Is The Samsung S24 Fe Really Worth Waiting For Over The Pixel 8a Specs Comparison

Choosing between two of the most anticipated mid-range smartphones of the year—Samsung’s rumored Galaxy S24 Fan Edition (S24 FE) and Google’s already-released Pixel 8a—can be a tough call. Both promise flagship-tier features at a more accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Pixel 8a delivers clean Android, strong AI integration, and excellent photo processing out of the box. Meanwhile, the S24 FE, expected in early 2025, aims to bring premium Samsung hardware, including a high-refresh-rate display and Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, into a more affordable package. But is it worth delaying your upgrade for?

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs. Practical

The design philosophy between these two phones reflects their brands’ identities. The Pixel 8a follows Google’s minimalist aesthetic with a matte aluminum frame, recycled plastic back, and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It’s compact, lightweight (186g), and IP76-rated for dust and water resistance—making it ideal for daily durability without sacrificing portability.

In contrast, the S24 FE is expected to follow the S24 series' refined design language: flatter edges, slimmer bezels, and likely an Armor Aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Leaked renders suggest a larger 6.7-inch flat Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—significantly smoother than the Pixel 8a’s 90Hz OLED panel. While slightly heavier (projected around 198g), the Samsung offers a more immersive screen experience and arguably a more premium feel.

Tip: If screen quality and smooth scrolling matter most, prioritize the higher refresh rate—even in mid-tier devices.

Performance and Hardware: Chipset Showdown

At the heart of any smartphone decision is performance. The Pixel 8a runs on Google’s custom Tensor G3 chip, optimized specifically for AI tasks like Call Assist, Magic Eraser, and real-time translation. While not the fastest in raw benchmarks, it excels in machine learning efficiency and seamless software integration. Paired with 8GB of RAM and Android 14 (with seven years of OS updates), it's built for longevity.

The S24 FE, however, is rumored to feature either the Exynos 2400 or a global variant with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3—for Galaxy—a significant leap in CPU and GPU power. Early benchmark estimates suggest up to 40% better gaming performance and faster multitasking. With 8GB or possibly 12GB of RAM, this device could blur the line between mid-range and near-flagship performance.

“Hardware muscle matters when you're editing videos, playing graphics-heavy games, or using AR apps daily.” — David Lin, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse

If you're a power user who values responsiveness and future-proofing, the S24 FE’s hardware edge may justify the wait.

Camera Comparison: Computational Smarts vs. Versatility

Google has long dominated the computational photography space, and the Pixel 8a continues that legacy. Its dual-camera setup—12.2MP main + 12MP ultrawide—delivers stunning dynamic range, natural skin tones, and best-in-class Night Sight and HDR+. Features like Photo Unblur and Magic Editor make post-capture corrections effortless. Front-facing selfies are also class-leading thanks to advanced face-aware tuning.

Samsung, on the other hand, typically packs more lenses. The S24 FE is expected to include a 50MP main sensor (possibly ISOCELL GN3), a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom—something the Pixel 8a lacks entirely. This gives Samsung a clear advantage in versatility, especially for portrait shots and distant subjects. However, Samsung’s processing can sometimes oversharpen or oversaturate images compared to the Pixel’s natural tone.

Feature	Pixel 8a	S24 FE (Expected)
Main Camera	12.2MP, f/1.7	50MP, f/1.8
Ultrawide	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto	None	10MP, 3x optical zoom
Front Camera	13MP, f/2.0	12MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K @ 60fps, stabilized	8K @ 30fps, Super Steady mode
AI Features	Magic Editor, Audio Erase	Director’s View, Object Eraser

For casual photographers, the Pixel 8a remains unmatched. For enthusiasts who want optical zoom and cinematic video tools, the S24 FE could be a game-changer.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs. Speed

The Pixel 8a comes with a 4,410mAh battery, which Google claims lasts “up to 24 hours” under mixed use. In real-world testing, it consistently reaches a full day, even with moderate streaming and navigation. However, charging is limited to 18W wired and 7.5W wireless, meaning a full charge takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

The S24 FE is projected to pack a larger 5,000mAh battery, combined with more efficient power management from its next-gen chipset. Samsung also typically supports 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging—nearly double the speed. With Adaptive Refresh Rate scaling from 1Hz to 120Hz, screen power usage should be well-optimized.

Tip: Fast charging isn’t just convenient—it reduces downtime for users who rely on their phone during commutes or work hours.

Software and Updates: Longevity Considered

One area where both phones shine is long-term support. The Pixel 8a guarantees seven years of OS, security, and feature drops—unprecedented in the industry. That means updates through 2031, covering Android 14 through Android 20+.

Samsung has recently matched this promise for its S24 series, and the S24 FE is expected to inherit the same seven-year update policy. This parity eliminates a major historical advantage Pixel had over Samsung devices. Both will receive monthly security patches and major upgrades, ensuring robust security and modern features for years.

Where they differ is software experience. Stock Android on the Pixel offers simplicity, instant notifications, and deeper Google Assistant integration. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14) brings richer customization, DeX support, split-screen multitasking, and enhanced privacy tools like Private Share and App Lock.

Real-World Example: Who Benefits Most From Each Phone?

Consider Maya, a freelance photographer and traveler. She shoots landscapes and portraits, edits on her phone, and needs reliable battery life. She currently uses a Pixel 7a but wants better zoom and faster performance.

If she buys the Pixel 8a now, she gets exceptional low-light photos, seamless Google Photos integration, and trusted software—but no telephoto lens limits her creative options. Waiting six months for the S24 FE would give her optical zoom, superior screen clarity for editing, and faster export times via improved hardware. The trade-off? Delaying access and missing out on immediate AI features like Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser.

For Maya, the S24 FE aligns better with her professional needs—proving that “worth waiting for” depends heavily on individual use cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy the Pixel 8a now or wait for the S24 FE?

If you need a phone immediately and prioritize camera consistency, clean software, and AI tools, the Pixel 8a is an excellent choice. But if you value higher performance, a smoother display, optical zoom, and faster charging, waiting for the S24 FE is justified—provided your current device holds up.

Will the S24 FE have AI features comparable to the Pixel 8a?

Yes. Samsung is expanding its Galaxy AI suite to include live call translation, note summarization, and image generation—all similar to Pixel’s offerings. While Google leads in maturity, Samsung’s ecosystem integration (especially with Bixby and Microsoft partnerships) could offer unique workflows.

Is the price difference significant?

Expected pricing puts the S24 FE around $649–$699, while the Pixel 8a starts at $499. That $150–$200 gap buys you better hardware, screen, and camera flexibility. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you value those upgrades.

Final Verdict: Is the S24 FE Worth the Wait?

The answer hinges on your priorities. The Pixel 8a is available today, proven, and outstanding for everyday users who love photography and simplicity. It’s a safe, smart buy.

But the Samsung S24 FE appears poised to offer a more complete premium experience: faster chip, brighter 120Hz display, optical zoom, larger battery, and rapid charging—all within Samsung’s richly-featured One UI. Combined with equal software support, it may redefine what a “fan edition” means.

If you can wait until Q1 2025 and are willing to pay a bit more, the S24 FE could deliver noticeably better performance and versatility. For power users, creatives, or multitaskers, that extra patience may pay off handsomely.

💬 Have questions about upgrading? Share your thoughts below—we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your lifestyle and tech habits.