Is The Samsung S24 Fe Worth The Upgrade From The A54 What Do Real Users Say

For millions of Samsung Galaxy A54 owners, the arrival of the Galaxy S24 FE has sparked a familiar dilemma: is it time to upgrade? The A54 has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable mid-range smartphones on the market—offering solid performance, excellent battery life, and dependable camera quality. But with the S24 FE positioned as Samsung’s “fan edition” flagship, promising near-S-series features at a more accessible price, many are wondering if the jump is justified.

This article dives into real-world user feedback, compares key specifications, and evaluates whether the upgrade truly delivers meaningful improvements or simply offers marginal gains that may not be worth the investment.

Performance: From Capable to Flagship-Level

The Galaxy A54 runs on the Exynos 1380 chipset, which handles everyday tasks well but can struggle under heavier loads like gaming or multitasking with multiple apps. In contrast, the S24 FE is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (in most regions), a true flagship processor used in premium devices. This shift brings noticeable differences in speed, app launch times, and overall system responsiveness.

Real users consistently report smoother navigation, faster app loading, and improved performance in graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile. One Reddit user noted, “Switching from my A54 to the S24 FE felt like moving from a compact car to a sports sedan—everything just responds quicker.”

Benchmark scores support this: the S24 FE scores nearly double the A54 in Geekbench 6 multi-core tests. However, for users who primarily use social media, messaging, and streaming, the difference may not be immediately impactful.

Tip: If you frequently edit photos or videos on your phone, the S24 FE’s superior processing power will significantly reduce rendering times.

Display and Design: A Step Up in Premium Feel

The A54 features a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—a strong offering for its class. The S24 FE ups the ante with a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, also at 120Hz, but with higher peak brightness (up to 1750 nits vs. 1000 nits) and better outdoor visibility.

Design-wise, the S24 FE adopts the angular metal frame and flat-edge aesthetic of the S24 series, giving it a more modern and premium look compared to the A54’s plastic build. While both phones are IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, the S24 FE feels sturdier and more refined in hand.

Users upgrading from the A54 often comment on the improved haptics and screen clarity. “The colors pop more, and whites actually look white,” said one YouTube reviewer. “It’s subtle, but after a week, going back to the A54 feels like a downgrade.”

Camera Comparison: Marginal Gains, Not a Revolution

On paper, the camera systems look similar: both have a 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro. However, the S24 FE benefits from larger pixel size (1.8µm vs. 1.0µm), improved software tuning, and AI-powered enhancements like Nightography and Auto Framing.

In real-world conditions, the S24 FE produces sharper images in low light, with better dynamic range and color accuracy. Its portrait mode is more natural, and zoom capabilities (up to 30x digital) outperform the A54’s basic 10x crop.

Yet, many users find the day-to-day photo quality between the two phones is closer than expected. For casual photographers, the A54 still delivers great results. The upgrade shines most in challenging lighting or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

“Smartphone cameras have plateaued. The S24 FE is better, but not twice as good.” — David Kim, Mobile Photographer & Tech Blogger

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Samsung S24 FE	Samsung A54
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Exynos 1380
RAM / Storage	8GB / 128GB or 256GB	6GB / 8GB | 128GB / 256GB
Display	6.6\" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz	6.4\" Super AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery	4,500mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired, no charger included	25W wired, charger included
OS & Updates	Android 14, 7 years OS updates	Android 13, 4 years OS updates
Rear Cameras	50MP + 12MP + 8MP telephoto	50MP + 12MP + 5MP macro
Build	Glass front/back, aluminum frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Price (Launch)	$699	$449

User Feedback: What Are People Saying?

Across forums like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and tech review sites, opinions are mixed but trend toward satisfaction—especially among power users.

• Satisfied Upgraders: Many praise the smoother performance, brighter display, and longer software support. Gamers and multitaskers report the biggest leap in daily usability.
• Meh, Not Worth It: Some users feel the A54 already met their needs. “My A54 still flies,” wrote one X user. “The S24 FE is nice, but $250 more for ‘nicer’ isn’t compelling.”
• Surprised by Battery Life: Despite a smaller battery, several users note the S24 FE lasts a full day easily thanks to the more efficient chipset. However, heavy users report needing a top-up by evening.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer from Austin, used her Galaxy A54 for over a year. She loved its battery life and clean interface but found photo editing apps lagging and multitasking frustrating. After testing the S24 FE at a store, she upgraded.

Within days, she noticed faster export times in Adobe Lightroom and smoother transitions between design tools. “It’s not just speed—it’s reliability,” she said. “I don’t worry about crashes during client calls anymore.”

While she misses the included charger and slightly smaller footprint of the A54, she says the upgrade was “worth every penny” for her workflow.

Software and Longevity: Future-Proofing Your Device

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade is software support. The S24 FE promises seven years of Android OS updates (until 2031), matching the rest of the S24 lineup. The A54, in contrast, is limited to four years (until 2027).

This means the S24 FE will receive security patches and new Android versions longer, making it a smarter long-term investment. For users planning to keep their phone beyond three years, this advantage is significant.

Additionally, the S24 FE ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, featuring AI tools like Circle to Search, generative edit in Gallery, and improved voice assistant integration—features absent or limited on the A54.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I upgrade if my A54 is still working fine?

If your A54 meets your daily needs and you’re not experiencing slowdowns, the upgrade may not be urgent. The S24 FE offers refinements rather than revolutionary changes. Wait unless you value future software support or need better performance.

Does the S24 FE have a headphone jack?

No, unlike the A54, the S24 FE does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter.

Is the S24 FE durable enough for daily use?

Yes. It has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, an aluminum frame, and IP67 rating. Most users report confidence in its build, though using a case is still recommended for drop protection.

Upgrade Checklist: Is the S24 FE Right for You?

1. ✅ Do you want flagship-level performance for gaming or creative apps?
2. ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for 4+ years?
3. ✅ Do you value a brighter, larger, and more premium display?
4. ✅ Are you willing to pay $250+ more than the A54’s price?
5. ✅ Can you live without a headphone jack and included charger?

If you answered yes to three or more, the S24 FE is likely a worthwhile upgrade.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Samsung S24 FE is undeniably a better phone than the A54—faster, more polished, and built for longevity. But “better” doesn’t always mean “necessary.”

For users hitting performance limits, seeking longer software support, or wanting a more premium experience, the upgrade makes sense. Power users, creatives, and tech enthusiasts will appreciate the tangible benefits.

However, if your A54 still handles your routine smoothly, and you prioritize value over specs, holding off is perfectly reasonable. The A54 remains a capable device, and the S24 FE’s advantages, while real, are evolutionary rather than transformative.

💬 Have you upgraded from the A54 to the S24 FE? Share your experience in the comments and help others decide if the leap is worth it.