The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE adds AI to a thrifty formula

Samsung's next affordable take on the flagship smartphone is just a few weeks away.

Announced ahead of a local launch on 10 October 2024, the new Samsung Galaxy S24 FE promises to offer a thriftier spin on the Galaxy S24. The specs here include a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, an Eyxnos 2400e processor, 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, a 4700mAh battery and a a triple-lens rear camera that combines a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide one and an 8MP telephoto lens.

Other premium perks here include a 'flagship-grade' vapor chamber, an improved Armor Aluminum frame, IP68 water and dust resistance and Gorilla Victus Plus protection for the display.

Then, there's the AI of it all. In line with Samsung's broader push to bring its Galaxy AI offering to more customers, the Galaxy S24 FE will ship with many of the same augmented features and apps as its flagship siblings. That list includes stuff like chat assist, live translate, generative edits, instant slow-mo and more. That said, it's worth noting that the same small print applies here as it has with earlier efforts.

Samsung's Galaxy AI offering isn't going to be free forever and just because you're buying in later doesn't necessarily mean you'll hang onto it for longer.

That detail is hardly a unique one when it comes to the conversation around the technology writ large, but it does haunt the otherwise compelling pitch for the Galaxy S24 FE. It's one thing for the device to come with 7 years of OS upgrades and 7 years of security updates but quite another for it to lose features over time unless you pay up to keep them.

In any case, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE will be available in three colors at launch (Graphite, Blue and Mint) with Australian pricing starting at $1,099. The 256GB is slightly pricier at $1,199.

That said, if you opt to pick it up on a plan through Vodafone, Optus and Telstra at launch you'll be able to save a tidy $300 on that sum. Preorders for the thrifty flagship kick off from today ahead of a 10 October 2024 launch date.