Updated | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE surfaces with Wi-Fi and 5G variants confirmed
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has appeared again online, less than a month after @OnLeaks teamed up with MediaPeanut to deliver CAD-based renders of the forthcoming tablet. Since then, Samsung has released its first Galaxy Tab S9 tablets, starting with flagship Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9 Plus and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra models. Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published various certification documents for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which is expected to be the cheapest model in the Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Typically, the FCC reveals limited information about a device before a device's launch. However, it has decided to list part of a schematic in its initial document release in which the top rear portion of the tablet can be seen. Embedded below, the image confirms design similarities with existing Galaxy Tab S9 tablets but shows two rear-facing cameras, contrary to other rumours.
While it remains to be seen whether this image is accurate or for illustrative purposes, the FCC adds that Samsung has designed two model variants, SM-X610 and SM-X616B. Based on other Samsung model numbers, the former is a Wi-Fi-only variant. By contrast, the latter will have a 5G modem courtesy of its Exynos 1380 chipset.
Currently, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is rumoured to be planned for an October release with the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus and Galaxy S23 FE. Previous leaks have suggested that the Galaxy Tab S9 FE will sport an 11-inch display too, making it a smaller alternative to the current Galaxy Tab S7 FE. Separately, Samsung has already added references to both the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus on its French website, effectively confirming that both tablets will soon make their way to market.
Update
Roland Quandt has since shared Indian pricing for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE with 6 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage and Wi-Fi only connectivity. Reportedly, the tablet will retail for INR 63,000, equivalent to US$761 at current exchange rates. Although it is unlikely that this price will convert directly to US$ when the tablet launches later this year, Quandt's alleged pricing is roughly INR 3,000 (~US$36) higher than the MSRP of the equivalent Galaxy Tab S7 FE. Thus, it would appear that a price increase is on the cards for other markets too.
Source(s)
FCC via /LEAKS, Samsung France via @rquandt, @OnLeaks & MediaPeanut - Image credits