Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus is the latest addition to Samsung’s growing Fan Edition (FE) lineup, designed to bring flagship like experiences at more affordable prices. Positioned between the budget Galaxy Tab A series and the high end Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, this tablet aims to offer a perfect balance of performance, premium design, and productivity tools like the S Pen without breaking the bank.
Samsung markets the Tab S9 FE Plus as a versatile solution for students, casual creatives, and productivity focused users. It’s water and dust-resistant (IP68 rated), has an expansive 12.4-inch display, supports DeX mode for PC-like functionality, and includes the popular S Pen in the box.
This hands-on review dives into its design, display, performance, battery life, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s the right tablet for your needs.
Unboxing & First Impressions – Familiar but Refined
Inside the minimalist Samsung packaging, you’ll find:
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
- S Pen (included, no battery required)
- USB-C cable
- Quick start guide and warranty information
Note: Samsung no longer includes a charging brick in many regions.
The tablet itself immediately impresses with its premium metal build and sleek, modern design language. At first glance, it resembles the Galaxy Tab S9+, sharing similar dimensions and aesthetic qualities, though it swaps out AMOLED for LCD to keep costs down. Its 12.4-inch size feels substantial without being unwieldy, making it ideal for productivity and entertainment.
Design & Build Quality – Premium Touches at a Mid-Range Price
Samsung doesn’t cut corners in the design department. The Tab S9 FE Plus sports a robust aluminum chassis with squared-off edges reminiscent of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. It’s available in multiple stylish colors, including Mint, Lavender, Gray, and Silver.
Weighing around 628g and measuring 6.5mm thick, it strikes a nice balance between durability and portability. The tablet is IP68-certified for water and dust resistance, something rare even in more expensive tablets. This feature alone boosts its value proposition for students, professionals, or anyone frequently on the go.
Button placement is intuitive, with power and volume rockers positioned along the top-right edge (landscape orientation). The magnetic strip for the S Pen on the back offers a satisfying snap for secure storage.
Display – Large, Bright, and S Pen Ready
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus features a 12.4-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. While it doesn’t offer the deep blacks and punchy contrast of Samsung’s AMOLED displays, this LCD is impressively vibrant, sharp, and plenty bright for indoor and moderate outdoor use.
Colors are accurate, viewing angles are solid, and the 90Hz refresh rate keeps interactions feeling smooth whether you’re scrolling through documents, browsing the web, or sketching with the S Pen. For binge watchers, HDR support is missing, but streaming content still looks great thanks to the high resolution.
The S Pen experience on this display is excellent for the price range. Palm rejection, pressure sensitivity, and latency are all well handled, making it suitable for note taking, drawing, and productivity apps like Samsung Notes or Clip Studio Paint.
Cameras – Adequate for Video Calls and Casual Use
Tablet cameras are rarely the main attraction, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus follows this familiar pattern with a modest but serviceable camera setup. On the back, it houses an 8MP single camera, which is adequate for basic tasks like scanning documents, snapping quick reference photos, or capturing whiteboard notes during meetings. However, it doesn’t perform particularly well in low-light scenarios, where images can appear soft and noisy. That said, this rear camera is not designed for photography enthusiasts but rather for practical, everyday utility where high-end image quality isn’t a priority.
The front-facing 12MP ultra-wide camera, however, is a clear strength for this device. It’s specifically geared towards improving video conferencing, with its wider field of view making it easier to stay in frame, whether you’re working solo or sharing the screen with someone else. Even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, the front camera manages to deliver clear and natural-looking video, making it ideal for virtual meetings on Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. This focus on communication tools aligns well with the Tab S9 FE Plus’s positioning as a productivity and remote work companion.
Samsung’s thoughtful software integrations help elevate the camera experience beyond its hardware limitations. Features like auto framing during video calls ensure you stay centered in the frame as you move, mimicking the experience found in more expensive devices. Combined with face tracking and enhancements tailored for conferencing apps, these additions make the S9 FE Plus a practical choice for professionals, students, and remote workers who need reliable, fuss-free video communication. While it won’t replace your smartphone or DSLR for photography, it delivers exactly what you’d expect from a tablet aimed at productivity and casual everyday use.
Join our Best Reader Giveaway & Win a Free Tablet – Apply Now
Performance & Software – Solid for Productivity, Creative Tasks, and Light Gaming
Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chipset, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage (expandable via microSD), the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus isn’t built to challenge flagship tablets in raw performance but delivers reliable speed for daily use.
Day to Day Usage:
- Smooth app launches for browsers, YouTube, email, and social apps.
- Multitasking is well-supported through One UI 6 and Android 14 with split-screen and pop-up views.
- Samsung DeX turns the tablet into a pseudo-desktop with keyboard and mouse support, perfect for students or professionals needing light office work on the go.
Gaming & Creativity –
- Casual and mid range gaming (Genshin Impact on medium settings, Asphalt 9, PUBG Mobile) runs decently.
- Creative apps for sketching, photo editing, or light video trimming perform without hiccups, though heavier workloads may show limitations.
Software Ecosystem
One UI 6 is clean, responsive, and deeply integrated with Samsung’s ecosystem. Features like Quick Share, Link to Windows, and SmartThings make this tablet fit seamlessly into a Samsung user’s lifestyle. Android 14 ensures longevity with software support for years to come.
Audio & Multimedia – Entertainment Ready
Audio is a standout feature thanks to dual AKG-tuned speakers with Dolby Atmos support. While not matching the depth of sound from the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, the speakers are more than capable for Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube marathons. Vocals are clear, and there’s noticeable separation in stereo channels.
There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, but USB-C and wireless headphones are standard options today.
Battery Life & Charging – Reliable Endurance for a Full Day
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus comes equipped with a substantial 10,090mAh battery, delivering reliable endurance that easily meets the demands of a full day’s work. Whether you’re streaming videos, browsing the web, managing office tasks, or indulging in light gaming, this tablet consistently provides all day battery life without breaking a sweat. Under typical usage patterns, it can comfortably stretch to two days on a single charge for users with lighter demands. Battery life estimates are impressive across common activities; video streaming at 50% brightness delivers around 13 to 14 hours, web browsing and productivity tasks offer roughly 10 to 11 hours, and casual gaming sessions last approximately 7 to 8 hours. These figures reflect a device well optimized for extended daily use, whether for work, entertainment, or study.
When it comes time to recharge, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus supports up to 45W fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up and get back to their tasks. However, it’s worth noting that Samsung no longer includes the charging brick in the box, so you’ll need to purchase a compatible charger separately if you don’t already own one. With the appropriate charger, the tablet charges from 0 to 50% in about 45 minutes, while a full charge typically takes between 90 to 100 minutes. This fast-charging capability ensures minimal downtime, making the S9 FE Plus a practical companion for both busy professionals and casual users who value convenience and efficiency.
Accessories & Ecosystem Integration – Productivity Boosters
The included S Pen with the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus works flawlessly for note-taking, sketching, and annotating documents. It offers low latency and excellent precision, making it a reliable tool for both creative tasks and everyday productivity. Whether you’re jotting down ideas in Samsung Notes or sketching in apps like Clip Studio Paint, the S Pen feels natural and responsive. For those seeking to push productivity even further, optional accessories like the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard are available. This accessory not only provides a tactile typing experience but also unlocks greater potential through DeX mode. With DeX and the keyboard, the Tab S9 FE Plus transforms into a credible laptop alternative for light workflows such as word processing, presentations, and multitasking.
Samsung’s ecosystem integration continues to be one of its standout strengths. Features like instant pairing with Galaxy Buds enhance convenience, while Samsung Flow enables seamless file transfers between the tablet and other Galaxy devices. Multi-Device Connectivity allows users to control their Galaxy smartphones directly from the tablet, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. These integrations position the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus as more than just a standalone device — it becomes a central hub for users deeply invested in Samsung’s ecosystem. Whether for work, study, or leisure, the smooth interplay between devices adds a layer of convenience and efficiency that helps this tablet stand out in the crowded Android tablet market.
Pros & Cons
| Pros: | Cons: |
| 1. Premium design with IP68 rating | 1. LCD panel lacks the deep blacks of AMOLED |
| 2. Included S Pen with excellent performance | 2. Exynos 1380 is fine but not future-proof for heavy tasks |
| 3. Large, high-resolution display with 90Hz refresh rate | 3. No charger in the box (region dependent) |
| 4. Reliable battery life and fast charging support | 4. No HDR support for streaming |
Final Verdict – Who Should Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus confidently bridges the gap between budget tablets and premium flagships. It’s an ideal choice for:
- Students need a reliable study device with note-taking capabilities.
- Professionals seeking light productivity on the go with DeX mode.
- Casual users want a large-screen device for browsing, streaming, and light creative work.
- Samsung loyalists are looking to expand their ecosystem with a capable, affordable tablet.
While power users and gamers may lean toward the Galaxy Tab S9 or S9 Ultra, the S9 FE Plus delivers exceptional value where it counts: design, display, battery, and productivity. For its price, it’s one of the most well-rounded Android tablets available today.