Since some years, Samsung got the habit of releasing a so called ‘FE’ model of their top range smartphones and tablets and now it’s finally time for the S24 FE, and it’s comes with a tempting price tag. But can it truly hold a candle against its big brother, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, when it comes to pure camera performance? I put both phones through different tests to find out if the FE is a true flagship killer or just a good budget option.
First Impressions
The S24 Ultra boasts a stronger camera setup, but the FE isn’t far behind. While the FE lacks the Ultra’s dedicated 5x telephoto lens, it still packs a respectable 3x optical zoom.
Zooming In
- Ultra-wide: Both phones deliver similar results, with the FE sometimes showing slightly more vibrant colors. Neither is great at night though.
- Main Lens: A very close performance again, with minor differences in sharpness and brightness.
- 3x Zoom: The S24 Ultra has more details and better color accuracy.
- 5x and Beyond: The Ultra’s dedicated telephoto lens is the clear winner, capturing significantly sharper images at higher zoom levels.
Low-Light Showdown
In challenging lighting, the Ultra consistently captures brighter and more detailed images, especially with the ultra-wide lens. The FE holds its own up to 3x zoom but struggles at higher zoom levels.
Portrait Perfection?
Both phones produce great portraits with good background separation.
Video Verdict
Both phones capture high-quality video, but the Ultra offers more flexibility. It allows for lens switching while recording in 4K 60fps, a feature missing on the FE. Both have a portrait video mode too, which will help create cinematic videos.
The FE’s Achilles’ Heel
While the FE impresses in many areas, its digital zoom beyond 3x simply can’t compete with the Ultra’s optical superiority. If you’re a zoom enthusiast, the Ultra is the clear winner.
Is the FE Worth It?
Absolutely! For everyday photography, the S24 FE delivers very good image quality at a significantly lower price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users who don’t need extreme zoom capabilities.
Want to see the results for yourself? Check out my full video comparison here for detailed image samples and analysis. Don’t forget to subscribe for more smartphone camera showdowns!
Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Ultra through my links.