Review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE - Samsung tightens the performance screw

Samsung has harnessed the full potential of the current Galaxy Tab S9 models, featuring a rapid SoC, a vibrant OLED panel, and a sleek design - attributes that come at a cost not everyone may be willing or able to pay.

Therefore, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a slightly streamlined version of the tablet. The display is marginally smaller at 10.9 inches instead of 11 inches, with a noteworthy change in display technology as well. The FE model opts for a TFT-LC display rather than an OLED.

Despite this shift, we measured commendable brightness values averaging 694.7 nits. While we did observe screen flickering below 13% screen brightness, it occurs infrequently. The aluminum casing around the display stands out for its excellent craftsmanship and IP68 certification.

Although the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is equipped with only two speakers, we find the audio quality satisfactory. The camera performance is also commendable, although it struggles in low-light conditions.

The most significant downgrade compared to the regular Galaxy Tab S9 is the inclusion of the Exynos 1380 processor instead of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This is noticeable in benchmarks, gaming, and day-to-day usage. Even a few open Chrome tabs can strain the tablet, and the relatively slow built-in memory further contributes to the weaker system performance.

The inclusion of expandable memory via a microSD card is a positive aspect. Additionally, it's noteworthy that Samsung provides the Galaxy Tab S9 FE with the S Pen. The tablet's battery life is satisfactory, but an improvement in charging speed would be appreciated, as it currently takes nearly three hours for a full charge.

Overall, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE performs well during testing. The build quality and display leave a highly favorable impression. The extended update support is another positive aspect of the Samsung device. For users intending to engage in intensive work or play on the device, the regular Galaxy Tab S9 might be a more suitable choice.