Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: In-Depth Review of Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs - Is This Fan Edition Worth Buying?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Fan Edition) has arrived as a budget-friendly variant of Samsung’s flagship series, aimed at delivering premium features at a more affordable price. As part of Samsung's popular Fan Edition lineup, the Galaxy S24 FE offers a powerful processor, high-quality camera setup, and 120Hz display, targeting users who want flagship features without the flagship price tag. However, even the best budget-friendly options come with their own set of challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the common issues and bugs with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, highlight potential solutions, and determine if it’s worth buying or if there are better alternatives in this price range.
Key Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
- Model: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
- Operating System: One UI 6, based on Android 14
- Processor: Exynos 2200 (Global) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US)
- Memory and Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage
- Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 2400 x 1080 pixels
- Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto; 10MP front-facing camera
- Battery: 4,500mAh with 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
1. Battery Performance and Charging Issues
With a 4,500mAh battery and support for 25W fast charging, the Galaxy S24 FE is equipped to handle a full day’s use under moderate conditions. However, some users report battery-related issues that impact the experience:
Battery Drain: Many users note that the Exynos 2200 processor in the global variant can cause noticeable battery drain, particularly with heavier tasks like gaming or streaming.
"I notice the battery drains faster during gaming sessions, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled," shared one user.
Slow Charging Speeds: Although the Galaxy S24 FE supports 25W wired charging, users accustomed to faster-charging solutions may find it a bit slow, as it takes over an hour to reach a full charge.
Potential Solutions:
- Switch to 60Hz Refresh Rate: Reducing the refresh rate from 120Hz to 60Hz can help conserve battery.
- Enable Power Saving Mode: Samsung’s Power Saving Mode can help extend battery life, particularly if you need to make it through the day on a single charge.
- Use Original Charger and Cable: Using the original Samsung charger and cable ensures optimal charging speed and safety.
2. Display Quality and Issues
The 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate is designed to provide sharp visuals and smooth scrolling. While the screen quality is high, some issues have been reported:
Screen Flickering: A few users report flickering on the display, especially in low-brightness settings. This flicker can be distracting in darker environments, making it harder to view content comfortably.
Touch Sensitivity Problems: Occasionally, users find the screen to be less responsive to touch inputs, particularly at the edges.
"The screen flickering in low brightness is noticeable at night, which is a bit distracting," one user commented.
Potential Solutions:
- Adjust Brightness Settings: Increasing brightness can reduce flickering, although it may affect battery life.
- Enable Dark Mode: Dark Mode may reduce strain in low light and help with flickering.
- Software Updates: Samsung often releases firmware updates to address display and touch issues, so ensure your device software is up to date.
3. Performance and Overheating Concerns
The Galaxy S24 FE uses the Exynos 2200 processor globally, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant in some regions like the US. This choice of processors provides a decent balance of performance and efficiency, though users have noticed some issues:
Overheating: Under prolonged or intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video recording, users report the device heating up, which can lead to performance throttling.
Lag and Stuttering: While the phone generally performs well in everyday use, users occasionally experience stuttering when multitasking or using resource-heavy apps.
Potential Solutions:
- Limit Intensive Use: Taking short breaks during intensive tasks like gaming can help prevent overheating.
- Optimize Game Settings: Samsung’s Game Booster offers options to adjust graphics settings, which can reduce overheating and improve performance.
- Close Background Apps: Limiting background activity can help prevent stuttering by freeing up system resources.
4. Camera Performance and Bugs
With a 50MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto, the Galaxy S24 FE offers versatile photography capabilities. However, some users have reported camera issues:
Low-Light Performance: Although the primary camera performs well in daylight, some users find that low-light photos appear grainy or lack detail.
Camera Lag: A minor delay when switching between modes or zooming can impact the camera’s responsiveness, causing frustration for those who need quick shots.
Focus Inaccuracy: The camera may sometimes struggle with autofocus, especially in low-light conditions or close-up shots.
"Photos in low light can be a bit grainy, especially when using the ultrawide camera," noted one user.
Potential Solutions:
- Use Night Mode: Samsung’s Night Mode can improve photo quality in low light by reducing noise and enhancing details.
- Clear Camera Cache: Clearing the Camera app cache in settings can help reduce lag and improve responsiveness.
- Adjust Manual Settings: For advanced users, experimenting with the Pro mode can improve photo quality by manually adjusting focus and exposure.
5. Software and User Interface Bugs
Running One UI 6 based on Android 14, the Galaxy S24 FE offers a clean and customizable user experience. However, users report some software issues that impact usability:
Random Freezes and Reboots: Some users experience occasional freezing or unexpected reboots, which can interrupt usage.
App Crashes: Certain apps may crash or fail to respond, especially after updates, potentially due to compatibility issues with One UI.
Notification Delays: Samsung’s battery optimization features may delay notifications from certain apps, impacting communication for users who rely on instant notifications.
Potential Solutions:
- Check for Software Updates: Samsung frequently releases updates to address bugs, so keeping your phone updated can often resolve these issues.
- Adjust Battery Optimization: For apps you need to receive notifications from promptly, disable battery optimization to ensure they run in the background.
- Restart Device Regularly: A regular restart can help clear memory and maintain smooth performance, reducing the likelihood of freezing or app crashes.
6. Connectivity Issues
The Galaxy S24 FE offers 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, allowing high-speed and stable connectivity. However, users report some connectivity issues that can disrupt their experience:
Wi-Fi Connectivity Drops: Some users experience Wi-Fi disconnections, especially when moving between networks or using high-speed routers.
Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Bluetooth may occasionally fail to pair with certain devices, such as wireless headphones, causing inconvenience.
5G Network Instability: While 5G offers high speeds, users in areas with weaker 5G infrastructure may experience inconsistent connectivity or slower speeds.
Potential Solutions:
- Reset Network Settings: In settings, resetting network options can often resolve connectivity issues.
- Restart Router: For Wi-Fi issues, try resetting your router or changing network settings for better connectivity.
- Use 4G for Stability: In areas where 5G is inconsistent, switching to 4G can provide more stable network performance.
Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Worth Buying?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers a well-rounded package with a premium display, versatile camera, and the latest One UI experience at a competitive price. It’s an appealing option for users who want Samsung’s ecosystem without the flagship price. However, some compromises—such as occasional overheating, slower charging, and minor software bugs—may affect the experience, particularly for those who prioritize high performance or fast charging.
Is it worth buying?
For users looking for a balanced mid-range Samsung device with good camera capabilities and a solid display, the Galaxy S24 FE is a compelling choice. However, those who require consistent performance, faster charging, or more reliable software might consider alternatives.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re exploring other options in a similar price range, here are a few competitors:
- Google Pixel 7a: Known for its camera quality, software stability, and timely updates, the Pixel 7a offers a smooth experience with Google’s latest software.
- OnePlus Nord 3: With a faster charging speed, strong performance, and clean software, the Nord 3 is an excellent alternative for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness.
- Samsung Galaxy A54: For Samsung fans, the Galaxy A54 offers a similar experience with Samsung’s One UI and good camera quality, though at a slightly lower price point.
Final Recommendation: The Galaxy S24 FE is a solid option for those who value Samsung’s features at a mid-range price. However, if you prioritize smoother performance, faster charging, or superior low-light photography, exploring other options might be beneficial.