📋 Full Specifications: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (Base/Wi‑Fi & Cellular)
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | October 16, 2023 |
| Model Numbers | SM‑X510 (Wi‑Fi), SM‑X516B (5G) |
| Dimensions | 254.3 × 165.8 × 6.5 mm (10.01 × 6.53 × 0.26 in) |
| Weight | ~524 g (18.48 oz) |
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back & frame |
| IP Rating | IP68 water and dust resistance |
| Display | 10.9″ IPS LCD, 2,304 × 1,440 px (WUXGA+), 90 Hz, ~249 ppi |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 1380 (4×2.4 GHz A78 + 4×2.0 GHz A55, 5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali‑G68 MP5 |
| RAM | 6 GB (base) or 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB, microSD up to 1 TB |
| Rear Camera | 8 MP, autofocus, no flash |
| Front Camera | 12 MP (likely ultra-wide) |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh typical, 45 W fast charging |
| Speakers | Stereo AKG with Dolby Atmos |
| S Pen | Included, Wacom EMR, no charging needed |
| Software | Android 13 with One UI 5.1.1; updated to Android 15 One UI 7 |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi 6; optional LTE/5G, Bluetooth 5.3, USB‑C 3.2; 3.5 mm jack & headphone support not available |
| Sensors | Ambient light, accelerometer, gyro; no fingerprint sensor on base model |
| Colors | Silver, Gray, Lavender, Mint |
| Price | Launch MSRP $449; deals as low as $299 in 2025 |
Introduction
Samsung’s Fan Edition (FE) line delivers flagship-adjacent features at mid-range prices—whether it’s the Galaxy S23 FE smartphone or Tab S9 FE tablet. Launched in October 2023, the Tab S9 FE aims to deliver the premium experience of Samsung’s high-end Tab S9 series in a more affordable 10.9″ package .
Today, with autumn 2025 rolling in, deals like the end-of-March Best Buy/Amazon sale slashed the price to $299—a striking 33% off the original MSRP . That makes it one of the strongest budget tablet offers right now.
Design & Durability
Premium Build, Rugged Credentials
Encased in aluminum back and frame with a glass front, the Tab S9 FE weighs approximately 524 g, giving it a sturdy and balanced feel—neither too light to feel cheap nor too heavy to lug around .
Uniquely for this price class, it earned an IP68 rating—fully dustproof and submersible—bringing flagship-level durability to a mid-range tablet .
Tactile Experience
In landscape mode, the centered front-facing camera and magnetic S Pen holder on the rear offer a balanced setup for video calls and sketches. The finish feels premium, and bezel thickness supports secure handling without accidental touches.
Display: Sweet Spot for Size & Quality
Vibrant 10.9″ Panel
The 10.9-inch WUXGA+ (2,304×1,440) IPS LCD panel delivers crisp visuals (~249 ppi) and smooth scrolling at 90 Hz . While not AMOLED, reviews say the panel is punchy and well-calibrated—users often say “an untrained eye may mistake it for AMOLED” .
Brightness & Viewing
In sunny conditions, it remained legible—albeit with visible reflections. At up to 760 nits, it outshines the base iPad Air (485 nits), making it fit for outdoor use .
Performance: Solid for Everyday Use
Mid‑Range Muscle
Powered by Exynos 1380 (4×A78 + 4×A55 cores, Mali‑G68 MP5 GPU), it handles day-to-day tasks—browsing, productivity apps, casual gaming—with ease . GeekZone notes the 6 GB/8 GB RAM keeps the system fluid and speedy.
More intensive work—like professional-grade editing or AAA gaming—can tax the hardware. TechRadar describes its performance as respectable, but not in the performance league of iPad Air’s M1-class chips .
Real-world Results
Users report smooth multitasking and responsive Samsung DeX mode support. For all but the heaviest users, the FE performs admirably .
Battery Life & Charging
Marathon Battery
The 8,000 mAh battery is efficient, thanks to the mid-range chipset and optimization. In FutureLabs testing, the Tab S9 FE Plus ran 18 hours, nearly double the iPad Air’s 10-hour result. Though the FE isn’t the Plus, similar endurance is expected.
Users consistently mention multi-day light-use stretches (webbing, streaming, note-taking) .
Fast Refill
Support for 45 W fast charging means quicker top-ups—helpful for busy days . Real-life recharge times vary, but benchmarks show an advantage over slower chargers in competing devices.
Stylus Integration: S Pen Magic
A key selling point is the included Wacom-powered S Pen—no need to tuck it away in a silo or charge it. It magnetically attaches to the rear and arrives ready to draw or write .
Feedback from artists and note-takers is positive: low latency, smooth lines, and useful for quick annotations. The magnet holds it firmly but some reviews caution it can fall off if jostled—so care is required .
Cameras & Audio
Cameras
- Rear: 8 MP with autofocus; suitable for document scanning and basic captures .
- Front: 12 MP, likely ultra-wide—ideal for video conferencing .
Both support 4K video at 30fps.
Not aimed at mobile photography, but adequate for tablet use.
Audio
Stereo AKG speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver rich, immersive sound—best in class for mid-range tablets .
Supports Bluetooth audio; sadly, no headphone jack, but USB-C audio adapters are compatible.
Software, Updates & AI
Out of the Box
Shipped with Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1; upgraded to Android 15 and One UI 7.
Samsung generally promises 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of security patches—solid, though a bit behind Apple’s 5+ years.
AI Features
Certain Galaxy AI features, like Live Translate, search assistance, and note analysis, are available via One UI 7 updates —bringing smart capabilities even to mid-tier devices.
Connectivity & Expandability
- Wi‑Fi 6 standard; optional 5G model (SM‑X516B).
- Bluetooth 5.3 for accessories.
- USB‑C 3.2 port: data transfer, charging, video-out.
- No 3.5 mm headphone jack or fingerprint reader (base model).
- microSD slot, supports expansion to 1 TB.
Color Options
Comes in four unique colors: Silver, Gray, Lavender, Mint, offering a fresh twist compared to typical tablet palettes en.wikipedia.org.
Pricing & Availability
- Launch MSRP: US $449 (128 GB, Wi‑Fi) .
- 256 GB variant adds cost; cellular models slightly higher.
- Spring 2025 deals: hit $299 at Best Buy and Amazon—an impressive $150 off .
Such pricing makes the Tab S9 FE a compelling mid-range purchase, rivaling lower-end iPads and budget Android tablets.
Comparisons: FE vs. Flagship & Plus
Tab S9 FE vs Tab S9
- FE: 10.9″ 90 Hz LCD, Exynos 1380, IP68, S Pen included.
- S9: 11″ 120 Hz OLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, faster charging, higher price (~$100 more).
If you value display quality and raw power, the Tab S9 gives more—but FE covers almost everything else for less.
Tab S9 FE vs Tab S9 FE+
- FE+: 12.4″ 90 Hz LCD, larger battery (10,090 mAh), 8/12 GB RAM, heavier (~627 g), $599 MSRP.
- Choose FE+ for screen real estate and battery endurance; FE is more portable and affordable.
Pros & Cons
👍 Strengths
- Sturdy aluminum build + IP68 durability.
- Crisp 10.9″ 90 Hz display with strong brightness.
- Included S Pen with low-latency writing/drawing.
- Long battery life, fast charging.
- Expandable storage (microSD).
- Stereo AKG speakers with Dolby Atmos.
- Smarter features via Galaxy AI on One UI 7.
👎 Weaknesses
- LCD, not OLED, and limited 90 Hz refresh rate.
- Performance is mid-tier, not flagship-grade.
- No headphone jack or base-model biometrics.
- RAM capped at 8 GB (versus Plus model’s 12 GB).
- Around 3 years of OS updates, less than Apple’s longevity.
Reviews & User Feedback
- Reddit users praise smooth IPS display—“no AMOLED, but colors are accurate… viewing angles very good… an untrained eye may even mistake this for an AMOLED” .
- GeekZone: “6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage… does an excellent job of keeping it fluid and speedy” .
- Tom’s Guide: Positioned between Galaxy Tab A and flagship Tab S, delivering high value with S Pen and DeX support.
- TechRadar: FE+ model complemented iPad Air users with water resistance, pen box, microSD—though performance trails. Users seem to love the package.
Ideal User Profiles
- Students & Note‑Takers
A portable 10.9″ canvas with free S Pen—ideal for writing, diagramming, annotating PDFs and watching lectures. - Casual Creators & Sketchers
Low-latency stylus and solid display make it great for journaling, doodling, digital planning. - Media Consumers
90 Hz screen, strong speakers—excellent for Netflix, YouTube, reading, and casual gaming. - Travelers & Outdoor Users
Rugged IP68 rating and long battery life ensure reliability on the go.
Should You Buy?
If you want:
- A stylus-ready tablet without paying flagship prices.
- Solid screen and audio for entertainment.
- Water-drop durability for everyday use.
- A portable, long-lasting device.
⇒ Yes, especially with current deals around $299–$349.
If you need flagship-screen quality, pro-level performance, or maximum RAM—opt for the Tab S9 or S9 FE+.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓1. What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE in India?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is priced starting at ₹36,999 for the Wi-Fi-only variant and ₹41,999 for the 5G variant. Prices may vary based on offers and configurations.
❓2. Does the Galaxy Tab S9 FE support the S Pen?
Yes, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE comes with an S Pen included in the box, which is perfect for note-taking, sketching, and productivity tasks.
❓3. Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE good for students?
Absolutely! With its large display, S Pen support, and DeX Mode for a PC-like experience, it’s a great tablet for students for note-taking, reading, and online learning.
❓4. Can I use the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE for gaming?
Yes, the Exynos 1380 processor along with 8GB RAM offers decent gaming performance for most casual and mid-level games. However, for high-end gaming, the Tab S9+ or Tab S9 Ultra might be better suited.
❓5. Is the Galaxy Tab S9 FE water and dust resistant?
Yes! The Galaxy Tab S9 FE comes with an IP68 rating, which means it is water and dust resistant, a feature not commonly found in many tablets.
❓6. What Android version does the Tab S9 FE run?
It runs on Android 13 with One UI 5.1 and is eligible for future Android updates for up to 4 years.
❓7. How is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE?
The Tab S9 FE packs an 8,000mAh battery (Wi-Fi) or 10,090mAh battery (5G variant) with 45W fast charging, giving you all-day battery life for streaming, work, and browsing.
❓8. Can I make phone calls from the Galaxy Tab S9 FE?
Yes, the 5G variant supports SIM card insertion and can be used for voice calls, SMS, and mobile data.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE hits a sweet middle ground: premium design, stylus input, solid display, long battery, and rugged reliability—all at an approachable price. With deals slashing its MSRP, it’s become one of the best mid-range tablets today, only missing out on OLED display and powerhouse specs.
For students, casual creatives, travelers, and anyone who values pen input and durability—this may well be all the tablet you need.
Summary Table of Key Metrics
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.9″ 90 Hz WUXGA+ IPS, ~249 ppi |
| Processor | Mid-range Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB + microSD up to 1 TB |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh, 45 W fast charge |
| Stylus | Included, EMR, no-charge S Pen |
| Durability | IP68 water/dust ratings |
| OS Updates | Android 13 → 15; 3 OS + 4 years security |
| Price | $449 MSRP → ~$299–$349 deals |
In short, the Tab S9 FE packs a ton of value into a sleek, capable package—making it a standout in the mid-range tablet market. If you’re after portable productivity, pen support, durability, and binge-worthy media all wrapped up in one, there’s a lot to love here—for less.
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