Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Verdict
Samsung's flagship Tab S9 commands a $270 premium over the FE+ variant, and that investment yields meaningful performance gains. Its Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers superior color accuracy and deeper blacks compared to the FE+'s TFT LCD panel, while the 120Hz refresh rate feels noticeably smoother than 90Hz. Performance separates these tablets significantly: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy crushes the Exynos 1380, making the Tab S9 substantially faster for gaming and multitasking. Battery life favors the FE+ with up to 20 hours versus 11 hours, and its larger 12.4-inch screen suits content consumption. However, the Tab S9 offers superior cameras, faster charging at 45W, slimmer design at 5.9mm, and IP68 water resistance. For productivity and demanding tasks, the Tab S9 justifies its premium. Budget-conscious users prioritizing screen size and endurance should consider the FE+.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 if…
- →Compact 11-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED with IP68 rating
- →S Pen bundled in the box
- →Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
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
Pros
- Compact 11-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED with IP68 rating
- S Pen bundled in the box
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- MicroSD card slot for storage expansion
- Samsung DeX desktop mode support
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Keyboard accessory sold separately
- Smaller battery than Tab S9+/Ultra
- Moderate real-world battery life under heavy use
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 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to Android 14) | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 498 g | 627 g |
| IP rating | IP68 | — |
| Dimensions | 254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours video playback, 45W wired charging | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 8400 mAh | 10090 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 13 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ | 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 / 12 GB LPDDR5X | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 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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