I've been using the Galaxy S24 FE for a year, and while it's a reliable device, there are several areas where it falls short. As the Galaxy S26 FE approaches, I want to highlight some key improvements I believe Samsung should consider. Here are six significant changes I hope the Galaxy S26 FE will bring:
Larger Battery Capacity: My main complaint about the S24 FE is its poor battery life. A single charge barely lasts a calm day, and it's a stark contrast to a seven-year-old HUAWEI P30 Pro with 70% battery health. I'd love to see Samsung address this by incorporating a larger battery, similar to the 6,000 mAh cells used in its budget smartphones like the Galaxy A07 5G. This is a fan-favorite feature, so it's surprising it's not included in the Fan Edition.
Injecting Personality: The S24 FE feels soulless, lacking the personality of past Samsung devices. While this might not be a functional issue, it's a missed opportunity. I suggest offering colorways inspired by Samsung's greatest hits, like the Note 10's Aura Glow or the S10e's Canary Yellow, to add some personality to the FE series.
Improved Display Technology: The S24 FE's screen is too dim for outdoor use and too bright for indoor use, causing eye strain. The S25 FE's LTPO panel is an improvement, but I'd like to see higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility. Samsung should consider enhancing its display technology to reduce eye fatigue.
Further Weight Reduction: The S24 FE is too heavy at 213 grams, and while the S25 FE's weight loss is commendable, there's room for more. I'd prefer a more ergonomic design with a slight increase in polycarbonate material, ensuring comfort and security in hand.
Innovative Camera Upgrades: Samsung's camera array is a meme, and the FE line has been stuck with the same system for three generations. I've had mixed results with the S24 FE's cameras, and it's time for some innovation. While I don't expect flagship-level cameras, I'd like to see Samsung introduce new features to the mid-range S26 FE, ensuring it stands out.
MicroSD Card Slot: With rising RAM and storage prices, a microSD card slot would be a valuable addition. It provides affordable and flexible storage options, which are essential for users with limited storage. The S24 FE's 128GB storage, with only 104GB usable, is already tight, and this feature would be a significant improvement for the FE series.
In summary, the Galaxy S26 FE has the potential to be a great device, but Samsung should focus on these improvements to make it stand out and address some of the current shortcomings of the FE line.