Samsungs New $600 Android Tablet Is Better Than I Expected
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
Suggested Retail Price : $600.00.
"For casual tablet users, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus deserves your time and attention."
Benefits
- Very competitive price
- It is water and dust resistant
- Long battery life
- Bright and flexible screen
- Includes free S Pen
Disadvantages
- The Android app supports it.
- Big and heavy
- The refresh rate is disappointing.
Buying a Samsung tablet can be confusing because there are so many options. The arrival of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series added to the confusion. Like the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the Fan Edition tablet offers the basic mobile features many users need at a more affordable price than the company's more expensive models.
Going into this review, I approach this review as an average tablet buyer who is unlikely to buy a high-end tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra or Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro. My goal was to assess whether the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is a versatile tablet or whether Samsung had to compromise too much with other tablets to create a cheaper version.
Surprisingly, I found more positives than negatives.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: what is it?
Before we get into the tutorials, let's explain where the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus fits into Samsung's tablet lineup and how it differs from the recently launched Galaxy Tab S9 FE. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus has a 12.4-inch display and is comparable to the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus that was launched earlier this year. On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE model has a 10.9-inch display, making it the same as the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S9.
Aside from the screen size difference, there are only a few internal differences between the two FE bricks. First, the Tab S9 FE model is the only model to offer a 5G option, while the FE Plus model is only available with Wi-Fi. Second, the entry-level Tab S9 FE Plus 128GB has 8GB of RAM and a 128GB model. The Tab S9 FE has 6GB, 256GB models differ in storage capacity, while the FE Plus offers 12GB of RAM with 8GB of FE RAM.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: My favorite
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is a stunning device out of the box. Although I chose a color other than mint for the model in question, I immediately liked it. The bar comes in traditional colors like gray and silver as well as soft lavender.
The Tab S9 FE Plus has a 12.4-inch WQXGA display, which is different from the AMOLED display on the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus, but still offers a pleasant viewing experience. For most situations, 2560 x 1600 resolution is sufficient. However, the 90Hz refresh rate can sometimes cause problems when scrolling through web pages, especially if you have fast fingers. Mobile players may experience some issues, especially in multi-movement games.
However, if your main priority while using the tablet is to view your favorite videos, photos or video chats, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus will be very useful for you.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is a stunning device out of the box.
Apart from the display, the tablet is also equipped with a powerful 10,090 mAh battery that ensures long battery life. The battery lasts several days with occasional use and up to 20 hours between charges with continuous use. The tablet also supports fast charging and fully charges the battery in less than 90 minutes.
During testing, I disconnected the battery of the tester twice. For the first time, I used the Tab S9 FE Plus for several hours a day for three days. The second time around, I wanted to see if I could reach Samsung's promised 20 hours of continuous use. In both tests, I used the tablet to draw, listen to music, watch Netflix, and play online word games. I'm editing some photos, reading my Amazon Kindle, and chatting with my daughter.
Whether you're a casual or full-time user, I was able to get less than 18 hours of use out of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus before requiring a charge. An average of 18, 19, or 20 hours of tablet use is impressive for a 12.4-inch device.
While using the tablet, I listen to a lot of audio through the dual AKG tuned speakers or the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro headphones. And let me tell you, these speakers are real! They are louder than I expected and the sound quality is clear. I was really impressed how you could hear this while listening to podcasts and audiobooks. The speakers are not very loud, but you can relax and listen to music while working in another room. Overall, the sound output is amazing.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is powered by Samsung Exynos 1380 processor and Arm Mali-G68 GPU to provide mid-range performance. The tablet has some problems when opening many applications at the same time. Not terrible, but not good. Performance is usually good.
The Tab S9 FE Plus comes bundled with the S Pen, which I'm very impressed with as I previously had to buy the Apple Pencil separately. The S Pen also matches the color of the tablet, which is a nice bonus. The S Pen works well with apps like Goodnotes, Clip Studio Paint, and Samsung Notes.
In addition to the S Pen, Samsung has packed a lot of other features into the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus that make it great value for money. These features include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. In addition, the tablet has an IP68 degree of dust and water protection. This rating is unmatched by any other iPad and ensures that the tablet will be safe and functional for many years of everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: Incomplete size
After being a mobile tech writer for a few years, I've noticed a clear trend: people are interested in bigger smartphones. However, I don't think the same approach applies to the tablet market. While I don't have data to back up my claims, I'm sure most users prefer tablets with screen sizes no larger than 10-11 inches diagonally, like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and iPad Air. Beyond that size, these devices tend to be bulky, and buying a laptop is the best option for most people.
The 12.4-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus has a larger screen and weighs less than 1.38 pounds. Adding a case or cover to your keyboard makes it heavier and harder to carry. All this does not mean that the tablet is terrible. It just makes it harder to sell.
I try to ignore the size of this tablet, but I have to say, it's too big for me. Whether you take it to your local Starbucks to watch Netflix or use it in bed, you'll feel full.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: Software
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus runs on Android 13 and Samsung One UI 5.1.1. As an Android user, you are familiar with the software. However, it can be more difficult to use on a tablet because most elements are large and some elements can appear elongated.
If you use social networking apps like X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook, you may find working with images less fun because everything looks so big. On the other hand, some apps like Target don't take up enough screen space, which makes them difficult to use.
Android tablets face optimization problems, including significant ones. However, Samsung has developed a solution called Samsung DeX, which replaces the stock Android interface with an interface that closely resembles Windows and macOS.
With Samsung DeX, you can place app shortcuts anywhere on the desktop and access app shortcuts, quick settings, and more. there is a persistent taskbar below to display. When using Samsung DeX, the program opens in a window that can be resized to full if desired.
Samsung DeX is very easy to use and works as advertised.
Samsung DeX is very easy to use and works as advertised. However, this requires rethinking how to use a tablet, any tablet. With its large screen, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus's near-desktop experience puts you back to the question of whether you need a tablet or a laptop, eliminating the long-held worry about tablets.
Although Samsung DeX improves with each new version, it remains an imperfect solution. Some apps, for example, still don't work well, while others get a little weird when downloading. Regardless, if you're unhappy with the everyday Android experience on tablets, this is the option.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: Accessories
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus comes with the S Pen, and for a limited time, Samsung is offering a free SmartBook cover that normally costs $99. At the same time, it provides excellent protection.
You can also purchase an optional book cover plate for $230. This board also comes with a slot to protect the S Pen and is highly recommended if you plan to use Samsung DeX. The keyboard makes your Samsung DeX experience very smooth and efficient.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: Price and Availability
If you want to buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus, you can buy it directly from the Samsung website or from authorized retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. The 128GB version costs $600, but you can pay $100 for more storage for the 256GB version. If you compare it to the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus, which starts at $1,000, the latter offers better internals, better storage, and better memory, but still runs Android 13.
Alternatively, if you're considering an iPad, the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $800, the iPad Air (5th generation) starts at $600, and the most affordable iPad (9th generation) starts at $329. Except for the iPad Air, all other iPads have about half the storage capacity of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus.
Keep in mind that the cost of accessories such as the case, keyboard, and Apple Pencil (in the case of the iPad) will be added to the total cost of your purchase.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus: Verdict
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is an excellent tablet that stands out for its capabilities and affordable price. It has a sleek design, an S Pen, and a mid-range display that offers vibrant colors and high brightness. Speakers are especially great for tablets. In terms of performance, it easily solves most tasks.
But the tablet's size and weight can hurt if you plan to carry it around a lot. The tablet's display is satisfactory, but may not be for everyone. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus suffers from Android 13 compatibility issues, which may cause some software issues. Despite the improvements, the Samsung DX interface can be difficult to use.
Despite the aforementioned shortcomings, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is still a great choice for those looking for an Android tablet, especially from Samsung. It offers more features than most of its competitors at a reasonable price. If you want a better screen, chipset, and more RAM and storage, you might want to consider the Galaxy S9 Plus, but be prepared to spend double that.
