Samsung Galaxy S24 FE may disappoint on charging front

Samsung fans eyeing the slimmed-down version of the Galaxy S24 series are in for a mixed bag of news. While the Galaxy S24 FE is shaping up to be a looker, its charging capabilities might leave you feeling a tad deflated.

According to the latest leaks, Samsung’s upcoming “Fan Edition” model is set to disappoint in the wired charging department, offering the same 25W max charging speed as its predecessor. Yes, you read that right — while Samsung’s other premium midrangers such as the Galaxy M55, Galaxy F55 and Galaxy C55 are zooming ahead with 45W charging, the S24 FE seems content to stay in the slow lane.

Samsung’s decision to stick with 25W wired charging feels like a déjà vu moment, considering it’s the same speed we saw in last year’s S23 FE. For a phone that’s supposed to be the “fan edition,” this feels more like a lukewarm nod to fans rather than a full-on embrace. It’s possible that cost-cutting measures are to blame, but whatever the reason, it’s clear that the S24 FE won’t be setting any new records in the charging department.

But hey, it’s not all bad news. The S24 FE is rumored to come with a host of other features that might still win you over. For starters, it’s expected to pack a slightly downclocked version of the Exynos 2400 chipset, the same processor that powers the flagship Galaxy S24 and S24+. Sure, it’s not the full-powered version, but it’s still a step up from previous generations — and a big reason to consider the S24 FE if you’re looking for a budget-friendly powerhouse.

On the wireless side, the Galaxy S24 FE will support 9W reverse wireless charging, a feature confirmed by the FCC. While this isn’t the fastest wireless charging out there (and, interestingly, slower than the S23 FE’s 15W wireless charging), it’s a handy feature for those moments when you need to top up a friend’s device or your Galaxy Buds.

Design-wise, the S24 FE is likely to look very familiar — perhaps too familiar. Leaked images by Android Headlines suggest that from the back, you’d be hard-pressed to tell it apart from the S23 FE. Samsung might shake things up with some new color options, though, which could at least give you the satisfaction of owning a phone that looks fresh, even if it feels like a remix of last year’s model.

Speaking of colors, leaks suggest that the S24 FE will be available in several shades, including graphite, blue, silver/white, green, and yellow, with a couple of exclusive colors for those who buy directly from Samsung’s website. So, if you’re someone who likes to stand out, there might be a hue just for you.

Another highlight? The camera setup. The S24 FE is rumored to feature the same 50MP main camera as the Galaxy S24, which could be a major win for photography enthusiasts. Paired with a 12MP ultrawide and an 8MP telephoto lens (3x optical zoom), this trio should make the S24 FE a solid performer in the camera department, offering versatility that’s rare in this price range. You also get a 10MP selfie shooter.

But back to the charging — because let’s face it, this is where the S24 FE seems to fumble. In a world where time is of the essence and fast charging is no longer a luxury but an expectation, the decision to stick with 25W feels like a step backward. Especially when you consider that Samsung is fully capable of offering faster charging on its other devices. For fans of the FE series, this could feel like a missed opportunity — a small but significant compromise in a phone that’s otherwise shaping up to be a strong contender in the mid-range market.

So, what’s the verdict? If you’re a fan of Samsung’s FE line and you’ve been waiting for the Galaxy S24 FE, there’s still plenty to like. The chipset, camera, and design all point to a phone that will deliver on many fronts. But if fast charging is a priority, you might want to manage your expectations — or look elsewhere. The S24 FE might be “fan edition” in name, but when it comes to wired charging, it seems Samsung is keeping the fastest speeds for its true flagships.