All eyes on this: Samsung launches the new Galaxy Tab S9 FE, the tablet designed for families
Designed for the modern family, is the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE worth the hype? We take a look at its special features and more.
By Kat Romero | Last updated Nov 9, 2023
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In an ever-evolving landscape of technology, it can be difficult as parents to find the right devices that suit you and your family’s needs. Tablets these days should cater to a diverse set of needs, with families choosing versatility, durability and edutainment options over what’s trendy.
Understanding this, Samsung have released a new tablet that is specifically designed to meet the modern family’s needs: the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Designed from the ground up to cater to the dynamic requirements of families, this new tablet promises to deliver a remarkable blend of functionality, entertainment, and connectivity.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a new tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE might just be exactly what you’re looking for. Read on for my details about the device’s special features and what we like about it.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, £549
Multi-account use
Timers for usage
Larger screen
Long battery life1
Different colours available2
S Pen included
Low blue light to protect eyes3
First water and dust-resistant Galaxy S9 FE tablet5,6
Available as S9 FE and S9 FE+
Dimensions: 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm | Weight: 523g (Wi-Fi), 524g (5G) | Storage: 128GB or 256GB + microSD (up to 1TB) | Display: 10.9” (2304x1440) TFT LCD, 90Hz | Audio: Dual stereo speakers tuned by AKG | Connectivity: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) or 5G (option - eSIM) | Battery: 8000mAh | Security: Fingerprint scanner and facial recognition | Memory: 6GB or 8GB | Processor: Exynos 1380 | Water and dust resistance: IP68 | Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide | Rear camera: 8MP | Stylus: S Pen included | Colours: Four to choose from
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite only came out last year but there’s no denying that Samsung's latest tablet is a vast improvement to previous devices released. From larger screen size to more storage, fasting processing, better picture quality and water resistance - the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a huge step up for families seeking a tablet that meets their diverse needs.
This tablet is tailor made for families in more ways than one. Its long-lasting battery1 is perfect for days out and holidays, ensuring it won’t let you down when you need it most. Plus, its lightweight design means it won’t weigh you down, no matter where you go.
The 10.9 inch LCD screen delivers the ultimate viewing experience, with energy efficiency and longevity in mind. Featuring QHD+ resolution, which is four times the resolution of HD, your visuals will be nothing short of breathtaking. With a high refresh rate panel, this tablet keeps up with your streaming and gaming, eliminating blurriness and interruptions.
Moreover, the tablet’s Vision Booster adapts to your surroundings, ensuring optimal screen visibility. It even detects and counters the sun's glare, so you won't miss a thing.
For families, this tablet offers unmatched flexibility. Create multiple user accounts, each with its own apps, settings, and wallpapers, ensuring everyone has their personalised space. You can also customise your tablet without affecting other users, making it truly yours. And, for parents, there's the option to set up restricted profiles, putting you in complete control of your child's digital world.
Samsung Kids, an in-built feature, lets parents dictate the apps and set time limits, providing insights into your child's digital activities. With reduced blue light emission3,4, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE ensures a comfortable, eye-safe viewing experience for all.
This tablet is designed for the creatives in the family, too. Equipped with its own stylus, the S Pen7, it mimics the feel and sound of a real pen or pencil on paper, making it ideal for drawing, writing, and doodling without the mess. Plus, this cutting-edge tablet is water and dust-resistant5,6, opening up a world of possibilities for note-taking and creativity in any environment.
Stand out features
1. Vision Booster
Whilst tablets have enabled us to view our favourite TV shows and movies and even read books and articles on the go, the glare from the sun once made the experience difficult for the outdoors.
But, this technology is unique to Samsung and it’s really impressive. In bright sunlight, it will adjust automatically to suit your viewing and even if you suddenly get plunged into darkness, it will adjust without you having to lift a finger.
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2. Bumpable Storage
You can choose up to 256GB of internal storage with this tablet but also grab your microS to add on more storage in the event that you need to download content, require high-res images or just need some more space.
Besides extra storage, you can also double your connectivity with an extra eSIM thanks to the dual SIM feature if you buy the 5g version8.
3. PC Design
Whilst this tablet is impressive on its own, you can purchase the Book Cover Keyboard, which easily clips on and gives you that traditional laptop feel.
4. Reduced Blue Light Display
Long lasting exposure to blue lights can really put a strain on our eyes but this tablet’s display3 has been designed to reduce the amount of blue light4 emissions and keep you comfortable for longer viewing experiences.
5. Water and Dust Resistant
The S9 FE is the first FE tablet from Samsung that is both water and dust resistant5,6. Meaning, you can rest assured knowing the device won’t be damaged during your next family trip out together.
So, gone are the days of stressing over whether your children will spill their water while watching shows on the car journey, or if there’s a rain shower while you’re looking up lunch spots on the go.
6. Long lasting battery life
Never worry about your child’s tablet running out of battery again thanks to Samsung. The tablet’s long-lasting battery has the power to get you and your family through most of your day, and perhaps even spare some in case your phone needs a boast, too. With the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, you can plug in your Samsung Galaxy smartphone13 with a USB-C cable and Fast Charging takes care of the rest9,10,11,12.
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Other key features we like
Available in grey, mint or silver2
Multi-account usage
Parental control to restrict apps and set timers
Stylus S Pen included in price7
Refresh rate of up to 90Hz
Dual speaker
Powerful processor
12MP Ultra Wide Front
Front and rear facing camera
Let’s talk money
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 256GB starts from £519. That may be pricey but, unlike other tablet devices on the market, it also includes the stylus S pen in the price.
The model starts at 128GB of storage for £449 or 256GB from £519. Meanwhile, the previous Galaxy Tab S6 Lite only had 64GB to 128GB. The screen size has also increased from 10.4 to 10.9 inches, which offers you a more immersive experience. And the Galaxy Tab S9 FE has better resolution and a brighter picture quality.
Plus, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE also has a magnetic strip for the stylus S pen to avoid it getting lost, which we think is a really nice design touch.
Final verdict
If you’re looking for a tablet for the whole family, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE feels like a safe bet. The fast processing, high refresh panel, Vision Booster, large storage and long battery life1 will provide entertainment that can hold everyone’s attention. Plus, with the multi-accounts, everyone can feel like they have their own device. The parental controls are great for giving you peace of mind and the included stylus S pen7 is not only great value but allows you and your kids to explore your creative sides.
About Samsung
Samsung is an internationally recognised industry leader in technology and a Top 10 global brand. Read more about Samsung company info here: https://www.samsung.com/uk/about-us/company-info/
From the latest Samsung Galaxy smartphones to Samsung Tablets and Galaxy Buds, Samsung Electronics UK has got you covered, making it easier for you to stay connected and up-to-date with the latest technology.
About the author
Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products that are worth your purchase.
Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner, soaking up the sights of London, and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.
T&Cs
1 Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 8,000 mAh for Galaxy Tab S9 FE and 10,090 mAh for Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
2 Colour and model availability may vary depending on country or carrier.
3 The display used in Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ has received the "Low Blue Light" certification from SGS based on its ability to reduce some of the blue light emission from the screen. More information about this certification can be found on www.sgs.com/performance.
4 Blue light certification target is under 9.9% (test from SGS).
5 Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Tab S9 FE+ and the inbox S Pen are rated as IP68. Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of the device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.
6 Dust resistance rating is tested under lab conditions by a third party: 2kg of talc powder (max. diameter of 0.05mm) per cubic metre was blown into a test chamber housing the device (air pressure within device kept below surrounding air) for 2 hours. Rated IP6X. Dust-resistance may vary by actual usage conditions.
7 GoodNotes app requires separate download from Galaxy Store and comes with a 1-year free full version. Once the free full version period ends, an additional purchase is required for continuous use. App availability and the terms of service may vary by country and region.
8 Available functions may vary by country, region or carrier.
9 15W Fast Charging is supported when the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+'s display is turned off and the battery level is at least 30%.
10 15W Fast Charging from Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ is limited to Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, Galaxy A53, Galaxy A33 and Galaxy Tab S8 series, using a Type-C cable. The power source is determined on a random basis when sharing battery power between Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+.
11 Charging speed may vary depending on charging conditions and other factors.
12 Type-C Cable sold separately. Using the original Samsung data cable is recommended.
13 Samsung Galaxy smartphone sold separately.