The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 FE aimed to offer the essential specs of the S8 series in a cheaper and more affordable form factor. As a result, the specifications were not impressive, considering the highly competitive Android tablet market in 2023.
Samsung recently launched the S9 and S9 Plus. Both tablets get the usual yearly upgrades in the form of a new chip. All tablets now have an IP 68 rating, and the base Tab S9 got its most significant upgrade. It now uses an AMOLED panel instead of a TFT LCD panel. The S9+ got a chip bump, the same as the Ultra. They have the same S Pen in the box with ultra-low latency.
However, these tablets are flagships and aren’t pocket friendly. Apple has a pricing ladder for the iPad lineup, where the iPad Air M1 takes the place of the premium mid-range segment. Samsung’s new S9 FE is a confusing launch since Samsung’s own S8+ sells at the same price with specifications that are better in every single possible way.
The S9 FE was listed on Samsung’s official website in France. These leaks come from a reliable tipster, Ronald Quandt. The tablets show up in the list of devices that support Bixby. Samsung didn’t officially disclose the specs of the S9 FE and S9 FE+, but we do have some leaks online to speculate.
Galaxy Tab S9 FE / Tab S9 FE+ naming confirmed by Samsung dot com https://t.co/FGHALCBrU4 pic.twitter.com/ApDZwJIrHp
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) August 4, 2023
Leaks on Twitter mention a 12.4″ LCD panel and the Exynos 1380 chip. There’s not much pricing information, but we can expect it to cost around 700 USD. Converting the leaked Indian price brings it to 700 USD for the base Wi-Fi-only Tab S9 FE. The Plus model could cost about 100$ more, and the 5G options will add some more cost.
If you’re in the market for the Tab S9 FE or S9 FE+, Samsung’s own Tab S8+ is selling for about the same price or cheaper. It offers a 120Hz AMOLED screen and a much better Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Launching these two tablets makes little sense since it disrupts the pricing ladder. Samsung might permanently discontinue the S8 Plus to push sales of the new FE models.
