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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

7.8 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 17 critic reviews
How we score →
Android 13 Operating system
12.4" Screen size
8MP Main camera
Exynos 1380 (5 nm) Octa-core Processor
128/256 GB Storage
10,090 mAh Battery

Verdict

A solid, midrange tablet with great build quality and long battery life.

+
What's good
+ Premium build quality
+ Bright 12.4-inch display
+ Bundled S Pen stylus
+ Long battery life
+ IP68 water and dust resistance
−
What's not
− Weaker performance
− Finicky fingerprint sensor
− No charger included
− A bit heavy
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
17 reviews
weighted by credibility
PC Magazine
PC Magazine
8

“The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a high-value tablet thanks to its classy design, excellent build quality, and powerful software, making it the Android slate to beat.”

XDA Developers
XDA Developers
6

“This tablet doesn't have much appeal, because the OnePlus Pad is much cheaper at $449 and is a better performing device with a much better screen and faster performance. Its 11.4-inch screen size is smaller, but not too much due to differing aspect ratios. The standard 11-inch iPad Air is priced the same (at least at first glance) but is far, far more powerful. If you're on a budget and still want a large tablet that looks the part (and can sort of do the part), the Tab S9 FE+ is it.”

Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
7

“The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a cheaper, trimmed-down take on the Galaxy Tab S9 that keeps some of the premium allure, but sheds too much for our liking.”

Mashable
Mashable
8.8

“At a mid-range price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a great tablet for casual users who still want a high-quality, reliable device.”

Videos

Watch before you decide

Comparison
Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Tab S9 FE Plus | CAREFUL With This One!
Ivan Kam

In Depth

Design

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ delivers a high-end feel with its slim, sleek design and aluminum alloy build. You enjoy lightweight durability and IP68-rated water and dust resistance, making it versatile for various environments. The tablet feels refined, yet retains a lightweight of 1.38 pounds.

Even though it retains some premium qualities, the tablet offers a balanced large screen design without unnecessary bulk, measuring 11.24 x 7.3 x 0.26 inches. The rounded rectangular design doesn’t stand out from the pack but still provides a top-shelf sensation.

Reviewers appreciate the extra screen space and practical button layout. As one expert noted, “It feels like a fully premium tablet,” despite minor compromises. From its uniform bezels to magnetic S Pen attachment, the design ensures practical use and stylish appeal. Whether it’s for poolside, beach use, or everyday tasks, the design excels in balance and quality.

Display(s)

The display on this tablet stands out for its brightness and color accuracy. It uses a 12.4-inch LCD, which may not have the deep blacks of an AMOLED, but it still impresses with vivid colors and fine details.

Thanks to a refresh rate of 90Hz, scrolling and animations feel smooth. This ensures a pleasant viewing experience, especially when browsing or multitasking.

Reviewers from Tom’s Guide noted that the screen gets super bright and packs in the colors, hitting 760 nits with adaptive brightness. That means you can comfortably use it even in bright conditions.

Even without direct sunlight, the display holds up well in various lighting. You’ll find the display vibrant and easy to read, whether indoors or outdoors.

Performance

Day-to-day usage on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ feels smooth thanks to the Exynos 1380 processor and 8GB RAM, making web browsing, video playback, and light gaming seamless. Reviewers mentioned that it, “feels reasonably zippy” for typical use.

Heavy 3D games can slow down the tablet, with noticeable power shortages compared to iPads and other costlier alternatives. Despite solid handling of basic tasks, future Android updates might outpace its performance capacity, as some experts noted.

To sum up, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers sufficient power for casual use, but isn’t built for intensive tasks or prolonged future-proofing.

Software & Storage

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ utilizes Android 14, layered with One UI 6.0. This clean and customizable UI makes tasks smoother and more enjoyable.

Users can run up to three apps simultaneously on the screen, promoting productivity and multitasking. Samsung’s suite of apps like Gaming Hub, Health, and SmartThings are also bundled in, enhancing the tablet’s capabilities.

Overall, the interface is designed to maximize the tablet’s large screen, making navigation efficient and user-friendly.

Cameras

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a 12MP front camera, perfect for video calls and selfies. You also get two 8MP rear cameras: a main wide-angle and an ultra-wide. They perform well in good lighting, producing bright and clear images, however, they struggle in low light. As Tom’s Guide notes, ‘these snappers will do just fine.’

Reviewers from PCMag mention that fine details are often lost when zooming in with the rear cameras. Also, the ultra-wide shots can show some warping, especially at the edges, although some lens correction is applied in the final images. This can affect the overall quality, especially when shooting complex scenes.

Battery

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ truly delivers on battery life. With its substantial 10,090 mAh battery, you can expect up to 18 hours of use under normal conditions, which is ideal for long flights or a full day of work and play. This long-lasting performance helps you stay productive and entertained without frequent recharging.

Charging is convenient with the support for 45W fast charging. Reviewers at PCMag highlighted the efficiency, stating, ‘It took 1 hour and 40 minutes to charge from 0% to 100%,’ allowing you to quickly get back to your activities.

Whether you’re streaming videos, browsing the web, or playing casual games, this tablet ensures you won’t be tied to an outlet all day.

Audio

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ comes with two speakers tuned by AKG. These speakers emphasize clarity and loudness, and the added Dolby Atmos support provides an immersive experience while watching movies or playing games.

Reviewers from Tom’s Guide noted, “Even with half the speakers of the full-bodied Galaxy Tab S9 models, the S9 FE+ puts up a strong showing.”

For calls, the speakers and microphones work well together, ensuring your voice is heard clearly during conversations even in noisier environments.

The Bottom Line

This device offers a large, bright display perfect for watching videos or reading.

It is well-built, making it suitable for daily use and even outdoors due to its water resistance.

While it comes with an S Pen, the performance isn’t top-tier, so heavy gamers may notice some sluggishness.

Great for general use, but be mindful of future updates impacting speed over time.

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