Samsung Galaxy Watch FE review: Repackaged but reliable

Samsung’s FE line stands for ‘fan version’. These fashions usually come at a less expensive value than the usual fashions, however most individuals will recognise the identify from smartphones within the Korean tech big’s lineup.  

However the FE line now expands past telephones and tablets, as the most recent Samsung Galaxy Watch FE goes to show. Designed as a extra cost-friendly different to the Watch 7 sequence, this mannequin is largely a repackaged model of 2021’s Galaxy Watch 4 – with the identical processor, the same design and some tweaks together with longer software program help. 

I’ve spent a while with the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, exercising, sleeping and extra, to find if that is the price range smartwatch for you.  

Design & Construct 

• Three colors
• IP68/5ATM
• 26.6g

Placing Galaxy Watch 4 similarities apart, the Watch FE has a mode and construct akin to 2024’s Watch 7. It has a smaller display and a much bigger bezel, nevertheless it retains the basic face form that blends seamlessly with any outfit. 

The Watch FE is accessible in three colors: gold with a light-weight pink band, absolutely black or silver with a blue band. I examined out the latter and I beloved the contemporary pastel really feel and the colored threads within the band are additionally a pleasant distinctive contact.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Whereas this smartwatch isn’t too huge or heavy (weighing simply 26.6g) the sides appear to dig in after extended use. I’ve fairly bony wrists, so which may be why – however I’ve examined extra snug smartwatches up to now, together with the Amazfit GTS 4 and unique Google Pixel Watch. 

You’ll be high quality to make use of this watch each within the rain and within the pool, because of its IP68 and 5ATM water resistance rankings. Simply ensure to lock the display when underwater (you’ll must allow this manually), after which the gadget will expel any water from the speaker when you’re carried out by enjoying a sound.  

Display screen & Audio 

• 1.2-inch show
• Speaker and microphone

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE solely is available in one 40mm dimension. Whereas huge smartwatch followers could also be disillusioned, the 1.2-inch tremendous AMOLED sapphire crystal show is a good dimension and enormous sufficient that faucets don’t really feel finicky – although the bezel is likely one of the thickest round, partly because it’s a digital bezel for scrolling.  

The show has a decision of 396 x 396 and a color depth of 16M. Whereas the shades gained’t match the unbelievable tones seen on the OLED display of the Watch 7 and related wearables, it’s vibrant sufficient to be seen underneath direct daylight, with textual content clearly seen.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Speaker quantity will be adjusted, however even turned up midway is punchy sufficient to be heard. I examined the gentle strolling coach on the gadget and will hear it clearly on fairly roads, although busy site visitors does drown it out.

Thankfully, instructions from this additionally pair with headphones, which I like to recommend in the event you’re out working in built-up areas. 

There’s additionally a built-in microphone, so you’ll be able to take calls in case your smartphone is related close by – there’s an LTE model of the Galaxy Watch FE within the US.  

Software program & Options 

• Put on OS 4
• One UI 5
• Points with non-Samsung telephones

The Galaxy Watch FE runs on Google’s Put on OS 4, with Samsung’s One UI 5 layered on prime. In order that’s not the most recent model with Put on OS 5 now formally out.

Nonetheless, this smartwatch gives the most well-liked Android wearable apps on the market. That features Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp and extra – an actual benefit over cheaper watches from the likes of Amazfit and Huawei. 

Samsung additionally consists of its pre-installed apps, together with Samsung Pockets, plus accompanying Buds and SmartThings apps. Nevertheless, these will be uninstalled instantly on the Watch, or through the Galaxy Wearable app. 

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

There’s a separate app for Well being monitoring, which is annoying – it will be a lot much less arduous if Samsung consolidated its software program so I might organise my apps and discover my knowledge multi function place. 

I set this smartwatch up with a Xiaomi Combine Flip, and sadly, it was fairly a faff. Not solely did I’ve to repeatedly allow the Watch to entry numerous issues, however I additionally struggled to get it to hyperlink to my Google account, one thing that’s needed for apps resembling Maps and so on.  

After trawling some boards, I discovered a workaround that meant I needed to disable the lock on my cellphone. It appears to be like like this can be a widespread challenge on different Samsung watches, so is one thing the model ought to contemplate investigating. 

As soon as I’d overcome these hurdles, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE was simple to make use of. All of the apps are organised in a tile, Apple Watch fashion not like different Put on OS gadgets, whereas swipes left, proper, up and down entry numerous notifications, monitoring and so on. The digital bezel additionally permits you to scroll up and down rapidly.  

The Dwelling button will be customised to an extent, with totally different instructions out there for double urgent and lengthy urgent – Go to most up-to-date app and Bixby had been set as default on my unit. It integrates excellently with Google, one of many key advantages of going for a Put on OS watch.  

Health & Monitoring 

• 100+ exercise modes
• Complete sleep monitoring
• ECG monitoring locked for Samsung telephones

There’s a variety of well being and health monitoring choices out there on the Samsung Galaxy FE, nevertheless it’s value saying off the bat that you simply’ll get probably the most out of the options when you have an accompanying Samsung cellphone.  

Greater than 100 exercises can be found to trace, together with weighted machines, swimming, biking, pilates, ballet and extra. In case your particular train isn’t included, you’ll be able to add it as a customized exercise or select the free exercise mode as a substitute.  

All modes will monitor your coronary heart fee and energy burned, whereas some will embody extra data. For instance, runners will get data on cadence and a map of their route, whereas swimmers can see the strokes used and the time elapsed between laps. 

Auto detect was very responsive, with strolling picked up and tracked with accuracy, and stopping in a short time in comparison with different wearables I’ve examined with this capacity. You possibly can select which exercises the Watch FE helps for any such monitoring, which is helpful.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

I had one mysterious incident the place this wearable thought I used to be doing a ‘free exercise’. I can solely assume that this was after I was dancing round my room at one level. I suppose that kind of counts as train? With that in thoughts, I disabled auto detect on the free exercise mode.  

Step monitoring appeared fairly liberal, giving me round 1,000 steps greater than what I usually document on my cellphone.  

The working coach is a pleasant addition, because it guides you thru the pace try to be going, with prompts to regulate your pace and phrases of encouragement while you’re on the proper stage. Plus, it consists of ten levels of problem, from gentle strolling on top of things endurance, with the choice so as to add customized ones as properly.  

Sleep monitoring appeared fairly correct with my very own experiences, appropriately figuring out any disturbances within the night time. I additionally discovered the sleep coach characteristic extremely helpful, which makes use of animals to establish your patterns (shout out to my fellow lions) and recommend suggestions to enhance your high quality.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

There are eight sleep animals in whole, and this data is concise and grammatically correct, not like another cheaper wearables. You possibly can learn up on my interview with a sleep knowledgeable to see why this knowledge is so necessary.  

Different neat well being options embody physique composition monitoring, which analyses your fats, muscle, and water ranges and offers a fundamental evaluation of your findings. This will not be as correct as what it’s possible you’ll discover on a sensible scale, however not many different smartwatches supply this characteristic.  

Stress monitoring, menstrual cycle monitoring and SpO2 monitoring are additionally out there. Nevertheless, if you wish to use the ECG monitor, you gained’t be capable of with out a Samsung cellphone as that is the one method you’ll be able to entry the Samsung Well being Monitor app. If that’s a dealbreaker, then there are many different smartwatches you’ll be able to contemplate.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Specs & Efficiency 

• Exynos W920 Twin Core processor
• 1.5GB reminiscence
• 16GB storage

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE runs on an Exynos W920 Twin Core processor, the identical chip seen within the Galaxy Watch 4, which at this level is a three-year-old wearable. That is paired with 1.5GB reminiscence and 16GB storage. 

Whereas this isn’t the most recent and best chip that you simply’ll discover on Samsung’s flagship mannequin, it’s adequate for day-to-day use and fundamental monitoring.  

The Watch FE is somewhat sluggish as well up and cargo up some apps resembling Google’s, however swipes and faucets are responsive, as is monitoring. As for longevity, the Watch FE will get three put on OS updates and 4 years of safety patches.

My fear is how properly that already growing older processor will maintain up in a couple of years time.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Battery Life & Charging 

• 247mAh battery
• Round 1.5 days of common use
• Two hours to cost

One of many weakest factors of the Galaxy Watch FE is the battery life, however that’s commonplace throughout all of Samsung’s smartwatch line and plenty of rivals. 

This wearable is provided with a 247mAh cell, which is a smaller battery than the 300mAh one seen on the Watch 7. Regardless of that, the longevity is about on par with the pricier mannequin, if even barely higher. I assume that’s right down to its extra fundamental specs.  

On common I’d get between one and a half to 2 days’ value of utilization. That features monitoring my sleep, coronary heart fee, steps and taking calls. The Watch FE could deplete quicker in the event you use it closely each day, or last more in the event you disable some options resembling common coronary heart monitoring, location and so on.  

Charging the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE from flat to full with the included 5W cable takes just below two hours. That’s longer than the 76 minutes of the Watch 7 and never perfect while you purported to put on it across the clock, however this is likely one of the compromises you get by choosing a less expensive mannequin.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Value & Availability 

The Galaxy Watch FE prices £199/$199 for the common mannequin and $249 for the LTE choice (which is US solely). UK readers can purchase it instantly from Samsung, Amazon, Argos or Currys. These within the US can get it from Samsung, Finest Purchase and Amazon. 

Whereas that’s £90/$100 cheaper than the common Watch 7, you’ve obtained to needless to say this gadget makes use of an outdated processor and isn’t bringing a lot new to the market because it’s a lot just like the Watch 4.  

Just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, this Watch has come at an odd time, contemplating you should buy final 12 months’s Galaxy Watch 6 for £131/$187, which gives extra options for the cash – the one benefit of the FE is that you simply’ll get software program help for longer.

For those who spot it in a sale resembling Amazon Prime Day then it might make for a discount however at full value it’s more durable to justify. 

Exterior of Samsung, you could possibly contemplate the Google Pixel Watch 2, which is now discounted to £239/$249, or the OnePlus Watch 2R for £189/$229. We even have additional choices in our record of the perfect smartwatches.  

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

Must you purchase the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE? 

Let’s be trustworthy, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is only a repackaged model of the Watch 4 though that doesn’t imply it’s inherently dangerous.   

The Watch 4 was a stable smartwatch, and so is that this. There’s a variety of monitoring options out there, with the auto detect and sleep monitoring being significantly spectacular. The design is glossy and basic, and Put on OS continues to be superior to different software program alternate options outdoors of Apple.  

Nevertheless, the faff organising with a non-Samsung Android cellphone was annoying, and different rivals supply far more spectacular battery lives.

The one factor which will tempt you for the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE is in the event you already personal a Samsung cellphone, as set-up must be simpler, and also you’ll additionally get bonus ECG monitoring.  

Specs

• 1.2in 396×396 (40mm) AMOLED show
• Sapphire crystal
• Exynos W920 Twin Core processor
• 1.5GB RAM
• 16GB storage
• One UI Watch 5 over Put on OS 4
• Bluetooth 5.3
• NFC
• GPS
• Wi-Fi
• 4G LTE (optionally available)
• Microphone
• Speaker
• Optical coronary heart fee sensor (PPG)
• Electrical coronary heart sensor (ECG)
• Bioelectrical impedance evaluation sensor (BIA)
• Blood oxygen monitoring
• Sleep monitoring
• Physique composition evaluation
• Guided exercises
• Bixby Voice
• Digital bezel controls
• 5ATM swim-proof
• IP68-certified mud/water resistance
• 247mAh
• 39.3 x 40.4 x 9.8 mm
• 26.6g
• Colors: Silver, Black, Gold
• Suitable with Android 11 or greater (gadgets require greater than 1.5GB RAM)