features and extends battery life.
First released in August 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 marked the return of Wear OS to the Galaxy Watch lineup, but it’s possible that this year will be the last major software update the aging model gets.
All of Samsung’s Wear OS smartwatch models have now started receiving One UI 6 Watch in at least one region.
What you need to know
The last stage of Samsung’s One UI 6 Watch rollout appears to be underway, with users in Korea seeing the update become available for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
The move comes as Samsung has updated the Galaxy Watch 6 series, Galaxy Watch 5 series, and Galaxy Watch FE to Wear OS 5 in recent days and weeks.
The updates, beginning abroad, will eventually come to the US and North America at a later date.
Samsung is reaching the final stage of itslengthy One UI 6 Watch rollout, which brings Wear OS 5 to all the company’s Wear OS smartwatches. As of today, users in Korea started seeing the One UI 6 Watch update become available for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, according to aposton Samsung’s community forums. The update is currently available for only the Bluetooth models of theGalaxy Watch 4 series, and only in Korea — for now.
The company launched One UI 6 Watch alongside theGalaxy Watch Ultraand Galaxy Watch 7, released in July. It made its way to the Galaxy Watch 6 series late last month. Just yesterday, Dec. 3,Samsung brought the Wear OS 5 upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 5 series and the Galaxy Watch FE.
That means all of Samsung’s Wear OS watches, from the oldest Galaxy Watch 4 to the cheapestGalaxy Watch FE, are beginning to get the boost to One UI 6 Watch. As is typically the case, Bluetooth models of the Galaxy Watch will receive the upgrade in a few regions to start. Then, over the coming days and weeks, LTE-equipped models will become eligible to upgrade, and it’ll arrive in more regions. North American units are often towards the end of the line when it comes to receiving One UI 6 Watch upgrades.
(Image credit: Samsung)
A core part of the One UI 6 Watch update are health-related feature additions. Samsung is banking on the combination of Samsung Health and Galaxy AI, aiming to use it to help wearers improve their fitness and health. Energy Score is like Samsung’s rendition of Garmin’s Body Battery, and Sleep Analysis aims to let you know how well you slept. These features were exclusive to newer Galaxy Watch models at first, but are making their way to older ones now.
Samsung initially promised up to four years of software updates for the Galaxy Watch 4, which isn’t much of a concrete guarantee. However, it appears that old smartwatch may be nearing the end of its software support.Wear OS 5.1looks like a minor update, based onAndroid 15, so the chances of the Galaxy Watch 4 making it to the eventual Wear OS 6 are slim.
Still, the first-generation of any product line typically receives poor software support, but that hasn’t been the case with the Galaxy Watch 4 (which is a first-gen product in the sense that it was Samsung’s first Wear OS watch). It’s had a great run with software upgrades, starting with Wear OS 3 and now supporting Wear OS 5.
According to a new report, Samsung has no plans to introduce its first-generation tri-fold smartphone next year. Nonetheless, a renowned display analyst has offered an insight into the device’s global availability.
Huawei stole a march on Samsung earlier this year with the Mate XT. (Image source: Huawei)
Samsung has not officially confirmed that it is working on a new type of foldable yet. Nonetheless, rumours have been flying around in recent weeks about the company’s plans to challenge theHuawei Mate XTwith its own version. Now, Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC)has offered insightsinto the state of Samsung’s first ‘tri-fold’ smartphone.
In short, it appears that the company’s foray into a new foldable form factor will not be ready in time for its 2025 hardware refresh. For reference, successors to theGalaxy Z Flip6andGalaxy Z Fold6are anticipated, as well as the so-called Galaxy Z Flip6 FE. Incidentally, Young has also disclosed new information about a new Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition too, details of which we have covered separately.
While Samsung’s first-generation tri-fold will not be with us next year, Young expects it to arrive in ‘early 2026’. As it stands, the company is believed to have adopted the form factor that Samsung Display showcased a few years ago with theFlex Grather than theFlex Swraparound alternative that Huawei offers with theMate XT.
Samsung’s first tri-fold may look like the Flex G on the right. (Image source: Samsung Display)
We don’t expect this device to actually see the light of day.
What you need to know
Samsung has filed a patent for a foldable gaming handheld console.
Based on the included patent drawings, the handheld would be somewhat similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, but includes space for gaming controls.
The patent was originally filed in 2022 but was just granted on November 11.
It’s not all that often that we cover patents, but Samsung might be cooking up something rather exciting. As of November 11, Samsung was granted a patent for an “electronic games console,” as the91mobilesspotted a listing that appeared on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website.
According to thelisting, Samsung Display Co., Ltd. filed for the patent in September 2022, and it was registered as of November 12. Unsurprisingly, there aren’t any other specifics about the internals of this handheld.
However, there are a variety of patent drawings that were published, giving us an idea of how it might work. At first glance, this handheld looks pretty similar to theGalaxy Z Flip 6, with a couple of major differences.
The first of which is that the screen faces outward, a concept that we have yet to see Samsung implement outside of some concept designs to showcase at various trade shows. In fact, the only companies to really venture down that path have been Huawei and Honor, as theHonor V Pursewas released in 2023, whileHuawei’s Mate XTtri-foldable phone was revealed in September.
Durability concerns likely play a big part in why we haven’t seen outward-folding phones, making this potential gaming handheld even more intriguing. Adding to the intrigue is how you interpret the patent drawings. On one hand, it looks like it features one screen, but a couple of the drawings indicate that there might actually be two different screens that join together when unfolded.
Then again, we could be looking at two differentgaming handhelds, with one that folds, and another one that doesn’t. If it is indeed two different handhelds, it would help explain the differences in controls when looking at Figure 2 and Figure 3.
While it’s easy to get excited about Samsung potentially releasing a gaming handheld, we have to take this with a massive grain of salt. For one, it’s only a patent, and we know that companies file patents for devices that never see the light of day.
Then, there’s the whole concern about what the future holds for Samsung’s current crop of foldable phones.Rumors suggestthat Samsung sold less than 300,000Galaxy Z Fold 6devices in the first two weeks, falling far short of the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
In October, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition was released in South Korea,reportedly selling throughall three batches of pre-orders. While that might be the case, there’s no way of knowing how many devices Samsung actually manufactured for release, especially since it was limited to certain regions.
On top of that, rumors continue to swirl around Samsung potentially releasing a tri-foldable competitor to the Mate XT. However, if sales are as bad as reports make it seem, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Samsung decided to cut its losses and dropfoldable phonesfor good.
Let’s hope that’s not the case, and that this newly-discovered foldable gaming handheld actually comes to fruition.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series will be the first to get it.
What you need to know
Last week, Samsung announced plans to begin the rollout of One UI 6 Watch to older Galaxy Watch models.
The update began rolling out today for some Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic users in the U.S.
Following the Galaxy Watch 6 series, One UI 6 Watch will come to Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and Galaxy Watch FE.
One UI 6 has some interesting features, including:
Sleep Apnea Tool: This could be a really helpful tool for people who suspect they might have sleep apnea.
Better Health Tracking: The update includes an “Energy Score” that’s calculated based on your sleep, activity, and other data. This could be a good way to get a better overall picture of your health.
New Watch Faces: Samsung is adding some new watch faces to its collection, giving users even more ways to customize their watch.
Who’s getting the update? Right now, it seems like the update is mainly rolling out to Galaxy Watch 6 Classic users in the US. Hopefully, it won’t be long before other regions and models, like the base Galaxy Watch 6 and older Galaxy Watch 5 and 4 series, get the update too.
Thehighly-anticipated One UI 6 Watch updateis slowly making its way to older Samsung Galaxy Watch models. Users onRedditbegan reporting seeing updates for One UI 6 Watch become available for theirGalaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classicdevices today in the U.S. The rollout comes following Samsung’sannouncementof the One UI 6 Watch release schedule last week, which is based onWear OS 5.
One UI 6 Watch debuted on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra earlier this year, packing a few Samsung Health features powered by Galaxy AI. They includeEnergy Score, which is similar to Garmin’s Body Battery metric, andSleep Analysis. On top of that,RaceandWorkout Routinewill help athletes train for their next big event — or simply hit their personal goals. Now, these features and more are set to come to a slew of older Galaxy Watch models.
The One UI 6 Watch update may arrive in a few different build numbers, including R965USQU1BXJ5 and R965UOYM1BXJ5. It’s nearly two gigabytes in size, and some users are reporting that the update takes hours to apply to their Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. The exact details and rollout timeline will depend on your device model, and whether you have the GPS or GPS + LTE versions of the Galaxy Watch.
(Image credit: Samsung)
Samsung warns that the included Galaxy AI features are only guaranteed for free until the end of 2025. After that, their future is up in the air. The idea of Samsung offering a subscription for Galaxy AI and/or Samsung Health features has been floated, but nothing is concrete at the moment.
For now, the One UI 6 Watch update is only available for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Eventually, One UI 6 Watch will come to Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and Galaxy Watch FE.
Samsung Display has patented a rather strange gaming handheld. While the device resembles a Nintendo Switch in its default state, it can be folded into a clamshell form factor, much like the Galaxy Z Flip6.
Samsung Display may well showcase this design at future trade shows. (Image source: via WIPO)
In recent weeks, there has been plenty of discussion about Samsung possibly creating its first tri-fold smartphone as a rival to Huawei’s Mate XT. However, it seems that Samsung Display has something even stranger in the works. Please note that Samsung Display is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics rather than a part of it.
As a result, the former has showcased prototypes like the Flex S and Flex G that have never been released in a retail capacity. By contrast, Samsung Electronics makes use of Samsung Display panels in devices like the Galaxy Z Fold6. At any rate, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has registered what Samsung Display describes as an ‘electronic games console’.
Filed over two years ago, the patent resembles a Nintendo Switch Lite until it folds in half. To achieve this, Samsung Display has included recessed buttons and what may well be removable joysticks. Ultimately, Samsung Display’s foldable gaming handheld resembles a Galaxy Z Flip6, although it remains to be seen whether such a design will ever reach mass production.
There’s nothing more annoying than forgetting your WiFi password.
Android Wi-Fi networksYour device remembers your Wi-Fi password even if you don’t.
We’ve all been there: You’ve got a fancy newphoneorlaptop, and it’s time to set it up, but you have no idea what the Wi-Fi password is. Maybe it’s a long string of characters on the back of your router in another room or written on a Post-It note somewhere in the house. Either way, there are some pretty easy ways to get yourself up and running without having to bug a friend, family member, or colleague to access it or add another of your own devices; here’s how to find the password.
Of course, this process won’t be much help if the Wi-Fi password has changed, which might explain why your connected devices are no longer getting online. In that case, you will have to get the new password from whoever is running the network.
The Android Wi-Fi password screen comes with a QR code.
If you’re using a Google Pixel phone, from Settings, tapNetwork and internetandInternet, then tap the gear icon next to the name of the wifi network you’re currently connected to. TapShareon the next screen, authenticate your identity, and you will get a QR code to share the login details. The Wi-Fi password will be listed underneath.
It’s a little different if you’re on a Samsung Galaxy phone. Open Settings, chooseConnectionsandWi-Fi,and tap the gear icon next to the current Wi-Fi network. The password field will be starred out, but if you tap the eye icon next to it and confirm your identity, you’ll see the password in plain text.
If you have any other type of Android phone, you should be able to find a similar Wi-Fi configuration page somewhere. Note the other useful options and features on the same screens: Telling Android whether or not to automatically reconnect to the network, for instance, and readings on the frequency and Wi-Fi standard you’re connected with.
It only takes a couple of taps to find a password on iOS.
If you’re using an iPhone, head to the main Settings app, then chooseWi-Fito see the network you’re currently connected to. Tap the small blue information icon next to that network name (the small “i” inside a circle) to see how it’s configured—whether or not your iPhone is set to connect to it automatically.
Tap on thePasswordfield, and you’ll be asked to authenticate yourself using whatever method is set as the screen lock protection measure (Face ID or a PIN code, for example). After that, the password appears, and you even get a handyCopybubble on the screen in case you need to copy it somewhere else.
It’s worth familiarizing yourself with the other options on this screen, too, in case you ever need them—you can turn on a special low data mode if bandwidth is limited, for example, or ask your iPhone to forget the network (in which case you’ll have to enter the password again the next time you connect).
Windows
Bringing up the current Wi-Fi password on Windows.
When it comes to finding your Wi-Fi passwords on Windows, open up Settings from the Start menu, then chooseNetwork & internetandWi-Fi. You’ll see the network you’re currently connected to up at the top (you can see more by clickingShow available networks)—select the name of the network you’re on to view its properties.
On the next screen, you’ll get a wealth of information, including detailed readings for the network profile type and your DNS and IP settings. This is all handy information, but we just want the Wi-Fi password: Click View next to View Wi-Fi security key, and it pops up in a new dialog box.
Back on theNetwork & InternetandWi-Fiscreen, you can useManage known networksto add new networks, forget existing networks (so you’ll need to enter a password again to connect to them), and edit their various properties. If you’ve got a long history of wifi networks, use the filtering options at the top to get through them.
macOS
There are several ways to bring up the wi-fi password on macOS.
To find your stored wifi passwords on macOS, open theApplemenu, click onSystem Settings, and then chooseWi-Fi. The wifi network you’re currently connected to is listed at the top, but to get the password for it you don’t click theDetailsbox next to it—you need to scroll down to find it again underKnown Networks.
This second listing will have three dots next to it: Click this icon, thenCopy Password, and the password will be sent to the clipboard. To actually see it, you need to paste it into a different application like TextEdit or the Notes app (Cmd+V will do the job), and from there, you can send it anywhere else you need to know.
You can bring up an interesting little potted history of your Mac by scrolling further down the same screen and then choosing Advanced to bring up a dialog box showing some extra settings and all the Wi-Fi networks your computer has ever connected to. You can also click the three dots next to any of these to find the Copy Password option.
The Digital Key feature of Samsung Wallet is now expanding to more Audi vehicles. The useful feature allows you to unlock compatible Audi cars without using a physical key, just with Samsung Wallet.
The Digital Key feature has been around for some time already, with several cal models being able to take advantage of this capability. Select models from Genesis, BMW, and Kia support the feature and their drivers are able to unlock their cars without using a key fob or a physical key.
Now, Samsung is expanding the availability of this feature. It will now incorporate select Audi cars in the list of compatible car manufacturers. Of course, only certain Galaxy phones support this feature, and the list of all the phones supporting it is published on Samsung’s website.
Most of the premium Galaxy phones released in recent years support the feature, including the Galaxy S20 series and even the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Of course, the latest Galaxy S24 Ultra also supports the capability. The feature needs Android 13 and above to be installed on the phone as well.
Digital keys can also be shared with friends and family so they can also use them to unlock the car. You will be able to unlock and lock your car, and also start it using Samsung Wallet. The app offers you a button to open the truck as well for supporting vehicles.
As with any digital key, security is of paramount importance. The key meets EAL6+ standards and uses a UWB connection to virtually shake hands with the vehicle in a secure manner. If your Galaxy phone gets lost or stolen, the key can be disabled through the Samsung Find service. Audi’s Digital Key feature is currently rolling out in Samsung Wallet to users in Europe. A global rollout will be aligned with the launch timeline of Audi vehicles.
I cannot praise Digital Key features enough. I am such a big fan of being able to carry fewer things with me when I go out, so I’m super happy features like Samsung’s Digital Key are expanding to more cars. I can’t wait for the future where I would be able to go around with only a phone and be able to do literally anything.
Conclusion: A step into the future of driving The integration of Audi keys into the Samsung Wallet not only offers convenient operation, but also sets new standards in terms of security and flexibility. With availability in Germany and other European countries since November 2024, this technology is a must-have for anyone who loves technology and innovation.
Impressive performance and brilliant battery life at an easy-to-stomach price
Verdict The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is more than just a cheaper option in its product line – it’s a great phone in its own right. It may not offer quite the processing power or camera quality of its more expensive siblings, but the slight downgrades are well-worth the money saved. Not only that, but you get a full suite of Galaxy AI features, a beautiful display and incredible battery life, making this a mid-priced phone that’s absolutely worth considering.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Two-minute review The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a shining example of how to do a more budget-friendly phone right. You get a high-quality display, strong performance levels and even beautiful cameras – there’s a lot to love here. But of course, the real focus of the Galaxy S24 FE isn’t on its performance or even its price – it’s on AI.
That’s right, artificial intelligence – or as Samsung says, Advanced Intelligence – plays a starring role for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. You won’t miss out on the features found on more expensive Galaxy S24 devices (i.e. the best Samsung phones), so you’ll get full access to photo editing, transcription and text-generating tools. But how good are these AI features? Well, it’s a mixed bag.
AI transcription and translation tools work nicely – as does browsing assist, which offers a handy summary of web pages. You can generate AI-made text messages with Chat assist, which, while feeling intrinsically insincere, works effectively. Like Google, Samsung has leaned into the power of AI with photo editing, more than anything else. Photo assist didn’t work perfectly, with some issues around object removals and blurriness, but there’s plenty of good here. Sketch to Image is a fun inclusion, which lets you add an AI-generated piece to a picture by sketching… well, whatever comes to mind. But despite all of this AI focus, a lot of these features are hidden away in Settings – an odd decision given Samsung’s intense marketing around these new capabilities.
Beyond AI, though, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hits the right notes in all the crucial areas. For instance, it’s got a sleek, minimalistic design – albeit slightly iPhone-like – with a beautiful, yet more low-key set of color options. The display here is excellent too. Sure, it may not be the sharpest and brightest on the market (with a peak brightness of 1,900 nits), but colors still pop and fine details seamlessly bubble to the surface.
Even though the Galaxy S24 FE has a slightly weaker processor than the classic Samsung Galaxy S24, it still runs fantastically well – even when using resource-intensive applications like video calls or AI features. Also, the combination of a slightly lower-power processor and higher battery capacity means the Galaxy S24 FE can live longer than the standard Galaxy S24 – it can charge at up to 25W too, so it doesn’t take very long to juice it up again.
On top of all of that you’re getting very competent cameras with 3x zoom – a very tasty inclusion for a phone that starts at $649.99. And that’s the beauty of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. You really do get a lot for what you pay without sacrificing much. If you’re an Android/Samsung fan and you’re on the hunt for a new handset, I’d recommend this phone for its top-rate value.
Let’s cut to the chase here, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE undoubtedly has an iPhone-like appearance. Everything from its smooth, curved corners to its low-key color options feels familiar. Is this a problem? For me, no. I’m a fan of the minimalistic, rounded look of this device, although those seeking out a more angular aesthetic may wish Samsung went down the Galaxy S24 Ultra path.
At the time of release, a total of five colors were available. Galaxy S24 FE has a blue color; Graphite; Grey; Mint; Or yellow. Gray is only added in the United States and yellow is only available in the United Kingdom. The color choices here have more of a professional than a party vibe, but, if you like a low-key look, this will suit your taste. I tested the blue version and it has a nice soft look – I highly recommend it if you’re interested in this phone.
One aspect that I also liked about the Galaxy S24 FE is the button placements. UnlikeApple’s phones, this has all of its buttons on one side. That’s especially ideal if you’re holding the phone in landscape mode. With this configuration, you’re less likely to accidentally press power or volume up/down when trying to play a game or take photos.
The Galaxy S24 FE uses scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and Victus 5 on the front and back, as opposed to the Victus 2 glass used for the standard Galaxy S24. During testing, the glass never got scratched or scuffed, but I wasn’t a huge fan of how easily fingerprint marks would manifest on the reverse side of the phone. For durability, this phone also benefits from being IP68-rated and can survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for as long as 30 minutes.
So what’s the real difference between the design of this device and the standard Galaxy S24? Well, other than having different color options and glass, the main change is that the Galaxy S24 FE is both heavier and thicker. It weighs in at 213g, so although it isn’t exactly the heaviest, it’s far from the lightest phone on the market – even the standard Galaxy S24 is 46g lighter at 167g. Overall, I felt that it was well-weighted and perfectly-sized (even though I have fairly large hands) – making it a worthy option if you want a more medium-sized handset.
Design score: 4 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Display
(Image credit: Future)
Not top-of-the-range, yet still-sharp display
Bold, beautiful colors, especially in Vivid mode
Not the brightest screen on the market
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE won’t deliverquitethe same level of sharpness as the Galaxy S24. Sure, the resolution across both devices is the same at 1080 x 2340 pixels, but the FE’s display is actually 0.6 inches larger. The result? An imperfect, yet still attractive display, which will offer more than enough detail for the average user.
Whether I was browsing the web, generating images with Samsung AI or streaming video content, I found that the Galaxy S24 FE’s AMOLED display was beautiful. I headed over toYouTubeand tried watching some videos in 2160pHDRand the colors popped with definition and vibrancy. The default display mode of this phone is Vivid, which adds a bolder edge to bright colors, although a more conservative Natural mode is also there if you want it.
One of the more noticeable changes from the standard Galaxy S24 is a fairly significant brightness downgrade. The Galaxy S24 has 2,600 nit peak brightness, whereas the FE can only reach up to 1,900 nits. This was still a considerable step up for me personally, as I typically carry theSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, which peaks at 1,200 nits. So, if like me, you have a handset that’s a few years old, you’ll still be impressed by the brightness levels on offer.
If you want to play with a handful of display options, you’re in luck too. There are all the expected settings, like Dark Mode and Eye Comfort Shield, which limits blue light for night-time use. However, there’s also the choice to activate Always On Display if you want to have an uninterrupted view of time, date, and music information, even with your device on standby.
In addition, there’s the choice to disable the Edge Panel, which can be handy for swiftly accessing some AI features like Sketch to Image, but can also be an annoyance. I decided to deactivate the Edge Panel on my personal Samsung phone many months ago, having unintentionally swiped it open about 300 times (not that I was counting), so I rapidly took advantage of that here too.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE might not have the brightest, most crisp display on the market, but for the price you pay it’s very strong. Eye-catching color, a 120Hz refresh rate and customizable display options mean you’re sacrificing very little against the standard Galaxy S24.
Display score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Software
(Image credit: Future)
Neat Samsung DeX feature
What really makes the Galaxy S24 FE compelling is how it benefits from the same rich experience I’ve already seen with the entire Galaxy S24 line. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 runs on top of Android 14, offering the same level of customization and functionality as its top-of-the-line models.
As you’d expect, it’s big on productivity with similar features such as Edge Panels that lets me run a third app on top of two others running in split-screen mode. But what makes the experience even more satisfying is that it’s accompanied by Galaxy AI features. These consist of Interpreter Mode for quick translation, Circle to Search to Google anything on my screen, Chat Assist to change my writing style, Note Assist to summarize long voice recordings, and the host of photo editing tools at my disposal.
In fact, the Galaxy S24 FE gains the same new Galaxy AI features introduced on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 — like Sketch to Image and Portrait Studio. These are in addition to other staple Galaxy AI features such as Instant Slow-Mo and Generative Edit, which I’ve found to be pretty good at what they do.
There’s certainly a lot to unpack with the Galaxy S24 FE’s software, but what I’m also happy to know is that it’s the cheapest new Galaxy to come with Samsung DeX. I’ve previously ditched my laptop for a couple of weeks using DeX on a Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it’s no different here with the S24 FE. It truly is like having a computer in my pocket because of the desktop-like interface it offers when connected to a monitor.
And to top it all off, the Galaxy S24 FE gets treated to the same 7 years of major software and security updates support that Samsung gives its premier S24 phones. You really won’t find a more functional phone at this price.
Software score: 4 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Cameras
(Image credit: Future)
Crisp 3x zoom
Pictures could be sharper in lower light
Beautiful 8K, 30fps video
It’s good news if you’re a keen photographer, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers great camera quality – and you’re not sacrificing much compared to the standard Galaxy S24.
The main alteration Samsung has made versus its flagship phone is that the Galaxy S24 FE uses an 8MP sensor for 3x optical zoom – that’s a slight downgrade from the Galaxy S24, which uses a 10MP sensor. This isn’t a big deal – the 3x zoom quality is still sharp, and getting real zoom in a phone at this price-point is great. Competitors, like the Apple iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8, pass on 3x optical zoom.
When we tested the Samsung Galaxy S24, we were very impressed by the camera performance, and I’m happy to report that the Galaxy S24 FE did not disappoint. When taking photos outside during the day, people, buildings and environments looked natural. Photos had rich, defined colors on the Galaxy S24 FE, although they didn’t always lookultraclear in lower-light indoor environments.
You don’t just get strong quality from the Galaxy S24 FE, there are also plenty of options to mess around with. For example, there’s a lineup of additional photo and video modes, including Dual Record for filming with both front and rear cameras and Food for… well, you get the idea.
Videos shot with the Galaxy S24 FE look great. You can even record in phenomenal8K, 30fps quality, which is perfect for capturing unforgettable moments at live sport events or concerts. Video calls fare very well too. I took plenty during my time with the Galaxy S24 FE and although a lot of quality depends on network speed, my personal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 didn’t have such a sharp picture, even on the same WiFi.
That’s not to mention the AI photo tools, including Photo Assist, which lets you change the size of objects, move them elsewhere in an image, remove them entirely, or transform them into something else with generative AI. There’s also Sketch to Image which lets you doodle anything from a hedgehog to the Eiffel Tower on your existing photos, and an AI generated image will be inserted. These are all fun enough to use, but can ultimately feel a little bit unpolished and gimmicky.
Cameras score: 4 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Only slightly weaker processor than classic Galaxy S24
Solid 8GB of RAM
AI load times can be a little long
Given that it’s a considerable $150 less than the Samsung Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 FE doesn’t take too much of a dip performance-wise.
The key difference here is that the Galaxy 24 FE adds an ‘e’ onto the end of the Galaxy S24’s Exynos 2400 processor. So what’s the deal with the Exynos 2400e? Well, it’s essentially a weaker chipset that, while offering slightly slower processing speeds, also cuts down on power consumption. Paired with the Galaxy S24 FE’s higher-capacity battery, you’ll get lots of life out of this phone.
In normal use, I found the Samsung Galaxy 24 FE to be a responsive and competent multi-tasker that very rarely left me wanting more in terms of processing speeds. Even when screen sharing on a video call and having multiple other apps open, I didn’t experience any slow-down while scrolling through apps.
The Galaxy 24 FE is packed with 8GB of RAM, which isn’t astonishingly high, but given the price you pay, it’s a very healthy amount. To compare, the brand-new iPhone 16 models all have 8GB of RAM, too. When you combine this with a cool 120Hz refresh rate, you’re getting a super-smooth user experience, even if you’re using more resource-intensive apps.
That 120Hz refresh rate will no doubt be attractive to gamers. There’s even more if you’re in that camp – the Galaxy S24 FE offers ray-tracing, a rendering technology that produces more true-to-life lighting visuals in games that support it. More generally, gaming performance is good here. I tried playing Genshin Impact – a demanding game – and although it wasn’t frame-perfect, it ran very competently on a stable network.
One slight limitation worth noting is that you’re not always going to get perfect load times, especially if you compare this handset to a top-tier performer like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I discovered that some of the AI features in particular could leave me waiting on loading screens for a while. When using Sketch to Image, for instance, I sometimes had to wait a good 10 seconds before my result would appear. This didn’t bother me, especially for a more budget-friendly handset, but if you want top-level processing, you might want to consider the Galaxy S24 or Galaxy S24 Ultra instead.
Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
Even better battery life than the classic S24
Solid charging speed
Wireless power sharing for charging other devices
When it comes to battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE performs fantastically well. For a handset that has a modest price tag, you’ll certainly be pleased with the usage time you’ll get from a full charge.
I tested the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE intensely. When I wasn’t sleeping, I was constantly using it, whether playing music via Spotify, watching YouTube in 2160p, playing games, taking photos and videos, or playing around with AI. Through it all, this phone stayed alive over the span of more than a day of use – that’s going to be enough for pretty much anyone.
What makes this even tastier is that you’re actually getting considerably more battery capacity from the Galaxy S24 FE than you’d get with an original Galaxy S24. This troublemaker has a 4,700 mAh battery – 700 mAh more than the Galaxy S24.
The Galaxy S24 FE can charge at up to 25W, which is the same as the Galaxy S24. I found that I was able to fully recharge the Galaxy S24 FE in under one hour and 30 minutes. That’s not game-changing, but it’s speedy enough.
The phone is compatible with wireless charging, and there’s a neat little feature called wireless power sharing available, too. This allows you to wirelessly charge another device by placing it against the back of the Galaxy S24 FE. When testing this with my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, it worked perfectly – just don’t expect your device to get juiced up in a flash.
My issue is that the feature is hidden. I knew of it from my own personal use, but it may not be easy to find unless you go on an expedition through the Settings realm.
Battery life score: 5 / 5
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE?
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Neat, minimalistic look, reminiscent of recent iPhone models.
4/5
Display
Sharp display with rich colors, though not brightest out there.
4.5/5
Software
Decent amount of AI features, though not fully refined, UI not the simplest.
4/5
Cameras
Solid detail, 3x zoom, 8K 30fps video.
4/5
Performance
Can easily handle more intensive tasks, 120Hz refresh rate, great for gaming.
4.5/5
Battery life
Excellent battery life with fast charging and wireless power sharing.
5/5
Buy it if…
You want to access Galaxy AI without breaking the bank Good news – despite being a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S24 FE is packed full of AI. Photo Assist, Sketch to Image, translation tools and more – it’s all here and you don’t have to pay top dollar.
You want a phone with 3x zoom A lot of phones in this price range, or even slightly higher – I’m looking at you iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8 – don’t offer 3x optical zoom. If you want to get impressive clarity from a distance, the Galaxy S24 FE is an awesome option.
Don’t buy it if…
You want S-tier performance For a more budget-friendly handset, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers fantastic performance. However, it’s not going to compete with top devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Bear that in mind if you want the most processing power available.
You want the simplest user experience possible If you want easily-digestible software, the Galaxy S24 FE might not be for you. iPhone users may take a while to warm to the more complex Settings, in particular, especially with a lot of useful options hidden away in sub-menus.
The latest patent rumours and leaks suggest that Samsung’s next big move in the foldable phone market could create quite a buzz.
With its Foundry division facing significant losses and supposedly disappointing sales from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, Samsung seems ready to try something new.
The recently leaked patents (via Android Headlines) reveal some jaw-dropping designs for foldable and rollable Galaxy devices that could redefine what we expect from the best folding phones.
Samsung’s rumoured tri-fold Galaxy phone is something I’m particularly excited about. Imagine unfolding your phone not just once, but twice, to reveal a tablet-sized screen.
Of course, Honor released its Mate XT Ultimate in September, but it’s currently only available in China and it’s unclear when or if it will receive a global release at all. One of our contributors went hands-on with the Mate XT and was impressed, so I’d love to see Samsung give it a go.
Photo: Android Headlines
According to the leaked patent designs, this tri-fold device has a three-panel structure, with one of the three sections noticeably thicker than the others.
This thicker panel would house the crucial components like the camera, battery, and processing hardware, balancing functionality with portability. When folded, it maintains a sleek form, almost mirroring a regular phone, but when fully extended, offers the space and versatility of a tablet.
Samsung’s expertise in foldable screens gives them a leg up in making this a more global reality, but it’s not without challenges. The biggest hurdle appears to be economic viability.
Producing a device this complex while keeping the price reasonable is no small feat. But if Samsung can crack the code, this tri-fold phone could be the game-changer the company needs to win new customers and secure a lead in the foldable market.
However, if you thought Samsung’s tri-fold idea was ambitious, the concept for a rollable Galaxy phone is on another level.
Unlike traditional folding phones that open horizontally, this rollable phone would expand vertically. Think of a compact, almost square device (similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6) that extends upwards into a traditional phone shape when you need more screen space.
For people who crave compact devices but don’t want to sacrifice screen real estate, this could be the ideal solution. Rollable screens allow for a flexible expansion mechanism, which means we could have phones that fit neatly in a pocket yet expand for a full viewing experience.
I’ve never used a clamshell phone for more than two weeks, but as a long-time iPhone 13 mini user, and a fan of smaller phones, this is certainly something that makes me excited.
Of course, patents don’t always lead to actual products. So we don’t know if Samsung will ever release this type of device.
What we do know for sure, however, is that next year’s Samsung flagship series will be called the Galaxy S25 series, and we’ll also see Galaxy XR headsets in 2025.
