Imagine using a smartphone for a year, only to realize it’s become just another forgettable device in a sea of mid-range options. That’s exactly how I feel about the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE after 12 months of daily use. While it’s reliable—almost to a fault—it lacks the spark that made the Fan Edition (FE) series special. But here’s where it gets controversial: Samsung seems to have lost sight of what fans truly want, and the S24 FE feels like a missed opportunity. With the Galaxy S26 FE on the horizon, it’s time to demand more. Here are six critical changes Samsung needs to make to win back our hearts—and wallets.
1. A Battery That Actually Lasts All Day (and Then Some)
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: battery life. The S24 FE’s battery is, frankly, underwhelming. On a busy day, it struggles to keep up, and it pales in comparison to even older devices like the Huawei P30 Pro. While the S25 FE offers a slight improvement, Samsung needs to go bigger—literally. Why not include a 6,000 mAh battery, like the one in the budget-friendly Galaxy A07 5G? It’s a no-brainer for a series that claims to cater to fans.
2. A Design That Doesn’t Feel Like an Afterthought
The S24 FE is functional, but it’s also forgettable. It lacks personality, feeling more like a generic mid-range phone than a tribute to Samsung’s legacy. And this is the part most people miss: a smartphone should inspire, not just perform. Samsung could easily fix this by bringing back iconic colorways from its past, like the Note 10’s Aura Glow or the S10e’s Canary Yellow. Why not let fans relive the glory days?
3. A Display That Doesn’t Strain Your Eyes
The S24 FE’s screen is another sore spot. It’s dim in bright light and uncomfortable to use in low-light conditions. While the S25 FE’s LTPO panel is a step in the right direction, Samsung needs to prioritize eye-friendly tech. Higher peak brightness and better color accuracy would make a world of difference. After all, we spend hours staring at these screens—shouldn’t they be kinder to our eyes?
4. A Lighter, More Ergonomic Build
At 213 grams, the S24 FE feels unnecessarily heavy. Samsung did trim down the S25 FE, but there’s still room for improvement. Here’s a bold suggestion: use more polycarbonate if it means a lighter, more comfortable device. After all, a phone that’s a joy to hold is a phone you’ll want to use.
5. Camera Upgrades That Actually Excite
Samsung’s camera stagnation is almost comical at this point. The FE series has been recycling the same camera setup for three generations, and it’s time for a change. While I’m not asking for flagship-level cameras, some innovation would be nice. Improved low-light performance or faster autofocus could make the S26 FE stand out in a crowded market.
6. A microSD Card Slot for Flexible Storage
This might be a long shot, but hear me out: with storage prices rising, a microSD card slot would be a game-changer. My S24 FE has just 20GB of free space left, and I’m dreading the day it runs out. Adding a microSD slot would not only solve this problem but also set the FE series apart as a fan-focused lineup.
The Bigger Question: Can Samsung Regain Its Fan-Focused Identity?
The S24 FE is a decent phone, but it’s not the fan-centric device it could be. Samsung has the resources to make the S26 FE something special—but will they? What do you think? Are these changes enough to make the S26 FE a must-buy, or is Samsung too far gone? Let’s debate in the comments—I’m all ears.
