Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Review: 8.1/10 - Solid mid-range Android tablet with S Pen included
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, released in October 2023, brings many flagship features to a more affordable price point. It includes the S Pen stylus in the box, an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, and a smooth 90Hz display. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, it handles everyday tasks, media consumption, and light creative work with ease.
Design & Build
The Tab S9 FE shares the design language of its flagship siblings with flat aluminum edges and a clean rear panel. At 523g it is slightly heavier than premium tablets, but the build quality is reassuringly solid. The 10.9-inch display features a 90Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and S Pen use feel smooth, though it uses an LCD panel rather than the AMOLED found on the flagship S9. The IP68 rating is unusual at this price and provides peace of mind against spills and splashes. The USB-C port is limited to 2.0 speeds, so video output is not supported.
Performance
The Exynos 1380 handles everyday multitasking, streaming, and note-taking without issue. Benchmark scores are competitive with other mid-range tablets, and the Mali-G68 GPU manages casual gaming well. The 8000 mAh battery delivers solid endurance, lasting up to 12 hours of mixed video playback and web browsing. The included S Pen offers low latency for note-taking and drawing through Samsung Notes. 45W charging support is welcome, though the included charger is typically a 15W unit.
Features
Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1 on top of Android 13 provides excellent multitasking with split-screen and pop-up windows. The S Pen attaches magnetically to the back for storage and charges wirelessly. DeX mode transforms the tablet into a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor. The 12MP front-facing ultrawide camera is excellent for video calls, and Samsung’s software update commitment promises 4 major OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches.
Pros
- S Pen included in the box
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 90Hz display for smooth scrolling
- microSD expansion up to 1TB
- Long software update commitment
Cons
- LCD display instead of AMOLED
- USB-C 2.0 limits external display use
- Performance lags behind the flagship S9
- Charger not included in some regions
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is an excellent mid-range Android tablet that brings premium features like S Pen support and IP68 resistance to a more accessible price point.
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Technical Specifications
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- Features (20% weight): Breadth and usefulness of included functionality.
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