Samsung’s Fan Edition isn’t just for the Galaxy S23 FE this year, it’s expanding beyond just its smartphone. This year, the Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Buds lineups are also getting affordable, scaled-back Goldilocks versions under the ‘FE’ moniker. The Galaxy Tab S9 is getting a little bit of special treatment with two devices getting the FE treatment – the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+. Where the “+” plays a significant part in how the devices have been designed and optimised.
The Galaxy Tab S9 series takes the baton from the Tab S7 FE. The new series of tablets brings some of the features from the recently announced Galaxy Tab S9 series to a more affordable price point. It’s also upping the ante from its predecessor. While the tablets don’t come with the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it comes with the capable Exynos 1380 chipset.
Both tablets in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series bring substantial improvements in the display department. The Tab S9 FE boasts a 10.9-inch TFT LCD panel, while the Tab S9 FE+ steps it up with a larger 12.4-inch TFT LCD panel. Yes, these sizes are on par with the Tab S9 and S9+. However, they only come with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz and an FHD+ resolution. The tablets also come with Samsung’s Vision Booster technology that enhances outdoor visibility by optimizing colour and contrast, making the tablets usable even in challenging lighting conditions.
These tablets aren’t just about performance; they also focus on sustainability. Both the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and the Tab S9 FE+ are crafted from recycled materials, including pre-consumer recycled aluminium and post-consumer recycled plastics. While they might not be used in 100% of the tablets, they are prominent in select components. Both models, along with the included S Pen, boast an IP68 rating, ensuring dust resistance and the ability to withstand accidental water exposure.
Samsung has also upped its game in the camera department. The FE features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera. In contrast, the FE+ comes equipped with a dual camera setup on the back with an 8-megapixel main sensor complemented with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide rear camera and the same 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera. These cameras come with the same software features we’ve seen in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series including auto-framing.
Battery capacity in the FE+ is impressive, with a 10,090mAh unit that can last up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge. The Tab S9 FE, although slightly smaller in size, still packs a decent 8,000mAh battery. Samsung claims that the battery can go from 0% to 100% in just 90 minutes.
The tablets come with two storage options: 128GB or 256GB. These tablets come with the option to expand storage up to 1TB using a microSD card. When it comes to RAM they come with either 6GB, 8GB or 12GB.
Both tablets support 5G, WiFi 6 and Bluetooth. They will also be running on Android 13 and One UI 5. Samsung promises four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. When it comes to apps, they come with support for a range of creative tools and apps, including Goodnotes, LumaFusion, and Clip Studio Paint.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series will be priced from USD$449 (MYR2,128.97) or €529 (MYR2,633.45) internationally. Both tablets will be available for purchase starting October 10 in Mint, Grey, Lavender and Silver.
In Malaysia, the tablet will be priced from MYR2,099. Both tablets will be available in Malaysia from October 10, 2023. Detailed pricing is listed below.
