Samsung Galaxy Watch FE: First images, full specs
Samsung’s FE series is known for delivering premium features at more accessible price points, effectively balancing quality with affordability. Amidst speculation, a Samsung Galaxy Watch FE could be the latest addition, offering a smartwatch solution that marries high-end functionality with cost-effectiveness. The first mention of the device came a couple of months ago, now the first renders of the upcoming device have emerged along with pretty much it’s full specs.
What the letters FE stand for
In the context of Samsung’s product lineup, “FE” stands for “Fan Edition.” This designation was initially used with the Galaxy Note 7 FE, targeting fans who missed out on the original Note 7 due to its recall. The FE series aimed to offer a premium experience at a more accessible price point. It essentially serves as a cheaper but still high-quality version of Samsung’s flagship devices. The concept behind the FE series was to address community feedback and cut costs to enhance sales, positioning these devices as a middle ground between the flagship and mid-range segments of the market.
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However, the use of “FE” has evolved over time, leading to some confusion among consumers. While the original intent was to cater to fans by offering a premium experience without the flagship price, the distinction between FE models and other Samsung series has become blurred. Some users feel that the FE designation no longer signifies a special edition for fans but rather a lite version of Samsung’s flagship models. This shift reflects a broader strategy to fill the price and quality gap between the mid-range and flagship offerings, although it has sparked debate over whether the FE moniker is being overused or misapplied by Samsung.
So far we’ve seen FE smartphones like the Galaxy S21 and S23, the Tab S9 tablet and Galaxy Buds FE. The one thing that’s been missing from this list is a smartwatch. But that might be about to change.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE – coming in July?
There have been a number of different leaks about the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE. This will, reportedly, be a blend between Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5. More precisely, it will be the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, but with an updated chip and some other minor changes.
In April, the confirmation for this came from Android Headlines. They spotted, what looks to be, a regulatory finding that mentions Galaxy Watch FE by name. A few variants are listed including SM-R866F, SM-R866N, and SM-R886U. The letters are the distinctions for global, US and South Korean regional variants of the device. So not totally separate editions.
Now its design and features have leaked, and it is abundantly clear that it is a revamped Galaxy Watch 4.
The first pics of Galaxy Watch FE come from reliable tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore. You can see them below.
He even posts pretty much the full specs of the upcoming device:
- Aluminium body
- 1.2 inch Super AMOLED, 396 x 396 pixels
- Exynos W920 Dual Core 1.18 GHz
- 1.5GB RAM + 16GB ROM
- Wear OS powered by Samsung One UI Watch 5.0
- 247 mAh
- 30 hour battery life
- Magnetic Wireless Charging
- Water resistance 5 ATM, IP68 / MIL-STD-810H
- Compatible OS: Androdi OS11 or higher and at least 1.5GB of RAM
- Microphone, Speaker, Vibration
- Sensors: Accelerometer, barometer, bioelectrical impedance analysis, electrical cardiac sensor, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, brightness, heart rate
The main bit of info we are missing is the price. As far as the release date, expect the device to land in late July.
Why this is not as crazy as it sounds
Bringing back the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with a few tweaks might sound nuts at first. But, if you really think about it, it’s not that out there.
Just look at Apple. They’ve been rocking an SE version in their Apple Watch lineup for ages. A cheaper Galaxy Watch FE could totally take on that, plus all those less pricey smartwatches from Garmin, Fitbit, Mobvoi, and Zepp Health’s Amazfit range. With the success of the FE concept in its smartphone line, Samsung has the potential to replicate this in the smartwatch sector.
Launching a Samsung Galaxy Watch FE makes strategic sense, especially when considering the current landscape of the smartwatch market. By introducing a Fan Edition of the Galaxy Watch, Samsung could effectively bridge the gap between high-end functionality and affordability. This move would cater to a significant portion of consumers who are looking for premium features—such as comprehensive health tracking, seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem, and a stylish design—without the flagship price tag.
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