Galaxy Tab S9 & Galaxy Tab S9 FE share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Galaxy Tab S9 rather than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
Why Do I Recommend The Galaxy Tab S9?
- The Galaxy Tab S9 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that delivers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance, compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380.
- Galaxy Tab S9 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that produces deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors for an immersive viewing experience, unlike the LCD panel on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
- It supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that ensures ultra-smooth scrolling, responsive stylus input, and fluid animations, compared to the 90Hz limit of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 features quad AKG-tuned speakers with Dolby Atmos that deliver louder, clearer, and more immersive audio for movies, music, and calls, compared to the dual speakers on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
- Galaxy Tab S9 supports full Samsung DeX mode with both wired and wireless functionality that transforms the tablet into a desktop-like experience for advanced productivity, whereas the Galaxy Tab S9 FE only supports wireless DeX.
- It includes a 13MP rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera that enable higher-resolution photos, better video quality, and wide-angle video calls, compared to the 8MP rear and narrower front camera of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 features an ultra-low latency S Pen that ensures a more natural writing and drawing experience for creatives and note-takers, compared to the latency pen performance on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
- Galaxy Tab S9 has a more premium and durable Armor Aluminum build with a slimmer and lighter design that enhances portability and long-term durability, compared to the regular aluminum body of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE.
Maybe the Galaxy Tab S9 FE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Galaxy Tab S9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Galaxy Tab S9 | Galaxy Tab S9 FE |
Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | TFT LCD |
Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 90Hz |
Display HDR Support | HDR10+, Vision Booster | No HDR10+, No Vision Booster |
Display Brightness | Higher brightness | Lower brightness |
Display Contrast | Infinite | Lower contrast |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Exynos 1380 |
GPU | Adreno 740 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
RAM Options | 8GB / 12GB | 6GB / 8GB |
Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB |
microSD Expansion | Yes, up to 1TB | Yes, up to 1TB |
Rear Camera | 13MP Auto Focus | 8MP Fixed Focus |
Front Camera | 12MP Ultra-wide | 12MP Wide |
Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps |
Speaker Setup | Quad speakers | Dual speakers |
S Pen Support | Yes, included with low latency | Yes, included with higher latency |
S Pen Charging | Magnetic attachment | Magnetic attachment |
Samsung DeX | Full DeX | Wireless DeX only |
IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
Build Material | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum |
Dimensions (mm) | 254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm |
Weight | 498g (Wi-Fi) / 500g (5G) | 523g |
Colors | Graphite, Beige | Mint, Lavender, Gray, Silver |
Battery Capacity | 8,400 mAh | 8,000 mAh |
Charging Speed | 45W fast charging | 45W fast charging |
Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
5G Support | Yes | Yes |
OS at Launch | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
Software Support | Up to 4 OS & 5 years security updates | Up to 4 OS & 5 years security updates |
Price | Check Tab S9 Price | Check Tab S9 FE Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Operating System & One UI: Both tablets run Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1, giving users a nearly identical interface, app drawer, multitasking view, and customization options.
- Long-Term Software Support: Samsung commits to 4 years of major Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches for both, ensuring they remain secure and up-to-date for years.
- S Pen Included: Both devices include an S Pen in the box. While latency differs, both pens allow users to draw, write, annotate, and control certain UI functions.
- Expandable Storage: Each tablet supports microSD cards up to 1TB, allowing users to store large files, videos, or games without running out of internal storage.
- 45W Fast Charging: Despite differences in battery size, both devices support 45W Super Fast Charging using compatible chargers (sold separately).
- 5G Connectivity Option: Both tablets are available in 5G variants, allowing for high-speed mobile data access while on the go.
- Bluetooth 5.3: With support for Bluetooth 5.3, both tablets offer strong wireless performance, stable connectivity, and power-efficient pairing with accessories like earbuds or keyboards.
- IP68 Water & Dust Resistance: Both tablets are rated IP68, meaning they can withstand dust ingress and immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes — a rare feature in tablets.
- Samsung Knox Security: Each model includes Samsung Knox, a multi-layered security platform that protects against malware, phishing, and unauthorized access.
- USB Type-C Port: Both use the modern and reversible USB Type-C for charging and data transfer, supporting accessories like hubs, keyboards, and external drives.
- Wireless Samsung DeX: Each device supports Samsung DeX wirelessly, allowing users to activate a desktop-like environment on a monitor or TV without plugging in.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Both feature Dolby Atmos sound enhancements, improving spatial audio and enhancing video and music playback.
- Face Recognition Login: Each tablet supports front camera-based facial recognition for unlocking the device securely and conveniently.
- Samsung Ecosystem Sync: They both integrate seamlessly into the Samsung ecosystem — syncing with Galaxy phones, watches, SmartThings devices, and Samsung Flow.
- Google Services Included: Google apps and services (Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps) come pre-installed on both models, ensuring full Android ecosystem access.
Common Features
Feature | Galaxy Tab S9 | Galaxy Tab S9 FE |
Operating System | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
Software Support | 4 OS updates, 5 years security | 4 OS updates, 5 years security |
S Pen Support | Yes, included | Yes, included |
microSD Expansion | Yes, up to 1TB | Yes, up to 1TB |
Battery Charging Speed | 45W Super Fast Charging | 45W Super Fast Charging |
5G Variant Available | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
IP Rating | IP68 Water & Dust Resistance | IP68 Water & Dust Resistance |
Samsung Knox Security | Yes | Yes |
USB Type-C Port | Yes | Yes |
Samsung DeX (Wireless) | Yes | Yes |
Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
Face Recognition | Yes | Yes |
Samsung Ecosystem Sync | Yes | Yes |
Google Services | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Tab S9 Price | Check Tab S9 FE Price |
FAQ
Does the Galaxy Tab S9 FE come with an S Pen like the Galaxy Tab S9? Is the Galaxy Tab S9 FE waterproof like the Galaxy Tab S9? Can I use Samsung DeX on both Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S9 FE? Do both tablets support expandable storage via microSD cards? What’s the major performance difference between Galaxy Tab S9 and S9 FE? Is the battery life the same for both tablets? Do both tablets support fast charging? Can I use the same accessories with both tablets? Are both tablets suitable for drawing and digital art? Do both tablets support 5G connectivity? What’s the difference in screen quality between the two? Is there a difference in camera quality between them? Do both tablets get the same software updates? Is the sound quality different on these tablets? Which one is better for multitasking and productivity? |