Samsung has just dropped the Galaxy Watch FE, a new entry-level smartwatch designed to offer a more affordable alternative to its flagship models.
This move comes as no surprise, given the recent price hikes in Samsung’s smartwatch lineup. The FE, with its $199 (Bluetooth-only) and $249.99 (LTE) price tags, brings Samsung’s wearables back to their more wallet-friendly roots. This also aligns the company’s strategy with Apple’s, offering a tiered lineup with budget, flagship, and premium options.
While the FE might be the “budget” option, it still packs a punch. It boasts the same sapphire crystal lens, IP68 rating, 5ATM water resistance, one-click strap mechanism, NFC payments, and built-in GPS as its pricier counterparts. You also get LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with OneUI Watch 5 and Wear OS 4. The FE even offers advanced health features like abnormal heart rate notifications, EKGs, body composition analysis, and personalized heart rate zones.
However, to achieve its affordability, the FE does make some compromises. It comes in a single 40mm size with a slightly smaller 1.2-inch OLED display. It also features the older Exynos W920 chip and a smaller 247mAh battery.Notably, it lacks the temperature sensor introduced in last year’s models.
The surprise launch of the FE ahead of Samsung’s summer Unpacked event suggests a jam-packed wearable lineup this year. We can anticipate the arrival of the Galaxy Watch 7, a new Galaxy Watch Ultra, and the intriguing Galaxy Ring. By releasing the FE early, Samsung avoids it getting overshadowed by the more feature-rich models expected at Unpacked.
The Bluetooth version of the Galaxy Watch FE hits US shelves on June 24th, with the LTE version following later this year. This is a strategic move by Samsung to cater to a wider audience and regain its footing in the affordable smartwatch market.
