Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Specs, pricing, features, and more

In 2020, Samsung started releasing “Fan Edition” models of some of its products. Since then, for Samsung’s Android tablets, we’ve only seen one FE model, which was the 2021 Galaxy Tab S7 FE. However, after launching the Galaxy Tab S9 series, Samsung has now released the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Tab S9 FE 5G, and Tab S9 FE Plus.

In this article, we’ve summarized all the information about the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Keep on reading to learn about the budget-friendly tablet line.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Release date, price, and availability

Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series on October 3, 2023. While this is the announcement date, the tablets were scheduled for general availability on October 5 from select retail partners, with availability opening up to Samsung.com on October 10.

The base model starts at $449.99 for the model with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM, while the 5G version is $100 more expensive at $549.99, and the Plus is $599.99.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Features

As expected from months of leaks and rumors, Samsung launched a pair of FE-branded tablets with a 5G variant. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE 5G are a trimmed-down version of the Galaxy Tab S9. Likewise, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is a similarly trimmed variant of the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus. However, Samsung did not make an FE equivalent to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.

Performance

All three models in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE family feature Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chip. This is a 2023 system on a chip (SoC) designed for mid-range devices. Although this is an octa-core processor, it pales in comparison to the mighty Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy that appears in the Galaxy Tab S9 series. In other words, if you need a ton of raw power with your Android tablet, you’re not going to get it with these FE models. Instead, you’ll get a good enough tablet for entertainment consumption, some gaming, and all your usual productivity apps.

The Exynos chip has a max clock speed of 2.4GHz and an ARM Mali-G68 MP5 GPU. Compared to the Tab S7 FE, the Tab S9 FE has 38% improved CPU performance with a 73% higher GPU performance.

The tablets allow you to expand storage up to 1TB with a microSD slot. Additionally, both models include Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and 5G support on the 5G variant.

Software and hardware features

Out of the box, the tablets run on Android 13. You can also expect the tablet to have a variety of creativity and productivity tools. For example, the tablets have apps like GoodNotes, LumaFusion, Clip Studio Paint, and more.

You can use these pieces of software more efficiently with the included S Pen. This stylus attaches to the tablet magnetically and is IP68-rated against water and dust.

Additionally, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series is fully compatible with the Galaxy Tab S9 accessories. In other words, if you spot something that works with the Galaxy Tab S9, it will also work with the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.

Finally, the tablet’s power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, so you can always be sure your device is locked down.

Screen size and quality

Screen size is more than adequate on both devices. The Tab S9 FE boasts a 10.9-inch display, while the Tab S9 FE Plus is a little bigger at 12.4 inches. These displays are LCDs, with the Tab S9 FE sporting a WUXGA+ (2,304 x 1,440) screen and the Plus with a WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) screen.

The refresh rate on these displays won’t blow your pants off, but they are able to adapt from 48Hz up to 90Hz automatically. Those panels also come with a feature called Vision Booster, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness depending on how bright your environment is. To keep the panel crispy and clean, consider grabbing a Galaxy Tab S9 FE screen protector alongside the slate. Notably, some users have indicated that they’ve faced problems with display touches. Your mileage may vary in this regard.

Design, colors, and build quality

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but these tablets are very similar in design to the Galaxy Tab S9. For the Tab S9 FE, there’s a single camera on the back, a camera in the front, a spot to charge an S Pen, and flat sides all around. As for its dimensions, you’re getting 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26in.

The Plus model is slightly bigger, measuring 11.24 x 7.30 x 0.26in. Unlike the Tab S9 FE, this model features two cameras in the back, with one in the front. Outside of that, it has the same spot for the S Pen and flat sides all around.

As mentioned earlier, there’s a port for a microSD card. And you can expect to see a USB-C 2.0 port you can use to connect with or charge the device.

Interestingly, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series is just as durable as the main series. All three FE tablets feature an IP68 rating — the very same rating as the much more expensive Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus, and S9 Ultra.

When it comes to colors, you have a few more choices to pick from than you did with the Galaxy Tab S9, which only offered Beige and Graphite. In total, four colorways include gray, silver, Mint, and Lavender.

Battery life and charging speed

Regarding the battery, you’ll find an 8,000mAh battery powering the Tab S9 FE and a 10,090mAh battery in the Tab S9 FE Plus. Samsung says this provides up to 20 hours of video playback, and we got more than a few days of general use during our Plus review. These tablets rely on a USB-C cable to recharge. With Samsung’s Super Fast Charging technology, it says you can get a full charge in under an hour and a half.

Remember that you’ll need a 45W wall charger to see the top charging speeds, and there is no charger in the box.

Camera

Starting with the vanilla model, you can expect an 8MP primary camera on the back. Meanwhile, the front camera is an ultrawide that offers a 12MP sensor. Conversely, the Plus has an 8MP primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide located on the back. The front, on the other hand, is the same as what’s on the base model — a 12MP ultrawide.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Specs

As far as specs go, there are 128GB and 256GB models for both the regular, 5G, and Plus variants. The base model gives you the option of 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Plus offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM.

You can see the full list of specs for both devices in the table below.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs Tab S9 FE: Which one should you buy?

At the end of the day, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus exist as a cheaper alternative to the Tab S9. They are tablets for those who can afford premium design but don’t care about peak performance. So, if you have money to burn, you might as well pick up the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus.

Of course, if you don’t want to spend too much, the better option will probably be the Galaxy Tab S9 FE or FE 5G, and we discovered in our review that it’s a great slate for those who require a multitasking tool and little more. Both tablets offer about the same in terms of performance and features, with the biggest differences being the second camera and the size of the Plus. So you won’t really lose out on anything, regardless of your choice.

If you’re still pressed for cash, the Galaxy Tab A8 is a good ultra-affordable alternative.

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