That price hike could be due to the new software promises Samsung is making. Smartprix says that Samsung will offer seven years of Android updates and security patches when it launches the S24 FE. That matches Google’s new (ish) promise on updates and Apple’s unofficial seven-year policy.

Pre-orders for the S24 FE appear to be at least momentarily open prematurely, starting at $650. Samsung’s formal launch of the phone has been expected for later this week.

When it comes to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (anticipated for an early 2025 release), many commentators are pretty confused about what the S25 Ultra will be, and whether it will offer more of the same or take us to new levels.