Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Tab S9 FE Plus preliminary comparison: Bigger and faster

By Aleksandar Anastasov

Updated: Apr 02, 2025, 7:31 AM

0comments

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.

Diagonally split image, with a device on each side.

Intro

Samsung has officially unveiled the next generation of its Fan Edition tablets, and just like before, the larger variant carries the “Plus” label — say hello to the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, the direct successor to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus.

Now that we have official specs, we can confirm that the S10 FE Plus brings several meaningful upgrades: a larger display, a higher-resolution rear camera, and a more powerful chip under the hood. It’s also the first in the FE line to come with Samsung’s AI features built-in, including Circle to Search, Object Eraser, and more.

The new model does come with a price bump — starting at $649 — up from the S9 FE Plus’s $599 launch price. That raises the question: are the upgrades worth it?

Starting today, you can reserve a Galaxy Tab S10 FE or Tab S10 FE+ at the official Samsung Store. All you have to do is submit your email, name, and mobile number (optional). By reserving now, you'll receive a $50 credit when you purchase either of the upcoming Galaxy tablets.

Reserve at Samsung

$180 off (30%)

Amazon is selling the 128GB Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ at a generous $180 discount, allowing you to get one for just under $420. The tablet offers fast performance thanks to its capable Exynos 1380 chipset. In addition, its 12.4-inch display delivers great visuals without breaking the bank. Act fast and save while the offer lasts!

Buy at Amazon

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus differences explained:

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus	Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
300.6 x 194.7 x 6.0 mm	285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm
668 g	628 g
13.1-inch screen	12.4-inch screen
90Hz screen refresh rate	90Hz screen refresh rate
Single 13 MP camera 12 MP selfie	8 MP main 8 MP ultra-wide 12 MP selfie
Much faster Exynos 1580 chip	Exynos 1380
Comes with S Pen	Comes with S Pen
10,090 mAh battery	10,090 mAh battery
45W wired charging	45W wired charging
$649.99	$599.99
7 years of software updates	4 years of software updates

Table of Contents:

Design and Display
Keyboard and Stylus
Performance
Software
Audio Quality
Battery and Charging
Camera
Which one should you buy?

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Design and Display

Being better at being "Plus"

Samsung has expanded the canvas with the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus — literally. The new model is taller and wider than its predecessor, while actually shaving off a bit of thickness.

At 300.6 x 194.7 x 6.0 mm, the S10 FE Plus is larger overall but still slim and manageable. The display now measures 13.1 inches, up from 12.4 inches, and still offers a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.

Brightness has been boosted too, with the S10 FE Plus capable of reaching 800 nits in High Brightness Mode, and Vision Booster tech kicks in to improve outdoor visibility. It’s still an LCD panel, but now better equipped for everyday use in a variety of environments.

The new model retains IP68 certification, just like its predecessor, meaning it’s protected against dust and water — useful if you tend to use your tablet on the go or near the elements.

Color-wise, the Tab S10 FE Plus comes in Gray, Silver, and Blue, with a slightly more refined design thanks to slimmer bezels.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Keyboard and Stylus

The S Pen is still included in the box, but it doesn’t support Bluetooth (BLE) functionality, meaning features like remote control or Air Actions aren’t available — just like before.

Keyboard cases remain an optional accessory. Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard, Book Cover Keyboard Slim, and Smart Book Cover are all compatible with the Tab S10 FE Plus, though they are sold separately. In select markets, a free Smart Book Cover might be bundled as part of a launch promotion, but this will vary by region.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Performance

Massive performance gains

The Exynos 1580 chip powering the Tab S10 FE Plus marks a notable leap over the previous Exynos 1380. Samsung says this new processor improves multitasking and gaming performance, and early benchmark data suggested that it should be about 40% faster in processing tasks compared to the previous generation.

The base configuration now starts at 8GB of RAM, with a higher-tier 12GB RAM model also available — ideal for multitasking or running Samsung’s new AI-powered features. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB, with both tablets expandable via microSD up to 2TB.

If you experienced occasional slowdowns on the S9 FE Plus, the S10 FE Plus looks like it’ll handle heavier workloads and productivity apps more easily.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Software

The Tab S10 FE Plus runs on Android 15, with Samsung's One UI 7 skin on top. The S9 FE Plus will continue getting OS updates for 4 years (from launch), so it will also get the Android 15 update eventually, but right now it is still on Android 14, and even Android 13 in some regions.

According to Samsung’s announcements, the stable One UI 7 update will start rolling out on April 7, 2025. Samsung confirmed that Galaxy Tab users won’t have to wait long: in the “following weeks” after the initial release, One UI 7 will expand to the Galaxy Tab S10 series (Samsung’s 2024 tablets) as well as the previous Galaxy Tab S9 series.

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus is the first FE tablet to include Galaxy AI features out of the box. These include:

Circle to Search with Google
Solve Math and Handwriting Help in Samsung Notes
Object Eraser and Best Face in the Gallery
Auto Trim for creating video highlight reels
Built-in support for apps like LumaFusion, Goodnotes, and Clip Studio Paint

Just like it has done with other of its Galaxy devices, Samsung has also increased the software support for the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus (and the S10 FE) to 7 years, which makes it much more future proof than its predecessor.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Audio Quality

Both tablets offer dual stereo speakers, and Samsung hasn’t highlighted any upgrades to this area on the S10 FE Plus. Speaker placement is top and bottom, just as before. The S9 FE Plus had decent audio quality, so the case should be similar for the Tab S10 FE Plus,

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Battery and Charging

Battery capacity remains unchanged at 10,090 mAh, with 45W wired charging still the maximum speed. Just like last year, the charger is sold separately.

With the efficiency improvements from the Exynos 1580 chip and Android 15, we may see better battery life in real-world use, but that remains to be seen.

Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus vs Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus Camera

Less is more?

While Samsung has dropped the secondary ultra-wide camera this year, the main rear snapper has been upgraded to 13 MP, which should mean better detail compared to the previous 8 MP one.

The front-facing 12 MP ultra-wide camera is unchanged, and that’s not a bad thing. It should still be well-suited for video calls, virtual meetings, or online classes.

Should you upgrade?

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus is not a radical redesign, but it brings several meaningful upgrades: a larger screen, more powerful chip, better camera, and new AI tools — all in a thinner and more polished design. If you found the S9 FE Plus to be slightly underpowered or limiting in terms of screen real estate, this year’s model is a solid step forward.

However, if you already own the Tab S9 FE Plus and are satisfied with its performance, the upgrade isn’t a must-have. But for new buyers or anyone looking for a more capable productivity tablet in Samsung’s ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus makes a strong case.

View Full Bio

Aleksandar is a tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, from smartphones to space exploration. His curiosity extends to hands-on DIY experiments with his gadgets, and he enjoys switching between different brands to experience the latest innovations. Prior to joining PhoneArena, Aleksandar worked on the Google Art Project, digitizing valuable artworks and gaining diverse perspectives on technology. When he's not immersed in tech, Aleksandar is an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain hikes, wildlife photography, and nature conservation. His interests also extend to martial arts, running, and snowboarding, reflecting his dynamic approach to life and technology.

Read the latest from Aleksandar Anastasov