What Is Samsung FE? (All You Need To Know)

Samsung releases more models of smartphones and tablets in a year than any other manufacturer of its size, and it can be difficult to find which one works for you.

Recently, the company introduced the Samsung FE line to its already wide offering. So, if you’re interested in learning what it offers, here’s what you can expect!

What Is Samsung FE in [currentyear]?

Samsung FE or “fan edition” refers to devices that are usually cheaper variants of recently released flagship models in [currentyear]. In 2017, the Galaxy Note 7 became the first one to get a fan edition following a controversy with exploding batteries. It wasn’t until three years later, in 2020, with the S20, that another release got the same treatment.

To learn everything you need to know about the Samsung FE, including why they’re cheaper, what features they have, and more, read on!

What Is the Difference Between Samsung FE and Normal?

Probably the biggest difference between Samsung FE and the normal or standard versions is in the price, which they cut down by scaling back certain features.

For this reason, the standard models are flagships, whereas the FEs are usually considered high-end mid-range devices.

Why Is Samsung FE Cheaper?

Samsung FE devices are cheaper because they don’t have certain features, and they are usually made from fewer premium materials.

For example, while both the standard S21 and S21 FE have plastic backs, the FE doesn’t have a metal trim around the cameras.

As for the specs, the S21 FE has 6 GB and 8 GB RAM variants, whereas the standard one only comes in 8 GB, and the Ultra starts at 12 GB and goes up to 16 GB.

In the case of the Note 7 FE variant, the Galaxy Note FE, the lower price was likely intended to draw customers in after the controversy with exploding batteries on the original release.

This makes it a unique FE model because, aside from not sharing the same name as its predecessor, it has very few differences in terms of specs or design.

Does Samsung FE Come With a Charger?

Samsung S20 and Note 7 FE came with a charger and USB in the box, but the S21 FE only came with the cable.

Does Samsung FE Wireless Charge?

Modern Samsung FE phones can do wireless charging, and they also support fast charging if you’re using a compatible pad.

Does Samsung FE Have a Headphone Jack?

Unfortunately, the recent Samsung FE phones don’t have a headphone jack because the company has phased them out for devices in the price range.

Therefore, your options would be to either use wireless headphones or get an adapter that allows you to connect a 3.5 mm plug to the USB type-C port.

Is Samsung FE Waterproof?

Every Samsung FE device released so far has been waterproof, and the only difference is the extent to which they can withstand moisture.

Both the S21 and S20 FE have had an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning they can withstand being submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Is Samsung FE Dual SIM?

Samsung FE phones are dual SIM, depending on what region you’re buying them from, but the S21 FE was a rarity in that it provided the feature for the US market.

Is Samsung FE 5G?

Samsung FE models aren’t always 5G, but, since the release of the S21 FE, we expect that they will all be if the line continues.

With the S20 FE, users had the option to choose between a 4G and 5G model, but the technology was adopted more widely when the next iteration rolled around.

Is Samsung FE Worth Buying?

Whether the Samsung FE line of phones is worth buying comes down to several different factors, primarily what you’re looking for spec-wise and how much you’re willing to spend.

As we mentioned previously, these devices carry some of the features from flagship models but are lacking in some areas.

For most people, this shouldn’t be an issue because flagships have become so powerful that only power users could benefit from having them.

These differences are also usually cut so close that their impact ends up being reasonably negligible.

For example, the S21 Ultra has more 5G bands than the S21 FE, but they both still have 5G connectivity.

When it comes to things like the phone being made from more plastic than glass or metal, most people put a case on anyway, so it doesn’t matter much.

In the end, when comparing the FE models to anything else, it’s best to look at them against other devices in their price range instead.

However, even then, they might not offer good value depending on when you’re looking.

For example, the S21 FE infamously came out at a time when the S21 was around the same price, as the company was preparing to release the S22 series.

To know more, you can also read our posts on Samsung Friends, Samsung Flow, and Samsung Global.

Conclusion

Samsung FE is a line of phones that are cheaper variations of recently released flagship models. They’re cheaper because their specs are scaled backward and are made from less premium materials like plastic instead of metal and glass.

Most FE phones these days are 5G, water-resistant, and support wireless charging, but don’t come with a charger in the box. Because they have some of the same features as flagships but at a lower price, they’re often marketed as mid-range devices.