Key Points
- Samsung announces the Galaxy Watch FE, priced at £199 for the Bluetooth-only version.
- The Galaxy Watch FE is expected to have a shorter battery life due to its 247mAh battery.
- The Huawei Watch Fit 3 is a cheaper and potentially better alternative with up to ten days of battery life.
- Despite its features, the Galaxy Watch FE’s older processor and smaller battery may be deal-breakers.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE: A Budget Smartwatch with Trade-offs
Samsung has just unveiled the Galaxy Watch FE, positioned as a budget-friendly addition to its smartwatch lineup. Priced at £199 for the Bluetooth-only version, the Galaxy Watch FE aims to offer many of the premium features found in the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic but at a more accessible price point. Available in black, pink gold, and silver, with new watch bands in pink and blue, it looks stylish and sleek.
However, there’s a significant concern: battery life. Samsung hasn’t officially released battery life ratings for the Galaxy Watch FE, but its 247mAh battery is notably smaller than the 300mAh battery found in the 40mm Galaxy Watch 6. Given that the Galaxy Watch 6 is rated for up to 40 hours without the always-on display enabled, it’s reasonable to expect even less from the Galaxy Watch FE. This potentially short battery life could be a major drawback for those looking for a reliable daily wearable.
Features vs. Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch FE does come with impressive features for its price. It boasts a 1.2-inch 396 x 396 OLED screen with sapphire crystal glass, a premium touch not often seen in budget smartwatches. It includes Samsung’s “BioActive” sensor, enabling it to track metrics like ECG heart rate, SpO2 levels, and even body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). It can also track over 100 different sports, making it a comprehensive fitness companion.
Despite these features, the Galaxy Watch FE is powered by the older Exynos W920 Dual Core 1.18GHz processor, which may not perform as well as newer chips found in other models. This, combined with the smaller battery, might make it less appealing compared to other budget-friendly options.
New Samsung Galaxy Watch FE comes with a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED screen, a dual-core Exynos W920 chipset and an IP68 ratinghttps://t.co/cy6VX4zu2X
— Gadgets 360 (@Gadgets360) June 15, 2024
Huawei Watch Fit 3: A Strong Contender
For those seeking a budget smartwatch, the Huawei Watch Fit 3 presents a compelling alternative. Priced at £139, it offers up to ten days of battery life on a single charge, significantly outperforming what is expected from the Galaxy Watch FE. The Huawei Watch Fit 3 also boasts excellent GPS and heart rate accuracy, making it a reliable choice for fitness tracking.
Early Verdict on the Galaxy Watch FE
While the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE appears to be a good buy on the surface, its smaller battery raises concerns about its practicality as a daily wearable. The Huawei Watch Fit 3, with its longer battery life and lower price, seems to be a better choice for budget-conscious consumers.
For those determined to stick with Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 6 might be a better option. Currently available for £179, it’s £20 cheaper than the upcoming Galaxy Watch FE and likely offers a better overall experience.
