Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

The Galaxy S24 FE is a total flop in our testing. It scores a miserable 6.5 out of 100 overall, with performance and display in the bottom 8% of all phones. Even at its cheapest $430 price, there's no reason to buy it.

Look, the Galaxy S24 FE is a mess. Samsung's marketing talks up Galaxy AI and photo tricks, but our data paints a brutal picture: this phone lags behind almost every modern smartphone we've tested. Even at its best, it feels like a phone from three years ago that someone slapped an S24 badge on. If you're hoping for a cheaper flagship experience, you won't get it here.

The numbers don't lie. Across our database, the S24 FE sits in the bottom 8% for performance and display quality, with a total score of just 6.5 out of 100. Gaming is a slideshow (1.9/100), the camera can't compete with budget rivals, and you're stuck with 4G in a 5G world. It's hard to find a single area where this phone isn't a letdown.

Every benchmark we threw at it came back embarrassingly low. The processor (which Samsung doesn't even bother to name) and unknown RAM/storage config result in a performance ranking so poor it's practically off the charts, at the 8th percentile. Real-world use means app stutters, laggy multitasking, and a gaming score of 1.9 out of 100, effectively unplayable for anything beyond Solitaire. Battery life is similarly sad, trailing in the bottom 15% of phones we've tested. You'll be reaching for a charger by mid-afternoon with moderate use.

Pricing for this phone is all over the map, from $430 to $720 across vendors. At the low end, you might think it's a bargain, but even then you're getting a device that's outclassed by sub-$300 Motorolas and OnePlus Nord models. Spending $720 on this is simply outrageous, more expensive than a Pixel 10 Pro XL that would demolish it in every metric. There's no price point where the S24 FE makes financial sense; it's a bad investment at any cost.

Stacked against the Apple iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, the S24 FE isn't even in the same conversation. Both those phones offer best-in-class cameras, lightning-fast performance, and modern connectivity. The OnePlus 15 delivers flagship speed for less money, while even the budget Motorola G Stylus trounces the Samsung in display and battery life. Xiaomi's 17 Pro would also run circles around it. The S24 FE simply doesn't belong on a shelf next to any of these competitors.

If you need even mediocre gaming performance, a screen that looks good outdoors, or any kind of 5G connectivity, skip this immediately. Motorola's budget G Stylus line and older Pixel A-series phones will serve you far better for less money. If you're simply looking for the cheapest possible Samsung, you're still better off with a used Galaxy S22.

Don't buy this phone. It's a trap for people who see the Samsung name and assume they're getting a decent mid-ranger. Instead, you get bottom-tier performance, a lousy screen, and outdated connectivity. There are far better options for less cash, and there's no scenario we can recommend where the S24 FE is the right call.