Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE+: Samsung presents waterproof tablets with included S Pen

With the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, two interesting tablets are launching that offer an IP68-certified and therefore waterproof housing, an included S Pen and five years of updates.

In addition to the Galaxy S23 FE,  Samsung also introduced two new tablets today, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. The two tablets are marketed as cheaper alternatives to the Galaxy Tab S9  and the Galaxy Tab S9+. To reduce the price, Samsung has dispensed with the AMOLED display and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Instead, an unspecified eight-core processor is used. Both tablets have a 90 Hz fast IPS panel, which measures 10.9 inches diagonally on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and 12.4 inches on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. While both tablets have a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle front camera and an 8 MP main camera, the larger Plus model also has an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera on the back.

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE ships with Android 13, Samsung promises four major Android updates and five years of security patches – a rarity for tablets. Another rarity in this segment is the IP68 certification, which guarantees that the housing is waterproof and protected against dust. The compatible S Pen is included. Stereo speakers from AKG, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are standard, and a 5G modem is available at an additional cost.

 

Prices and availability

Samsung has not yet given any details about the price and availability of the new tablets in Germany; in the USA the basic model is offered for $449. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is available with either 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB to 256 GB of flash storage, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is available with 8 GB to 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB to 256 GB of storage. Both tablets have a microSD card reader. Samsung also offers an optional keyboard case.