What does a flagship experience feel like? The best way to find an answer is by taking baby steps towards a flagship smartphone or tablet. For example, Samsung has just unveiled its latest FE series, which has the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ and Galaxy Buds FE. All these are flagship-grade phones but with small compromises… things that really won’t bother your everyday experience. Once you become used to the FE series, there is only one way forward — get flagship devices!

One has to realise that people who buy flagship phones and tablets soon after the launch are mostly fans and tech enthusiasts but many wait for prices to drop. For Samsung, the FE edition of devices is something unique and it, in a way, projects itself more as “value flagship”.

Shiny new phones

Before the arrival of Galaxy S23 FE, there was the Galaxy S21 FE. It comes with almost an identical design to the flagship Galaxy S23 series model, but with a 120Hz 6.4-inch AMOLED display that fits between the standard S23 (6.1 inches) and the S23+ (6.6) in size. Based on your surroundings, Vision Booster technology on Galaxy S23 FE automatically detects bright lighting conditions, keeping the screen vivid just like flagship models.

In the camera department, you get three rear cameras — a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide and an 8MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom. It features a glass design with metal sides but it uses Gorilla Glass 5 instead of Gorilla Glass Victus like on the standard S23.

Powered by a 4nm chipset, it’s ideal for gaming as well as streaming and everyday activities. It also comes with Ray Tracing, a technique of graphics rendering that makes reflections, lights, and shadows in a game mirror the real world. The long-lasting 4,500-mAh battery intuitively adjusts to conserve energy, charging up to 50 per cent in just 30 minutes with a 25W Adapter.

Galaxy S23 FE keeps its design close to that of the S series, with its new floating camera and premium finish protected with IP68 water and dust resistance. Plus, it features recycled materials and packaging, packing a punch with durability, functionality, and sustainability.

Tab fun

There are two tablets in the mix — Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ that are efficient enough for digital creators, entrepreneurs, students, artists and gamers. The compromise one needs to make is an LCD panel rather than OLED, which will not make a difference to most users. Featuring an automatic refresh rate that adapts up to 90Hz, sunlight is no match for Vision Booster. Tab S9 FE+’s long-lasting battery with up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge means work and play won’t keep you tethered to a cord. Tab S9 FE comes with a 10.9-inch display while its bigger version gets a 12.4-inch display.

Powerful sound cans

Galaxy Buds FE is an affordable version of the standard Galaxy Buds 2. Compared to the more expensive option, the Galaxy Buds FE features a flatter touch panel. Buds FE provides up to 8.5 hours of playback with earbuds, and total of up to 30 hours including the charging case. Even when using ANC, users can get up to six hours of playback with earbuds, and total of up to 21 hours including the case.

Pricing and availability

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB and 256GB of storage options. Available in three colours — mint, graphite and purple, early deliveries begin October 7. Net effective price: Upwards of Rs 49,999.

Available in four colours — mint, silver, grey and lavender, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ will come in 128GB and 256GB memory variants and will be either 5G or Wi-Fi enabled. Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ are priced starting Rs 36,999 and Rs 46,999 respectively.

Buds FE is priced at Rs 9,999.