Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Verdict
Samsung's Tab S8 positions itself as the premium option with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor delivering noticeably faster performance for demanding apps and gaming, paired with a 120Hz display that feels significantly smoother than the S9 FE+'s 90Hz panel. Its lighter 503g frame and slimmer 6.3mm profile enhance portability compared to the bulkier S9 FE+ at 627g. Conversely, the S9 FE+ compensates with a larger 12.4-inch screen, superior 20-hour battery life versus 15 hours, and a more affordable $529 price point. While the Tab S8 runs newer OS software with longer update support and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, the S9 FE+ delivers better everyday value for media consumption and casual tasks. Choose the Tab S8 if performance and display refresh rate matter most; select the S9 FE+ for budget-conscious users prioritizing screen size and battery endurance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 if…
- →S Pen included with 120Hz display makes note-taking excellent
- →Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 power as the pricier S8+ and Ultra
- →Compact 11" size balances portability and screen real estate
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if…
- →Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- →S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- →IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Pros
- S Pen included with 120Hz display makes note-taking excellent
- Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 power as the pricier S8+ and Ultra
- Compact 11" size balances portability and screen real estate
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB
- Samsung DeX and multi-window for productivity
Cons
- LCD panel — lacks the AMOLED vibrancy of the S8+ and Ultra
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can run warm during gaming
- $699 is steep for an LCD tablet
- Only 8 GB RAM on all configurations
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Pros
- Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
- MicroSD card expansion up to 1 TB for extra storage
- 10090 mAh battery provides excellent endurance
Cons
- TFT LCD panel has weaker colors and contrast than AMOLED
- Exynos 1380 is a mid-range chip — struggles with heavy tasks
- 90Hz refresh rate is behind the 120Hz on Galaxy Tab S9
- No AMOLED display at this price point is disappointing
- 627 g is heavy for extended handheld use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 (One UI 4.1, upgradable to One UI 6+) | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 503 g (Wi-Fi) | 627 g |
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours video playback | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 8000 mAh | 10090 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Type | LTPS TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 90Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Octa-core, Adreno 730) | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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