Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Verdict
Samsung's FE+ delivers substantially better value for media consumption and productivity with its larger 12.4-inch display offering 2560 x 1600 resolution compared to the FE's 10.9-inch 2304 x 1440 panel. Battery capacity jumps from 8000 mAh to 10090 mAh, yielding impressive 20-hour video playback versus 12 hours. Both tablets share the Exynos 1380 chipset and 90Hz refresh rates, ensuring comparable performance for everyday tasks. Key advantages of the FE+ include USB 3.2 connectivity, optional cellular support, and superior screen real estate at only $79 more. The FE remains solid for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing portability and affordability. However, the FE+ better justifies its price through tangible upgrades in battery endurance, display size, and connectivity options. For anyone planning extended use or content creation, the FE+ emerges as the smarter choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if…
- →S Pen included at a budget-friendly price
- →IP68 rated for dust and water resistance
- →90Hz display is smoother than typical budget tablets
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 S9 FE
Pros
- S Pen included at a budget-friendly price
- IP68 rated for dust and water resistance
- 90Hz display is smoother than typical budget tablets
- Expandable storage via microSD card
- Long Samsung software support commitment
Cons
- LCD instead of AMOLED at this size
- Exynos 1380 is mid-range and shows in heavy tasks
- USB-C limited to slow 2.0 speeds
- Only 6GB of RAM on the base model
- Single rear camera
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 S9 FE | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 523 g (Wi-Fi) | 627 g |
| Dimensions | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to ~12 hours video | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 8000 mAh | 10090 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 8 MP wide | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide (landscape) | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Type | LCD (LTPS TFT) | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2304 x 1440 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 1380 | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Related Comparisons
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.
Explore more in tablets, see all Samsung products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.