Galaxy Tab S9 FE in a short test: Samsung’s answer to the Xiaomi Pad 6

In the spring, Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S9 series consisting of Tab S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra. The tablets shined with bright AMOLED screens, a control pen included in delivery and, for the first time, a dust- and waterproof housing according to IP68.

1. Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+: These are the differences

2. display

3. Processor and memory

4. Alternatives

5. Netzwelt means

   1. We liked that

   2. We didn’t like that

The prices caused less enthusiasm; they started at 899 euros. Samsung is now adding two more models to the Tab S9 series: Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+. Prices start at 529 euros, meaning the new tablets are about half as expensive as the spring models.

Where do you have to make compromises, how do FE and FE+ differ and who is it worth buying for? We’ll clarify that below. At the invitation of Samsung in Schwalbach, Netzwelt was able to try out the two new tablets at the market launch.

Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+: These are the differences

Let’s first clarify the most important question: What is the difference between Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+? Essentially in size. While the Tab S9 FE measures 10.9 inches, the Tab S9 FE has a 12.4-inch display. There are also differences in battery capacity due to the sizes.

The Tab S9 FE has an 8,000 mAh battery, the S9 FE+ has a 10,900 mAh battery. Only the Tab S9 FE+ also has a dual camera on the back. However, since tablets are rarely used for photography, this difference can be ignored.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE in pictures

This is what the Samsung tablet looks like.

Let’s take a closer look at the two tablets below. Both offer high-quality workmanship. Samsung has packaged the display and hardware in an all-metal housing that, like the more expensive models, is protected against dust and water according to IP68. Unfortunately, the metal back turned out to be slippery in the short test.

If you place the Tab S9 FE on a smooth sofa, you run the risk of it becoming independent while you’re away and sliding roughly to the floor. You can avoid this by using a protective cover (Samsung offers numerous models – until November 6th, for example, you will receive the book cover with keyboard for free with your purchase), but this will hide the beautiful design.

At Buy Tab S9 FE*

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Both tablets are available in the following colors: Gray, Mint, Silver and Lavender.

display

A key reason for the lower price of the FE tablets is the display. Samsung is using an LCD here instead of an AMOLED panel like the other Tab S9 models. Resolution, brightness and refresh rate are also lower. The Tab S9 FE models only have a resolution of Full HD+, display images at a maximum of 90 Hertz and the screen can shine brightly up to 720 nits. When surfing on the terrace or balcony, there may be problems with readability on sunny days.

Otherwise, the screens were pleasing in the short test. The display is sharp and the colors appear crisp even without AMOLED technology. If we hadn’t been told, we would have thought we found an AMOLED panel. Both displays are not only touch-sensitive, but also support pen input.

As with the other S9 models, the S-Pen control pen is included in the scope of delivery. The tablets do not offer a recess for this on the back, but it can be magnetically attached to the housing and charged.

Processor and memory

Samsung has also saved costs on the processor. Instead of the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, they rely on the self-developed Exynos 1380, which is also used in the mid-range Galaxy A54 model. Its performance is not outstanding here either, but it is enough to ensure smooth operation in the short test. Both tablets are available as a 5G or pure WiFi version.

The 5G-ready SIM card can be a physical SIM or eSIM. Samsung offers the Tab S9 FE and FE+ with 128 or 256 gigabytes of memory. The 128 gigabyte version of the tablet offers 8 gigabytes of RAM and the 256 gigabyte version has 12 gigabytes.

There is a fingerprint sensor hidden in the power switch, which unlocked the tablet quickly and reliably in a short test. Just putting your finger on it was enough. However, the sensor can only be easily reached if you hold the tablet in landscape format. Alternatively, the Tab S9 FE also offers 2D facial recognition.

Both tablets are delivered with Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1. An update to Android 14 and One UI 6 should follow soon. Samsung also guarantees you four Android updates and five years of security patches.

Alternatives

Inexpensive tablets that are not only suitable for surfing on the sofa, but also for productive use thanks to the stylus and keyboard cover, are also available for cheaper with the Lenovo P12 and the Xiaomi Pad 6. You can get both models for just 400 euros. In comparison, the Tab P12 drops significantly in terms of display and computing power.

The Xiaomi Pad 6 offers more computing power than the FE models, but you have to purchase the pen separately. In terms of price, you should still get it cheaper than Samsung. However, the Xiaomi Pad 6 does not receive updates for as long as the two Samsung tablets.

Netzwelt means

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE models offer a good compromise between price and performance. The price is likely to fall, especially on Black Friday, so the models are definitely worth a look. But it’s only worth buying if you want to take notes with the pen at university, for example. The significantly cheaper Galaxy Tab A8 or the Galaxy Tab A9, which will probably be released soon, are also sufficient for surfing on the sofa.

We liked that

• Chic design
• Control pen included in delivery
• Long software support

We didn’t like that

A notice: The costs for travel and an overnight stay were covered by Samsung. This has no influence on reporting. You can find out more about this in our transparency guidelines.