Samsung has carved a name for itself in the smartwatch industry, consistently delivering innovative devices that balance style, functionality, and performance. The latest addition, the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, positions itself as an affordable yet feature-packed offering. Priced frequently at just around ₹10,000, this smartwatch has stirred excitement among tech enthusiasts. Is it truly the best smartwatch under ₹10,000? Let’s explore every detail to help you make an informed decision.

A Familiar Yet Refined Design

At first glance, the Galaxy Watch FE feels like a blast from the past. Samsung has taken cues from previous models, particularly the Galaxy Watch 4, but it’s far from a simple rehash. Instead, it’s a thoughtful blend of old and new, offering enhancements where they matter most.

• Build and Durability: The Galaxy Watch FE boasts an aluminum case, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy build. With IP68 and 5ATM water resistance, the watch can handle rain, sweat, and even a quick dip in the pool without issue.
• Sapphire Crystal Glass: A major upgrade is the use of sapphire crystal glass for the display. Found in premium smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch Ultra, this material significantly enhances durability, resisting scratches even with rigorous use.
• Compact Size: The watch’s 40mm case caters to those with smaller wrists, making it comfortable and stylish for everyday wear. However, the lack of additional size options might be a drawback for users with larger wrists.

While the overall design remains solid, one aesthetic drawback is the thick bezels surrounding the screen. When compared to newer models like the Galaxy Watch 7, these bezels feel outdated.

Display: Bright and Vivid

The display is often the centerpiece of any smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch FE does not disappoint. Samsung has equipped this device with a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen that delivers exceptional visuals.

• Brightness: The display reaches up to 1,000 nits, ensuring readability even under direct sunlight.
• Color Accuracy: Vibrant colors and sharp text make the screen a joy to interact with, whether you’re reading messages or checking notifications.
• Touch Responsiveness: The touch response is smooth and intuitive, a hallmark of Samsung’s smartwatch displays.

Despite its visual excellence, the bezels somewhat diminish the immersive experience, especially when compared to bezel-less or thinner-bezel alternatives.

Performance: Reliable, But Dated

Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch FE houses the Exynos W920 chipset, the same processor found in the Galaxy Watch 4 series. While this chipset was a game-changer in 2021, it now feels slightly dated.

• General Performance: For everyday tasks like notifications, fitness tracking, and music control, the performance is adequate. However, users may notice occasional lags when opening heavy apps or navigating the interface.
• Software Optimizations: Running on One UI 6 with Wear OS 5, the watch benefits from a refreshed UI, including new typefaces and gesture controls like double pinch for music playback. These software enhancements partly compensate for the aging hardware.
• Speed Tip: Reducing system animations to 0.5x from developer options can improve the perceived responsiveness.

While performance issues are not deal-breakers, they’re worth considering for those expecting cutting-edge speed and multitasking capabilities.

Health and Fitness Tracking: A Strong Contender

Samsung’s prowess in health and fitness tracking shines through in the Galaxy Watch FE. It provides reliable data and a wide range of features, rivaling more expensive models.

• Accuracy: Compared to the premium Galaxy Watch 7, the Watch FE delivers nearly identical results for heart rate, sleep tracking, and workout metrics.
• Body Composition Analysis: This feature measures body fat percentage, water levels, and muscle mass, providing insights typically reserved for high-end models.
• Energy Score: A standout feature, the Energy Score evaluates sleep quality and readiness for the day, helping users plan workouts effectively.
• Workout Tracking: The watch accurately records heart rate zones, calories burned, and VO2 Max, making it a reliable fitness companion.

However, there are a few limitations:

• GPS Accuracy: The single-frequency GPS falls short compared to the dual-frequency GPS in premium models, making it less precise for outdoor activities like running or cycling.
• Sleep Insights: While the Watch FE tracks basic sleep metrics accurately, it lacks advanced insights such as skin temperature monitoring, which are available in higher-end models.

Battery Life: The Achilles’ Heel

Battery performance is arguably the Galaxy Watch FE’s weakest aspect. It’s capable of lasting one full day under regular usage, but anything beyond that requires compromises.

• Optimized Usage: By disabling features like stress monitoring and reducing heart rate tracking frequency, users can extend battery life to 1.5–2 days.
• Charging Speed: Charging is relatively slow, taking around 2 hours for a full charge. This means users will need to establish a daily or near-daily charging routine.

For a smartwatch aimed at active users, the limited battery life might feel restrictive, especially when compared to competitors offering multi-day endurance.

Software and Updates

The Galaxy Watch FE’s software experience is enriched by One UI 6 and Wear OS 5, providing a clean and intuitive interface. Some notable features include:

• Gesture Controls: Handy gestures like double pinch to control alarms and playback add convenience.
• Seamless Integration: As part of the Wear OS ecosystem, the watch pairs effortlessly with Android smartphones, unlocking features like Google Assistant, Maps, and third-party app support.

The lack of a clear update commitment from Samsung is a concern. While it’s expected to receive 2–3 years of updates, official confirmation would have been reassuring for potential buyers.

Comparison with Alternatives

The Galaxy Watch FE faces stiff competition in the budget smartwatch segment. Let’s see how it stacks up:

The lack of availability for the Galaxy Watch 4 series makes the Watch FE one of the few reliable options in this price range, especially for those seeking Wear OS.

Final Verdict: Is the Galaxy Watch FE Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE offers exceptional value for its price. It brings premium features like sapphire glass, reliable health tracking, and a vibrant display into the budget segment. While it does have its shortcomings—thick bezels, an aging chipset, and limited battery life—these are minor inconveniences given its affordable pricing.

For users seeking an Android-compatible smartwatch under ₹10,000, the Galaxy Watch FE is a top contender. Its combination of style, functionality, and health-focused features make it an excellent choice for everyday use.

If you’re ready to embrace the balance of affordability and performance, the Galaxy Watch FE is waiting to redefine your smartwatch experience.