Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Vs. Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Bigger Is Better
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Small 5G tablet
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the smallest 5G tablet in the S series, making it a great option for those looking for a 5G tablet. With a 90Hz display and Exynos chipset, sacrifices have been made to achieve the lowest price, but it's still a solid tablet for the price.
Benefits- 5G option
- low cost
- Compact design
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE +
iPad Air competitor
$543 $600 Save $57
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a mid-range version of the Tab S9+, with a larger 12.4-inch LCD screen and more RAM than the S9 FE, but lacks the ability to add 5G. Spending $600 on an affordable tablet is almost unheard of, but is it worth the sacrifices made to reach that price?
Benefits- More RAM
- Big battery
- Big screen
Discomfort- Strong competition for $600.
- No 5G option.
Samsung is expanding its fan base beyond phones with the introduction of the Galaxy Buds FE and Tab S9 FE series. They are undoubtedly among Samsung's best tablets, but they impress by combining luxury features with an affordable mid-range design.
The Tab S9 FE is a 10.9-inch device and the S9 FE+ is a 12.4-inch device. Are these the only differences? Which one should you buy? Let's dive into the details and find out.
Price, availability and features.
Both tablets are available from Samsung and most retailers around the world. The Tab S9 FE starts at $450 for the 4G model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and goes up to $520 for the 8GB +256GB model. There's also a 5G version of the tablet - not available, but only available with lower RAM and storage specs and costs. You have $550.
The S9 FE+ starts at $600, which gives you more starting RAM in the standard 8GB+128GB model. $700 gets you 12GB + 256GB, but the larger tablet doesn't offer any 5G options.
The specifications are the same as the S9 FE+ except for the differences in RAM and storage, bigger battery and screen. You can see the full specification below.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE + Storage 128 GB or 256 GB - expandable with microSD 128 GB or 256 GB - expandable with microSD operating system Android 13 with integrated UI 5.1.1 Android 13 with integrated UI 5.1.1 Battery 8000mAh 10090 per cent Ports USB-C USB-C Display type IPS LCD screen, 90Hz IPS LCD screen, 90Hz Colors Gray, mint, silver, lavender Gray, silver, mint, lavender IP rating IP68 IP68 Weight 523g (Wi-Fi), 524g (5G) 628 g Payment options USB-C USB-C SIM card holder Yes No Soc Samsung Exynos 1380 Samsung Exynos 1380 cell phone 5G (optional) No WiFi connection Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.3 Style S Pen included. S Pen included. Random Access Memory 6GB or 8GB 8GB or 12GB Front camera 12MP ultra wide angle 12MP ultra wide angle Rear camera 8 MP main 8MP main, 8MP ultra-wide Sizes 165.8 x 254.3 x 6.5 mm 285.4x185.4x6.5mm Loading speed 45 W cable 45 W cable Price From 450 dollars From 600 dollars Display dimensions 10.9 inches 12.4 inches Screen quality 2304x1440 2560x1600
Design and display
Both displays represent a significant step up from the standard S9 series. Gone are the faster 120Hz AMOLED panels in favor of 90Hz LCD displays. Fortunately, both are still 1440p, so they're pretty sharp. The S9 FE measures 10.9 inches, while the FE+ measures 12.4 inches.
The design of both tablets matches the design of their more expensive counterparts. Rounded corners and sharp edges add elegance to the iPad Pro, while the magnetic S Pen on the back adds shine. That's right, these displays still support the S Pen (included in the box), even at this price.
When the device is in landscape mode, the volume up and power buttons are on the top, and the USB-C port is on the right. Additionally, the S9 FE and S9 FE+ have an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, which is always a good thing.
Performance and software
The software and processor are the same on both devices, with Android 13 and the same 5.1.1 UI based on the Exynos 1380. However, the S9 FE+ does more work thanks to the extra RAM.
The S9 FE starts with 6GB of RAM and goes up to 8GB, while the S9 FE+ starts with 8GB and has a 12GB option. In terms of storage, both can choose between 128GB or 256GB, and both offer that option. Expand it with a microSD card.
One UI 5.1.1 works well on such large screens, thanks to tablet-specific features like Samsung DeX and Android-enhanced split screen. Samsung's track record in updating phones has been good but tablets are another story, with previously affordable tablets you'd get a couple of updates if you were lucky. Things differ here: the Tab S9 FE and FE+, like the S23 series, offer four Android updates and a fifth year of security patches. This means you will receive Android 17.
Battery life
We haven't used either tablet long enough to judge battery life. Our full reviews are in progress at the time of writing, so until we have more time to judge, we can at least look at the details. The S9 FE includes an 8,000 mAh battery, while the larger S9 FE+ packs up to 10,090 mAh. LCD screens consume more power than AMOLED screens on the regular Tab S9 and we don't know how efficient the chips are.
We expect both devices to last at least a day for the average user, though the S9 FE+ will probably last a bit longer. Both charge at 15W via USB-C.
Cameras
FE has one camera while FE+ has two cameras. Both devices use 8MP main sensors, while the FE+ adds an 8MP ultra-wide angle for added flexibility. The selfie cameras are similar and use 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensors.
Although the quality remains to be seen, this front camera should be great for video calls. It's a super-wide sensor, so it can fit everyone if there's a lot of people talking around you, or you can crop and sweep to track your face as you move.
What is right for you?
If you want a 5G tablet, the standard S9 FE is your only option in the FE range. Other than that, we recommend the S9 FE+. In our opinion, the extra RAM and bigger battery is worth the extra money. Tablets like these are great for running multiple apps at the same time, but 6GB of RAM is a struggle on a small tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE +
Editor's Choice
iPad Air competitor
$543 $600 Save $57
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ remains the mid-range version of the Tab S9 series, this time with a larger 12.4-inch LCD screen and more RAM compared to the S9 FE. Spending $600 on an affordable tablet is almost unheard of, but is it worth the sacrifices made to reach that price?
- More RAM
- Big battery
- Big screen
- There is no 5G model.
- Strong competition for $600.
However, if you want the cheapest tablet that's still fun to use, the S9 FE is pretty close to the FE+. The option to pay extra for 5G support would be a big plus, but keep in mind that it's limited to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Final player
Small 5G tablet
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the smallest tablet in the S series with 5G support. So it is the best option for anyone looking for a 5G tablet. With a 90Hz display and Exynos chipset, sacrifices have been made to achieve the lowest price, but it's still a solid tablet for the price.
- 5G option
- low cost
- Compact design
