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.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE’s battery is apparently 4,700mAh (up from 4,500mAh on the S23 FE), allowing for up to 28 hours of video viewing, and the phone is said to have an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. It’s also listed as supporting Galaxy AI.