The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a new budget-friendly, mid-range phone unveiled on Thursday, is designed to allow users to experience some of the Galaxy S24 series’ bells and whistles — without spending nearly $900.
I spent about two hours with the new Galaxy S24 FE. As someone who uses the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra every day, I was curious to see whether I’d notice a stark difference between the two.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Granted, we’re comparing apples and oranges here. A better comparison would be the new Galaxy S24 FE (starts at $649.99) and the entry-level Galaxy S24 (starts at $859.99). They share more of the same specs and the price difference between the two is only $210.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, priced at a steep $1,299, is nearly $650 more than the Galaxy S24 FE. Still, I didn’t anticipate such a dramatic difference — and boy was I way off.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hands-on
The moment I picked up the Galaxy S24 FE, I said, “Whoa!”
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Only after holding the FE did I realize how luxurious my Ultra, with its refined titanium frame, truly feels.
Galaxy S24 Ultra – Corning Gorilla Armor (on the back), Corning Gorilla Armor (on the front), and titanium frame
Galaxy S24 FE – Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (on the back), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, and aluminum frame
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, unsurprisingly, doesn’t feel as robust. If I didn’t know any better, and you told me the Galaxy S24 FE was demo unit of sorts, I would have believed you.
Meanwhile, my Galaxy S24 Ultra feels like it’s full of heft, density, and gravitas. If both were personified as wrestlers in a ring, you’d definitely be concerned for the Galaxy S24 FE while the Ultra model flexes its brawn.
The Galaxy S24 FE is also much lighter, which I thought I’d appreciate — but I don’t. You know that satisfaction you get from wearing a high-end watch? It’s heavier and more solid, and as such, it feels more quality. A budget watch, on the other hand, feels lighter and more flimsy.
This isn’t to say that the Galaxy S24 FE is delicate — it’s definitely not. It’s still a well-crafted phone, but coming from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you can really feel the difference.
The display threw me off
Again, keep in mind, that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the display that I’m accustomed to.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
And it comes with the following specs:
6.8 inches
1,440 x 3,120-pixel resolution
2,600 nits of peak brightness
The 6.7-inch Galaxy S24 FE has a familiar size that’s not too far off from my 6.8-inch Galaxy S24 Ultra, but with a 1,080 x 2,340-pixel resolution OLED screen, I noticed the difference right away.
The rich and vivid colors that I enjoyed on my Galaxy S24 Ultra were slightly reduced. There was also a minor loss of sharpness and detail. The Galaxy S24 FE, by itself, is well saturated, but compared to my Galaxy S24 Ultra, the budget model doesn’t do it for me.
I’m also not a fan of the wider bezels on the FE model. On the plus side, I love how zippy it was to navigate on the Galaxy S24 FE with its 120Hz variable refresh rate. That’s an experience that matches my Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Colors don’t fit my taste
My Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in a striking Titanium Yellow color, which makes it look as if it’s been dipped in gold.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
The Galaxy S24 FE phones have pastel vibes, meaning they’re devoid of vividness.
Credit: Samsung
As someone who prefers rich, deep colors, my only option is Graphite, which is miles better than the other offerings: (barely-there) Blue, (merely) Mint, and (ghostly) Gray.
Cameras are OK
Keep in mind that I only had two hours with the Galaxy S24 FE, but I shrugged when I took a selfie with the phone’s 10MP front-facing camera.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
One of the best selling points of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its selfie camera. Whenever I take selfies with my friends, even the iPhone snobs, they gush about how good the 12MP selfie lens is.
When I briefly tested the 10MP selfie lens, I was neither blown away nor disappointed; the picture was just OK.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
I guess I expected better color reproduction. Again, it’s not bad. I’m just used to the impressive pictures that the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes.
Galaxy AI is a fun addition
I’m relieved that Samsung didn’t reserve Galaxy AI for its flagship lineup. Galaxy AI may not be perfect, but it’s been fun to explore on my Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Whether you want to remove an object in a photo, need to communicate in a foreign language, or summarize a long-winded story, Galaxy AI has your back.
Conclusion: I’m too bougie for the Galaxy S24 FE
I get that some folks downgrade from a high-end phone once it’s run its course and splurging isn’t feasible, but I’d feel totally disoriented if I had to move from the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the Galaxy S24 FE.
I know what you’re thinking. “Duh! Of course the Galaxy S24 FE doesn’t come close to the Galaxy S24 Ultra.” As I mentioned at the outset, I’m aware of this and even made a point to say that the Galaxy S24 base model would be a better comparison.
However, this hands-on was meant to highlight how taken aback I was regarding the stark differences between my Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you ever wondered if the Pro Maxes, Ultras, and XLs of the world are truly that distinct from their budget counterparts, the answer is a resounding yes.
The differences are far more pronounced than I expected, leaving me with an even greater appreciation for my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Still, the Galaxy S24 FE appears to be solid sub-$700 phone with a 50MP wide camera that matches the Galaxy S24 (though not as good as the 200MP lens on my Galaxy S24 Ultra), Galaxy AI support, and a slightly bigger battery.
Once I receive a review unit, I’ll shift my focus and assess it through the eyes of a mid-range phone user, putting aside my spoiled experience with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
This Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hands-on shows the stark difference between budget-friendly phones and their higher-priced counterparts.
The Amazon Marketplace: Empowering Sellers and Shaping Consumer Behavior
The Amazon Marketplace has emerged as a powerful force in the global economy, redefining how businesses operate and how consumers shop. Since its launch in 2000, Amazon Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of sellers and an even larger base of customers. This platform has not only democratized e-commerce, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but it has also significantly influenced consumer behavior. This article explores how the Amazon Marketplace empowers sellers and shapes consumer behavior.
Empowering Sellers: Opportunities and Challenges
The Amazon Marketplace has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sellers, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. One of the most significant benefits for sellers is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base. With over 300 million active users globally, Amazon provides a ready-made audience for sellers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts to drive traffic to their products.
Lower Barriers to Entry
One of the most profound ways Amazon empowers sellers is by lowering the barriers to entry into the e-commerce space. Traditionally, setting up an online store required significant investment in website development, payment processing systems, and logistics. Amazon Marketplace simplifies this process by providing a platform where sellers can list their products, handle transactions, and even manage shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.
FBA, in particular, has been a game-changer for many small and medium-sized businesses. It allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and even customer service. This service not only reduces the logistical burden on sellers but also ensures that their products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost sales.
Global Reach
The global reach of Amazon Marketplace is another significant advantage for sellers. With Amazon’s presence in numerous countries, sellers can tap into international markets with relative ease. Amazon’s Global Selling program enables sellers to list their products in multiple countries, allowing them to expand their customer base far beyond their home market. This global reach is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to enter international markets independently.
Data and Analytics
Amazon provides sellers with valuable data and analytics tools that can help them optimize their listings and marketing strategies. Through the Seller Central dashboard, sellers have access to detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and advertising performance. This data-driven approach allows sellers to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.
Challenges for Sellers
However, selling on Amazon is not without its challenges. The competition on the platform is fierce, with millions of sellers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out, sellers must invest in optimizing their product listings, managing reviews, and running targeted advertising campaigns. Additionally, Amazon’s fee structure, which includes referral fees, FBA fees, and other charges, can eat into sellers’ profit margins, especially for those selling low-margin products.
Moreover, Amazon’s control over the marketplace means that sellers are subject to its policies and regulations. This can be a double-edged sword; while Amazon’s strict guidelines help maintain a level of quality and trust on the platform, they can also be restrictive for sellers. Policy changes, such as adjustments to fee structures or new regulations regarding product listings, can have a significant impact on sellers’ businesses.
Shaping Consumer Behavior: Convenience and Choice
The Amazon Marketplace has not only empowered sellers but also transformed consumer behavior in profound ways. The platform has become synonymous with convenience, choice, and competitive pricing, which are key drivers of consumer decisions.
Convenience and Speed
One of the most significant impacts of Amazon on consumer behavior is the expectation of convenience and speed. Amazon’s streamlined shopping experience, coupled with services like Amazon Prime, has set a new standard for online shopping. Consumers now expect fast, often same-day, delivery, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience across devices. This has raised the bar for other e-commerce platforms and even brick-and-mortar stores, which have had to adapt to meet these heightened expectations.
The convenience offered by Amazon extends beyond just delivery speed. Features like one-click purchasing, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly mobile app have made shopping on Amazon almost effortless. This ease of use has contributed to the platform becoming the go-to destination for many consumers, particularly for everyday purchases.
Broad Product Selection
Amazon’s vast selection of products is another factor that has shaped consumer behavior. The marketplace offers a seemingly endless array of products across virtually every category, from electronics to groceries. This extensive selection is possible because of the millions of third-party sellers who list their products on the platform, alongside Amazon’s own offerings.
This breadth of choice has shifted consumer expectations, leading to a preference for platforms that offer a wide variety of options. Consumers are now less willing to visit multiple websites or stores to find what they need, preferring the convenience of one-stop shopping. This trend has also put pressure on traditional retailers to expand their product offerings and improve their online shopping experiences.
Price Sensitivity and Competitive Pricing
Amazon’s pricing strategies have also influenced consumer behavior, making customers more price-sensitive. The platform’s dynamic pricing model, where prices can change frequently based on factors like demand and competition, encourages consumers to compare prices and seek out the best deals. Additionally, features like Amazon’s price tracking tools and the ability to view historical prices have made consumers more aware of price fluctuations and more likely to wait for discounts before making a purchase.
This increased price sensitivity has impacted the broader retail landscape, forcing competitors to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to stay competitive. It has also led to the rise of price comparison tools and apps, further empowering consumers to find the best deals.
The Role of Reviews and Ratings
Amazon’s review system is another key factor influencing consumer behavior. Customer reviews and ratings have become a critical component of the decision-making process for many shoppers. Positive reviews can significantly boost a product’s visibility and sales, while negative reviews can deter potential buyers. This has led to a culture where consumers rely heavily on the experiences of others to guide their purchasing decisions.
The importance of reviews has also created a new challenge for sellers, who must actively manage their reputation on the platform. This has given rise to practices like review solicitation and even, unfortunately, fake reviews. However, Amazon has taken steps to combat these practices, implementing stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews.
Conclusion
The Amazon Marketplace has had a profound impact on both sellers and consumers, reshaping the e-commerce landscape in the process. By empowering sellers with access to a global customer base, powerful data tools, and logistical support, Amazon has lowered the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, the platform has transformed consumer behavior, setting new standards for convenience, choice, and pricing.
As Amazon continues to evolve, its influence on the global economy and consumer culture will likely only grow. For sellers, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the platform and find ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For consumers, the Amazon Marketplace will continue to be a driving force behind the expectations and behaviors that define the future of shopping.
