Samsung updates its FE range and unveils its new SmartTag2 trackers

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The last few weeks have been marked by a series of product announcements. After the launch of the S range at the beginning of the year and the presentation of the foldable Z range last summer, Samsung closes the year with its FE range.

FE, for Fan Edition

In 2017, following the Galaxy Note 7 battery problem, Samsung introduced a singular product: the Galaxy Note Fan Edition. At the time, this smartphone featured the same technical specifications as the withdrawn Galaxy Note 7, but with a smaller battery. Perhaps this was a strategy to sell off stocks of pre-assembled, but never sold, smartphones.

Three years later, in 2020, Samsung renews the experiment with the S20 FE, but this time with a different approach. The S20FE retains the basic elements of the Galaxy S20 while compromising on certain aspects to reduce the price. Since then, this formula has become the rule for this range: high-end products, but with concessions to make the bill more affordable.

Galaxy S23 FE

Like its predecessors, the Galaxy S23 builds on the Galaxy S23 launched earlier this year. It retains the same rounded-edge design and distinctive triple camera. Like the S23, the back is made of glass, and water resistance is maintained. The screen is larger, at 6.4 inches, in Full HD+ and features an adaptive 120 Hz mode. The slightly thicker edges begin to reveal the differences with the S23.

However, compromises are present in the camera. The S23 FE has 3 lenses like the S23, but the telephoto lens is limited to 8 MP, compared with the S23’s 10 MP. Another compromise lies in the chip that powers it. The S23 FE incorporates a less powerful chip than the classic S23. Nevertheless, the performance should be sufficient for everyday tasks.

Despite its official launch, neither the availability date nor the price has yet been announced. However, it should be available in late 2023 or early 2024.

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Galaxy Tab S9 FE et Tab S9 FE+

Like the Galaxy S23 FE, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ are based on the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus tablets launched earlier this year. They retain the sleek, all-aluminum design of their predecessors. To reduce costs, compromises have been made on the screen and chip.

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The Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE Plus are equipped with LCD screens, rather than AMOLED like their predecessors. They offer a refresh rate of 90 Hz, which results in reduced contrast. The chip, Exynos 1380, backed by 8 or 12 GB RAM, is also less powerful. Both tablets are waterproof and IP68-certified. DeX mode, which turns the tablet into a real PC, is available on these devices. The S Pen is also included, although without remote functionality.

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The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is equipped with a 10.9-inch screen, an 8000 mAh battery, and a claimed autonomy of 18 hours in video playback. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is equipped with a 12.4-inch screen, a 1090 mAh battery and a claimed autonomy of 20 hours in video playback.

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE Plus are now available for purchase. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE costs between 529 and 699 euros, depending on the version, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ between 699 and 899 euros, depending on the version.

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Galaxy Buds FE

At this stage of the article, you’ve already understood the formula. Samsung has based its Buds FE on the Buds 2. The Galaxy Buds FE are wireless in-ear headphones with active noise reduction. To achieve this, they rely on three microphones, two internal and one external, to pick up ambient sounds. With a single click on the earphone’s touchpad, you can eliminate all ambient noise or let it pass. The earphones and case offer up to 21 hours of autonomy with noise reduction activated, and 30 hours of playback with noise reduction deactivated.

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Galaxy Buds FE integrate well with the Galaxy ecosystem. You benefit from features such as quick pairing or auto-switch to switch from one Samsung device to another in the event of a call, for example. If you misplace them, you can easily find them with SmartThings Find or via the Galaxy Wearables app.

You’re probably wondering where the compromises are. Unlike the Galaxy Buds 2, the Buds FE have just one speaker, instead of two. Also, they don’t offer 360 audio or wireless charging. These earphones are available for 109 euros.

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Galaxy SmartTag2

SmartTag2 are Samsung’s new Bluetooth trackers. Their new design, with a key-ring format and a wider steel hoop, makes them easy to attach to any object. They are also water and dust resistant, thanks to IP67 certification. With a 500-day battery life (up to 700 days in energy-saving mode), you’ll never lose your items again.

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Like their predecessors, you simply attach them to any object to find them quickly. If they’re nearby, you can easily locate them thanks to indications on your smartphone. If they’re further away, no problem. Simply attach your SmartTag to an object near a Galaxy smartphone, and its position will be automatically sent to you, available via the SmartThings app.

When you misplace your SmartTag2, a Lost Mode can be activated. In this mode, if someone finds your SmartTag, a Galaxy smartphone can read its data using NFC technology. The contact information and message stored on your SmartTag2 will be displayed on the reader’s smartphone. All the person has to do is scan it with their smartphone to access your contact details and contact you to return the object.

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Galaxy SmartTag2 are available in black and white for €39.90 each. They are also available in packs of 4 Galaxy SmartTag2 for €129.90.

What do you think of these new products from Samsung? Tell us in comments.