Galaxy Tab S9 Fe Vs S8 Is The New Fan Edition Actually Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, it arrived as a mid-tier contender in the tablet space—offering many of the core features of its flagship siblings at a more accessible price point. But for owners of the Galaxy Tab S8, particularly those who purchased just a few years ago, the question isn’t whether the S9 FE is good. It’s whether it’s worth upgrading. After all, technology evolves quickly, but so does buyer fatigue. Let’s break down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and whether the upgrade makes sense based on your usage, budget, and expectations.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Same DNA

The physical design language between the Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 FE remains remarkably consistent. Both tablets feature aluminum unibody construction with flat edges, an 8.3mm thickness, and a similar weight profile—though the S9 FE is slightly heavier at 532g (Wi-Fi model) compared to the S8’s 503g. The difference is negligible in hand but noticeable over long reading or video sessions.

One subtle improvement is the matte finish on the S9 FE’s back, which reduces fingerprint smudges—a small but meaningful upgrade for users who prioritize aesthetics. The S8’s glossy aluminum, while premium-looking, was notoriously prone to showing every touch.

Both devices are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, a rare and valuable feature in tablets that still sets Samsung apart from competitors. Whether you’re using your tablet near a pool or in a messy kitchen, this durability matters.

Tip: If you frequently use your tablet outdoors or in humid environments, the IP68 rating alone might justify staying with either device—no other major brand offers this level of protection.

Display and Performance: Incremental Gains

The display on both tablets is a 10.4-inch TFT LCD with a 2000 x 1200 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. While color accuracy and brightness are decent, they fall short of the vibrant, fluid AMOLED panels found on the S9+ or S9 Ultra. For most users, especially those consuming media or taking notes, the screen is perfectly serviceable—but not transformative.

Where the S9 FE pulls ahead is in processing power. It runs on the Exynos 1380 chip (or Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 in select regions), compared to the S8’s aging Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. While neither chip competes with flagship-tier performance, the S9 FE handles multitasking and app switching more smoothly, with noticeably less lag when running multiple DeX windows or editing documents.

Benchmarks show a 20–25% improvement in CPU performance and up to 30% better GPU efficiency. In practical terms, this means faster app launches, smoother stylus response with the S Pen, and improved longevity for future Android updates.

“Tablets aren’t just media devices anymore—they’re productivity tools. The S9 FE’s processor reflects that shift.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Feature Comparison: What’s New, What’s Missing

Feature	Galaxy Tab S8	Galaxy Tab S9 FE
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Exynos 1380 / Snapdragon 7 Gen 2
RAM	6GB / 8GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB (expandable)	128GB / 256GB (expandable)
Display	10.4” TFT, 60Hz	10.4” TFT, 60Hz
S Pen Included	No (sold separately)	Yes (included in box)
Battery	7,040 mAh	8,000 mAh
Fast Charging	45W	45W
DeX Support	Yes	Yes
IP Rating	IP68	IP68

The most compelling change? The S Pen is now included with the S9 FE. On the S8, purchasing the stylus added $40–$60 to the total cost—a frustrating omission for a device marketed toward note-takers and creatives. This inclusion alone improves the S9 FE’s value proposition significantly.

Battery capacity has also increased from 7,040mAh to 8,000mAh. Real-world testing shows about 1.5 to 2 extra hours of mixed usage—enough to make a difference during travel or long workdays without needing a charger.

Real-World Use Case: The Student’s Dilemma

Meet Priya, a university student who bought a Galaxy Tab S8 in early 2022 primarily for lecture notes, PDF annotation, and light research. Over two years, she noticed her tablet slowing down—apps took longer to open, and the S Pen occasionally lagged behind her handwriting.

When the S9 FE launched, she hesitated. Her S8 still worked, but the lack of an included S Pen had always been a pain point. She finally upgraded after borrowing a demo unit at a Samsung store. The immediate responsiveness, combined with the peace of mind from having a spare stylus in the box, convinced her.

“I didn’t think I needed a new tablet,” she said. “But once I used the S9 FE with the pen already paired and ready, I realized how much friction the old setup caused.”

Priya’s experience highlights a key insight: upgrades aren’t always about raw specs. Sometimes, it’s about removing friction—like having to charge, pair, or track down a separate stylus.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before making the leap, ask yourself the following questions. Answer “yes” to three or more, and the upgrade likely makes sense.

• Do you regularly use the S Pen for notes, sketches, or markup?
• Have you noticed slowdowns when switching between apps or using DeX mode?
• Is your current S Pen lost, damaged, or never purchased due to cost?
• Do you rely on long battery life during classes, commutes, or flights?
• Are you planning to keep your tablet for another 2–3 years?

If most answers are “yes,” the S9 FE delivers tangible improvements that accumulate into a better daily experience. However, if your S8 still performs well and you don’t use the S Pen often, the upgrade may feel underwhelming.

Software and Longevity: Future-Proofing Your Device

Samsung promises four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the S9 FE—a policy not consistently applied to the S8 at launch. While the S8 is still receiving updates, its end-of-support window is approaching faster than the S9 FE’s.

This extended support means the S9 FE will likely run Android 16 or 17 when they arrive, whereas the S8 may stop at Android 15. For users who depend on secure communications, banking apps, or enterprise tools, staying updated is critical.

Additionally, newer software optimizations enhance S Pen latency, improve split-screen workflows, and offer better integration with Windows PCs and Galaxy phones. These refinements matter most to power users who treat their tablet as a central hub rather than a passive screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data easily from the S8 to the S9 FE?

Yes. Samsung’s Smart Switch app allows seamless transfer of apps, settings, files, and accounts via Wi-Fi Direct or cable. Most users complete the migration in under 15 minutes.

Is the S9 FE compatible with S8 accessories?

Most S Pen models are cross-compatible, and Bluetooth keyboards like the Book Cover Keyboard will pair without issue. However, cases may not fit due to minor dimensional changes and button placement differences.

Does the S9 FE support Dex on external monitors?

Absolutely. Like the S8, the S9 FE supports Samsung DeX, allowing desktop-like multitasking on TVs or monitors via HDMI adapter or wireless connection. Performance in DeX is snappier thanks to the newer chipset.

Final Verdict: Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE isn’t a revolutionary leap over the S8—it’s a thoughtful refinement. For casual users who browse, stream, and occasionally check email, the upgrade offers little compelling reason to switch. But for students, professionals, and creatives who rely on the S Pen, multitasking, and long-term reliability, the improvements add up.

The inclusion of the S Pen, larger battery, slightly better performance, and longer software support create a package that feels more complete out of the box. When you consider that many S8 owners paid extra for accessories that now come standard, the S9 FE delivers better overall value—even at a similar starting price.

If your S8 is still functioning well and meets your needs, hold off. But if you’ve been frustrated by missing accessories, shorter battery life, or creeping sluggishness, the S9 FE isn’t just worth the upgrade—it’s overdue.

🚀 Ready to streamline your digital workflow? Evaluate your current tablet usage, revisit your pain points, and consider whether the small gains of the S9 FE could lead to big productivity wins. Share your upgrade experience or ask questions in the comments below.