At Best Buy, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE has been discounted by $40, bringing the price down to $160. This promotion is applicable to all three color variants: Black, Pink Gold, and Silver with a Blue band.
It appears that Samsung designed the Galaxy Watch Ultra with my preferences in mind, considering its superior durability, advanced features, and striking design. I have spent several weeks using a considerably smaller and more delicate watch, which is evidently not suited for my wrists. However, it remains an attractive option for many individuals seeking to venture into the realm of smartwatches.
Furthermore, this Android smartwatch surpasses the offerings from both Samsung and Google, presenting advantages in various aspects.
The Watch Ultra has a weight of 61.5 grams, whereas the Watch FE LTE weighs only 25.9 grams. The primary dimension of the Watch Ultra is 47mm, in contrast to the Watch FE’s 40.4mm. Consequently, the Watch FE LTE feels diminutive on my wrist; however, I find the silicone band to be quite comfortable, and its size facilitates ease of use during sleep tracking.
Samsung has previously released FE (Fan Edition) smartphones and tablets, but this year’s Galaxy Watch FE marks the inaugural smartwatch to adopt this designation. The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE is priced at $250, enabling users to enjoy its features on the go without requiring a Bluetooth connection to a phone.
The entry-level smartwatch is appropriately priced, given that it encompasses most functions found in the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra. The 40mm Watch 7 with LTE retails for $350, signifying that the FE can be acquired for $100 less without significant compromise in functionality.
The processor utilized in the Watch FE LTE is identical to that found in the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro. I utilized the Watch 5 Pro for a couple of years prior to upgrading to the Watch Ultra, and it is a fully competent processor that facilitates smooth navigation through the user interface.
Samsung’s BioActive sensor is the critical component for monitoring health and wellness data. The sensor embedded in the Watch FE LTE assists in tracking sleep, ECG, irregular heart rhythms, blood oxygen levels, and more. It is worth noting that it does not monitor skin temperature, which represents a trade-off for the smaller and more affordable watch.
The sleep tracking capabilities of the Galaxy Watch FE were consistent with my measurements from other watches. Following a week of sleep data collection, Samsung Health will categorize your sleeping style, represented by an animal and a description of your sleep patterns.
The compact size of the watch may also contribute to the heart rate sensor maintaining consistent contact with the wrist during physical activity, a challenge often faced by larger watches that tend to shift position. I found that the heart rate sensor provided readings comparable to those of other devices.
However, it is important to note that the GPS tracking was not as precise as that of other watches I evaluated, as distances frequently appeared longer than the actual distance I covered, and the recorded path did not accurately reflect my route. The Watch FE LTE is compatible with four GNSS networks for positioning. The Best Galaxy Smartwatch for Fitness Newbies Is Now More Affordable Than Ever