When Samsung’s FE ("Fan Edition") lineup debuted, it promised flagship-inspired features at a friendlier price. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ not only delivers on that promise but stands out as one of the most compelling mid-range tablets of 2024. After testing it for weeks, here’s why it might be your next productivity and entertainment companion.
Design & Build: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
The S9 FE+ sports Samsung’s signature minimalist design: an aluminum unibody, slim bezels, and a sleek matte finish that resists fingerprints. At 6.5mm thick and 571g, it’s surprisingly portable for a 12.4-inch tablet. The included S Pen docks magnetically on the back, and IP68 dust/water resistance—a rarity in mid-range tablets—adds peace of mind. Color options (Mint, Silver, Gray, and Lavender) inject personality without feeling garish.
Display: Big, Bright, and Adaptive
The 12.4-inch LCD (2560 x 1600) impresses with vivid colors and sharp text. While it lacks the OLED blacks of the flagship Tab S9 series, Samsung’s tuning ensures excellent contrast and outdoor visibility (peaking at 500 nits). The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery-smooth, and Widevine L1 support enables HD streaming on Netflix and Disney+. For creative work or split-screen multitasking, the expansive canvas feels luxurious.
Curious how it stacks up against older models?
Check out this detailed comparison with Samsung’s earlier tablets:
Review: Samsung SM-T813NZKEXAR Galaxy Tab.
Performance: Capable, Not Cutting-Edge
Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset (8GB RAM in the FE+ variant), the tablet handles daily tasks effortlessly. Apps launch quickly, and multitasking across 3-4 apps (e.g., Slack, Chrome, YouTube) is smooth. Gaming is decent for titles like Genshin Impact at medium settings, though graphics-heavy games cause occasional frame drops. The 128GB/256GB storage options (expandable via microSD) offer ample space. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s more than enough for students, remote work, and media.
Software & Features: One UI 6.1 Shines
Running Android 14 with One UI 6.1, Samsung’s software elevates the experience. Features like DeX mode transform the tablet into a desktop-like environment, and Second Screen lets it serve as a wireless monitor for Windows PCs. Multi-window support is intuitive, and Samsung promises 4 years of OS updates—exceptional at this price. Little touches, like seamless copy-paste between devices (with a Samsung phone), add polish.
S Pen: The Star of the Show
The included S Pen has negligible lag and 4,096 pressure levels. Note-taking feels natural, and features like Screen Write (annotating screenshots) and PDF markup are invaluable. It magnetically attaches to the tablet for charging/storage—no batteries required. Artists might miss the flagship Tab S9’s lower latency, but for most, this is the best stylus experience under $600.
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
The 10,090mAh battery is a workhorse. In testing, it delivered:
- 12 hours of video playback (YouTube, 50% brightness)
- 8–9 hours of mixed use (browsing, Zoom calls, light gaming)
- A full charge takes ~1.5 hours with the 45W adapter (sold separately; a 15W charger is included).
Cameras & Audio: Serviceable, Not Spectacular
The 8MP rear and 12MP ultrawide front cameras suffice for documents or video calls but struggle in low light. The quad speakers tuned by AKG, however, are stellar—loud, balanced, and great for movies. A 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome inclusion.
Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Tab S9 FE+ nails the essentials: a gorgeous large screen, robust build, versatile S Pen, and marathon battery life. It’s perfect for:
- Students taking digital notes
- Professionals needing a portable second screen
- Media lovers craving immersive viewing
Avoid it if you need elite gaming performance or OLED contrast. But for under $600, it’s a triumph of value.
Ready to dive in?
👉 Grab the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ on Amazon today!
Note: This review reflects real-world testing. Battery life varies by usage. Amazon link supports our work at no extra cost to you.
