Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE hands-on: Moving in a different direction

Let’s get this out of the way in which first. I’m a sucker for tablets, even when they find yourself simply piling up on my desk till the temper strikes me to select one up and fiddle with it. But with the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, that may not be the case, as I’ve already discovered a few totally different ways in which I might need to use it.Like the Galaxy S23 FE, it has been a short time since we have seen Samsung launch a Fan Edition pill. But this time round, we’re really getting two tablets to select from with the Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE Plus. The former sports activities a 10.9-inch show, whereas the latter is extra of a real successor to the Tab S7 FE with its 12.4-inch display screen.These felt acquainted, but nonetheless totally different(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)At first look, you might need a tricky time separating these from their “non-FE” brethren, because the design is virtually an identical. This would not come as a lot of a shock as Samsung needs to supply some kind of uniformity with its units, even these within the FE lineup.There’s loads to love with regards to the 2 FE fashions. For one, I’m an enormous fan of the truth that there are literally two totally different measurement choices to select from. As somebody who makes use of the Tab S9 Ultra, having a smaller pill for the sake of portability is one thing I’ve been contemplating, and Samsung might need simply answered the decision.You’ll discover numerous the identical options throughout the board, with issues like an IP68 score, together with Android 13 out of the field and even a stable 12MP ultrawide selfie digicam hidden within the prime bezel. Samsung continues to be together with an S Pen within the field, very like we have seen from the previous couple of pill launches, and it is one thing that I can not assist however be enthusiastic about.The shows are nonetheless attractive(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)By and huge, you are going to get the identical expertise with the Tab S9 FE that you’d with the Tab S9. But there are a couple of key variations that can both depart you scratching your head or higher affect your buying determination.One method that Samsung was in a position to preserve prices low is by utilizing LCD panels on each the Tab S9 FE and FE Plus. This won’t be an enormous deal to some, however you will not take pleasure in the advantages of the OLED show discovered on the non-FE fashions. And whereas the refresh price won’t max out at 120Hz, these panels do supply a variable refresh price of between 48 and 90Hz for many who care about that type of factor.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)And whereas I did not have my Tab S9 Ultra with me throughout my hands-on session, you in all probability would not be capable of inform a lot of a distinction in any case. Samsung nonetheless makes a few of the finest screens, even when they’re LCD and never OLED. And that is fairly evident even from my restricted time with these new tablets.Using the included S Pen is as simple as ever, however that is probably not all that thrilling. Like the Tab S8 and Tab S9, the S Pen magnetically attaches to the again to maintain it charged, or simply to maintain it out of the way in which till you want it.My issues(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Another method that Samsung managed to chop down on prices is by using the Exynos 1380 SoC. This is similar chip that is discovered within the Galaxy A54, and in our assessment, we discovered that whereas “performance has improved substantially,” some have discovered a wide range of points when it comes to subpar battery life and different random quirks.Samsung’s Exynos has vastly improved over the previous couple of years, however there is a cause why different Galaxy units are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SoC. I can not assist however be a bit of bit involved concerning the reliability and efficiency, even when it is “just a tablet” in comparison with being utilized in a cellphone.These tablets are rated to final for as much as 20 hours on a single cost, which is fairly spectacular in most regards. But I’m simply hoping that there will not be a case of ready for “the other shoe to drop” the place efficiency or overheating points start to come up within the months to return.What’s taking place with mobile(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Okay so hear me out. The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is the one pill in that lineup that gives mobile connectivity. But with the FE lineup, solely the smaller Tab S9 FE is the one you should buy with a 5G connection.I’m totally confused about what, or why, Samsung is making these varieties of choices. If something, I might have thought that the Tab S9 FE Plus would have mobile, holding in step with what the trio of non-FE fashions gives.What I might LOVE for Samsung to do is to simply convey a mobile choice to all of its tablets. Unless there’s one thing I’m lacking, it is not like there’s one thing that’s stopping the corporate from doing so. If I’m somebody who wished the Tab S9 FE Plus however did not need to spring for the Tab S9 Plus, I should not need to both pay extra or accept the smaller pill simply to have mobile.Seriously, simply make it obtainable throughout the board, or do not make it obtainable in any of them.Color me shocked(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)As I’ve written about previously, I’m merely not a fan of the Microsoft Surface model of keyboard instances. But I assume I’m going to be within the minority on this one, no less than in the intervening time. However, there was one thing that shocked me when it got here to the Tab S9 FE and FE Plus, and that was compatibility.According to Samsung, the Tab S9 FE and FE Plus are suitable with the identical equipment because the non-FE fashions. This implies that if you happen to picked up the Tab S9 for your self a couple of months in the past and the Tab S9 FE, you can use the identical instances throughout each units. It’s actually nice to see and one thing that I positively did not anticipate.It’s one thing that I complained (closely) about in my Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra assessment, so it is good to see that you just will not want to purchase a brand new case simply since you acquired a brand new pill. The actual “test” can be when the Galaxy Tab S10, or no matter it is referred to as, is launched and whether or not or not the instances and equipment nonetheless match or work with the newer generations.I’d get one(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)As I mentioned beforehand, I’m a sucker for tablets. I do not know why or what the reason being, however I similar to having them round. And even after spending a while with the Onyx  Boox Tab Ultra, I’ve discovered myself nonetheless wanting a distinct pill to make use of on the go. The smaller Tab S9 FE checks numerous packing containers, even for somebody who has the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. It’s small, light-weight, gives a superb show even for not being OLED, and nonetheless consists of an S Pen. Plus, at $449, the worth is engaging sufficient to make me significantly think about including one to my ever-growing arsenal. But we’ll have to attend and see how that goes till I can use one for longer than I did in my hands-on session.