Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Review: The Best Value Android Tablet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is Samsung's answer for users who want a premium tablet experience without the premium price tag. With its large 12.4-inch display, included S Pen, IP68 water resistance, and capable Exynos processor, this tablet hits a sweet spot that few Android tablets can match.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Display	12.4" TFT LCD, 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA), 90Hz
Processor	Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm)
RAM	8GB / 12GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB (expandable via microSD up to 1TB)
Operating System	Android 13 with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to Android 17)
S Pen	Included (IP68, magnetic attachment)
Rear Camera	8MP
Front Camera	12MP Ultra-Wide
Battery	10,090mAh
Charging	45W Fast Charging (charger sold separately)
Water Resistance	IP68 (tablet and S Pen)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C 3.2
LTE Option	Available (5G model)
Speakers	Dual Speakers with Dolby Atmos
Dimensions	285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5mm
Weight	627g (Wi-Fi) / 632g (5G)
Colors	Gray, Silver, Lavender, Mint
Price	Starting at $599

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ borrows design cues from Samsung's flagship tablets while keeping costs in check. The aluminum unibody frame feels premium, and at just 6.5mm thick, it's remarkably slim for a 12.4-inch tablet.

Key Design Features

• 12.4-inch display with slim bezels for immersive viewing
• Aluminum unibody construction with premium feel
• IP68 water and dust resistance—rare at this price point
• Magnetic S Pen attachment on the back for easy storage
• USB-C port for charging and accessories
• Four color options including unique Mint and Lavender

The IP68 rating is a standout feature that you won't find on most tablets in this price range. Both the tablet and the included S Pen are water resistant, making it ideal for use by the pool, in the kitchen, or anywhere spills might happen.

Display: Big, Bright, and Smooth

The 12.4-inch TFT LCD display is one of the Tab S9 FE+'s strongest features. While it's not AMOLED like the premium Tab S9 series, it still delivers excellent quality for most users.

Display Specifications

• Size: 12.4 inches diagonal
• Resolution: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) at 243 PPI
• Refresh Rate: 90Hz for smooth scrolling
• Panel Type: TFT LCD
• Brightness: Good outdoor visibility

The 90Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference when scrolling through content, browsing the web, or taking notes with the S Pen. Colors are vibrant and accurate, making it great for media consumption and light photo editing.

Performance: Exynos 1380

The Exynos 1380 processor provides solid mid-range performance. Built on a 5nm process, it handles everyday tasks with ease:

• Smooth multitasking with Samsung's DeX mode
• Responsive S Pen input with minimal latency
• Capable gaming for most Android titles
• 4K video playback without issues
• Good efficiency for all-day battery life

While it won't match the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the premium Tab S9, the Exynos 1380 is more than sufficient for productivity, media consumption, and casual gaming. Most users won't notice the difference in daily use.

S Pen: Included and Water Resistant

One of the best value propositions of the Tab S9 FE+ is the included S Pen. No need to pay extra—it comes in the box and is just as water resistant as the tablet itself.

S Pen Features

Feature	Description
Latency	Low latency for natural writing feel
Pressure Sensitivity	4,096 levels for precise control
Water Resistance	IP68 rated—works even when wet
Magnetic Attachment	Snaps to the back of the tablet
Battery	No charging required
Samsung Notes	Full integration with handwriting-to-text

The S Pen transforms the Tab S9 FE+ into a capable note-taking device, digital sketchpad, and PDF annotation tool. Samsung's Notes app is excellent, with features like handwriting recognition, shape correction, and audio recording sync.

Software: One UI and DeX

The Tab S9 FE+ runs One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, with a promise of 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates. This means you can expect updates through Android 17.

Key Software Features

• Samsung DeX: Desktop-like experience with keyboard and mouse
• Multi-Window: Run up to 3 apps simultaneously
• Second Screen: Use the tablet as a monitor for your Galaxy Book or Windows PC
• Galaxy Ecosystem: Quick Share, seamless connection with Galaxy phones and buds
• Samsung Notes: Best-in-class note-taking with S Pen
• Clip Studio Paint (free months): Great for digital artists

DeX mode is particularly impressive, turning the tablet into a productivity workstation when paired with the optional Book Cover Keyboard. You can resize windows, use keyboard shortcuts, and work with multiple apps just like on a desktop.

Battery Life

The massive 10,090mAh battery delivers excellent longevity:

• Up to 18 hours of video playback
• All-day productivity with mixed use
• 45W fast charging support (charger sold separately)
• ~90 minutes for a full charge with 45W charger
• Reverse wireless charging for Galaxy Buds and phones

For most users, the Tab S9 FE+ will easily last a full day of use, and often into a second day with lighter usage. The only downside is that Samsung doesn't include a charger in the box.

Galaxy Tab Comparison

Feature	Tab S9 FE+	Tab S9+	Tab S9 FE
Display Size	12.4" LCD	12.4" AMOLED	10.9" LCD
Refresh Rate	90Hz	120Hz	90Hz
Processor	Exynos 1380	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Exynos 1380
S Pen Included	✅	✅	✅
IP68 Rating	✅	✅	✅
Battery	10,090mAh	10,090mAh	8,000mAh
Starting Price	$599	$999	$449

Tab S9 FE+ vs iPad Air

Feature	Galaxy Tab S9 FE+	iPad Air (M2)
Display Size	12.4"	10.9" / 13"
Stylus Included	✅ S Pen	❌ ($129 extra)
Water Resistance	✅ IP68	❌
MicroSD Expansion	✅ Up to 1TB	❌
Desktop Mode	✅ Samsung DeX	Limited (Stage Manager)
File System Access	✅ Full Android	Limited (iPadOS)
App Selection	Good	Excellent
Starting Price	$599	$599

Who Should Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+?

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is perfect for:

• Students who need a large screen for notes and textbooks
• Android users who want seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration
• Budget-conscious buyers who want flagship features at a lower price
• Note-takers and artists who value the included S Pen
• Families who need a durable, water-resistant tablet
• Productivity users who want DeX desktop mode

If you need the absolute best performance and AMOLED display, consider the Tab S9+. But for most users, the Tab S9 FE+ offers 80% of the experience at 60% of the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ come with an S Pen?

Yes! The S Pen is included in the box at no extra cost. It's also IP68 water resistant, just like the tablet itself.

Is the Tab S9 FE+ good for drawing?

Yes, it's excellent for digital art. The large 12.4-inch screen, 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels, and low latency make it great for sketching and illustration. Apps like Clip Studio Paint, Infinite Painter, and Sketchbook work beautifully.

Can I use a keyboard with it?

Yes! Samsung offers the official Book Cover Keyboard, and the tablet supports any Bluetooth keyboard. With DeX mode, it becomes a laptop-like productivity device.

How long will Samsung support it?

Samsung promises 4 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates, making it one of the best-supported Android tablets available.

What's the difference between Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+?

The main difference is size: the Tab S9 FE has a 10.9-inch screen, while the Tab S9 FE+ has a 12.4-inch screen. The FE+ also has a larger 10,090mAh battery compared to the FE's 8,000mAh.

Does it have a headphone jack?

No, the Tab S9 FE+ does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You'll need to use USB-C headphones, Bluetooth earbuds, or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the best value Android tablet you can buy in 2024. It delivers a premium experience—large 12.4-inch display, included S Pen, IP68 water resistance, and excellent software support—at a price that's $400 less than the Tab S9+.

While power users and professionals might want the AMOLED display and Snapdragon processor of the flagship models, the Tab S9 FE+ is more than capable for students, content consumers, note-takers, and casual productivity users.

The included S Pen is a massive value add—Apple charges $129 extra for the Apple Pencil, and iPad Air doesn't have water resistance. For Android users, especially those in the Samsung ecosystem, the Tab S9 FE+ is an easy recommendation.

If you want a big-screen tablet for entertainment, note-taking, and light productivity without breaking the bank, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ should be at the top of your list.