Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ 12.4" Octa-core 12GB RAM Review

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a big, durable Android tablet with a great screen and tons of RAM, but its mid-range processor holds it back from being a powerhouse. It scored best for art and design (65.2/100). At under $500, it's a solid value if you prioritize screen size and durability over raw speed.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a big-screen Android tablet that tries to do a lot for under $500. It's got a massive 12.4-inch screen, a hefty 12GB of RAM, and even an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, which is pretty rare for a tablet.

It's positioned as a more affordable alternative to Samsung's flagship Tab S series, but it makes some clear cuts to hit that price. We're looking at a mid-tier processor and a battery life score that lands in the middle of the pack. It's built for students, casual creators, and anyone who wants a large canvas without the flagship price tag.

Performance is a mixed bag. That 12GB of RAM is fantastic for multitasking and puts it in the 82nd percentile, so you can have a ton of apps open without slowdown. The screen is also solid, scoring in the 77th percentile for its sharp 2560x1600 resolution. But the engine under the hood is where you feel the 'FE' (Fan Edition) compromise. The CPU and GPU scores are in the mid-40s percentile, meaning it's fine for everyday tasks and streaming, but don't expect it to blaze through heavy gaming or complex video editing. Our data shows it's best for art and design tasks, but lags a bit in reading-heavy use cases.

At around $497, the value proposition is clear: you're trading peak performance for a great screen, tons of RAM, and unique durability features. You're getting a lot of tablet for the money, especially if the IP68 rating or that massive RAM pool matters to you. It's not the fastest, but for the price, it's a compelling package that undercuts its more powerful siblings by a few hundred bucks.

Compared directly, the Apple iPad Pro is in another league performance-wise, but you'll pay nearly double. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is its direct, more powerful upgrade, but again, costs more. The real competition comes from the Microsoft Surface Pro and Lenovo Idea Tab Pro. The Surface offers full Windows and likely better CPU performance, but lacks the tablet-first design and IP rating. The Lenovo is a similar large-screen Android option, but the S9 FE+ often wins on RAM and that unique water resistance. It carves out a niche as the durable, big-screen Android workhorse.

Skip this if you're a power user needing top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking. The CPU and GPU scores just aren't there. Also, if you want the absolute best battery life or the lightest possible device for reading, look at an iPad Air or a dedicated e-reader.

Buy this if you want a large Android screen for media, note-taking, and light creative work, and you really value that peace-of-mind IP68 rating. It's also a smart pick for students or first-time tablet buyers who want a capable device that can survive a backpack mishap.