Hey everyone! It’s me again. Today, I’m diving into the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE—Samsung’s latest mid-range tablet for 2025. If you follow the tablet market, you’ve likely seen Samsung’s stronghold, especially in India. They took the top spot in 2024. Their retail presence, online sales, and brand loyalty keep them ahead. The Tab S10 FE builds on the success of the S9 FE. It has some exciting upgrades, but there are areas where Samsung could have done more.
In this review, I’ll cover all you need to know about the Galaxy Tab S10 FE. We’ll explore its sleek design and performance quirks. I’ve gathered insights from three viewpoints: a tech reviewer, an artist, and a tech enthusiast. This way, you’ll get a complete picture of what this tablet offers. So, grab a coffee and let’s get started.
Introduction
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is a great pick in Samsung’s mid-range range. It has many features that feel premium for its price. Coming in at $499—a $50 bump from last year’s S9 FE—it’s not the most budget-friendly option out there. That said, Samsung sweetens the deal with a $300 trade-in offer if you’ve got an older Tab S9 FE to swap. If you’re looking to upgrade, that’s a pretty tempting incentive.
What really caught my eye is the 7 years of software updates. For a mid-range tablet, that’s unheard of! It means this device could stay fresh and functional well into the 2030s. But does that longevity, paired with its other features, justify the cost? Let’s break it down step by step.
Design and Build: Lighter, Sleeker, and Still Sturdy
As soon as I picked up the Tab S10 FE, I felt the difference. It’s much lighter than the S9 FE, which matters when you hold it for hours. Samsung focused on quality. The all-metal design and strong frames feel premium and sturdy. Its rounded edges and balanced weight make it comfy to hold. I love using it while binge-watching shows or taking notes.
Here’s what stands out in the design:
-
IP68 dust and water resistance: This is a rare feature for a mid-range tablet. Spill some water or drop it in the sink? No problem—it’ll survive. That’s a level of toughness you won’t find in most competitors at this price.
-
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: It’s fast, dependable, and much easier than pins or patterns.
-
Included S Pen: Samsung throws in a stylus for free, which is a huge win. It’s not the Bluetooth-enabled pro version, but it’s perfect for jotting notes or sketching. It snaps magnetically to the side, though I wish the magnets gripped a bit tighter.
That said, the design isn’t a total overhaul from the S9 FE. The speaker grilles have a fresh look, and the rear camera’s been upgraded, but it’s still familiar territory. If you’ve got accessories from the last model, they might still work here, which is a nice bonus.
Display: Good, But Not Great
The Tab S10 FE has a 10.9-inch IPS LCD display with a 1440 x 2304 resolution. It’s bright and responsive, showing vibrant colors and decent contrast. For daily tasks like scrolling social media or watching YouTube, it performs well. However, if you love a top-tier screen, you may notice some missed opportunities.
Here’s the rundown:
-
90Hz refresh rate: It’s smoother than the 60Hz on some rivals, like the iPad 11th gen. Still, I hoped for 120Hz. On a screen this size, that extra fluidity would’ve been a game-changer.
-
LCD instead of AMOLED: Samsung’s AMOLED displays are known for deep blacks and rich contrast. It’s disappointing to find an LCD here. It’s not bad, but it’s not breathtaking either.
-
No display protection: There’s no info on scratch resistance or coatings to resist fingerprints. I’d recommend a screen protector to keep it pristine.
For casual use, the display gets the job done. But if you’re a display snob like me, you might wish Samsung had gone all out.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
Performance can be tricky with the Tab S10 FE. It uses the Exynos 1580 chip, also found in the Galaxy A56. This chip works well in phones, but on a tablet, it feels like it’s pushing its limits.
Here’s what I experienced:
-
App opening and multitasking: There’s a slight delay when I launch apps. Also, if I run multiple apps in split-screen mode with the S Pen, I notice some lag. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s there.
-
Gaming: Don’t expect a powerhouse. PUBG maxes out at 30 fps, and even then, it’s choppy. Lighter games like Clash of Clans? No issues. But for anything demanding, this chip struggles.
For basic tasks—browsing, streaming, video calls—it’s perfectly fine. The Tab S10 FE is not as strong as the Xiaomi Pad 7 (Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3) or the iPad 11th gen (A16 chip). If you intend to keep this tablet for years, I worry the Exynos 1580 could struggle with future apps and updates.
Software: Samsung’s Strong Suit
Software is where Samsung flexes its muscles. The Tab S10 FE runs One UI 7 on Android 15, and it’s one of the first tablets to get this update. Samsung’s nailed the big-screen experience, making multitasking smooth and intuitive.
Here are my favorite features:
-
Drag-and-drop split-screen: Opening apps side by side is effortless.
-
Taskbar and floating windows: Quick app access and flexible layouts—love it.
-
S Pen tools: Scribble-to-text is a lifesaver for notes.
-
App pairs: Save your go-to app combos for instant split-screen action.
-
Ecosystem perks: If you’ve got other Samsung gear, app continuity and auto-switching for calls feel seamless.
The 7 years of updates is the cherry on top. Most Android tablets fizzle out after a couple of years, but this one’s built to last.
Battery Life: Reliable and Long-Lasting
The Tab S10 FE packs an 8,000 mAh battery, and it delivers. I got about 8 hours of screen-on time with mixed use—browsing, streaming, a little sketching—which matches up with the Xiaomi Pad 7 and iPad 11th gen. If you’re a light user, you could stretch it to two days. Fast charging is supported, but you’ll need your own adapter since Samsung doesn’t include one.
Camera and Multimedia: Surprisingly Good
Tablets aren’t camera champs, but the Tab S10 FE steps up. It’s got a 13MP rear camera (up from 8MP) and a 12MP ultrawide front camera, both capable of 4K video at 30 fps. The quality’s better than I expected—great for quick shots or video calls, though it won’t replace your phone.
The stereo speakers are loud and clear, even without AKG tuning this time. Paired with Dolby Atmos, they’re solid for movies or music.
The Artist’s Perspective: A Solid Choice for Creatives
As someone who dabbles in drawing, I was excited to test the S Pen. It’s Wacom-powered, battery-free, and offers spot-on pressure sensitivity and accuracy. In Samsung’s Notes app, there’s no lag or wobble—it’s a dream for sketching.
A few notes for artists:
-
Pen feel: It’s light, which might not suit everyone. The rubber tip adds resistance on the glass, but it’s an adjustment.
-
App performance: Samsung’s Notes app shines, but other Android drawing apps (like Clip Studio Paint) work well too, though they’re not as polished as iPad’s Procreate.
For budget-conscious creatives, the included S Pen makes this a steal.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Price?
So, should you drop $499 on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE? Here’s my take.
Pros:
-
Sleek, lightweight design with IP68 protection.
-
Free S Pen for notes and art.
-
Unmatched 7-year software support.
-
Reliable battery and decent multimedia.
-
Solid everyday display.
Cons:
-
Performance trails competitors.
-
No 120Hz or AMOLED screen.
-
Exynos 1580 might not age gracefully.
If you’re a casual user in Samsung’s ecosystem, this tablet’s a great pick. The stylus and software support are hard to beat. But for power users or gamers, the Xiaomi Pad 7 or iPad 11th gen might be worth a look instead. On a budget? The Tab S9 FE at $300 is still a killer deal.
The Tab S10 FE is a strong contender, but its performance keeps it from perfection. Here’s hoping Samsung ups the ante next time.
Read Also:
iPad 11 vs Xiaomi Pad 7 – Which Tablet Should YOU Buy in 2025?