Hello, tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung Galaxy Tab universe, exploring the remarkable features of the newly unveiled Galaxy Tab S9 FE and its bigger sibling, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. Strap in, because we're about to embark on a journey through specs, comparing these two titans to determine which one deserves a place in your hands.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ are the Fan Edition wonders! These tablets, true to their name, bring a delightful experience tailored for the fans. Samsung's Fan Edition products have consistently impressed users by offering a balanced blend of flagship features and affordability. They're like a special treat for tech enthusiasts who want top-notch performance without burning a hole in their pocket. The Fan Edition series, including these tablets, tends to capture the essence of what fans love most about Samsung devices: reliability, innovation, and a touch of luxury, all at a reasonable price.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE comfortably nestles itself in the mid-tier segment. Its robust performance, impressive display, and versatile camera setup make it a great choice for users who want a tablet that balances functionality and affordability. This tablet will appeal to students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable device for everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and light productivity. If you're looking for a tablet that won't break the bank while delivering a solid performance, the Tab S9 FE is your go-to option.
However, if you're a power user craving that extra oomph, especially for resource-intensive applications or gaming, you might want to set your sights on a flagship tablet. The Tab S9 FE, while competent, might leave you wanting more in terms of sheer processing power and multitasking capabilities.
Now, let's talk about the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. This beauty proudly sits in the flagship territory, offering top-of-the-line features and unparalleled performance. Its larger display, ample RAM, and superior camera setup cater to users who demand the absolute best from their devices. Professionals handling resource-heavy applications, creative individuals working on multimedia projects, and avid gamers will find the Tab S9 FE+ to be a dream come true. If you want the crème de la crème of tablet experiences, look no further.
However, if you're on a tight budget or your tablet needs are more basic, the Tab S9 FE+ might be overkill. Opting for this flagship might not be the most economical choice for users who primarily use tablets for social media, casual browsing, or light productivity tasks. In such cases, considering a mid-tier or entry-level tablet would be a wiser financial decision.
Body: Design and Build
Both the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ flaunt a sleek design, with glass front, aluminum back, and aluminum frames. The tablets are available in sophisticated Gray, Lavender, Mint, and Silver hues.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| General |
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| Dimensions | H: 254.3 mm (10.01″), W: 165.8 mm (6.53″), D: 6.5 mm (0.26″) | H: 285.4 mm (11.24″), W: 185.4 mm (7.30″), D: 6.5 mm (0.26″) |
| Mass |
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| Material | Glass front; aluminium back; aluminum frame | Glass front; aluminum back; aluminum frame |
| Colors | Gray, Lavender, Mint, Silver | Gray, Lavender, Mint, Silver |
Both the Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ are crafted with precision, featuring dimensions and weights designed for comfort and portability. The Tab S9 FE, being smaller and lighter, is perfect for users who prioritize ultimate portability. Its compact size and lightweight build make it an ideal companion for travelers, students, or anyone always on the move. Slip it into your bag, and you're good to go!
On the other hand, the Tab S9 FE+ caters to users who appreciate a larger canvas. While it might be slightly heavier, its spacious screen and enhanced features are a dream come true for multimedia enthusiasts, creative professionals, and multitaskers. The added weight is a small trade-off for the immersive experience it offers. If you often find yourself engrossed in movies, games, or productivity tasks, the Tab S9 FE+ is your ticket to a larger-than-life tablet experience.
Let's talk aluminum! The aluminum back and frame of these tablets not only add a touch of premium elegance but also ensure durability. Aluminum, known for its lightweight yet sturdy nature, provides a comfortable grip while maintaining a sleek profile. It's like holding a piece of cutting-edge technology wrapped in sophistication. The notable point about the aluminum build is its relatively higher resistance to wear and tear, making these tablets perfect for daily use without worrying too much about scratches or dings.
If we compare the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ with the predecessor Galaxy Tab S7 FE, the latter was a bit smaller and lighter at 284.8×185×6.3 mm and 608 g. And it featured a similar type of build, namely, glass front and aluminum back and frame.
IP Rating
Both the tablets boast an impressive IP68 rating, making them dust-tight and capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This makes them sturdy companions for your adventures.
IP ratings in tablets are a game-changer, though they're becoming more common, especially in higher-end models like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+.
So, what's the buzz about IP ratings? Well, they are a standardized measure of a device's resistance to dust and water. The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection, and it's followed by two digits. The higher the digits, the better the protection.
The first digit of the IP rating refers to the device's level of protection against the ingress of solid particles like dust; the value 6 is the highest it can go, and it means the device is dust-proof.
The second digit of the IP rating refers to the device's level of protection against the ingress of water; the value 8 means the device can be submerged under water up to a certain depth for a certain length of time (in this case, 1.5 m for 30 minutes).
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ are practically invincible against accidental spills, splashes, and dusty environments. This elevates the usability of these tablets in various situations. Whether you're lounging by the pool, working in a dusty workshop, or simply prone to accidental coffee spills (we've all been there), these tablets can handle it all without breaking a sweat. The IP68 rating ensures that your device remains functional and damage-free even in scenarios where non-IP rated tablets might falter.
Picture this: You're reading your favorite e-book in the bathtub. (Because why not?) With an IP68-rated tablet like the Tab S9 FE or Tab S9 FE+, you can do it worry-free. Or perhaps you're an outdoor enthusiast, using your tablet for navigation during a rain-soaked hike. No problem! The IP68 rating gives you the freedom to use your tablet in environments where water and dust are constant companions.
The predecessor Galaxy Tab S7 FE, for comparison, did not have an IP rating. So the newer Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is definitely an upgrade in the build department.
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The Galaxy Tab S9 boasts a vibrant 10.9-inch IPS LCD screen with a 1440×2304 resolution, offering stunning visuals and stylus support. On the other hand, the Tab S9+ takes it up a notch with a larger 12.4-inch display and a 1600×2560 resolution. Both tablets feature a 90 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and impressive graphics.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 10.9″ (277 mm) diagonal | 12.4″ (315 mm) diagonal |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90 Hz | IPS LCD, 90 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 1440×2304, about 249 PPI | 1600×2560, about 243 PPI |
| Features | Stylus support | Stylus support |
The IPS LCD displays are a game-changer. IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology offers several benefits that enhance your viewing experience. First and foremost, IPS panels provide vivid colors and excellent viewing angles. Whether you're watching a movie with friends or showing off your latest digital artwork, everyone gets the best view, no matter the angle.
Another standout feature of IPS LCD displays is their high brightness and sharpness. This means you can enjoy clear visuals even in bright sunlight or well-lit rooms. It's perfect for outdoor use or any situation where lighting might be a challenge.
Both the tablets have stylus support. In the world of tablets, a stylus is like a magic wand, opening up a realm of creative possibilities and practical uses.
The older Tab S7 FE boasted a 12.4-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1600×2560 pixels and stylus support. The Tab S9 FE+ takes it up a notch. It maintains the same resolution, ensuring crisp details and vibrant colors. However, the switch to an IPS panel and a higher 90 Hz refresh rate means you're getting those rich colors and wide viewing angles that the TFT LCD might have lacked, along with smoother scrolling. So the display of the Tab S9 FE+ is undoubtedly an upgrade over its predecessor.
Networks
Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital realm! The Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE+, with their support for the networking quartet of GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies, are like the well-connected socialites in the world of networks.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
Both the tablets support a Nano-SIM.
Chipset: Performance
Under the hood, these tablets are powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset (5 nm) and an octa-core CPU. They deliver snappy performance for multitasking and gaming. The Mali-G68 MP5 GPU enhances your visual experience, making graphics-intensive tasks a breeze.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 |
Think of the Cortex-A78 cores as the powerhouses. These cores are the high-performance cores responsible for handling demanding tasks. Whether you're running complex applications, editing high-resolution photos, or gaming, these cores kick into action, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
The Cortex-A55 cores, on the other hand, are the efficient multitaskers. These cores are optimized for energy efficiency. They handle everyday tasks, background processes, and lighter applications. When you're browsing the web, checking emails, or listening to music, these cores take the lead, conserving battery life without compromising performance.
Now, you might have an intriguing question: Why do the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ have the identical chipset, CPU, and GPU? It's indeed a curious choice, given the significant differences in other aspects like displays and cameras (as we shall describe later). However, it's not uncommon in the tech world.
Samsung's decision to equip both the Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ with the same Exynos 1380 chipset, featuring the same CPU and GPU, likely stems from a strategic balance between performance, power efficiency, and cost. By standardizing the core components, Samsung ensures a consistent user experience across both tablets while potentially optimizing production costs.
Sure, if you're a power user, heavily involved in resource-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or professional gaming, you might desire a more robust chipset to fully exploit the tablet's potential. In such cases, an upgraded CPU or GPU could offer a performance boost, catering to the needs of demanding users. However, for the average user engaging in everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and light productivity, the existing components are more than sufficient. They provide a seamless experience, ensuring smooth multitasking, responsive app launches, and enjoyable gaming sessions.
Plus, the standardized components across the tablets maintain consistency, making it easier for Samsung to provide software updates and support for both devices.
As for comparison with the older Galaxy Tab S7 FE, it featured different components in its Wi-Fi and 5G models:
- Galaxy Tab S7 FE, Wi-Fi model: Chipset: Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm); CPU: Octa-core (1×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 + 3×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A55); GPU: Adreno 642L
- Galaxy Tab S7 FE, 5G model: Chipset: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm); CPU: Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 570 + 6×1.8 GHz Kryo 570); GPU: Adreno 619
The newer Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is surely a substantial upgrade in this department.
Memory and Storage
Both tablets support expandable storage via microSDXC, ensuring you never run out of space for your files and apps. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| RAM / Internal Storage Variants | 6 GB / 128 GB, 8 GB / 256 GB | 8 GB / 128 GB, 12 GB / 256 GB |
The older Galaxy Tab S7 FE came in three variants of RAM / internal storage, namely, 4 GB / 64 GB, 6 GB / 128 GB, and 8 GB / 256 GB.
Cameras
The Galaxy Tab S9 sports an 8 MP wide main camera and a 12 MP ultrawide selfie camera. The Tab S9+ features a dual setup with two 8 MP cameras for main shots and a 12 MP ultrawide selfie camera. Capture memories in stunning detail and enjoy high-quality video calls with these impressive cameras.
Rear Camera
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 1 (Single) | 2 (Dual) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 8 MP (wide) | 8 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide) |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps |
Let's focus our lens on the captivating world of tablet photography. The Tab S9 FE boasts a single 8 MP wide main camera. While it might not compete with high-end smartphones in terms of megapixels, it's more than capable for capturing everyday moments with decent clarity. This camera is your trusty companion for quick snapshots, document scanning, and casual photography. It delivers crisp, vibrant images, making it perfect for sharing memories on social media or preserving notes and sketches.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ additionally sports an 8 MP ultrawide lens. This lens expands your horizons, literally. It offers a wider field of view, allowing you to capture sweeping landscapes, architectural wonders, and creative compositions. Whether you're exploring nature or capturing the grandeur of urban architecture, the ultrawide lens adds a touch of drama to your photos.
The main camera setup of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a substantial upgrade over the older Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which sported a single 8 MP camera with autofocus and video recording capabilities of 1080p at 30 fps.
Front Camera
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 MP (ultrawide) |
| Video Recording | Yes |
The selfie camera of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is also an upgrade over the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which sported a 5 MP selfie camera with 1080p at 30 fps video recording capabilities.
Battery and Charging
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Both tablets are equipped with a hefty battery, ensuring long hours of use. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE | Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | Li-Po (non-removable) | Li-Po (non-removable) |
| Capacity | 8000 mAh | 10090 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 45 W QC 2.0 | 45 W QC 2.0 |
The Tab S9 houses an 8000 mAh battery, while the Tab S9+ boasts a massive 10090 mAh battery. They support 45 W wired charging, ensuring you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time enjoying your tablet.
The older Galaxy Tab S7 FE sported a battery similar to the Tab S9 FE+, with support for 45 W wired charging.
Sound
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
| Others | Tuned by AKG |
AKG Acoustics is a renowned Austrian manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment, known for its expertise in audio engineering and premium sound solutions. The "Tuned by AKG" tagline in the sound specifications of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ is an assurance that you're in for an audio treat. AKG collaborated with Samsung to fine-tune the sound profiles of these tablets.
This tuning process involves adjusting various audio parameters such as equalization, balance, and frequency response to ensure optimal audio performance. It signifies a commitment to top-notch sound quality, ensuring that your tablet experience is not only visually stunning but acoustically delightful as well. Happy listening!
The older Galaxy Tab S7 FE had a similar audio setup, also tuned by AKG.
Connectivity
With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, these tablets cover all the bases, ensuring you can connect to any Wi-Fi network. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
Lost? Not with the positioning capabilities of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series! It supports GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO. This means your tablet always knows where you are, and its positioning technology ensures you're always on the right path.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series does not have NFC.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C magnetic connector. Whether you're charging your phone, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your phone's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
We do not have information about the sensors present in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series tablets, but you might have a rough idea from the sensors present in the predecessor Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which sported proximity sensor, gyro, accelerometer, and compass. The gyro was only present in the Wi-Fi model of that tablet.
Now, the million-dollar question: which one should you choose? If you prefer a more compact device with slightly lower specifications, the Galaxy Tab S9 might be your perfect match. It's ideal for on-the-go productivity and entertainment.
However, if you crave a larger display and extra RAM for seamless multitasking, the Galaxy Tab S9+ is the clear winner. Its superior specifications make it a powerhouse for work and play, offering an immersive experience for all your needs.
In the end, whether you go for the Tab S9 or the Tab S9+, you're investing in a top-tier Samsung tablet experience. Both options cater to different needs, so choose wisely based on your preferences and budget. Happy tabbing!
Feature (top) image credit: Samsung.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE release date? What is Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ release date?
Both the tablets Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ were announced on the 4th October, 2023. They have been released on the 10th October, 2023.
What is Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE price?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is about USD 559.
What is Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ price?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is about USD 738.