Galaxy S24 FE Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£250.00

Versus £741.91 new

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Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£422.00

Versus £1,357.64 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are two distinct smartphone offerings from Samsung, released in late 2024 and early 2024, respectively. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S24 Ultra stands as a top-tier flagship device, whereas the S24 FE aims to deliver a balanced experience with many premium features. The primary differentiators lie in their overall performance capabilities, advanced camera systems, and display technologies.

Scores

Durability

Both devices benefit from Samsung's commitment to long-term software support, ensuring an extended practical lifespan for users.

  • Software Longevity: Both the Galaxy S24 FE and the Galaxy S24 Ultra were launched with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and are slated to receive up to seven years of operating system and security updates. This means both devices are expected to receive software support until around 2031, offering users a prolonged period of up-to-date features and security.
  • Build Materials and Protection: The Galaxy S24 FE features an aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, providing robust protection against drops and scratches. The Galaxy S24 Ultra elevates this with a titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Armor glass on its display, which is noted for its enhanced scratch resistance and anti-glare properties. Both models carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating strong durability in various environments.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S24 Ultra has demonstrated a high repairability score of 9 out of 10 in teardowns, indicating that many internal components, including the battery, are relatively accessible for servicing. The Galaxy S24 FE also shows a commendable repairability score of 8.5 out of 10, suggesting a design that facilitates maintenance and part replacement.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two devices caters to different user demands, with the Ultra model designed for peak power and the FE model offering strong capabilities for everyday use.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with a top-tier processor that delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, making it highly responsive for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming. The Galaxy S24 FE features a capable processor that handles both light and heavy tasks smoothly, providing a fluid user experience for daily activities and most applications. While slightly less powerful than the Ultra's chipset, it still offers strong performance for its class.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The S24 Ultra typically comes with 12GB of RAM, allowing for seamless transitions between numerous open applications and robust performance during complex workflows. The S24 FE includes 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and responsive operation for the average user. Both devices offer various internal storage options, but neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card, so users should consider their storage needs at the time of purchase.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 Ultra houses a 5000 mAh battery, which consistently delivers superb battery life, often lasting more than a full day, and for some moderate users, even up to three days on a single charge. The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a 4700 mAh battery, providing good endurance that typically allows moderate users to get through a full day comfortably. The Ultra supports faster wired charging speeds compared to the FE model.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, but the Ultra model provides a more advanced visual experience with higher specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3088x1440 pixels), offering exceptional sharpness and detail. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (or Super AMOLED) FHD+ display (1080x2340 pixels), providing clear and vibrant visuals suitable for most content consumption.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The S24 Ultra boasts an impressive peak brightness of 2600 nits, coupled with an anti-glare coating, which significantly enhances visibility and reduces reflections in bright outdoor conditions. The S24 FE has a peak brightness of 1900 nits, which is still bright enough for good outdoor visibility, though it may not match the Ultra's performance in direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The S24 Ultra features a variable refresh rate display that can dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and animations while optimizing power consumption. The S24 FE offers a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a fluid and responsive viewing experience for everyday use and gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a significant point of divergence, with the S24 Ultra offering a more versatile and high-resolution setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration provides extensive zoom capabilities and high-detail capture. The Galaxy S24 FE has a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S24 Ultra's camera system is highly regarded for its excellent image quality across various conditions, including strong low-light performance and versatile zoom. The S24 FE delivers decent photos in well-lit environments, with pleasing colors, but its low-light performance and the quality of its telephoto lens are considered average compared to flagship devices.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 8K video at 30 frames per second. For selfies and video calls, the S24 Ultra is equipped with a 12MP front camera, while the S24 FE features a 10MP front camera.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features distinguish these two Samsung smartphones.

  • S Pen Integration: A key differentiator is the integrated S Pen stylus, which is exclusive to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This feature allows for precise note-taking, drawing, and remote control functionalities, enhancing productivity and creative tasks. The Galaxy S24 FE does not include S Pen support.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S24 Ultra utilizes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, known for its speed and accuracy. The Galaxy S24 FE employs an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, which is reliable but may be slightly slower in comparison.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices offer modern connectivity options, including 5G support, the latest Wi-Fi standards, and Bluetooth 5.3. Both also feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 6.8-inch display, is a larger and slightly heavier device, weighing around 232 grams. The Galaxy S24 FE, with its 6.7-inch display, is marginally smaller and lighter at 213 grams, offering a comfortable grip despite its size.

Weight

213 g

232 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy S24 Ultra cater to different user needs, each excelling in its respective segment. User feedback for the S24 Ultra frequently praises its exceptional display, robust battery life, and highly versatile camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities. Common criticisms, though few, sometimes revolve around its size or the perceived incremental nature of some AI features.

For the Galaxy S24 FE, users often highlight its strong overall performance, good battery life for daily use, and the inclusion of many flagship-level features, including Galaxy AI, at a more accessible point. The camera performance, while generally good in bright conditions, is sometimes noted as an area where it doesn't quite match the top-tier flagships, particularly in low light or with its telephoto lens.

Users prioritizing the absolute best in mobile photography, extensive productivity features with the S Pen, and the most advanced display technology will find the Galaxy S24 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its superior processing power and battery endurance also make it ideal for power users and those who demand peak performance for gaming or intensive applications. Conversely, users seeking a device that offers a premium experience with a strong balance of performance, display quality, and battery life for everyday tasks may lean towards the Galaxy S24 FE. It provides a compelling package for those who want many of the core Galaxy S series features without needing the Ultra's specialized capabilities.

For those considering either of these devices, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to acquiring a high-performing smartphone.

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