The Galaxy S24+ is the better phone overall; the Galaxy S24 FE is the better value when it costs substantially less. Both have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, but the S24+ adds a sharper QHD+ panel, a more powerful U.S. processor configuration, more RAM and storage options, a lighter body, and faster wired charging. Choose the FE if you want a large-screen Galaxy phone and can save about $200–$300 without needing those upgrades.
This comparison is for U.S. buyers considering unlocked or carrier-compatible phones, including clearance and renewed stock, as of August 16, 2026. Prices and availability vary by seller, condition, storage, promotion, and trade-in; compare the actual out-the-door price rather than relying on launch MSRPs.
Galaxy S24+ vs. S24 FE at a glance
| Feature | Galaxy S24+ | Galaxy S24 FE |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. price signal | Launched at $999.99 for 256GB and $1,119.99 for 512GB; Samsung’s March 2026 U.S. MSRP file marks the models end-of-life, so those figures are not current street prices. | Samsung’s March 2026 U.S. MSRP file lists $649.99 for 128GB and $709.99 for 256GB; current retail prices may differ. |
| Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, adaptive 1–120Hz | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+ |
| U.S. processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy | Exynos 2400e in common U.S. specifications |
| U.S. memory and storage | 12GB RAM; 256GB or 512GB | 8GB RAM; 128GB or 256GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom |
| Front camera | 12MP | 10MP |
| Battery capacity | 4,900mAh | 4,700mAh |
| Wired charging | Up to 45W; Samsung recommends its original 45W adapter and data cable. | Slower than the S24+; no reliable U.S. wattage figure was published. |
| Dimensions and weight | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7mm; 196–197g depending on network variant | 162.0 × 77.3 × 8.0mm; 213g |
| Galaxy AI | Supported | Supported |
| Current stock context | New stock may be limited; Samsung offers a Certified Re-Newed route, subject to availability. | Samsung lists an MSRP signal, but actual stock and promotions vary. |
Specifications and price signals are from Samsung’s S24-series specifications, S24-series details, S24 FE specifications, and Samsung’s U.S. March 2026 MSRP file. Samsung lists the S24+ weight as varying by network variant.
Is the S24+ worth paying more for?
Usually, yes, if the gap is modest. The S24+ brings upgrades that affect daily use—not just a higher model number: a sharper screen, a slimmer and lighter body, more performance and memory headroom, and faster wired charging. The S24 FE retains the big-screen Galaxy experience for less, making it the sensible pick when the savings are large enough to matter.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
As practical buying guidance rather than a manufacturer rule, treat a difference under roughly $150–$200 as a reason to lean toward the S24+. At $300 or more extra for the S24+, the FE becomes easier to recommend if its compromises do not affect your priorities. Between those ranges, decide based on screen sharpness, weight, storage, camera use, and gaming needs.
Make the comparison like for like: unlocked against unlocked, new against new (or renewed against renewed), and 256GB against 256GB. A carrier bill credit, trade-in offer, open-box price, or refurbished listing can change the apparent gap. Samsung’s MSRP file is a reference point, not a live listing; it marks the S24+ entries end-of-life.
Do both phones have the same-size screen?
Both are advertised with a 6.7-inch display, but that is where the straightforward comparison ends. The S24+ has a QHD+ panel with an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz; the S24 FE uses FHD+ resolution. Samsung identifies the S24 FE display as Dynamic AMOLED 2X, but the shared diagonal does not make the displays equivalent.
The S24+ can show finer detail in small text and high-resolution photos, especially when viewed close up. The difference matters less for streaming, social feeds, and typical games. Also, buying the S24+ does not mean you must always use QHD+: if you select FHD+ in display settings, the phone is not rendering at its maximum resolution. Samsung’s specifications are available for the S24+ and S24 FE.
Rank #2
- 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 1900nits Peak brightness, 1080x2340px, 4700mAh Battery, Android 14, One UI 6.1
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Exynos 2400e (4nm), 10-core CPU, Xclipse 940 GPU, Bluetooth 5.3
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 8MP, f/2.4 (telephoto), 3x Optical Zoom, Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.4
- CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/32/38/40/41/66, 5G: 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/26/28/38/40/41/66/75/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Nano-SIM and eSIM
- US Model. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Which is more comfortable to hold?
The S24+ is shorter, narrower, thinner, and about 16–17g lighter, even though the advertised screen diagonal matches. The FE measures 162.0 × 77.3 × 8.0mm and weighs 213g; the S24+ measures 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7mm and weighs 196–197g depending on network variant. These differences can be noticeable during long reading or gaming sessions, and a case adds weight to either phone.
If you want a large screen but dislike a bulky handset, favor the S24+. If you are comfortable with a wider, heavier phone to save money, the FE remains a large-screen option. Samsung’s published dimensions are listed in its S24-series specifications and S24 FE specifications.
How much faster is the S24+?
For U.S. models, the S24+ uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, while common U.S. S24 FE specifications identify an Exynos 2400e. The S24+ is the stronger choice for sustained gaming, emulation, video editing, and heavy multitasking, and its 12GB of RAM offers more headroom than the FE’s 8GB.
The FE is not inherently slow: it is suited to everyday browsing, navigation, streaming, photography, office apps, and casual games. The difference is about demanding workloads and performance headroom over a longer ownership period. Samsung’s launch materials describe the S24 platform and the S24 FE chipset family. Chipsets can vary by market, so do not apply the U.S. comparison to every international version.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
Are the cameras different?
Both phones have a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and a 3x optical telephoto camera. The shared main-camera resolution makes daylight snapshots a plausible area of overlap, but it does not make the camera systems identical or prove equal image quality.
- Zoom: The S24+ has a 10MP telephoto camera; the FE has an 8MP telephoto camera. Favor the S24+ if zoom detail is important.
- Selfies: The S24+ has a 12MP front camera, compared with 10MP on the FE.
- Challenging scenes: The S24+ is the safer pick for low light, moving subjects, and difficult HDR scenes, though hardware specifications alone cannot establish how much better every photo will look.
- Everyday main-camera use: The FE’s 50MP main camera may be sufficient for family pictures, social posts, and ordinary daylight photography.
Samsung’s published camera specifications are listed for the S24 series and the S24 FE.
Which has better battery life and charging?
The S24+ has a 4,900mAh battery and the S24 FE a 4,700mAh battery. That 200mAh difference does not establish which lasts longer: endurance also depends on processor efficiency, screen resolution and brightness, refresh behavior, modem use, workload, software, and cellular signal. Without a directly comparable test under the same conditions, neither capacity alone proves a battery-life winner.
Charging is a clearer distinction. The S24+ supports 45W wired charging, and Samsung recommends its original 45W adapter and data cable. The FE charges more slowly, but no reliable U.S. wattage figure was published, so check the exact regional model’s specification before choosing an adapter. For frequent short top-ups, the S24+ is the more convenient option; a larger battery does not by itself offset slower charging.
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- Width: 2.78 inches; Length: 5.79 inches; Height: 0.30 inches
Samsung lists the S24+ battery and charging details in its S24-series specifications and the FE’s battery capacity in its S24 FE specifications.
How much memory and storage do you need?
In the U.S. configurations listed by Samsung, the S24+ pairs 12GB RAM with either 256GB or 512GB storage. The S24 FE pairs 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB. Neither should be bought on the assumption that a microSD card will expand its storage; treat the listed capacity as fixed.
- Choose 256GB if you keep a sizable photo library, install several large games, or store video and music offline.
- Choose the S24+ 512GB if you keep a phone for years and regularly record or retain large files, provided its price premium is reasonable.
- Choose the FE 128GB only if you use cloud storage or stream most media and are comfortable managing local space.
Samsung’s March 2026 U.S. MSRP file lists the U.S. RAM and storage configurations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do both get Galaxy AI and long-term software support?
Both phones support Galaxy AI. Samsung positioned the S24 FE as bringing the Galaxy AI experience to a lower price tier. The two are from the same S24 generation, so software support should be a consideration of the full ownership horizon rather than a reason to assume the FE lacks core Galaxy AI features.
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- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
Android and One UI versions change over time, and availability can depend on region or carrier. Check the current software version and Samsung’s stated support policy for the specific model and market when buying; Samsung has not published a current version number or a precise support end date in the cited materials. Samsung’s S24 FE announcement describes its Galaxy AI positioning.
What should you check before buying in 2026?
New, open-box, or certified renewed
By August 2026, S24+ new-stock availability may be limited. Samsung lists a Certified Re-Newed program and a 256GB S24+ Certified Re-Newed listing; stock and pricing can change. A renewed S24+ can be a better buy than a new FE if warranty, battery condition, return terms, and price are acceptable. Compare those protections before treating renewed and new prices as equivalent.
Carrier compatibility and condition
For any listing, verify the model number, carrier compatibility, network features such as mmWave where relevant, eSIM availability, warranty region, and whether the phone is locked or financed. For renewed or open-box devices, confirm battery coverage, return rights, and that the phone is not blacklisted or still tied to an account or carrier. Specifications and weight can vary by market or network variant.
Trade-in credits
Do not count a conditional trade-in credit as an unconditional discount. Samsung’s trade-in requirements include a device that powers on and holds a charge, a functioning display, acceptable physical condition, removal of personal information, and disabled software locks. Eligibility and credit depend on inspection and the applicable offer terms. Review the Samsung Certified Re-Newed and trade-in information before using a credit in your price comparison.
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Do not treat an IP rating as a guarantee against liquid damage or assume that accidental liquid damage is covered by warranty. Check the exact model’s regional rating and the seller’s warranty terms, particularly for renewed stock. Samsung describes its U.S. service and repair options on its support comparison page.
Which phone should you buy?
- Best overall: Galaxy S24+, for its sharper display, lighter chassis, stronger performance headroom, faster charging, and higher memory and storage ceiling.
- Best value: Galaxy S24 FE, if it is roughly $200–$300 cheaper than a comparable S24+ and you are comfortable with its lower-resolution screen, heavier body, and lower-spec configuration.
- Best for gaming or demanding multitasking: S24+, especially if you expect to keep the phone for several years.
- Best large screen on a tighter budget: S24 FE, if FHD+ is sharp enough for your use.
- Best for lighter handling, zoom, or selfies: S24+.
- Best for maximum storage: S24+ 512GB.
- Best renewed deal: Whichever has the better total price, warranty, battery coverage, and return policy; do not pay near newer-flagship pricing for a renewed S24+.
For a specific purchase, compare matching storage and condition, then apply the price-gap rule to the final amount you would actually pay. The S24+ earns its premium when its advantages matter to you; the FE is the smarter buy when those advantages do not justify the extra cost.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
