Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs S9 FE: What’s the Difference?

Trying to choose between the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE? It’s a common dilemma for anyone eyeing up the latest Samsung tablets. While they may look alike, the differences in specs, features, and value are more than skin deep. If you’re wondering which Samsung tablet truly fits your needs, this breakdown will make the decision clear.

The Samsung Tab S9: Flagship Experience in a Compact Form

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 sits at the top end of the Samsung tablets range, offering a refined balance of performance and design. With a crisp 11-inch display, premium build, and strong everyday usability, it's aimed at users who want a reliable and responsive Samsung tablet for work, entertainment, and everything in between. Browsing, video calling, or sketching with the S Pen? The Tab S9 delivers a smooth and polished experience that reflects its flagship status.

The Samsung Tab S9 FE: Smart Value Without Compromise

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is an integral part of the Samsung tablets range, designed to deliver many of the core Galaxy Tab S9 features at a more accessible price. It’s ideal for everyday users who want the Samsung tablet experience without going all-in on a premium model. With a sleek design, smooth performance, and S Pen support included, the Tab S9 FE handles daily tasks with ease, from streaming and browsing to light productivity and creative work. It’s a solid all-rounder for anyone looking for the best balance between cost and capability.

Though both tablets are exceptional in their own ways, the key difference lies in their performance and price: the Galaxy Tab S9 offers top-tier power and a larger display for demanding users, while the Tab S9 FE provides a more affordable, slightly pared-back option without sacrificing core features and everyday versatility.

Samsung Tablets Showdown: Key Differences Between The Tab S9 and S9 FE Explained

Want to know more about the differences between the Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Tab S9 FE?

Here’s everything you need to know!

For our comparison, we’ll be comparing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (MPN: SM-X710NZAAEUB) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (MPN: SM-X510NZAAEUB).

Feature/Spec	Samsung Galaxy Tab S9	Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor, 3.36 GHz	Samsung Exynos, 2.00 GHz
Display	11 in WQXGA TFT Display, 2560 x 1600 Max. Resolution	10.9 in Quad HD+ TFT Display, 2304 x 1440 Max. Resolution
RAM/Storage	8 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage	6GB RAM, 128GB Storage
Graphics	Adreno	Mali-G68
Camera System	12 MP Front Camera, 13MP Rear Camera	12 MP Front Camera, 8MP Rear Camera
Weight	498g	524g
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 boasts a sleek, premium design with a slim 5.9mm profile and lightweight 498g graphite finish. Its robust build and high-quality materials make it feel durable, sturdy, and stylish, perfect for professionals and creatives who want a tablet that looks as good as it performs.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers a slightly thicker 6.5mm body and weighs 524g, with a practical grey finish. While it may not have the same premium feel as the S9, the FE still delivers a modern, rugged design that’s comfortable to hold and carry, making it a great choice for everyday users who don’t want to compromise on looks and durability.

Display Quality and Size

Both Samsung tablets differ in terms of their display quality and size.

The Galaxy S9 Tablet features a sharp 11-inch WQXGA display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, delivering crisp visuals and vibrant colours. This makes it fantastic for watching your favourite UK shows in stunning detail or editing photos with precision, giving you a bright, clear view whether you’re indoors or outside.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a slightly smaller 10.9-inch Quad HD+ display at 2304 x 1440 resolution. While a bit less sharp than the S9, it still offers excellent clarity and colour for streaming, browsing, and reading eBooks comfortably. This tablet is still superb for everyday entertainment and work on the go, maintaining most of the screen size and visual clarity.

Performance and Processor

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor running at 3.36 GHz, making it one of the fastest Samsung tablets available. This powerful chip ensures smooth multitasking, high-end gaming, and lag-free performance during demanding creative tasks like video editing or sketching with the S Pen.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE features the Samsung Exynos 1380 processor at 2.00 GHz, which provides sound everyday performance. While it may not match the raw speed of the Snapdragon, it handles browsing, streaming, and office apps efficiently and offers better battery life for extended use.

Memory and Storage

When it comes to memory, the Galaxy Tab S9 leads with 8GB RAM, allowing for more efficient multitasking and handling of demanding apps.

The Tab S9 FE, while slightly lower at 6GB RAM, still delivers steady performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking.

Both tablets offer the same 128GB of storage, providing ample room to store apps, photos, and videos without needing immediate upgrades.

Battery Life

Packed with an 8,400mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 delivers around 10 hours of Wi-Fi browsing and up to 15 hours of video playback. This makes it outstanding for heavy users who need reliable power. Additionally, fast charging support helps the tablet get ready for use quickly.

Battery life on the S9 FE is different than the S9 but with a pleasant twist. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, with its slightly smaller 8,000mAh battery, offers even longer usage, up to 16 hours of browsing and 18 hours of video playback. Thanks to its efficient Exynos processor and lower-resolution screen, the Tab S9 FE provides phenomenal all-day battery life, making it an unmatched choice for users who seek the ideal mix of performance and battery life in a Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Camera Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 sports a more advanced camera setup with a 13MP rear camera featuring autofocus, an 8x digital zoom, and a rear flash, plus a 12MP front camera with a wide 120° field of view. It supports video recording up to 4K (3840x2160) at 30fps, time lapse, and panorama modes, making it versatile for photography and video calls.

By comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a simpler camera system with an 8MP rear camera (no flash) and a 12MP front camera. It also records 4K video at 30fps but offers only 4x digital zoom and includes face detection and recognition features.

The S9 clearly delivers better photo quality and more camera functions compared to the S9 FE.

Operating System and Software Features

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 runs on Android 13 with a 64-bit architecture and offers extensive location support, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS. It comes preloaded with essential Google apps like Gmail, Chrome, Google Drive, Maps, Photos, Play Store, and YouTube, ensuring a rich software experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE also runs Android 13 and includes standard sensors like accelerometer, ambient light, gyroscope, proximity, and orientation sensors. It supports position location and offers password protection but lacks some advanced location services found on the S9.

Both tablets provide smooth software performance with the latest Android features.

Audio and Speakers

Coming to their audio performance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 offers a high-quality audio experience with AKG-tuned speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and three built-in microphones, delivering clear, immersive sound ideal for movies, music, and video calls. This setup ensures rich audio quality and voice clarity, even in noisy environments.

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE also features AKG speakers and Dolby Atmos but comes with two speakers and one microphone. While it provides good sound for everyday use, its audio and voice capture are slightly less powerful than the S9, making the S9 better suited for users who want unexcelled audio performance.

Connectivity Options

Both Samsung tablets support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast and reliable wireless internet, along with older Wi-Fi standards for broad compatibility. They also feature Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi Direct for easy device connections. However, the S9 offers a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, ensuring faster data transfer compared to standard USB ports.

User Experience and Interface

Since the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and S9 FE both run Android 13, they offer a swift and modern user experience with Samsung’s One UI interface. Users benefit from easy multitasking, access to Google apps, and customisation options. The S9’s more powerful processor enhances responsiveness and gaming performance, while the S9 FE still delivers a fluid interface. Both support the S Pen for note-taking and creative work, enriching the overall interaction.

Price and Value

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is priced around £583 at Box.co.uk, reflecting its premium build and performance, making it an unbeatable choice for users seeking top-of-the-line features. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE, at about £396, offers exceptional value for those looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential functionality. Both tablets come with a 1-year warranty and reliable customer support.

So, how do you decide which one is the best one for you?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 if you:

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On the other hand, go for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you:

Conclusion

If you're considering a new addition to your tech lineup, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Tab S9 FE are two standout options in the current Samsung tablets range. The best Samsung Galaxy tablet for you will depend on whether you prioritise high-end performance and premium features, or great value and reliable day-to-day functionality.

Both Samsung tablets deliver quality displays, smooth performance, and S Pen support, making them incredible choices. For those wanting the best Samsung tablet experience with flagship specs, the Galaxy Tab S9 shines, while the S9 FE balances capability and cost without missing out on key features.

Shop both these impressive tablets and discover even more from the Samsung tablet lineup, including the Samsung Tab A9+, Samsung Tab S9 Ultra, and Samsung Tab Active4 Pro at Box.co.uk! You can buy up front or split the cost in manageable instalments via easy payments and flexible finance options like PayPal Pay in 3 and PayPal Credit! Hurry—limited stock available, don’t miss out!

FAQs

Are the Galaxy Tab S9 and S9 FE water and dust resistant?
Yes, both Samsung tablets come with an IP68 rating, meaning they’re resistant to dust and water – handy for everyday use and travel.

Can I expand the storage on the Galaxy Tab S9 or S9 FE?
Yes, both models support microSD cards, so you can easily expand the storage if needed.

Do the Tab S9 and S9 FE support Samsung DeX mode?
Yes, both tablets support Samsung DeX, allowing you to switch to a desktop-like interface for enhanced productivity.