Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Review: The Best Mid-Range Tablet for Stylus Lovers?

The tablet market has evolved rapidly over the past few years. Entry-level models have improved, flagships continue to push boundaries, and mid-range tablets have carved a niche for themselves. Among the latest contenders in this middle ground is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE—a device that promises a blend of premium features without the flagship price tag. With an attractive starting price of $450, it sits comfortably between basic tablets and high-end powerhouses.

But how does it really perform in day-to-day use? Is it the right choice for students, professionals, or casual users? Let’s dive deep into this comprehensive review to explore what makes the Galaxy Tab S9 FE stand out—and where it falls short.

Premium Design Without the Premium Price

At first glance, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE looks almost identical to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Tab S9. Samsung hasn’t cut corners in design; in fact, many accessories designed for the pricier model are compatible with the FE version. This similarity extends to the build quality: the Tab S9 FE is encased in an aluminum body, exuding durability and a premium feel rarely found in mid-range devices.

One standout feature is its IP68 rating, meaning the tablet is resistant to dust and water. This is a big deal in the tablet world—few tablets, even expensive ones, offer this level of protection. Whether you’re working near a pool, using it in the kitchen, or caught in the rain, you can breathe a little easier.

In terms of physical specs, it measures 6.5mm in thickness and weighs 523 grams. It’s slightly thicker than the flagship model but still feels sleek and portable. Along the sides, you’ll find a keyboard connector, a microSD card slot, and a USB-C 2.0 port. One limitation worth noting is that the USB-C port doesn’t support external monitor connections—a feature some professionals might miss.

Cameras That Are “Good Enough”

Tablets aren’t known for their photography chops, but Samsung hasn’t neglected the camera setup here. The 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera captures sharp selfies and is ideal for video calls. On the back, the 8MP main camera is competent for casual shots and even supports 4K video recording. While neither camera will replace your smartphone for photography, they perform above average for tablets.

Adding to the tablet’s convenience is a fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. It works swiftly and reliably, offering a seamless unlock experience. This feature isn’t common on budget tablets, so it’s a welcome addition for those seeking both security and convenience.

Display: A Bright Spot in the Mid-Range Market

The 10.9-inch IPS LCD display is one of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s highlights. It sports a 2304 x 1440 resolution, delivering crisp visuals whether you’re watching movies, browsing the web, or reading. Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, the display is not only sharper but also brighter with more saturated colors.

A key feature that sets it apart from many similarly priced tablets is the 90Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate ensures smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable when gaming or using the stylus. While it doesn’t match the buttery smoothness of 120Hz displays on flagships, the difference between 90Hz and 120Hz is minor for most users.

However, it’s worth noting that because this is an LCD screen, black levels won’t match the deep, inky blacks of AMOLED panels. Still, it holds up well with strong brightness, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles. Streaming fans will appreciate the Widevine L1 certification, enabling HD playback on Netflix and other platforms.

Audio: Surprisingly Good Speakers

One area where many mid-range tablets compromise is audio quality, but Samsung delivers here too. The dual speakers on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE are surprisingly robust, offering clear, loud sound with decent bass. They don’t quite match the audio depth of the iPad Pro or the standard Tab S9, but unless you’re comparing them side-by-side, the difference is negligible.

Whether you’re streaming music, watching videos, or gaming, the speakers provide an immersive audio experience far superior to typical entry-level tablets.

The S Pen: A Major Selling Point

Perhaps the biggest reason to choose the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the inclusion of the S Pen stylus. Unlike some competitors that sell their stylus separately, Samsung includes the S Pen in the box—a huge plus for note-takers, artists, and students.

The stylus looks and feels identical to the one bundled with the Galaxy Tab S9 and delivers a nearly identical writing and drawing experience. Thanks to the 90Hz display, input lag is minimal, making handwriting feel natural and responsive. Whether you’re jotting down notes in class, sketching, or annotating PDFs, the experience is fluid and precise.

Samsung’s software suite further enhances the stylus experience. Apps like Samsung Notes, S Pen commands, and built-in PDF annotation tools are powerful and easy to use. One caveat: unlike the S Pen on flagship tablets, the S9 FE’s stylus lacks Bluetooth functionality. This means you can’t use it as a remote for presentations or to trigger the camera shutter. But for most users, this won’t be a dealbreaker.

Performance: Capable, But Not a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 processor, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage (expandable via microSD). My review unit was the base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.

In benchmarks, it outperforms its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and holds its own against many mid-range competitors. However, devices like the Xiaomi Pad 6 and Lenovo P12 Pro Gen 2 offer stronger performance at similar or lower prices. Even the Apple iPad 10th Gen delivers noticeably better benchmark scores.

In real-world use, though, the tablet remains snappy for most tasks. Apps open quickly, multitasking works smoothly, and casual gaming is enjoyable. Heavier games like Fortnite run well at high settings (with some compromises like lowering 3D resolution to 75% for smoother frame rates). Genshin Impact is playable at medium-to-high settings, though visuals look a bit sharper on the iPad 10.

If you’re a hardcore mobile gamer, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE isn’t the best choice. But for everyday use, productivity, media consumption, and light gaming, it performs admirably.

Software: Samsung’s Polished One UI

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE ships with Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1, identical to Samsung’s latest tablets. This means you’re getting a mature, polished software experience with useful tablet-focused features.

One standout feature is Samsung DeX, which transforms the tablet into a desktop-like interface. Pair it with a keyboard cover, and you’ve got a lightweight productivity setup—perfect for writing, presentations, or multitasking. Unfortunately, unlike flagship models, the S9 FE doesn’t support external monitor connections, even wirelessly. This limits DeX’s potential for some professional users.

Samsung has committed to four major Android updates and five years of security patches, making this tablet a long-term investment.

Accessories: A Familiar Ecosystem

Samsung designed the Galaxy Tab S9 FE to work with the same keyboard accessories as the standard Tab S9, giving buyers flexibility. You can opt for the Book Cover Keyboard Slim (a basic keyboard case without a touchpad) or the full Book Cover Keyboard (which includes a touchpad and kickstand).

Both keyboards offer solid typing experiences, though the premium model is more versatile for those planning to use DeX mode extensively.

Battery Life: Good, But Not Best-in-Class

In battery tests, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE achieved around 7.5 hours of continuous video playback at maximum brightness and frame rate. This is respectable but falls slightly short of its AMOLED-equipped sibling, likely due to the LCD screen’s higher power consumption at full brightness.

For most users, this translates to a full day of moderate use or several days of lighter use before needing a charge.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE strikes an impressive balance between affordability and premium features. Its IP68-rated build quality, 90Hz high-resolution display, and included S Pen make it the best mid-range tablet for stylus users today.

It excels at note-taking, media consumption, casual gaming, and productivity, especially when paired with Samsung’s robust software ecosystem. If you’re an artist, student, or professional who values stylus support, software longevity, and a premium build, this tablet is an excellent investment.

However, if raw processing power or high-end gaming performance is your top priority, competing devices like the iPad 10th Gen or Xiaomi Pad 6 might be better choices. These alternatives offer faster chips and stronger gaming capabilities at similar price points.

Ultimately, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE isn’t about benchmark supremacy—it’s about delivering a well-rounded, reliable experience with standout features like water resistance and stylus integration, typically reserved for pricier models. For many users, especially those who prioritize the S Pen, that makes it a fantastic choice in the crowded mid-range tablet market.

✅ Pros:

• Premium aluminum build with IP68 water/dust resistance

• Bright 10.9-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate

• Included S Pen with excellent software support

• Long software update commitment

• Great speakers for the price

⚠️ Cons:

• No external monitor support

• Middling benchmark scores compared to rivals

• Slightly lower battery life than AMOLED models

If you’re looking for a versatile tablet for note-taking, drawing, and everyday productivity without paying flagship prices, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE deserves a spot at the top of your list.