Samsung S24 Fe Vs A55 Is The Fan Edition Still Worth It In Current Year

As Samsung continues to refine its mid-range smartphone lineup, consumers face a growing dilemma: should they go for the feature-packed Galaxy S24 Fan Edition or opt for the newer, more affordable Galaxy A55? Both devices promise solid performance, reliable software, and access to Samsung’s ecosystem, but their positioning in 2024 raises real questions about value, longevity, and future-proofing. With overlapping price points and similar design philosophies, the choice isn’t as straightforward as it once was.

The S24 FE maintains the legacy of the Fan Edition series—offering flagship-inspired features at a lower cost—while the A55 represents Samsung’s latest evolution of the Galaxy A-series, built with improved durability and long-term software support. To determine whether the Fan Edition still holds its ground, we need to look beyond marketing claims and examine real-world usability, hardware capabilities, and how each phone fits into today’s mobile landscape.

Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel vs Practical Durability

The Galaxy S24 FE inherits design cues from Samsung’s flagship S24 line, featuring a flat display, squared-off edges, and a bold color palette. It uses a plastic back panel and aluminum frame, giving it a lighter feel than most flagships but maintaining a premium aesthetic. At 196g, it’s noticeably heavier than the A55, which may affect one-handed use over time.

In contrast, the Galaxy A55 opts for a more understated approach. It features a glass front, aluminum frame, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back—making it one of the most durable phones in the mid-range segment. It's slightly thicker and heavier at 201g, but the added protection pays off in drop resistance and scratch resilience.

Tip: If you prioritize drop protection without a case, the A55’s Victus 2 glass offers better peace of mind than the S24 FE’s plastic back.

Both phones are IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, so neither falls behind in environmental protection. However, the A55’s build suggests a longer lifespan under daily wear and tear, especially for users who frequently use their phones outdoors or in rugged conditions.

Display and Performance: Brightness vs Efficiency

The S24 FE comes with a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,300 nits. This makes it exceptionally readable in direct sunlight and vibrant for media consumption. The screen supports HDR10+ and adaptive refresh rates, dynamically adjusting between 48Hz and 120Hz to save power.

The A55 features a slightly larger 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, its peak brightness is capped at 1,000 nits—still good, but less effective in harsh daylight. Unlike the S24 FE, it lacks HDR10+ support, limiting its appeal for streaming high-dynamic-range content.

Under the hood, the S24 FE runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy), a chipset originally found in 2023 flagships. This gives it a significant edge in CPU and GPU performance, making it better suited for gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications. The A55, meanwhile, relies on Samsung’s Exynos 1480—a custom chip that delivers decent everyday performance but struggles under sustained loads and thermal stress.

“While the Exynos 1480 closes the gap with previous generations, it still lags behind Snapdragon in efficiency and thermal management.” — TechRadar Mobile Analyst, 2024

For users who edit photos, play graphics-heavy games, or keep dozens of apps open, the S24 FE remains the more capable device. But for casual browsing, social media, and messaging, the A55 performs smoothly and efficiently.

Camera Comparison: Versatility vs Consistency

Feature	Samsung S24 FE	Samsung A55
Main Sensor	50MP, f/1.8, OIS	50MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Telephoto	10MP, 3x optical zoom	5MP, 3x hybrid zoom (no dedicated lens)
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	32MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	8K@30fps, 4K@60fps	4K@30fps

The S24 FE clearly wins in versatility. Its dedicated 10MP telephoto sensor allows true 3x optical zoom, ideal for portraits and distant subjects. Combined with advanced AI processing and 8K video recording, it offers near-flagship photography capabilities. Low-light performance is also superior due to larger pixel binning and faster processing.

The A55 compensates with a higher-resolution front camera (32MP), appealing to selfie enthusiasts and content creators. However, its \"3x zoom\" is digital, relying on cropping from the main sensor—resulting in noticeable quality loss. Video caps at 4K@30fps, which is sufficient for most users but limits creative flexibility.

Real Example: Travel Photography Use Case

Imagine hiking through Santorini and wanting to capture both sweeping cliffside views and detailed shots of distant architecture. With the S24 FE, you’d switch seamlessly between ultra-wide and optical telephoto lenses without losing clarity. On the A55, you’d get excellent wide shots, but zoomed images would appear softer and noisier, especially in golden-hour lighting. For travel-focused users, this difference matters.

Battery Life and Software Support

The S24 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery, slightly smaller than the A55’s 5,000mAh unit. Despite this, both deliver around 1.5 days of moderate use thanks to efficient displays and processors. The S24 FE charges faster at 25W compared to the A55’s 25W wired (but slower average throughput) and includes an included charger in some regions—a rare plus.

A major advantage for the A55 is software longevity. Samsung guarantees **four Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches**—matching the S-series. The S24 FE, despite being part of the flagship family, also receives the same commitment, debunking earlier assumptions that FE models get shorter support.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Touch Sampling on either phone to reduce screen power consumption by up to 15%.

Step-by-Step: Optimizing Battery Longevity

1. Enable Adaptive Battery in Settings > Battery.
2. Limit background app activity for non-essential services.
3. Use Dark Mode with AMOLED screens to reduce pixel energy draw.
4. Keep software updated to benefit from power optimizations.
5. Avoid full discharge; aim to charge between 20% and 80%.

Value Proposition: Is the Fan Edition Still Worth It?

Priced at approximately $650 at launch, the S24 FE sits just below the A55’s $630 starting price—yet offers stronger performance, better cameras, and a brighter display. However, the A55 often drops below $550 within months, making it a compelling budget alternative.

The key differentiator is intent. If you want a phone that feels close to a flagship—powerful processor, crisp display, versatile camera—the S24 FE justifies its cost. But if your priorities are durability, clean software, and long-term reliability without heavy gaming or pro-grade photo needs, the A55 delivers exceptional balance.

“The Fan Edition line still makes sense when it borrows top-tier internals. The S24 FE proves that, even in 2024.” — GSMArena Review Team

Checklist: Which Phone Should You Choose?

• Choose the S24 FE if: You want flagship-level performance, better camera zoom, brighter outdoor visibility, and plan to use the phone for gaming or creative work.
• Choose the A55 if: You prioritize build quality, longer physical durability, consistent software updates, and plan to keep the phone for 4+ years.
• Avoid the S24 FE if: You’re sensitive to weight or prefer slimmer designs.
• Avoid the A55 if: You regularly shoot in low light or need advanced video features like 4K@60fps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S24 FE better than the A55 overall?

Yes, in raw performance, display quality, and camera flexibility. However, the A55 excels in build durability and long-term software support, making it a strong contender depending on usage patterns.

Can the A55 handle mobile gaming?

It handles casual games like Among Us or Candy Crush without issue. However, graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact will show frame drops and heating due to Exynos limitations. The S24 FE performs significantly better here.

Will both phones receive the same software updates?

Yes. Both are guaranteed four major Android upgrades and five years of security patches, aligning the A55 with Samsung’s premium update policy.

Final Verdict: The Fan Edition Still Has Merit

The Galaxy S24 FE remains a worthwhile option in 2024—not because it’s new, but because it delivers flagship-tier components at a mid-range price. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, optical zoom camera, and brilliant 1,300-nit display set it apart from most competitors, including the A55. Yet, the A55 counters with superior build quality, longer physical resilience, and excellent value when discounted.

The decision ultimately hinges on what kind of user you are. Power users, photographers, and gamers will appreciate the S24 FE’s capabilities. Everyday users who value longevity, simplicity, and ruggedness may find the A55 a smarter long-term investment.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Assess your daily usage, prioritize your must-have features, and choose the phone that aligns with your lifestyle—not just the spec sheet.