If Samsung sticks to its usual schedule, there's a good chance we'll see the release of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 sometime this year. However, there have also been leaks of a cheaper model, likely bearing the FE (Fan Edition) moniker, a name Samsung has previously used for its more affordable electronics.
Below we've rounded up all the leaks and rumors about the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE so far and explored the possibility of the device being launched, and we'll be updating this hub regularly so be sure to check back for the latest on this device.
The Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch FE are expected to launch alongside other Samsung gadgets, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3, and will likely include the Galaxy Ring.
Get to the point
What is it? When will the cheaper Samsung smartwatch be released? Likely on July 10th. How much will it cost? Probably around $199 / £199 / AU$399.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE: Release date and price predictions
A new Unpacked show is coming soon (Image credit: Future/Alex Walker-Todd)
The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE release date ties in with those of the Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, Galaxy Buds 3, and Galaxy Ring, as all these devices are widely expected to be unveiled at the same Samsung Unpacked event.
They've already had an Unpacked show in January 2024, and insiders say the next one is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10. It's still unofficial at this point, but a second source has also mentioned the date, which gives us more confidence.
If July 10 is indeed the date when the Galaxy Watch FE and Galaxy Watch 7 are released, it would be almost a year after the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which would keep Samsung's schedule consistent.
As for price, we know that the Galaxy Watch FE's raison d'être is affordability, but no specific figures have been leaked – the model is likely based on the revamped Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which currently retails for $199 / £199 / AU$399.
As for the Galaxy Watch 6, Samsung's latest flagship starts at $239.99 / £259 / AU$549, so the new Samsung Galaxy Watch FE may fall somewhere in the middle of those two price ranges – how much it costs will no doubt be a key factor in determining its desirability.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE: Leaks and Rumors
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, scheduled for release in 2023 (Image credit: Samsung)
There haven't been many leaks or rumors about the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, and the most we've gotten so far is that the device is on its way.
One tidbit of information that emerged concerns charging speeds, which are apparently just 5W (lower than the Galaxy Watch 6). This isn't particularly encouraging news, but of course Samsung has to cut costs somewhere.
There are other rumors floating around about the name of this wearable, with one well-known source predicting that it will not be called the Galaxy Watch FE but rather be branded as Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (2024). We'll just have to wait and see on that one.
For reference, the Galaxy Watch 4 has a 1.4-inch, 450 x 450 pixel Super AMOLED screen. It's powered by an Exynos W920 processor and comes with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. We expect at least some of these specs to be beefed up when it gets an update in 2024.
The Galaxy Watch FE name is indeed the one Samsung will be using, according to regulatory filings, so while the internals may be similar to the Galaxy Watch 4, it seems more likely that the FE moniker will be used.
In terms of official news, Samsung has confirmed that the upcoming Galaxy Watch will come with a wealth of AI features for more detailed and personalized health stats, and it's possible that some or all of these features will be available on lower-priced models.
There's one final rumor worth mentioning: a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra edition may also be coming this year. Samsung seems to be trying to align its wearable lineup with Apple's, especially in the construction of its flagship numbered watches, the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE: What to expect
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 released in 2021 (Image credit: Shutterstock / Geewon Jung)
While we patiently wait for Samsung to unveil the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, we have a few requests for the company: If any Samsung folks are reading this, let us tell you what we are expecting from the Samsung Galaxy FE once it is launched.
1. Low price
Let's start with the obvious: the Galaxy Watch FE is being introduced to offer consumers a cheaper alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, so it should be significantly lower priced than the flagship model. The smallest Apple Watch SE 2, which doesn't have cellular connectivity, sells for $249 / £259 / AU$399 – we're hoping that Samsung's equivalent will launch at a significantly lower price than that.
2. Long battery life
Of course, a constant request from wearable owners, if Samsung equips the Galaxy Watch FE with a slower internal processor and a presumably less vivid screen, it should also mean longer times between battery charges.
There would have to be some other reason besides the lower price to opt for the cheaper model, but if Samsung could give this edition of the smartwatch a longer battery life, that could be one of the reasons.
3. Well-constructed
One of the dangers of releasing a cheaper version of an existing product is that build quality may suffer, something that Samsung doesn't want to happen with the Galaxy Watch FE. Samsung should aim to make a watch that feels as high-quality as possible without feeling plasticky.
The Galaxy Watch 4 comes standard with IP68 water resistance and complies with MIL-STD-810 military standards, so we expect the same with this product.
4. Several options
It seems likely that the flagship Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 will be available in a few different sizes, and we expect the same for the Galaxy Watch FE, keeping in mind that not all wrists are the same size.
While we're talking options, it would be nice to have some fresh colors to choose from, something manufacturers often do to make their cheaper product lines look more appealing.
5. A wealth of wisdom
We've already talked about the AI ​​features Samsung will be introducing into its future smartwatches, and we expect many of them (or at least the most useful ones) to make it onto the Samsung Galaxy FE.
With rumors that Wear OS 5 is coming soon to the Samsung Galaxy Watch series, we're hoping the Galaxy Watch FE's software doesn't disappoint.