Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ 12.4" Gray Review

The refurbished Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a value play for big-screen Android fans. You get a gorgeous 12.4-inch display and the excellent S-Pen included for about $350. Performance is mid-tier, perfect for streaming and notes, not for heavy lifting. It's a certified refurb, so you get a warranty. A great pick for media bingers and casual creators on a budget.

So you're looking at a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. At around $350, it's a big-screen Android tablet that doesn't ask for a big-screen budget. It's a certified refurb, which means it's been checked over and comes with a 90-day warranty, so you're not just rolling the dice on some random used unit. This thing is built for people who want a large canvas for streaming, light gaming, and web browsing, and who don't mind that it's a step down from Samsung's flagship S-series tablets. The included S-Pen is the real kicker here, making it a surprisingly good pick for note-takers and doodlers on a budget.

Let's talk about that Exynos 1380 chip. Our database puts its CPU performance in the 41st percentile, which tells you exactly what you need to know: it's fine. It'll handle your day-to-day apps, social media, and streaming without a hiccup. But if you're trying to edit 4K video or play the latest 3D games at high settings, you'll start to feel the limits. The GPU sits in the 42nd percentile, so it's in the same 'adequate' boat. For context, this isn't an iPad Pro or a Galaxy Tab S10+. It's a competent mid-ranger that gets the job done without breaking a sweat over simple tasks.

At $350 for a certified refurb, the value proposition is pretty clear. You're getting a large, high-resolution display, an included stylus, and solid build quality with IP68 rating for about half the price of a new flagship tablet. The catch is you're accepting last-gen, mid-tier performance. Compared to a new budget tablet at the same price, you're getting more screen and a better pen experience. Compared to a used tablet without certification, you're paying a small premium for that inspection and warranty safety net.

The most direct competitor is the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro 12.7. It's also a big, mid-range Android tablet. The Lenovo might have a slight edge in raw specs sometimes, but it rarely includes a stylus, which is a major point for the S9 FE+. Then there's the elephant in the room: the iPad. Even an older refurbished iPad Air will likely smoke this in app performance and software support, but you'll pay more and you'll need to buy an Apple Pencil separately, blowing past this $350 budget. The Microsoft Surface Pro is a different beast entirely—a full Windows PC that costs three times as much. This Samsung sits in a sweet spot for Android users who want a big screen and a pen without spending big.

Hardcore mobile gamers should look elsewhere. The Exynos 1380's GPU (42nd percentile) won't deliver the high-frame-rate, max-settings experience you're after. For a similar price, you might find a used gaming phone or a tablet with a Snapdragon 8-series chip. Serious digital artists who need pro-level drawing apps and ultra-low latency should also consider spending more on a newer iPad or Galaxy Tab S-series. The S-Pen here is good, but the overall system performance and app ecosystem for professional art on Android aren't as robust. Finally, if you need a device for video calls all day, the middling battery life (49th percentile) might require a mid-day top-up.

Buy this refurbished Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if you're an Android loyalist who wants a giant screen for media consumption, light web browsing, and casual gaming, and you really value having that S-Pen for notes or art. The IP68 rating is a great bonus if you're clumsy or plan to use it in the kitchen. Think of it as a premium media consumption and light creativity device at a mid-range price. Skip it if you need a productivity workhorse. Our 23.9/100 productivity score doesn't lie. Also, if you're deep into mobile gaming or want the absolute longest battery life, there are better options. For everyone else, this is a compelling way to get into a big-screen tablet experience without a big-screen commitment.