The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE sound performance and audio quality represent a critical factor for multimedia users. The Fan Edition series aims to balance flagship features with a more accessible price point. This review dives deeply into how the S24 FE manages its audio output, from its integrated stereo speakers to its sophisticated wireless connectivity options. Understanding these elements is essential for anyone considering this highly anticipated mid-range device. We examine the hardware, software processing, and real-world listening experience to give a comprehensive verdict.
The Audio Hardware Foundation
Every smartphone’s sound signature originates with its physical components. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE continues the modern trend of relying heavily on a digital-first audio pathway. This includes the speaker configuration and the dedicated circuitry that converts digital signals into audible sound waves. Analyzing this hardware foundation reveals the device’s potential and its limitations.
Stereo Speaker Configuration
The Galaxy S24 FE employs a standard stereo speaker setup, a necessary feature for a truly immersive media experience. This configuration typically uses the main, down-firing speaker located on the bottom edge of the phone. It then utilizes the earpiece speaker, positioned above the display, as the second channel. This creates a virtual soundstage.
This hybrid approach ensures sound emanates from both the left and right sides when holding the phone horizontally. This setup significantly improves immersion for movies and mobile gaming compared to a single mono speaker. The main bottom driver usually handles the bulk of the volume and lower frequencies. Meanwhile, the earpiece acts as the secondary tweeter, focusing on mid-range and treble clarity.
In terms of raw output, the S24 FE measures in the “Very Good” category. It achieves loudness ratings around -23.7 LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale). This figure indicates that the phone easily fills a small room or provides adequate volume for noisy environments. However, volume alone does not define quality. The tuning and balance between these two speakers determine the overall sonic signature.
DAC and Internal Audio Processing
Since modern Samsung phones, including the S24 FE, lack a traditional dedicated Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) chip, they rely on integrated audio solutions. The audio processing is handled within the main system-on-a-chip (SoC), the Exynos 2400e. This integrated DAC is responsible for all wired audio output through the USB-C port.
While integrated DACs are highly efficient, they sometimes face challenges delivering the same raw power or dynamic range as older, dedicated high-fidelity chips. Samsung addresses this through software optimization and careful engineering of the audio path. For most users, this difference is negligible. However, audiophiles using high-impedance wired headphones might notice limitations compared to devices with specialized audio hardware.
The quality of the integrated DAC is paramount for users who rely on USB-C headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (dongle). A clean signal path ensures minimal digital noise and distortion before the sound reaches the user’s ears.
The Absence of the 3.5mm Headphone Jack
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE definitively omits the 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a continuation of a widespread trend across the smartphone industry. This decision streamlines the internal design, aids in achieving the phone’s IP68 water and dust resistance rating, and encourages the adoption of wireless audio solutions.
The removal of the jack is a significant point for buyers. Users who still own high-quality, wired headphones must now rely on a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. The quality of this adapter, often called a dongle DAC, directly impacts the final listening quality. Buyers must factor in the cost and potential inconvenience of carrying this adapter.
This change firmly places the S24 FE in the modern wireless ecosystem. It signals Samsung’s focus on Bluetooth connectivity and its proprietary Galaxy Buds ecosystem. This lack of a physical port simplifies the phone’s aesthetic while slightly complicating the setup for traditional audio enthusiasts.
Speaker Performance Review: Immersion and Clarity
Evaluating the real-world performance of the S24 FE’s speakers requires a critical look at various metrics. We analyze how the phone handles loudness, frequency range, and spatial audio cues. This assessment determines whether the speakers are merely functional or genuinely enhance the media consumption experience.
Volume and Loudness Analysis
The S24 FE achieves high volume levels that prove suitable for casual listening and multimedia consumption. The dual-speaker system delivers sound that remains audible even in moderately busy environments, such as a crowded kitchen or a light-traffic street. This high loudness is a clear step up from cheaper, single-speaker phones.
However, maximizing the volume can introduce minor artifacts. At the very top end of the volume spectrum, users might detect a slight harshness in the upper frequencies, or clipping. This is common for smartphone speakers, which push the limits of their small drivers. For the best clarity and fidelity, users should generally keep the volume set slightly below the maximum level. This maintains clarity and reduces the chance of distortion.
The volume is more than adequate for sharing quick videos with friends or following navigation instructions while driving. Overall, the volume output is a definite strength for the S24 FE compared to its mid-range peers.
Frequency Response: Bass, Mids, and Treble
The frequency response, which describes how the speaker reproduces low, mid, and high tones, is the most revealing aspect of audio quality. The S24 FE’s stereo speakers offer a generally clear and balanced sound profile, excelling in the mid-range and treble.
- Mid-range: The critical mid-range frequencies, where human vocals and many musical instruments reside, are rendered clearly. Dialogue in movies and podcasts sounds crisp and immediately intelligible. This focus on the mid-range ensures that the primary content is never muffled or lost.
- Treble: High-frequency sounds, such as cymbals and sharp effects, are bright and precise. This contributes to the overall clarity and definition of the soundscape. The treble can, however, become slightly brittle at high volumes, as previously noted.
- Bass: The deepest low-end frequencies, or bass, present a noticeable limitation. The S24 FE, like most slim smartphones, lacks the physical cabinet volume required for deep, resonant bass response. The low-end sounds are present but lack the powerful “thump” or depth found in larger flagships or dedicated external speakers. Samsung sacrifices bass depth to maintain a thin profile and prevent vibration or rattling in the chassis.
The sound profile is best described as bright and clear, prioritizing vocal and instrumental detail over low-end power.
Stereo Imaging and Soundstage
The stereo imaging on the S24 FE is effective. The dual-speaker setup successfully creates a sense of spatial separation. When watching action scenes or playing games, users can usually perceive sound elements moving from left to right. This enhances the sense of immersion.
The soundstage, or the perceived breadth of the audio, is moderately wide for a smartphone. The placement of the bottom-firing and front-facing earpiece speaker helps stretch the sound field. However, sound quality drops off significantly when holding the phone in portrait orientation. In this vertical mode, the bottom speaker dominates, skewing the balance and localization strongly towards the bottom. For optimal stereo experience, horizontal media consumption is highly recommended.
Headphone and Wireless Audio Experience
The primary way users consume high-quality audio on the Galaxy S24 FE is through wireless headphones or earbuds. The phone must offer robust and high-quality Bluetooth connectivity to support this reliance. Furthermore, its software ecosystem must provide tools for personalization and enhancement.
Bluetooth Codec Support and Hi-Res Wireless
The S24 FE utilizes the Bluetooth 5.3 standard, offering improved range, connection stability, and energy efficiency. Crucially, the phone supports a variety of high-resolution audio codecs essential for quality wireless listening.
Key supported codecs include:
- SBC (Subband Codec) and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding): These are the standard, baseline codecs ensuring compatibility with nearly all Bluetooth devices. AAC provides a better experience than SBC, particularly for users of Apple services or products, but it remains lossy compression.
- LDAC: This high-resolution audio technology, developed by Sony, allows for streaming high-quality audio up to 990 kbps. LDAC is the go-to codec for audiophiles using compatible premium headphones. Its inclusion means the S24 FE can deliver near-CD quality wireless sound.
- Samsung Scalable Codec (SSC): This proprietary codec is specifically designed to work optimally with Samsung’s Galaxy Buds ecosystem. SSC dynamically adjusts the bitrate based on the strength of the Bluetooth connection. This proactive adaptation minimizes audio dropouts and maintains consistent sound quality, making the combination of the S24 FE and Galaxy Buds a seamless, high-performance pairing.
A notable omission for some users is the lack of support for certain Qualcomm aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless codecs. Samsung often opts to push its own SSC, leading to disappointment for headphone users relying on the aptX suite for the highest quality. Buyers should verify their preferred headphones support LDAC or SSC to unlock the phone’s full wireless potential.
Wired Audio via USB-C Dongle Performance
Since the S24 FE lacks a 3.5mm jack, wired audio quality is entirely dependent on the digital-to-analog converter housed in the external USB-C adapter. A cheap or poorly shielded adapter can introduce significant noise and distortion.
For the best wired listening experience, users should invest in a quality dongle DAC. These external components often house superior DAC chips compared to the phone’s integrated solution. They provide more power to drive demanding headphones and maintain higher audio fidelity. The S24 FE’s USB-C port is fully capable of passing a high-resolution digital signal to these external devices. This means that a user’s ultimate wired audio quality is limited not by the phone itself, but by the quality of the external accessory they choose.
Software Enhancements: Dolby Atmos and Equalizer
Samsung incorporates software features to enhance the listening experience across both speakers and headphones. The two primary tools are Dolby Atmos and the customizable Equalizer.
- Dolby Atmos: The S24 FE supports Dolby Atmos processing, which applies a spatial sound effect to multimedia content. When activated, Atmos widens the soundstage and adds a sense of verticality to the audio. This creates a more three-dimensional and enveloping feeling, particularly effective when watching movies or playing compatible games. While it enhances immersion, many purists prefer to keep it disabled for critical music listening, as it slightly alters the original mix.
- Equalizer (EQ): The built-in equalizer within Samsung’s sound settings allows for deep customization. Users can select presets (like Pop, Classical, Rock) or manually adjust a nine-band graphic equalizer. This feature is invaluable. Users who find the built-in speakers too bright can reduce the high frequencies. Users wanting more power for their over-ear headphones can dial up the lower-mids. The EQ empowers the user to fine-tune the audio output to match their personal preference and the characteristics of their listening device.
Specialized Audio Comparisons and Market Context
To properly assess the S24 FE’s audio standing, comparing it against its predecessor and key market rivals is necessary. This comparison highlights where Samsung has invested resources and where the Fan Edition continues to make compromises relative to higher-end devices.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE vs. S23 FE Sound
The audio system in the Galaxy S24 FE represents a refinement, not a revolution, over the S23 FE. Both models feature a stereo speaker setup and lack the 3.5mm jack.
- Speaker Loudness and Clarity: The S24 FE generally provides comparable loudness to the S23 FE, both registering in the “Very Good” category. While the fundamental hardware design remains similar, reviewers indicate the S24 FE achieves slightly better overall clarity, especially in the mid-range. The older S23 FE sometimes exhibited a slightly more compressed or “boxed-in” sound at higher volumes. The newer model benefits from improved internal dampening and potentially newer acoustic tuning profiles.
- Bass Performance: Bass depth remains the weakest link for both models. Neither phone offers truly deep, resonant sub-bass. The compromise for both FE models is thinness over bass output.
- Bluetooth: Both generations support LDAC and SSC. However, the S24 FE benefits from the upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3 over the S23 FE’s older specification, offering improved connection stability and power efficiency.
The S24 FE maintains parity in audio output while offering minor software and Bluetooth hardware improvements. The sound experience is functionally similar but slightly cleaner.
Competing Mid-Range Audio Experience
The S24 FE competes directly with other premium mid-range devices like the Google Pixel 8a. This comparison is often about audio philosophy.
- Google Pixel 8a: Google’s approach often favors a flatter, more neutral sound profile, prioritizing clean performance over boosted bass. The Pixel 8a offers reliable stereo performance and access to AAC and LDAC codecs. However, the S24 FE often achieves slightly higher peak loudness. More critically, the S24 FE benefits significantly from Samsung’s proprietary SSC codec. Users invested in the Galaxy ecosystem will find the S24 FE offers a superior experience with Galaxy Buds. The Pixel 8a, despite its software prowess, cannot match this integrated audio performance.
- Flagship Audio (S24 Standard): The standard Galaxy S24 typically features larger speaker chambers and possibly higher-quality drivers optimized for a wider dynamic range. While the S24 FE is close, the flagship model still delivers a slightly fuller sound with better bass representation. The S24 FE gives a 90% flagship audio experience, with the compromise being the missing 10% of low-frequency depth and high-volume distortion control.
The S24 FE offers one of the best overall audio packages in its price bracket. Its combination of high volume, clear mid-range, and excellent codec support makes it a multimedia powerhouse.
Pros and Cons for the Potential Buyer
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE sound system is essential for making an informed purchasing decision. The phone targets a specific type of user, and its audio features reflect that focus.
Key Pros of the S24 FE Audio System
- Effective Stereo Soundstage: The hybrid stereo configuration delivers a noticeable and effective separation of audio channels. This significantly boosts the immersive quality for gaming and movie watching.
- Excellent Volume Output: The phone offers robust loudness, ensuring the user can hear content clearly in varied environments. This makes it a great choice for shared listening.
- High-Res Wireless Capability: The inclusion of LDAC and Samsung’s SSC codec ensures that users with premium Bluetooth headphones can achieve high-fidelity wireless audio streaming. This feature is critical for modern audio consumers.
- Customizable Software: Full access to Dolby Atmos and a detailed graphic equalizer allows users to personalize the sound profile extensively. Users can adjust the phone’s output to match their specific hearing preferences and acoustic requirements.
- IP68 Rating: The omission of the 3.5mm jack contributes to the device’s robust IP68 rating, meaning it handles exposure to dust and water effectively. This is a practical benefit for active users.
Key Cons and Areas for Improvement
- Limited Bass Depth: The most significant drawback remains the thinness of the bass response from the internal speakers. Deep, punchy low frequencies are simply not achievable given the speaker size and enclosure constraints.
- No 3.5mm Analog Jack: The complete reliance on USB-C or wireless connectivity inconveniences users with legacy wired headphones. This requires the purchase and constant use of an adapter.
- Potential Codec Omissions: The lack of native support for specific aptX Adaptive/Lossless codecs can limit the maximum quality available to users whose high-end headphones rely solely on the Qualcomm audio suite.
- Treble Distortion at Max Volume: Pushing the speakers to their absolute maximum volume can sometimes introduce noticeable harshness or distortion in the high frequencies.
Essential Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know
A potential buyer of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE needs to think beyond the speaker quality. The true audio experience depends on the user’s accessories and how they integrate them with the phone’s capabilities.
Impact of Codec Choice on Wireless Quality
The choice of Bluetooth codec dramatically impacts wireless audio quality. Users must not assume that all Bluetooth connections are equal.
- Prioritize SSC (for Galaxy Buds): If you use Galaxy Buds (like the Buds 2 Pro or Buds 3), ensure the SSC codec is active. The seamless, adaptive nature of SSC guarantees the most stable, high-quality connection available for those devices.
- Prioritize LDAC (for other premium headphones): If you own high-end headphones from Sony, Sennheiser, or other manufacturers, confirm they support LDAC. Enabling LDAC in the developer settings (see below) allows data rates up to three times higher than standard AAC, providing a vastly superior listening experience for high-resolution streaming services.
- Avoid AAC and SBC: Use SBC or AAC only as a last resort for cheap or old accessories. They introduce significant compression, which noticeably reduces dynamic range and clarity.
The power of the S24 FE’s wireless audio lies in utilizing its highest-quality codecs. The user must actively verify and select the best codec supported by their particular headphones.
Investing in a Quality USB-C Dongle
For users determined to use wired headphones, the USB-C audio experience requires a small investment. The quality of the DAC in the dongle determines the quality of the sound.
A high-quality USB-C to 3.5mm adapter includes a dedicated DAC chip. These chips are specifically designed to convert the digital audio stream efficiently and powerfully. They provide a much cleaner signal and enough voltage to drive larger, more demanding over-ear headphones. This external solution effectively bypasses the limitations of the phone’s integrated DAC hardware. Buyers should look for adapters explicitly labeled as “DAC dongles” from reputable audio brands rather than relying on generic, pass-through cables.
This approach offers a pathway to truly high-fidelity wired listening, essentially granting the S24 FE a separate, user-upgradable audio card. This flexibility is a considerable asset for audiophiles otherwise disappointed by the missing analog jack.
Audio Recording Capabilities
While the review focuses on output, the microphone array is crucial for calls, voice notes, and video recording. The S24 FE utilizes multiple microphones with noise-canceling technology. This ensures clear voice capture in high-definition video recording. The microphones are engineered to isolate human speech effectively during calls, even in loud environments. This level of quality supports the phone’s ability to record and process audio for its advanced AI features, such as Live Translate and transcription tools. The recording quality is professional-grade for everyday mobile use.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE sound package delivers a compelling and well-rounded audio experience within the premium mid-range sector. Its internal stereo speakers offer high volume and impressive mid-range clarity, making them perfect for casual multimedia consumption. While the bass depth remains conservative, this is a necessary design trade-off for the phone’s slim form factor.
For serious listeners, the S24 FE shines brightest through its wireless capabilities. The inclusion of high-quality codecs like LDAC and the proprietary SSC offers a path to genuine high-fidelity sound when paired with compatible headphones. The definitive absence of the 3.5mm jack means wired enthusiasts must invest in a quality USB-C DAC dongle, but this accessory route also opens up virtually limitless possibilities for external, high-end audio gear.
The S24 FE successfully merges robust speaker performance with modern wireless excellence. It represents a mature and technologically sound offering that caters well to the contemporary, Bluetooth-focused user. The phone confidently stands as one of the best audio performers in its class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE does not include a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Users must use USB-C headphones, a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, or Bluetooth wireless audio devices.
Does the Galaxy S24 FE support high-resolution audio over Bluetooth?
Yes, the S24 FE supports high-resolution wireless audio through the LDAC codec. It also supports Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Codec (SSC), which works optimally with Galaxy Buds to maintain stable, high-quality audio streaming.
What is the biggest weakness of the S24 FE’s built-in speakers?
The biggest weakness is the lack of deep, powerful bass response. The stereo speakers prioritize clarity in the mid-range and treble, but they cannot deliver the resonant, deep sub-bass frequencies found in larger, true flagship devices.
Does the Galaxy S24 FE support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE supports Dolby Atmos technology. This feature enhances the spatial quality of the sound, creating a more immersive and cinematic experience for video playback and gaming, although it can be optionally disabled for music listening.
How do the S24 FE speakers compare to the S23 FE?
The S24 FE speakers offer a similar overall loudness and stereo quality to the S23 FE. The newer model generally benefits from minor acoustic tuning refinements, resulting in slightly cleaner sound and better stability at near-maximum volume levels.
