If you’re in the market for a tablet that balances sleek design, solid performance, and meaningful upgrades without edging into pro-device territory, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is one that demands your attention. With its stunning 10.9-inch display and IP68 water and dust resistance, this is a device that packs both brains and beauty—ideal for students, creatives, casual users, or anyone in between.
As someone who spends hours testing, reviewing, and exploring tech products here at RatedByMia, I had high expectations diving into this device. Does it meet the hype? What makes it a standout in 2025’s busy tablet market? Let’s find out.
Who Is It For?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is designed for a wide spectrum of users—from students taking notes to professionals doing light productivity work or creatives looking to sketch on the go. If you need a versatile Android tablet that can easily switch between entertainment, light gaming, and work, this is a compelling option.
- Students: With Samsung Notes and S Pen support, lecture note-taking becomes seamless.
- Travelers: Lightweight and durable, thanks to its IP68 rating.
- Digital creative hobbyists: Artists and illustrators will love the inclusive stylus and responsive touch screen.
- Casual users: Great for streaming, browsing, and social media.
However, if you’re a power user seeking state-of-the-art specs for 3D rendering or high-end video editing, consider Samsung’s higher-end Tab S9+ or S9 Ultra instead.
Product Overview & Summary Box
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Summary
- Product Name: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Features:
- 10.9-inch Display, 90Hz refresh rate
- IP68 Dust & Water Resistance
- Exynos 1380 Processor
- 6GB RAM and 128GB Storage (expandable)
- Samsung S Pen included
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging support
- Samsung DeX Mode for productivity
- Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Design & Build
The design of the Samsung – Galaxy Tab S9 FE is both functional and stylish. It carries a premium look with an aluminum body that feels sturdy without adding bulk. The bezels are slim, giving more screen real estate without feeling awkward when held in landscape or portrait mode.
Especially impressive is the IP68 rating, a rarity in tablets. This makes it both water- and dust-resistant, adding an extra layer of durability and confidence, whether you’re working poolside or on a bustling commute.
Weighing just over a pound, it’s light enough for all-day portability. Plus, the bundled S Pen magnetically attaches to the back—no more worrying about losing it in your bag.
Features & Functionality
This tablet doesn’t skimp on features. The 10.9-inch LCD display might not be AMOLED, but it compensates with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling, gaming, and drawing feel fluid and sharp.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE includes the S Pen out of the box—a huge plus for note-taking, editing, and creativity-based activities. Being precise and almost lag-free, the stylus offers a natural pen-on-paper feel, which is ideal for students, journalists, and digital artists alike.
Samsung DeX support turns the tablet into a makeshift laptop by enabling a desktop-style interface. Pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard or case and you’re good to go. Features like split-screen multitasking, drag-and-drop between apps, and app continuity enhance the overall experience.
The tablet’s audio system includes dual AKG-tuned speakers that produce full, rich sound—great for streaming content or video calling.
Ease of Use
From unboxing to full use, the Samsung – Galaxy Tab S9 FE is incredibly user-friendly. Samsung’s One UI is intuitive, customizable, and helpful even if you’re new to the Android ecosystem. It walks you through setup clearly, connecting your Samsung account, syncing apps, and setting up DeX or S Pen preferences with ease.
The fingerprint reader is embedded in the power button and works reliably. Face unlock isn’t included, but the fingerprint system is fast and secure enough for most users.
Samsung’s One UI also integrates well with other Galaxy devices. If you’re already part of the Galaxy ecosystem (using Galaxy Buds, a Samsung phone, etc.), the experience becomes almost magical thanks to SmartThings and Samsung Flow.
Performance / Effectiveness
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is equipped with the Exynos 1380 chip, built to handle multitasking and casual gaming effortlessly. Paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable up to 1TB), it handles tasks like media consumption, light photo editing, and app switching smoothly.
During my hands-on testing, apps loaded quickly, video playback was seamless, and sketching on apps like Clip Studio Paint felt smooth and intuitive with the S Pen. It’s not cut out for complex video editing or resource-heavy tasks like pro-level 3D rendering, but that’s expected in this category and price class.
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting a full day of use. Fast charging via USB-C also makes recharging quick and painless.
Value for Money
Considering the build quality, premium features like the included S Pen, water resistance, a 90Hz display, and Samsung DeX, the value proposition here is excellent. You’re getting more than you usually would in a tablet at this level, making it a smart buy for students, casual creatives, and professionals in need of a solid secondary device.
This is not a budget tablet and not trying to be one—it’s a well-balanced device that fills the space between entry-level and premium models. Make sure to check the product box above for the latest price and availability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sharp 10.9-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
- Water and dust resistance (IP68 rating)
- Includes S Pen at no extra cost
- Samsung DeX mode for productivity
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
- Great battery life and fast charging
Cons
- LCD panel instead of AMOLED
- No face unlock feature
- Not ideal for heavy multitasking or pro-level creative work
Alternatives & Comparisons
If you’re looking at alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, here are a couple of competitive options:
Apple iPad (10th Gen)
A reliable and user-friendly option with excellent app support and a familiar interface. However, the S Pen equivalent—Apple Pencil—is sold separately, and iPads lack multi-user features unless tied to Apple’s family accounts.
Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2
A mid-tier Android tablet with a focus on media consumption and good build quality. It offers an OLED display but doesn’t come with as advanced a stylus system or water resistance like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE does.
For productivity and creative flexibility, the Samsung – Galaxy Tab S9 FE still holds its own among competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Galaxy Tab S9 FE come with an S Pen?
Yes! The S Pen is included right in the box and magnetically attaches to the tablet for safekeeping.
Can I use this tablet for drawing or digital art?
Absolutely. The included S Pen is pressure-sensitive and works well with apps like Samsung Notes, Clip Studio Paint, and others.
Is the screen good for watching movies or videos?
Yes. The 10.9-inch 90Hz LCD display offers a crisp, immersive experience with vibrant colors and smooth motion.
Can it replace my laptop?
That depends on your workflow. For light work tasks, emails, note-taking, and browsing, yes—especially with Samsung DeX. For heavier tasks like full-scale editing or development work, a laptop may still be necessary.
Does it support expandable storage?
Yes, it supports microSD cards up to 1TB, which is perfect for storing photos, files, and downloads.
Conclusion & Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is one of the best feature-rich mid-tier tablets you can invest in for 2025. It delivers meaningful upgrades over its predecessors, offers a balanced set of features, and doesn’t cut corners where it matters—whether it’s build quality, functionality, or user experience.
If you’re looking for a device that blurs the lines between entertainment and productivity—without stretching your budget—this tablet is a top contender in its class.