More clues point to Galaxy S24 FE being in development

The first One UI test firmware build for the unannounced Galaxy S24 FE was spotted on Samsung's server (via @tarunvats33), revealing the phone's model number for the international variant, SM-S721B, and suggesting that Samsung is in the process of developing the One UI experience for a new Fan Edition phone.

The last time we heard from the Galaxy S24 FE was in late April, when a device bearing a similar model number, SM-F721U, was spotted in the database of UK carrier EE. The letter “U” in the model number usually denotes a US variant, and it's still a mystery why the SM-F721U device got listed on EE's website.

Release date unknown

Samsung is preparing to host its next big Unpacked event in July, but the focus now is on the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 foldable phones. The unannounced Galaxy S24 FE is unlikely to show up on the big stage in Paris, where the launch event should unfold.

More likely is that Samsung may aim for a yearly launch schedule for its Fan Edition phone. The Galaxy S23 FE was announced and released last year in October, which could mean Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S24 FE in October this year.

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There's not a lot more information about the upcoming Fan Edition device, but supply chain sources said last month that Samsung was negotiating with S24 FE component suppliers.

One big question about the Galaxy S24 FE concerns the chipset. Samsung didn't release an Exynos 2300 chip last year, and it would be unusual for the S24 FE to sport the same Exynos 2400 SoC as the non-FE Galaxy S24 flagship series. As a result, the S24 FE may be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but nothing is confirmed.