Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: A Frustrating Downgrade (1152 User Reviews Analyzed)

šŸ’”Quick Summary

  • šŸ“Š We analyzed 1,152 verified user reviews to uncover the core strengths and weaknesses of the new Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
  • āœ… A class-leading display: With a 95% positive score for brightness—a full 21 points above the category average—the screen is the undisputed highlight.
  • āš ļø A frustratingly unstable experience: Critical flaws in software (just 26% positive for stability) and thermal management (40% positive) cause frequent overheating, app glitches, and system crashes.
  • šŸ”» A clear downgrade for fans: The S24 FE scores significantly lower than its predecessor, with a 16-point drop in camera zoom satisfaction and a 14-point drop in software stability.
  • šŸ Mixed results against the Pixel 8a: It dominates on charging speed with a massive 59-point lead but is beaten by the Pixel on both in-hand comfort and software stability.
  • šŸ’” Bottom Line: A phone with a brilliant screen that's ultimately betrayed by deep software instability and frustrating regressions from last year's model.

What did we cover?

šŸ’”We count the number of positive, negative, and neutral mentions and calculate the percentage of positives for each aspect we are covering. Then, we compare them to the category and similar products.

We analyzed 1,152 reviews from actual users of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE to understand what owners truly experience. Our process began by identifying the key aspects people discuss, including its camera, screen, battery, performance, software, design, and value for money.

Our team then performed a sentiment analysis on every mention of these features, classifying each comment as positive, negative, or neutral. This allows us to calculate a percentage score for each aspect, providing a clear, data-driven picture of the phone’s real-world strengths and weaknesses.

šŸ’° Value for Money: Great Upgrade, Missing Essentials

When assessing the Value for Money of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a complex picture emerges. While many users feel they’re getting a great device for the price, the story is defined by a powerful sense of a worthwhile upgrade being pitted against the frustration of what’s no longer in the box.

A Convincing Upgrade

The strongest driver of positive sentiment is how convincingly the phone justifies itself as an upgrade. With 72% of users feeling the device is a worthy step up, it dramatically outperforms the category average of 59%.

For buyers moving from older devices, this jump feels significant and tangible. One user, upgrading from a three-year-old phone, was initially skeptical but concluded:

All I will say is, I am ecstatic I was successful with this campaign.

Another who came from an even older device described it as a “Huge upgrade for me coming from a low-range galaxy model.” This sentiment demonstrates that the S24 FE successfully delivers a next-generation experience that makes the cost feel earned, particularly for those who have been waiting to upgrade.

Frustration in the Box

However, this initial satisfaction is quickly soured by what’s missing. An exceptionally low 9% of users had positive things to say about included items, falling far short of the 21% category average. This reflects a deep-seated frustration with the modern trend of stripping accessories from the box, which users feel is unacceptable at this price point.

The complaints are consistent and clear: users are annoyed by the lack of a charging brick, a protective case, or even an SD card slot. As one user bluntly stated:

Very poor that you can’t provide at least a basic phone case and screen protector with a phone in this price range.

Another specified the practical headache caused by the included cable, saying:

The cord that’s supplied is a USB-C to USB-C so it’s useless with 95% of the chargers… out there.

This decision creates an immediate, out-of-pocket cost that tarnishes the phone’s perceived value from the moment it’s unboxed.

Competitive Context

This duality becomes sharper in a competitive context. The S24 FE’s strength as an upgrade is magnified when compared to the Google Pixel 8a, where only 54% of users felt the jump was justified—a full 18 points lower than the S24 FE.

This shows that for buyers looking for a meaningful leap forward, Samsung provides a much more compelling argument. Yet, Samsung has taken a significant step backward from its own legacy. The predecessor, the S23 FE, scored 25% on the topic of included items, nearly three times higher than the new S24 FE.

This means that loyal “Fan Edition” customers, who may have expected a similar package to last year, are now met with an unboxing experience that feels comparatively sparse and less generous.

Trade-Off: The S24 FE delivers a compelling upgrade that feels worth the money, but this value is immediately undermined by the frustrating and unexpected need to purchase essential accessories that were once included.

šŸ“ø Camera: Zoomed-out satisfaction

For users of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the camera experience is a story of impressive quality punctuated by perplexing trade-offs. The foundation is rock-solid, built on exceptional core image and video quality, which achieves an outstanding 90% positive sentiment score—a full 12 percentage points above the category average.

This isn’t just a number; it’s the feeling of capturing a memory perfectly. Owners describe how the camera “picks up all the little details my previous phone didn’t,” and one user was ecstatic about a photo of their daughter.

daughter couldn’t believe her eyes with the clarity of her pic and was super excited about her pic.

This raw quality is further boosted by a stellar 85% positive score for low-light performance, a huge 24 points over the average. Users celebrate how the camera performs at night.

The colour and clarity in night pics and videos are very good with very minimal noise.

Zoom Capability Downgrade

However, a closer look reveals a significant point of frustration, particularly for those upgrading from last year’s model. While still performing 30 points above the category average, satisfaction with the S24 FE’s zoom capabilities sits at just 76%.

This is a massive 16-point drop from the 92% score its predecessor, the S23 FE, enjoyed. This isn’t just a minor dip; it represents a tangible downgrade felt by loyal users. The reason for this dissatisfaction is clear in their words, with one user complaining that after zooming, the image:

is suddenly modified by AI and becomes unreal and not resembling what had been photographed.

Others lament the loss of features from the previous model.

the only thing I miss is the 5x optical zoom lens.

Hardware vs. Software: The Pixel 8a Showdown

This mixed experience becomes clearer when placed against its chief rival, the Google Pixel 8a. Here, Samsung’s hardware choices shine. The S24 FE’s 76% satisfaction with its zoom capabilities, while a downgrade from its own predecessor, utterly demolishes the Pixel 8a’s meager 40% score.

For users who value getting closer to the action, the S24 FE is in a different league. However, the Pixel 8a strikes back on software, where its 88% positive rating for camera features and modes outshines the S24 FE’s 77%.

This gap is felt by users who wish the S24 FE had more creative tools. One reviewer noted it:

could maybe do with a few more options for photos and videos for editing etc like the pixel has.

This presents potential buyers with a clear choice: Samsung’s superior zoom and low-light hardware versus Google’s more robust and user-friendly software features.

Trade-Off: The Galaxy S24 FE delivers a versatile and frequently brilliant camera that clearly outmuscles its direct competitor, but returning Samsung fans will notice a disappointing step back in key capabilities from its own predecessor.

šŸ“± Screen: Bright, But Tricky Fingerprint

For the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the screen is an area of overwhelming user satisfaction, driven by a truly exceptional performance in brightness and outdoor visibility. Scoring an impressive 95% positive sentiment in this factor, it massively outperforms the category average of 74%. This 21-point lead isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet; it translates to real-world delight for users who are now free from the glare that plagues lesser screens.

As one user passionately described:

For the 1st time ever I can see the screen of the S24 properly when I fly my Drone in bright sunshine thanks to the epic… brightness.

This is backed by a widespread appreciation for the display’s overall quality and vibrancy, which at 91% positive sentiment, makes for an immersive viewing experience where “Colors pop, blacks are deep, and scrolling feels smooth as butter.”

Touchscreen Responsiveness and Fingerprint Woes

However, this glowing praise for the visual experience is tempered by a notable point of user friction: touchscreen responsiveness. While its 65% positive rating is a full 22 points above the category average of 43%, this figure masks a recurring and specific frustration with the in-screen fingerprint sensor. This single issue causes significant day-to-day annoyance, undermining an otherwise stellar screen.

The problem is perfectly captured by one user who stated:

My only real gripe and this is only a minor inconvenience is that the fingerprint reader isn’t great with a screenprotector. Without the protector it’s flawless.

Others felt the impact more acutely, with one reviewer lamenting:

The fingerprint on the screen does not work properly. I have to try a number of times for the phone to recognize my fingerprint. It gets very frustrating.

Competitive Edge and Design Improvements

In a competitive context, these frustrations still place the S24 FE ahead of its rivals. Its 65% positive score for touch responsiveness is significantly higher than the 45% achieved by the Google Pixel 8a, giving potential buyers a clear reason to choose the Samsung if seamless interaction is a priority.

Furthermore, Samsung appears to be listening to long-term user feedback. The move to a flat screen was a celebrated design change, directly addressing a pain point from previous models. One user, who had upgraded from an older device, confirmed this:

I previously complained to Samsung about the curved edge screen… as screen protectors would lift off the edges… So I’m pleased they listened and got rid of it.

Trade-Off: Users are rewarded with a class-leading display for brightness, color, and smoothness, but they must be prepared for potential daily frustrations with the temperamental in-screen fingerprint sensor.

✨ Design: Beauty vs. Usability

The physical design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE tells a tale of conflicting priorities, delighting the eye while challenging the hand. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, with 85% of users praising its looks and finish.

Owners describe it as having a ā€œsleek and elegant with a professional look,ā€ a feeling reinforced by its strong build quality, which scores 79% for satisfaction.

Many appreciate the move to a more modern, flat-edged body, with one user noting:

The display is pleasingly large and flat, which I find looks more sleek and premium compared to the previous choice of curved edges.

Size and Handling Concerns

However, this visual praise is sharply contrasted by significant usability concerns. The phone’s size and handling emerge as a major point of contention, scoring just 60% in user satisfaction—a substantial 11 points below the category average of 71%.

This isn’t just a number; it translates into a daily ergonomic frustration for many. One user, upgrading from a smaller model, lamented:

shocked to see its much bigger than the one I had… the only downside is it sticks out my pockets a lot.

For others, the issue is weight and bulk, with reviews describing it as ā€œheavier and thicker in my hand even before adding a protective case.ā€ While some with larger hands found it a good fit, the data shows a significant portion of users find the phone simply uncomfortable to manage.

Competitive Context

This weakness is thrown into stark relief when compared to its rivals. The Google Pixel 8a, a direct competitor, earns a 75% satisfaction score for size and handling, a full 15 points higher than the S24 FE.

This vast difference in comfort could easily steer a potential buyer toward the Pixel. Furthermore, it represents a step backward for Samsung, as even its predecessor, the S23 FE, scored better for handling.

While users appreciate some of the S24 FE’s updated design features, they also voice frustration over removed elements. One owner stated:

The only drawback is that I can no longer use a Micro SD card, which I used to use to store music, images and apps to free up memory from the physical phone.

Trade-Off: The Galaxy S24 FE delivers a premium look and solid build that owners love to see, but forces a compromise on in-hand comfort that makes it less pleasant to hold and use than its key competitor.

šŸ”„ Performance: Multitasking Marvel, Thermal Trainwreck

When it comes to the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the experience is a tale of impressive highs and noteworthy lows. The phone shines brightest in its ability to juggle daily tasks, with its multitasking capability earning an outstanding 97% positive sentiment—a full 14 points above the category average. This translates into a fluid, responsive user experience for most activities.

Users feel this directly. One noted they can work on:

multiple apps at the same time with almost no lag

Another celebrated how the phone handles:

multitasking and the demanding apps with ease.

This raw capability means that for everyday browsing, social media, and app-switching, the phone feels exactly as fast as a modern device should.

Thermal Management

However, this power is undermined by a significant flaw: thermal management. With only a 40% positive rating for this factor, a majority of users are voicing concerns about heat. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it has real-world consequences that compromise the user experience.

One owner described how “the phone is always warm which is concerning, even from mild usage,” while another was more direct, stating:

the heating issue is too much.

For some, the problem goes beyond simple discomfort, turning a premium phone into an unreliable tool when needed most. A user reported that overheating:

prevents the use of Apps, eg Google Maps

Competitive Context

This mixed performance becomes clearer when placed in a competitive context. For gamers, the S24 FE may feel like a step backward, scoring only 78% positive sentiment for gaming performance, a significant drop from its predecessor, the S23 FE (86%), and also trailing its direct competitor, the Google Pixel 8a (83%).

This sentiment is captured by a user who found that:

if you try to play a demanding game on the S24 the processor doesn’t handle it as good as the S20.

However, the S24 FE holds a crucial advantage over the Pixel 8a in heat management. While its 40% positive score for thermals is far from perfect, it’s substantially better than the Pixel 8a’s dismal 17%. This presents a clear choice for buyers: the S24 FE may not be the ultimate gaming machine, but it is far less likely to overheat than its direct rival.

Trade-Off: Users gain exceptional multitasking prowess for daily activities but must accept underwhelming gaming performance and frustrating thermal issues that prevent it from being a truly flawless powerhouse.

šŸ¤– Software & OS: Smart AI, Unstable System

The software and operating system of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE present a study in contrasts, delighting users with a polished interface and smart features while simultaneously frustrating them with significant stability issues. The user experience is largely defined by the phone’s impressive AI integration, which earns a 78% positive rating—a full 9 percentage points above the category average. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; for many, it’s a practical enhancement to their daily lives.

Summerising documents, transcribing meetings, creating meetings notes etc. it’s truly amazing the power you have in your hand.

This sentiment is echoed by others who appreciate how easily “AI helps a lot with day to day tasks.” Beyond AI, the fundamental user interface scores a solid 76% positive rating for its smoothness and ease of use. Users praise the seamless setup process, with one person particularly impressed that all personalizations were replicated on the new handset.

Software Stability Issues

However, this positive experience is severely undermined by a critical weakness: software stability. With a dismal 26% positive score, this factor lands just below the category average and points to a core problem with the device.

These aren’t minor hiccups; they are persistent issues that disrupt everyday use. One owner described it as:

annoying little things, using the phone to pay is very hit and miss, Bluetooth drops out, Wi-Fi stops loading.

Another user highlighted a specific, recurring problem:

Most frustrating is that the Outlook app does stop syncing after 2 days on Samsung mobile. Reinstalled 4 times lots of cases on the internet.

These glitches and bugs lead to an experience that some find generally unpleasant to use.

Comparisons to Other Devices

This instability becomes even more glaring when compared to other devices. Shockingly, the S24 FE represents a significant step backward from its own predecessor. The Galaxy S23 FE was markedly more stable, scoring 14 points higher for software stability (40% vs. the S24 FE’s 26%). This means that loyal users “upgrading” to the newer model may find themselves with a less reliable phone.

The comparison to its direct competitor, the Google Pixel 8a, further highlights this weakness. While Samsung’s AI capabilities are on par with Google’s (78% vs 79%), the Pixel 8a boasts a far more stable system, also scoring 14 points higher (40% vs 26%) in stability. For a potential buyer, this creates a difficult choice: opt for the Pixel’s dependability or gamble on Samsung’s feature-rich but flawed software.

Trade-Off: Users gain a highly capable and intelligent interface at the cost of frustrating software instability that lags significantly behind both its predecessor and key competitors.

šŸ”‹ Battery: Fast Charge, Fast Drain

For the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the story of its battery is one of stark contrasts. Users find moments of exceptional convenience overshadowed by periods of significant frustration, creating a deeply polarizing experience. The true narrative lies not in its overall performance, but in the specific strengths and weaknesses that define its daily use.

Charging Speed: A Clear Win

The high point for users is unequivocally the phone’s charging speed, which earns an impressive 81% positive sentiment—a full 12 points higher than the category average. This isn’t just a number; it translates directly into peace of mind for users who need to power up quickly. As one owner described,

“the super fast charging is a godsend,”

while another highlighted the practical benefit, noting,

“it’s great that you can get 50% battery in 30 minutes.”

This ability to rapidly refuel provides a crucial buffer against battery anxiety, a standout feature for those with busy lifestyles.

Battery Drain: A Major Weakness

However, this rapid charging is paired with a significant downside: unpredictable battery drain. This factor registers a dismal 9% positive score, falling 6 points below an already low category average of 15%. This suggests a pattern of inconsistent performance that leaves users deeply dissatisfied. The frustration is palpable in user reviews, with one owner lamenting,

“The battery optimisation is so poor… I have to charge it 3x a day normally,”

and another stating bluntly,

“The phone has very poor battery life. Full Charge depletes in half a day – and this is factoring in turning Brightness to very Low and turning off ‘Location’.”

This unreliability undermines the benefits of fast charging, as users find themselves reaching for the charger far more often than they expect.

Context Against Competitors

This mixed performance becomes even more complex when compared to its predecessor and a key rival. While the S24 FE’s 81% positive score for charging speed is excellent, it represents a notable step down from the S23 FE’s 90% rating. However, this seems to be a deliberate engineering choice, as the new model makes a monumental leap in discussions around battery longevity and health, jumping to a 42% positive rating from its predecessor’s 18%. This suggests a strategic shift toward long-term battery health over maximum charging velocity.

In the battle against its direct competitor, the Google Pixel 8a, the S24 FE’s charging speed is a crushing victory, with its 81% score dwarfing the Pixel’s 22%. For a buyer choosing between the two, this massive 59-point difference means the S24 FE offers a dramatically more convenient experience, spending far less time tethered to a wall.

Trade-Off: Users receive a phone with exceptional charging speeds and improved long-term health features, but this comes at the cost of frustratingly inconsistent daily stamina and a slight step back in peak charging performance from its predecessor.

Bottom Line

  • āœ… The screen is a standout success, with a 95% positive score for its class-leading brightness and outdoor visibility that users love.
  • āš ļø Critical performance issues are the biggest flaw, with a dismal 26% positive score for software stability and major complaints of overheating that can disable apps.
  • āš ļø The value promise is broken out-of-the-box; the lack of an included charger or case results in an extremely low 9% positive score for in-box items.
  • šŸ”» It’s a regression from the S23 FE, with software stability scoring 14 points lower and user satisfaction with camera zoom dropping a massive 16 points.
  • šŸ It crushes the rival Google Pixel 8a in charging speed, where its 81% satisfaction score creates a massive 59-point advantage.
  • šŸ’” The Verdict: A powerful and worthwhile upgrade for those on much older phones, but a frustrating experience for loyal “Fan Edition” followers who will feel the downgrades.