Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Review: 8.1/10 - Solid mid-range Android tablet with S Pen included
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At a Glance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is an excellent mid-range Android tablet that brings premium features like S Pen support and IP68 resistance to a more accessible.
Prices last checked June 2026
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, released in October 2023, brings many flagship features to a more affordable price point. It includes the S Pen stylus in the box, an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, and a smooth 90Hz display. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, it handles everyday tasks, media consumption, and light creative work with ease.
Design & Build
The Tab S9 FE shares the design language of its flagship siblings with flat aluminum edges and a clean rear panel. At 523g it is slightly heavier than premium tablets, but the build quality is reassuringly solid. The 10.9-inch display features a 90Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling and S Pen use feel smooth, though it uses an LCD panel rather than the AMOLED found on the flagship S9. The IP68 rating is unusual at this price and provides peace of mind against spills and splashes. The USB-C port is limited to 2.0 speeds, so video output is not supported.
Performance
The Exynos 1380 (4x Cortex-A78 at 2.4 GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 at 2.0 GHz, built on 5nm) handles everyday multitasking, streaming, and note-taking without issue. Benchmark scores around 4,700 single-core and 12,400 multi-core in Geekbench 6 are competitive with other mid-range tablets, and the Mali-G68 MP5 GPU manages casual gaming like Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings well. The 8000 mAh battery delivers solid endurance, lasting up to 12 hours of mixed video playback and web browsing. The included S Pen offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity with low latency (2.8ms) for note-taking and drawing through Samsung Notes. 45W charging support is welcome, though the included charger is typically a 15W unit.
Features
Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1 on top of Android 13 provides excellent multitasking with split-screen and pop-up windows. The S Pen attaches magnetically to the back for storage and charges wirelessly. DeX mode transforms the tablet into a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor. The 12MP front-facing ultrawide camera is excellent for video calls, and Samsung’s software update commitment promises 4 major OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches.
Pros
- S Pen with 4,096 pressure levels included in the box
- IP68 water and dust resistance, rare at this $449 price point
- 90Hz display at 2304x1440 for smooth scrolling and S Pen use
- microSD expansion up to 1TB for media and documents
- 4 OS upgrades + 5 years of security patches
Cons
- LCD display instead of AMOLED
- USB-C 2.0 limits external display use
- Performance lags behind the flagship S9
- Charger not included in some regions
Category Context
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE ($449) competes in the mid-range Android tablet market against the OnePlus Pad ($479, MediaTek Dimensity 9000, 11.6-inch 144Hz LCD, stylus included) and the Lenovo Tab P12 ($379, MediaTek Dimensity 7050, 12.7-inch 3K LCD, stylus included). What sets the Tab S9 FE apart is the combination of premium features typically reserved for flagship tablets - the IP68 water and dust resistance rating is unique at this price point, the included S Pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and 2.8ms latency provides a genuine note-taking and drawing experience, and Samsung’s software update commitment of 4 major OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches rivals Apple’s longevity. The 90Hz 2304x1440 LCD display provides smooth scrolling, and DeX mode transforms the tablet into a desktop-like experience for productivity. The tradeoffs are the LCD panel instead of the AMOLED found on the flagship S9 series (the OnePlus Pad also uses LCD), the USB-C 2.0 port that does not support video output to external displays, and the Exynos 1380 chipset that lags behind the Dimensity 9000 in the OnePlus Pad for gaming and heavy multitasking. For creative users and students who prioritize note-taking features and long-term software support, the Tab S9 FE is the best value option in the mid-range Android tablet segment.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is an excellent mid-range Android tablet that brings premium features like S Pen support and IP68 resistance to a more accessible price point. It competes directly with the iPad Air’s ecosystem lock-in by offering Samsung’s robust software update promise and DeX desktop mode, while undercutting the OnePlus Pad with included accessories like the S Pen and water resistance. The LCD panel is the main compromise, but for creative users and students who prioritize note-taking features, it is the best value option in the mid-range Android segment.
Sources
Where to Buy
Check current pricing on eBay or Amazon.
Prices last checked June 2026. Pricing and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.
📊 Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE vs. Competitors
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | iPad Air M2 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $599 | $1099 | $391 |
| Display | 10.9-inch TFT LCD, 2304x1440, 90Hz | 11-inch Liquid Retina, 2360x1640, 500 nits | 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2960x1848, 120Hz | 6.8' 300 PPI |
| Chip | Exynos 1380 octa-core | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU) | -- | -- |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 8GB LPDDR5 | 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X | -- |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB + microSD up to 1TB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB, expandable up to 1TB via microSD | 16GB |
| Cameras | 8MP rear, 12MP ultrawide front | 12MP rear, 12MP front with Center Stage | -- | -- |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C 2.0 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (10 Gbps) | -- | -- |
| Battery | 8000 mAh, 45W charging support | 28.9 Wh, up to 10 hours | 11,200 mAh, 45W Super Fast Charging | 10 weeks |
| Weight | 523g | 461g (Wi-Fi) | -- | 7.2 oz |
| Dimensions | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm | -- | -- | -- |
| IP Rating | IP68 water and dust resistant | -- | -- | -- |
| Biometrics | -- | Touch ID in top button | -- | -- |
| Colors | -- | Blue, Purple, Space Gray, Starlight | -- | -- |
| Processor | -- | -- | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm) | -- |
| S Pen | -- | -- | Included, IP68-rated, Bluetooth Low Energy, 2.8ms latency | -- |
| Waterproof | -- | -- | -- | IPX8 |
| Lighting | -- | -- | -- | Warm adjustable, 17 LEDs |
| Charging | -- | -- | -- | USB-C |
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