Introduction of Samsung Galaxy Note FE

The Samsung Galaxy Note FE (Fan Edition) is one of Samsung’s most spellbinding smartphones, a device born from necessity, revolution, and a desire to give fans a safe and premium Note experience. Released in 2017 as a refurbished version of the Galaxy Note7, the Note FE kept nearly all the features that made the Note7 iconic  including the S Pen stylus, curved AMOLED display, and high-quality camera  while replacing the complicated battery with a smaller, safety-tested 3,200 mAh cell.

Quick overview 

The Galaxy Note FE (Fan Edition) is Samsung’s official renovation of the Galaxy Note7. Samsung re-purposed unused Note7 materials, installed a smaller 3,200 mAh cell that passed rigorous safety checks, auditioned updated firmware (an S8-like UI for that generation), and sold a limited batch in 2017. In short: nearly the same premium hardware (S Pen, camera, display) with a safer battery and official refurbishment controls. The FE model targets buyers who value the Note design and stylus experience but want a lower-cost alternative to fashionable flagships.

Short history & timeline

• Aug–Sept 2016: Samsung launches the Galaxy Note7. Shortly after, reports of battery fires prompt a global recall.
• 2016–2017: Samsung implements recall, replacement programs, and investigation into causes.
• July 7, 2017: Samsung announces the Galaxy Note Fan Edition in South Korea, a refurbished Note7 with a reduced 3,200 mAh battery and multi-point inspection. Initial pricing in South Korea was roughly 699,000 KRW (near $600 at the time).
• Oct 2017 onward: Samsung allows limited availability in select markets and regional distribution through official channels and authorized resellers. Some marketplaces also list grey-market FE units.
• Scale: Early reports cited a limited production run (reports near ~400,000 units), so FE units are rarer than contemporary new releases.

Why this timeline matters: It clarifies scarcity, informs pricing expectations, and explains the battery change  the core difference between the Note7 and Note FE.

Display & build

• Screen: 5.7-inch Super AMOLED, QHD (2560×1440). Vibrant colors and deep blacks make it excellent for media, S Pen note-taking, and drawing. The curved glass sides offer a premium look compatible with Samsung’s 2016 design language.
• Materials: Glass front and back with metal frame; premium fit-and-finish typical of Samsung flagships at the time.

Performance 

• SoC: Region-dependent: Exynos 8890 in many markets; Snapdragon 820 in certain territories. Both chipsets were flagship-grade in 2016–2017.
• Memory & storage: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage, and a microSD slot for expansion (commonly supported up to +256 GB). Performance remains capable for everyday tasks, older games, and productivity, but intensive modern games and heavy performance may show limits compared to modern phones.

Camera

• Rear camera: 12 MP, f/1.7 with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image strengthening (OIS). Delivers reliable photos and surprisingly good low-light performance for its era. Capable of 4K video capture.
• Front camera: 5 MP, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Battery & charging

• Capacity: 3,200 mAh (down from the Note7’s 3,500 mAh). The smaller battery was the main safety mitigation.
• Charging: Fast charging supported (wired). Wireless charging available where the original hardware supported it. Battery health on any individual used unit depends on Manufacture Date, storage, and prior use.

Software

• UI: Updated firmware brought an S8-like UI experience (visual tweaks, Bixby at the time). Security updates and long-term Android updates turn on regional policies and carrier support; official updates likely ceased several years ago. Custom ROMs remain an option for advanced users who want more recent Android builds.
• Connectivity & sensors
• Ports & sensors: USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, S Pen slot, fingerprint scanner (rear in most regions), iris scanner in some models, NFC, Bluetooth, and standard Wi-Fi support for the era.

Pros & Cons  

Pros

• Design & ergonomics: Premium glass-and-metal body with curved edges and a comfortable hold. The S Pen remains a standout feature for creativity and note-taking.
• Camera quality: The 12 MP main sensor with Dual Pixel AF and OIS still produces strong images in many lighting conditions.
• Value (when available): If you can source a well-priced unit, you get flagship hardware (display, camera, S Pen) cheaper than newer flagships.
• Eco-friendly reuse: Samsung reused surplus parts and reduced e-waste, giving the FE unit a supportable angle.

Cons

• Aging hardware & software: The SoC, RAM, and software support are dated; security updates likely stopped years ago.
• Battery age & degradation: Original FE batteries are from 2017  any original cell is now old and likely has reduced capacity. Battery replacement or health verification is essential.
• Limited availability & parts: FE units were restricted in production; spare parts and official support may be scarce in many regions.
• Not future-proof: If you require long-term OS updates, new modem firmware, or promise security patches, a modern phone is a safer long-term choice.

Bottom line: Great for Note fans who value the S Pen and classic Samsung hardware, but buyers should accept the trade-offs in battery age, software longevity, and parts availability.

Buying guide  

Who should consider a Note FE?

• Note enthusiasts and collectors.
• Users who need a dedicated  indicator at a lower cost.
• People comfortable with older software or who can install custom ROMs.

Where to buy safely

• Authorized resellers or official recondition stores (if any regional stock remains).
• Reputable marketplaces with strong seller ratings and return policies (eBay, certified refurbishers).
• Local sellers only if you can inspect the device in person and verify IMEI and battery condition.

Price expectations

• Launch price (2017): ~699,000 KRW (~$600).
• Used market: Prices vary by condition, region, and rarity  check multiple marketplaces and expect premium on virginal or boxed units.

Verification checklist  MUST do before buying

1. IMEI & serial lookup: Ask seller to show the IMEI; verify with online IMEI checkers and confirm the model variant (Note FE).
2. Battery condition: Ask for manufacture date and battery health; if buying in person, check for swelling and temperature during use. Do not accept swollen batteries.
3. S Pen functionality: Test pressure reactivity, button actions, Air Commands, and screen responsiveness.
4. Screen & touch: Check for dead pixels, burn-in, and responsiveness across the display. AMOLED burn-in is possible with older units.
5. Camera & sensors: Test autofocus, flash, and front camera. Verify fingerprint, iris, and proximity sensors.
6. Software & firmware: Ask for build number and current firmware; confirm device isn’t carrier-locked or bricked.
7. Return / warranty: Buy only when there’s a return window or seller warranty. Request to obtain.

Red flags

• No S Pen or missing box items.
• Seller refuses to share IMEI or show device powered on.
• “Brand new” at too-low price,probable grey-market.
• Visible battery bulge, overheating, or screen discoloration.

Repairability & safety notes

Teardown & repairability

• Shared hardware with Note7: iFixit’s teardown shows the FE shares most internals with Note7 except the battery swap and safety checks. Common repairs (battery, screen) follow similar Stratagem to the Note7.
• Availability: Replacement batteries and displays for Note7/FE can be sourced, but availability declines as years pass. Use reputable parts suppliers; cheap mass-market parts can produce poor results.

Safety guidance

• Battery caution: If the battery is original (manufactured 2017), expect degradation. Check capacity and inspect physically for swelling. Replace with a reputable service if capacity or safety is in doubt.
• Professional servicing: For battery swaps and major repairs, use validate repair centers to ensure correct cells and safety checks.
• If you suspect a problem: Power the device down and stop using it immediately. Contact a professional or authorized service center.

Monetization & affiliate ideas

• Affiliate product links: Cases, certified replacement batteries, screen protectors, S Pen accessories.
• Comparison & price widgets: Link to distributor pages; use affiliate IDs.
• Downloadable checklist / email capture: Offer a free PDF and follow-up “Top 5 refurbished phone deals this month” email.
• Sponsored content: Partner with certified refurbishers or repair shops for sponsored placement (clearly disclose).
• Guides & services: Sell a “How to check IMEI & battery for used phones” video tutorial or service linking purchaser to a certified pre-purchase inspection.

FAQs  

The Samsung Galaxy Note FE (Fan Edition) is an individual smartphone in Samsung’s history. It is not a new flagship, nor a rumored deviceit is a carefully overhauled version of the Galaxy Note7, rebuilt with a smaller, safety-tested battery and released in limited numbers for fans who still wanted the full Note experience. For buyers who value the S Pen, premium AMOLED display, solid camera performance, and classic Note design, the Note FE can still make sense principally at the right price. However, its age, discontinued software support, and battery wear over time mean it is best suited for enthusiasts, collectors, or budget-conscious users who appreciate the trade-offs.