The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a cool pick for anyone who likes the fancy features of Samsung’s top-tier tablets but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. FE stands for Fan Edition, which basically means you get a lot of the awesome stuff from the more expensive models, but at a price that won’t make your wallet cry.

It’s like getting a taste of the high life without the high price. The Tab S9 FE+ keeps some of the best parts of its fancier siblings but trims down a few specs here and there. It’s a smart move if you’re after that flagship feel without needing all the bells and whistles (or the hefty price tag that usually comes with them).

Price tags

Design and Aesthetics

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to premium design, even in its more budget-friendly Fan Edition (FE) range. Its sleek profile, courtesy of an aluminum chassis, is both aesthetically pleasing and robust, offering a high-end feel without the corresponding price tag.

The specific unit we received for review was the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (WiFi) in a Lavender hue, configured with 12GB | 256GB. This tablet is also available in 12GB | 128GB, and alternative colour options for the WiFi model include Mint, Gray, and Silver. Those opting for the 5G variant will have a choice between Mint and Gray.

The device’s slim design, measuring around 6.5mm in thickness, makes it comfortable for extended use, whether you’re reading, browsing, or watching media. It’s so thin that one might feel more secure using a protective case with it.

Its weight of approximately 627g strikes a good balance between heft and portability. It also boasts an IP68 rating, indicating that it is dust and water-resistant, capable of withstanding immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes—though I wouldn’t challenge its limits intentionally.

Inside the box, you’d find the tablet neatly tucked into Samsung’s standard packaging along with its charging cable as well as a Stylus, making the Tab S9 FE+ a thoughtful option as a gift to someone.

Display

The 12.4-inch 2K (1600 x 2560 pixels) LCD display of the Tab S9 FE+ is a standout feature. Although it opts for an LCD panel over the more coveted OLED, the screen doesn’t disappoint. It offers vibrant colors and clarity, making it suitable for various multimedia tasks.

The 90Hz refresh rate contributes to a smooth visual experience, whether scrolling through web pages or enjoying fast-paced videos. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize display fluidity and crispness in their tablet experience.

For those who are worried about how it fares compared to the 120Hz normally found in medium-high-ranged phones these days, the difference is honestly negligible and is only obvious when you have two devices sitting side by side, one running 90Hz and the other on 120Hz for any difference to be detectable.

Performance & Gaming

Under the hood, the Tab S9 FE+ is powered by the Exynos 1380 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. This configuration delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light productivity work. Its handling of multitasking and daily operations is commendable, making it a reliable choice for general use.

In terms of gaming, the tablet performs reasonably well on medium settings but may not satisfy hardcore gamers looking for top-tier performance. The AKG-tuned stereo speakers provide a good audio experience for gamers and movie fans, which is important if these are your main reasons for considering this tablet.

To give you some examples of how it handled games and movies, I’ve detailed some of my experience below –

Tower of Fantasy:

In this dynamic and action-packed title, the tablet really shone, handling the intense and detailed combat scenes with ease. As someone who often plays this game on a console, drawn in by its stunning visual effects and captivating combat mechanics, I found that playing it on a mobile phone didn’t do it justice. However, playing it on this tablet was a whole different experience. The colours were rich and vivid, and the larger display of the tablet offered a more immersive experience. There’s some frame stuttering here and there but the tablet handles it fine otherwise. Had to play it on medium settings.

Genshin Impact:

This game is known for pushing the limits of most devices, often causing them to overheat when running at the highest settings, akin to a nuclear power plant on the verge of overheating. The tablet, while impressive in many ways, struggled to run this game at its maximum settings, managing only to support medium settings effectively. The game actually selected Low settings on 30 FPS by default, which made the game look ugly, especially on a big screen. But medium settings 60-90 FPS works too from my test. When paired with “Tower of Fantasy,” these games are the most demanding on the tablet’s battery life, draining it significantly faster than other applications.

SOULS:

Beautiful to look at and fun to play. This vertical-standing game may be more suitable on mobile than tablet but having a tablet stand helps it be enjoyable nonetheless. No performance issue detected so far and the game’s beautiful visual presentations can be fully appreciated.

SIMCITY BUILDIT:

Probably the best genre of games to be played on a tablet. City-builders game can really enjoy all the perks and advantages of having a bigger screen. The Tab S9 FE+ handles the game relatively well until more buildings are built, causing trouble for the framerates to keep up. This game can be played using the stylus that came with the tablet, and it feels more fun using it than fingers.

Watching Movies:

Viewing films on this tablet may not match the sharpness of an OLED panel, yet it delivers a more than satisfactory visual experience, far from what one might expect from a budget device. The screen’s brightness is commendably adequate, and when coupled with the AKG-tuned stereo speakers, it provides a well-rounded audio-visual experience. From hushed dialogues to thunderous action sequences, the audio quality adds a significant dimension to movie watching, making it a pleasurable activity on this device.

Camera

The tablet’s camera setup includes a 12-megapixel front camera and dual 8-megapixel rear cameras. The 8MP shooters on the back—wide and ultra-wide— can do what they need to: simple snapshots and decent video at 1080p and 4K, albeit capped at 30fps.

While the front camera provides acceptable quality for video calls, the rear cameras, despite their dual setup, are not particularly remarkable. They suffice for basic photography and document scanning but fall short of the capabilities found in specialized cameras or high-end smartphones.

There are also No flashy features like the LED Flash, HDR, or Panorama you’d find on its more upscale sibling, the flagship S9+. This aligns with the general expectation that tablets are not primarily designed for advanced photography. Besides, you have your smartphone for that.

Battery Life

The Tab S9 FE+’s robust 10,090mAh battery is a standout feature, offering extended usage that can easily span a full day or more, depending on usage intensity. While the quick charging capability enhances convenience, the lack of an included charger could be a drawback for some.

In my experience, the tablet’s battery life impressively lasted for two days with about 20% charge still remaining. However, battery life varies significantly based on usage. Intensive activities like gaming necessitate daily charging, whereas lighter tasks like working, streaming movies, or web browsing allow the tablet to last for two days.

This reliable battery life is particularly advantageous for users needing a device capable of handling intense daily routines without the need for constant recharging. But when it charges, it could take a while, around 1.5 hours to 2 hours to a full tank, depending on your starting point. This is not surprising considering the battery’s capacity.

Software and Ecosystem

Running on Android 13 with One UI 5.1, the tablet offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features that enhance its usability. Its compatibility with the broader Samsung ecosystem allows for seamless integration with other Samsung devices, enhancing the overall user experience. The presence of useful apps and the option for pen-based input further elevate its productivity potential.

Additional Features

The inclusion of an S Pen adds significant value, particularly for users who frequently engage in note-taking or creative tasks. My experience with the stylus was a happy one. The pen was sensitive and detected the difference in pressure well, making the experience feel natural.

The stereo speakers tuned by AKG provide a satisfying audio experience, which is crucial for a device often used for media consumption.

Price and Value for Money

While the Tab S9 FE+ offers a comprehensive feature set, its price point may be considered high by some, especially given the absence of a bundled keyboard case. This aspect might be a consideration for those seeking a device primarily for productivity purposes. However, given its overall capabilities and features, the tablet presents a viable option for users seeking a large-screen tablet experience without the high expense of top-tier models.

What I Really Liked About The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

• Decent overall performance
• Comes with a Stylus
• Beautiful body/design doesn’t look cheap
• Reasonable price tag
• 10,090mAh battery

What I Wished Was Better

• Cameras are a bit weak by current standards
• Doesn’t come with a keyboard case
• Could only game on Medium settings most of the time

Verdict

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a well-rounded tablet that balances features, performance, and price. Its design, display quality, and battery life make it a strong contender in the mid-range tablet market. While it may not particularly excel in gaming or photography, its performance in everyday tasks and multimedia consumption is commendable. The inclusion of an S Pen and the device’s IP68 rating add to its appeal. For those seeking a premium tablet experience without the premium price tag, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is certainly worth considering.