The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is here to make waves in the mid-range tablet market, offering a compelling mix of premium features at a wallet-friendly price. With a massive 13.1-inch display, upgraded performance, and the ever-useful S Pen, it’s a versatile device for students, professionals, and media enthusiasts alike. After spending some time with it, here’s my take on whether this tablet lives up to the hype.
Design: Sleek and Sturdy
The Tab S10 FE+ sticks to Samsung’s tried-and-true design formula: a slim aluminum body (6.0mm thick) that feels premium without the flagship price tag. At 664g, it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor due to the larger screen, but it’s still comfortable for extended use. The IP68 rating for water and dust resistance is a standout feature—rare for tablets in this range—making it durable for on-the-go adventures. Available in Gray, Silver, and Blue, the colored camera rings add a subtle pop of style. The included S Pen magnetically attaches to the back, though it lacks Bluetooth functionality, which is a minor letdown for remote features.
Display: Big and Bright, But Not OLED
The 13.1-inch LCD is the largest in the Galaxy Tab FE lineup, boasting a 2880 x 1800 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and video playback. With 800 nits of peak brightness and Vision Booster for outdoor visibility, it handles most lighting conditions well. However, it’s not the AMOLED found on pricier models like the Tab S10 Plus, so blacks aren’t as deep, and colors don’t pop quite as much. Still, for streaming Netflix, browsing, or sketching with the S Pen, it’s more than adequate. The 16:10 aspect ratio shines for media but feels less ideal for productivity in portrait mode.
Performance: Smooth Enough for Most
Powered by the Exynos 1580 chipset (the same as the Galaxy A56), paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage (expandable to 2TB via microSD), the Tab S10 FE+ handles everyday tasks with ease. Multitasking, gaming, and note-taking felt snappy, with a reported 40% performance boost over the Tab S9 FE. It’s not a flagship killer—don’t expect it to breeze through heavy video editing—but for students or casual users, it’s plenty capable. The larger vapor chamber keeps things cool during long sessions, which is a nice touch.
Software: Android 15 and Galaxy AI Goodies
Running Android 15 with One UI 7 out of the box, the Tab S10 FE+ feels fresh and future-proof, with Samsung promising seven years of updates (up to Android 22). Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, Solve Math, and Handwriting Help are genuinely useful for students and creatives. Pre-loaded apps like Goodnotes, LumaFusion, and Clip Studio Paint enhance productivity, while DeX mode offers a desktop-like experience for multitasking. However, DeX can feel clunky without a keyboard accessory, which is sold separately.
Audio and Cameras: Decent but Not Stellar
The dual stereo speakers deliver clear sound, but they lack the depth and richness of the quad speakers on higher-end models. For casual media consumption, they’re fine, but audiophiles might want external speakers. The 13MP rear camera is an upgrade over the Tab S9 FE+ and handles basic photography well, though tablets aren’t exactly camera powerhouses. The 12MP ultra-wide front camera is great for video calls, keeping you in frame even if you move around.
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
The 10,090mAh battery is a beast, offering up to 21 hours of video playback—outpacing the Tab S10 Plus’ 16 hours. In real-world use, it easily lasted a full day of mixed tasks, from streaming to note-taking. The 45W fast charging gets you from 0 to 100% in about 90 minutes, which is solid for a battery this size. No wireless charging, but that’s expected at this price point.
Accessories: S Pen Steals the Show
The included S Pen is a highlight, perfect for jotting notes, sketching, or navigating with precision. It’s responsive and integrates seamlessly with Galaxy AI features like Solve Math. Optional accessories like the Book Cover Keyboard ($200) or Slim Keyboard ($140) boost productivity, but their cost can nudge the total price closer to flagship territory. A Smart Book Cover is sometimes bundled for free in select markets, so keep an eye out for deals.
Value for Money: A Strong Contender
Starting at $650 (often discounted with trade-ins or promos), the Tab S10 FE+ is a steal compared to the $1,000 Tab S10 Plus. It sacrifices the AMOLED display and quad speakers but delivers a larger screen, solid performance, and the same AI-driven software experience. Against rivals like the iPad Air, it holds its own with a lower price, expandable storage, and the included S Pen—something Apple charges extra for.
Who’s It For?
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is ideal for students, budget-conscious creatives, or anyone who wants a big-screen tablet for media and multitasking without breaking the bank. If you crave OLED visuals or top-tier performance, the Tab S10 Plus or iPad Pro might be worth the splurge. But for most, the FE+ strikes a sweet balance of features and affordability.
Final Verdict: 4/5
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ doesn’t reinvent the tablet game, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a reliable, versatile device that punches above its price tag with a huge display, long battery life, and thoughtful software. The lack of an AMOLED screen and quad speakers stings a bit, but the value proposition is hard to beat. Whether you’re binge-watching, studying, or sketching, this tablet gets the job done with style.
