Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE test: the alternative to the Tab S9 does not lack advantages

A crucial element on a type of device focused on viewing multimedia content or creating images, the screen is also the criterion which, if we compare the Galaxy Tab S9 FE to the Galaxy Tab S9, suffers the main compromise. Because while the entire S9 range is equipped with an Amoled panel (unlike the Tab S8, the most affordable model of which was equipped with an LCD screen), the Galaxy Tab S9 FE relies on a LCD type display. Goodbye to the almost infinite contrast of Amoled, but also to zero afterglow time.

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is more precisely equipped with a 10.9-inch LCD screen, slightly smaller than that of the Tab S9 (11-inch), whose definition of 1440 x 2304 pixels translates into a resolution of 249 ppi . That of the Tab S9, for comparison, is 274 ppi. The difference remains minimal.

On the other hand, the Tab S9 FE stands out in terms of refresh rate, which does not exceed 90 Hz (48 Hz minimum), while that of the Tab S9 or the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Gen 2 rises. up to 120 Hz. Remember that the Tab S7 FE, which is the successor to the device that is the subject of this test, housed a display capping at 60 Hz (12.4 inches).

The Tab S9 FE also benefits from rather high brightness for this type of product, since we measured 663 cd/m², which is very useful for compensating for reflections of 48.9%. That’s almost 200 cd/m² more than the Tab S7 FE. Its minimum brightness at 5.1 cd/m² is also comparable, a little more than what models with Oled screens generally offer.

If the slate is brighter than its predecessor, its calibration is not necessarily better. If the delta E of the Tab S7 FE was quite high (4 compared to 2.9 for the Tab S9 FE), the new tablet displays a less accurate average color temperature, at 7409 K, compared to 6747 K for its predecessor. But unlike the Tab S7 FE, it offers a Natural display mode which allows both limiting colorimetric drifts (delta E of 1.7) and obtaining a less cold color temperature, of 6793 K.

We measured a contrast of 1700:1 and a touch delay of 74 ms, as well as an afterglow time of 18 ms. Values ​​close to those noted on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. We can therefore consider that with the exception of its refresh rate and its more compact format, the screen of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a continuation of that of the Tab S7 FE. It is not quite as attractive as that of the Tab S9, but the values ​​recorded are ultimately quite close, except for the naturally higher contrast on the Tab S9 thanks to the use of AMOLED.