Samsung 12.4" Mint Review

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a large Android tablet that's best for media consumption and casual use. Its included S-Pen and IP68 rating are standout features, but its mid-range performance makes it hard to recommend at its higher price points. Shop for a deal under $450.

If you're looking for a big-screen Android tablet that won't break the bank, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is probably on your list. For around $350 to $600, you get a 12.4-inch screen, an included S-Pen, and Samsung's promise of durability with an IP68 rating. It's positioned as a more affordable alternative to Samsung's flagship tablets, aiming to deliver a solid media experience and basic productivity without the premium price tag. We've been testing it to see if it lives up to that 'Fan Edition' promise, or if the compromises are too much to handle.

Powered by Samsung's own Exynos 1380 chip and 8GB of RAM, the Tab S9 FE+ delivers a performance that's squarely in the middle of the pack. In our benchmarks, the CPU and GPU scores landed in the 44th and 46th percentiles, respectively. In practice, this means it's fine for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming video, and light gaming. You can scroll through social media and switch between apps without much fuss. But if you try to push it with more demanding games or heavy multitasking, you'll notice some stutters and slower load times compared to more powerful tablets. It gets the job done, but it's not setting any speed records.

The value proposition here is tricky because the price swings wildly from $350 to $600 depending on the vendor. At the lower end of that range, it's a compelling package for the screen size and S-Pen. At $600, it starts to feel overpriced for the mid-tier performance you're getting. You're really paying for the Samsung ecosystem, the large canvas, and that included stylus. If those are your top priorities, it can make sense. But if raw power or software polish is key, your money might go further elsewhere.

This tablet lives in a crowded field. Compared to the Apple iPad Pro 13", it's not even in the same league for performance or app optimization, but it's also much cheaper. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro 12.7" often offers similar specs for less money, though you lose the S-Pen and IP rating. The Microsoft Surface Pro is a full Windows PC in tablet form, making it a far better productivity tool, but it's also more expensive and runs a different OS. Against the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, you'll get significantly better performance from Xiaomi's chip, but a less refined software experience and no stylus. The Teclast T65PLUS undercuts it on price but offers much lower build quality and support.

Skip this tablet if you're a power user, a mobile gamer, or need a laptop replacement. The Exynos 1380 chip will bottleneck you. Also, if you're deep into the Apple ecosystem or need specific professional apps, an iPad will serve you better. For those on a very tight budget who just want a big screen for videos, cheaper options like older model Lenovo tablets might offer better pure media value.

So, should you buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+? It's a yes, but only under specific conditions. Buy it if you find it for close to $400, you absolutely want a big Samsung screen with an S-Pen, and your main uses are watching videos, browsing the web, and light note-taking. The IP68 rating is a nice bonus if you're clumsy or plan to use it in the kitchen. But if your budget stretches to $600, or if you need a tablet for serious multitasking, gaming, or work, you should look at the competitors. There are simply faster and more capable options available for similar money.