Samsung continues to expand its Galaxy Tab lineup with the release of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (Fan Edition). Designed to deliver a premium experience at a more accessible price, this tablet is aimed at those who want high-end features without paying for the top-of-the-line models. Here’s an in-depth look at what the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Design and Build Quality

    The Galaxy Tab S9 FE sticks closely to Samsung’s design language, offering a sleek, minimalist look. The aluminum build ensures durability while keeping the weight manageable for portability. With a slim profile, this tablet feels comfortable in hand and is easy to carry around. Available in multiple colors like Mint, Lavender, Graphite, and Silver, it adds a touch of personalization.

    This tablet strikes the perfect balance for classic tablet-based activities. It’s significantly larger than any phone, yet avoids the hefty bulk of a 12-inch-plus device. For those who prefer a bigger screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is available to fill that need.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Display

    The Tab S9 FE comes with a 10.9-inch display with a WQXGA (2560 x 1600) resolution. The screen offers vibrant colors, sharp details, and decent brightness levels, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and productivity. While it doesn't have the Super AMOLED panel found in more premium models, the LCD screen still offers a good viewing experience with solid color accuracy and contrast.

    The fact that it’s an LCD becomes more evident at night. With a typical universal backlight, the depth of blacks is limited. This is particularly noticeable at extreme angles, where the screen takes on a bluish-grey tint due to the backlight.

    The 90Hz refresh rate might seem underwhelming to some tech enthusiasts, especially since the non-FE models boast 120Hz displays. That said, it still offers noticeably smoother scrolling compared to a traditional 60Hz panel, and during testing, it wasn’t a significant drawback.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Performance

    Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 processor, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers enough power for everyday tasks. Whether you're multitasking with multiple apps, browsing the web, or watching videos, performance remains smooth. It’s also capable of handling light gaming, although high-end games may experience some throttling or lower frame rates.

    The CPU delivers mid-range responsiveness when switching between apps, lacking the ultra-smooth performance of higher-end models. However, given its power level, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE handles thermal management well it never experiences significant throttling and remains cool even under load.

    The tablet is available in configurations with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and storage options include 128GB and 256GB, expandable via microSD up to 1TB. This makes it flexible for users who need more storage for media or work files.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: S Pen Support

    One of the standout features is the included S Pen, which is a significant value-add. It’s perfect for note-taking, drawing, or navigating the UI with more precision. The S Pen attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet for easy storage and charging. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in the S Pen for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, it still offers low latency and accurate input.

    The included stylus isn’t Samsung’s most advanced model. If you want Air Actions, where the stylus functions as a remote control, you’ll need the S Pen Pro. The one provided is a more traditional smart stylus, battery-free, and communicates with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s screen via its digitizer layer.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Battery Life

    The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is equipped with a large 8,000mAh battery, offering up to 12 hours of screen-on time depending on usage. Whether you’re streaming content, working, or taking notes, the battery life should easily get you through a full day of moderate use. The device supports 45W fast charging, but note that the charger is sold separately.

    Given its larger display compared to the Apple iPad Air, you might assume the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus packs a bigger battery and, therefore, offers longer battery life. Surprisingly, the Tab S9 FE Plus outperformed expectations in our Future Labs battery rundown tests. While the iPad Air managed 10 hours under our rigorous testing, the Tab FE Plus pushed through an impressive 18 hours before running out of power.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Software and Features

    Running on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1, the software experience is fluid and feature-rich. Samsung DeX is supported, allowing you to switch to a desktop-like interface, making it easier to work with multiple apps and tasks simultaneously. The multitasking capabilities, including split-screen and floating windows, are well-optimized, making it a versatile tool for both work and play.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Camera

    The Tab S9 FE features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. While these cameras won’t replace your smartphone, they’re more than adequate for video calls, scanning documents, and occasional photos. The front-facing camera performs decently in well-lit environments, ensuring clear video quality for meetings or online classes.

    As expected from the still image performance, video capture is also limited, maxing out at a modest 1080p at 30 frames per second. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE features a fairly simple camera setup, which is fitting for a device in this range. For those curious, the front camera is positioned for optimal use in landscape mode, ensuring it’s directly aligned with your face when holding the tablet horizontally.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Price and Value

    Samsung has positioned the Galaxy Tab S9 FE as a mid-range option, priced competitively in its segment. It’s designed for users who want more than just the basics but aren’t ready to splurge on the premium Tab S9 models. With prices starting around $449 for the base model, it offers solid value considering the features, build quality, and included S Pen.

Is Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Worth Buying ?

    The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a versatile, well-rounded tablet that delivers strong value for money. With its premium build, S Pen support, and capable performance, it’s an excellent choice for students, professionals, and creatives alike. While it doesn’t offer the high-end specs of Samsung’s flagship tablets, it strikes a good balance between price and performance, making it a worthy contender in the mid-range tablet market.