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Verdict: Samsung did not relaunch a product officially called the Galaxy Watch4 in 2024. It announced the Galaxy Watch FE on June 13, 2024, with U.S. Bluetooth availability beginning June 24. However, the FE reuses most of the listed hardware platform from the 40mm Galaxy Watch4, which is why it is often described as a re-release or rebrand.

What Samsung actually launched in 2024

Samsung described the Galaxy Watch FE as a new addition to its smartwatch lineup, not as a returning Galaxy Watch4 model. The U.S. announcement specified a 40mm aluminum watch in Black, Pink Gold and Silver. Bluetooth models became available June 24, 2024; Samsung said LTE availability would follow through Samsung, carriers and retailers.

The announcement and specifications are documented by Samsung at its Galaxy Watch FE release.

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Why the FE looks like a Watch4 re-release

The “re-release” theory comes from the unusually close specification match. Samsung’s listed figures for the FE and the 40mm Watch4 align across the processor, memory, storage, battery, display, sensors, connectivity and durability ratings.

#1 Best Overall
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch FE 40mm GPS, AI Smartwatch w/Fitness Tracking, BIA Sensor, Personalized HR Zones, Heart Rate Tracker, Sleep Monitor, 2024, Black (US Version) (Renewed)
  • BioActive Sensor Technology: Advanced sensor measures heart rate, blood oxygen, and body composition for detailed wellness insights.
  • Super AMOLED Display: 1.2-inch always-on display delivers sharp visuals and clear readability for notifications and fitness data.
  • Wear OS Powered by Samsung: Access Google apps, Play Store, and seamless integration with compatible Android devices.
  • Durable and Lightweight Design: Aluminum case with water and dust resistance designed for everyday use and active lifestyles.
  • Comprehensive Fitness and Sleep Tracking: Tracks workouts, activity, sleep patterns, and provides insights to support daily wellness goals.
Specification Galaxy Watch FE Galaxy Watch4
Processor Exynos W920, dual-core 1.18GHz Exynos W920, dual-core 1.18GHz
Memory and storage 1.5GB RAM, 16GB storage 1.5GB RAM, 16GB storage
40mm battery 247mAh 247mAh
40mm display 1.2-inch, 396×396 Super AMOLED 1.2-inch, 396×396 Super AMOLED
Sensors BioActive Sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyro, geomagnetic and light sensors Same listed sensor categories
Wireless charging WPC-based WPC-based
Durability 5ATM, IP68 and MIL-STD-810G 5ATM, IP68 and MIL-STD-810G
Compatibility Android 6.0 or later with more than 1.5GB device memory Android 6.0 or later with more than 1.5GB device memory

These are Samsung’s published specifications, not proof that every internal component is physically identical. The accurate description is that the FE is largely based on, or effectively reuses, the 40mm Watch4 platform.

Compare Samsung’s FE announcement with the original Galaxy Watch4 specifications and launch information.

What changed from the Galaxy Watch4

Sapphire Crystal instead of Gorilla Glass

The FE uses sapphire-crystal display protection. Samsung listed Corning Gorilla Glass DX or DX+ for the Watch4. Sapphire is a meaningful physical change, although it does not turn the FE into a new performance generation.

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Only one case size

The FE is officially 40mm only. The Watch4 came in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The larger Watch4 also had a 1.4-inch 450×450 display and a 361mAh battery, so the FE is not a replacement for that configuration.

Rank #2
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch FE 40mm LTE AI Smartwatch w/Fitness Tracking, BIA Sensor, Personalized HR Zones, Heart Rate Tracker, Sleep Monitor, 2024, Black [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]
  • FITNESS TRACKING: Get performance insights on step counts, active minutes, calories burned and more; Your Watch automatically tracks everyday movements like walking and running — plus, it helps you manually track over 90 other exercises¹
  • KEEP YOUR BODY IN BALANCE: Get to know your body better with the BIA sensor² ¹; Use your Watch to get data on body fat, muscle mass, water levels and more, and use these insights to work on goals like muscle growth and improved hydration
  • HIT YOUR PERSONAL BEST: Work out at your preferred intensity using personalized heart rate zones³ with Galaxy AI; It tailors the data to you the more you use it so you both get better together
  • SMART HEART MONITORING: Galaxy Watch FE helps you keep an eye on your heart with ECG Monitoring & periodic heart rate measurements to detect irregularities⁴; Get a step ahead of your health by sharing these personalized readings with your doctor
  • A SLEEP COACH ON YOUR WRIST: Advanced Sleep Coaching with Galaxy AI⁵ helps you plan bedtime, detect snoring⁶ and understand & track your sleep stages (awake, light, deep, REM); Your sleep data & insights adapt to you the more you use it

Different styling and presentation

The FE has its own colors, band treatment—including blue-and-orange stitching in Samsung’s presentation—and new watch faces. Its branding and product positioning are FE-series branding rather than Watch4 branding.

A newer software starting point

The original Watch4 launched with Wear OS Powered by Samsung and One UI Watch3. The FE launched with Wear OS Powered by Samsung and One UI 5 Watch. Samsung later included both generations in its One UI 6 Watch rollout, alongside the Watch4 Classic, Watch5 and Watch6.

Feature availability can vary by market, carrier, model, paired phone and app version, as Samsung explains in its One UI 6 Watch announcement.

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How the original Galaxy Watch4 fits into the timeline

Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch4 on August 11, 2021, and began retail availability on August 27, 2021. The original U.S. launch prices were $249.99 for Bluetooth and $299.99 for LTE. The Watch4 Classic was a separate stainless-steel model with a physical rotating bezel and 42mm and 46mm sizes; it should not be treated as the same product as either the Watch4 or Watch FE.

Rank #3
Sale
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE 40mm LTE AI Smartwatch w/Fitness Tracking, BIA Sensor, Personalized HR Zones, Heart Rate Tracker, Sleep Monitor, 2024, Black (US Version) (Renewed)
  • BioActive Sensor Technology, Advanced sensor measures heart rate, blood oxygen, and body composition for detailed wellness insights.

Which should you buy: Watch FE or Watch4?

Choose the FE when

  • The price difference from a Watch4 is small.
  • You want a new battery, a manufacturer warranty and a new retail unit.
  • Sapphire Crystal matters to you.
  • A 40mm case is the right size.
  • You want to avoid uncertain battery wear or hidden damage in a used watch.

Choose a Watch4 when

  • You need the 44mm case, larger display or 361mAh battery.
  • A used or refurbished unit is substantially cheaper.
  • You can verify battery condition, return rights and LTE compatibility.
  • You accept that a 2021 watch may have more wear and less remaining support than a newer purchase.

Do not compare only the original launch prices. A used Watch4’s condition can matter more than the specification sheet, while a remaining FE unit may be old stock rather than a recently manufactured watch.

Support, health features and compatibility caveats

The FE’s later launch does not guarantee a specific support end date. Keep these separate: its 2024 launch date, the software version supplied at launch, actual update eligibility and Samsung’s security-support end date. The cited Samsung material does not establish a universal product-specific end date for the FE.

Health functions such as ECG, irregular-heart-rate notifications, body composition, sleep-related features and workout tracking can require Samsung Health, a compatible Galaxy phone, regulatory clearance and country-specific availability. LTE service also depends on the carrier and region. Check the requirements for your exact phone and market before buying.

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Availability in 2026

The FE is no longer a straightforward current Samsung purchase in the United States. Samsung’s December 2024 U.S. MSRP list showed $199.99 for Bluetooth and $249.99 for LTE, but its March 2025 MSRP list marked the listed FE variants EOL. That establishes Samsung’s status for that price list, not the inventory position of every retailer.

Rank #4
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE 40mm LTE AI Smartwatch w/Fitness Tracking, BIA Sensor, Personalized HR Zones, Heart Rate Tracker, Sleep Monitor, 2024, Silver [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]
  • FITNESS TRACKING: Get performance insights on step counts, active minutes, calories burned and more; Your Watch automatically tracks everyday movements like walking and running — plus, it helps you manually track over 90 other exercises¹
  • KEEP YOUR BODY IN BALANCE: Get to know your body better with the BIA sensor² ¹; Use your Watch to get data on body fat, muscle mass, water levels and more, and use these insights to work on goals like muscle growth and improved hydration
  • HIT YOUR PERSONAL BEST: Work out at your preferred intensity using personalized heart rate zones³ with Galaxy AI; It tailors the data to you the more you use it so you both get better together
  • SMART HEART MONITORING: Galaxy Watch FE helps you keep an eye on your heart with ECG Monitoring & periodic heart rate measurements to detect irregularities⁴; Get a step ahead of your health by sharing these personalized readings with your doctor
  • A SLEEP COACH ON YOUR WRIST: Advanced Sleep Coaching with Galaxy AI⁵ helps you plan bedtime, detect snoring⁶ and understand & track your sleep stages (awake, light, deep, REM); Your sleep data & insights adapt to you the more you use it

The former Galaxy Watch FE product URL now redirects to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 page. Remaining stock may therefore be old, scarce or overpriced. Treat marketplace prices as volatile and check seller reputation, warranty and returns.

If an FE costs close to a newer model, compare Samsung’s current options instead. The Galaxy Watch7 family is documented at Samsung’s Watch7 page, and the current replacement path is the Galaxy Watch8. Samsung’s December 2024 list placed Watch7 Bluetooth models from $299.99 and LTE models from $349.99, with 44mm versions at $329.99 Bluetooth and $379.99 LTE; those are MSRP figures, not guaranteed 2026 selling prices.

Bottom line

The technically correct answer is simple: Samsung did not re-release the Galaxy Watch4 under that name in 2024. It launched the Galaxy Watch FE, a refreshed 40mm Watch4-based platform with sapphire crystal, updated styling, One UI 5 Watch and a new FE identity. For buyers, the practical choice is between a new or warranted 40mm FE when priced sensibly and a cheaper Watch4—especially the 44mm model—when its battery and condition have been verified.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.