Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G 2021 (64GB, 4GB) 12.4” Review
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE offers a giant display and 5G for a low price, but its 4GB of RAM and aging processor hold it back from being a good daily driver.
The 30-Second Version
A big, cheap screen with 5G, hamstrung by weak specs. The 4GB of RAM is a major bottleneck, making it feel sluggish. Only worth it if you absolutely need a cellular tablet and can't spend more.
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a big-screen Android tablet that's trying to do a lot for not a lot of money. You get a 12.4-inch display, 5G connectivity, and stylus support, all for around $215. But that low price comes with some serious compromises under the hood, and it shows in our performance data.
Performance
Let's be real: the Snapdragon 750G chip and 4GB of RAM are the weak links. In our benchmarks, the CPU lands in the 15th percentile and the GPU in the 19th. That means basic tasks are fine, but don't expect to multitask heavily or play demanding games. The screen is decent for the price (76th percentile), and the 5G/WiFi 6 connectivity is a nice perk, but the 4GB of RAM is a bottleneck that will show up if you push it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge 12.4-inch screen is great for media. 96th
- Includes 5G connectivity, which is rare at this price. 83th
- S Pen stylus support is included. 71th
- Battery life is solid for all-day use.
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM chokes multitasking. 14th
- 64GB storage fills up fast. 16th
- Performance is sluggish for anything beyond basics. 17th
- Heavy at 907 grams. 26th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | 1.8 GHz |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
Display
| Size | 12.4" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 |
Features
| Stylus Support | Yes |
Physical
| Weight | 0.9 kg / 2.0 lbs |
| OS | Android |
Value & Pricing
At $215, it's a cheap way to get a big screen and 5G. If your needs are literally just watching videos, light browsing, and taking notes with the S Pen, it's okay. But you're paying for features (big screen, 5G) while sacrificing the core performance needed to use them smoothly. For a bit more money, you can find tablets that feel much faster.
vs Competition
Compared to an entry-level iPad, the Tab S7 FE wins on screen size and included stylus support, but loses badly on app optimization and long-term smoothness. Against other Android tablets like the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, you're giving up a lot of RAM (4GB vs. 8GB) for that 5G radio. And if you don't need cellular, a newer WiFi-only Samsung Tab A9+ might offer better performance for similar cash. It's a niche pick.
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G 2021 (64GB, 4GB) 12.4” | Apple iPad Pro Apple iPad Pro 11" with M5 Chip, Late 2025 Space | Microsoft Surface Pro Microsoft - Surface Pro - Copilot+ PC - 13” OLED Touchscreen - Snapdragon X Elite - 32GB Memory - 1TB SSD - Device Only (11th Ed) - Platinum | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Samsung - Galaxy Tab S10+ - 12.4" 256GB - Wi-Fi - | Lenovo Lenovo - Idea Tab Pro - 12.7" 3K Tablet - 8GB RAM | GPD GPD Pocket 4: Mini Laptop with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1.8 GHz | Apple M5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 | Mediatek MT6989 | MediaTek Dimensity | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| RAM (GB) | 4 | 12 | 32 | 12 | 8 | 32 |
| Storage (GB) | 64 | 256 | 1000 | 256 | 256 | 2048 |
| Screen | 12.4" 2560x1600 | 11" 2420x1668 | 13" 2880x1920 | 12.4" 2800x1752 | 12.7" 2944x1840 | 8.8" 2560x1600 |
| OS | Android | iPadOS | Windows 11 Home | Android 14 | Android 14 | Windows 11 Home |
| Stylus | true | true | false | true | true | false |
| Cellular | false | true | false | false | false | false |
Common Questions
Q: Is 4GB of RAM enough in 2024?
Barely. It's fine for one app at a time, but switching between apps or having several browser tabs open will lead to reloads and stutters.
Q: Does it work with Verizon?
According to the specs, it's GSM-unlocked and should work on AT&T and T-Mobile for voice and data. It may work on Verizon for data only, but 5G support is not guaranteed everywhere.
Q: Is the S Pen included?
Yes, the S Pen is included with this model, which is a big plus for note-taking or drawing.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you need a responsive tablet for real work or multitasking. The 4GB RAM and older chip will frustrate you. Also, avoid it if you need reliable Verizon voice service, as compatibility is spotty. Look at an iPad or a tablet with 6GB+ RAM instead.
Verdict
Buy this only if your top priorities are a giant screen and cellular data on a tight budget, and you're willing to accept slow performance. It's for the very specific user who wants to watch Netflix on 5G in the park and scribble occasional notes.