Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Review: Premium Features Meet Mid-Range Value

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus strikes an impressive balance between features and affordability in India’s competitive tablet market. With its premium build quality, vibrant display, capable performance, and comprehensive software support, it caters to both casual users and professionals seeking a versatile device for daily use.
Design and Display
Built with a premium aluminum frame measuring 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm3 and weighing 627 grams, the tablet exudes sophistication. Available in Gray, Lavender, Mint, and Silver, it features a 12.4-inch IPS LCD display (1600 x 2560 pixels) with HDR10+ support and 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and comfortable viewing.
Processor
The Exynos 1380 octa-core processor, built on a 5nm process, powers the device with speeds up to 2.4GHz, balancing performance with energy efficiency.
RAM and Storage
Users can choose between 8GB and 12GB RAM variants, paired with either 128GB or 256GB storage. The microSD support up to 1TB provides ample expansion options.
Software
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus ships with Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1, based on Android 13. The tab has received the Android 14-based One UI 6.1.1 update, which enhances its multitasking and camera capabilities, besides improving productivity tools. Samsung’s commitment to four years of OS updates and five years of security patches ensures long-term software support.
Performance
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus demonstrates solid everyday performance, handling multitasking and productivity tasks with ease. The Exynos 1380, coupled with generous RAM, ensures smooth operation for web browsing, video streaming, and standard productivity applications. While it manages casual gaming effectively, it falls slightly behind the iPad Air and Lenovo Tab P12 Pro in handling graphics-intensive games at higher settings. The device’s thermal management impresses, maintaining comfortable temperatures during extended use. One UI’s optimizations enhance the experience through features like split-screen multitasking and app pairs, though some resource-heavy applications may occasionally show minor lag compared to flagship tablets.
Camera
The dual 8MP rear cameras (wide and ultra-wide) and 12MP front-facing ultra-wide lens provide versatile shooting options. While adequate for casual photography and video calls in good lighting, the camera system struggles in low-light conditions compared to the iPad Pro’s superior setup. Compared to the iPad Air or Surface Pro, the camera system provides acceptable quality for tablet photography but lacks the advanced features and processing found in premium alternatives.
Sound
The quad-speaker system tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support delivers rich, immersive audio for an enhanced entertainment experience.
Battery
The 10,090mAh battery provides up to two days of moderate use, supported by 45W fast charging capability.
Accessories
The included S Pen attaches magnetically, requires no charging, and offers precise inputs for notes and drawings. Optional accessories include a keyboard cover (₹12,999), which transforms the tablet into a laptop-like device, and a protective standing cover (₹3,999).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large display with 90Hz refresh rate
- IP68 rating
- S Pen functionality
- Extended battery life
- Expandable storage
- Long-term software support
Cons
- Limited gaming performance
- IPS display versus AMOLED
- Subpar low-light photography
- Keyboard sold separately
Market Buzz
Amazon and Flipkart users praise the display quality, battery life, and S Pen functionality, though some note the tablet’s weight as a concern for extended handheld use.
Pricing
- 128GB Wi-Fi: ₹37,999
- 128GB Wi-Fi + 5G: ₹40,999
- 256GB Wi-Fi: ₹54,999
- 256GB Wi-Fi + 5G: ₹61,999
Final Verdict The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus offers excellent value in the mid-range tablet segment, delivering a well-rounded package of performance, features, and build quality that will satisfy most users’ needs.rformance limitations, it’s a compelling choice for users seeking a versatile tablet for everyday use.