Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Review: Evaluating the Impact of the Stylus
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE, a mid-priced tablet, has garnered attention for its exceptional IP-certified design and the brilliant implementation of the S Pen stylus. With promises of six years of software updates, it presents a compelling option for creative professionals. However, the tablet faces scrutiny due to minor improvements since 2023 and a noticeable price increase to $499.99.
Design & Build
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE boasts a familiar flat metallic design with IP68 certification. While improvements have been made, they are subtle, with the tablet being slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Additionally, the inclusion of an S Pen stylus, which attaches magnetically to the tablet, enhances the overall user experience.
!Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Design
Screen & Speakers
Featuring a 10.9-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate and stereo speakers, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE delivers a decent viewing and listening experience. However, it falls slightly behind competitors in terms of screen size and speaker setup. The absence of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support also puts it at a disadvantage compared to other tablets in its price range.
!Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Screen
Specs & Performance
Powered by the Exynos 1580 chip and offering 8GB or 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE provides adequate performance for everyday tasks. Despite the improvements, it lags behind competitors like the OnePlus Pad 2 and Honor Pad V9 in benchmark tests. The tablet’s performance is commendable in isolation but falls short of more ambitious mid-priced rivals.
!Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Performance
Cameras
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE’s camera setup includes a 13MP rear camera and a 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera. While these cameras offer basic functionality, they are not comparable to smartphone cameras in terms of image quality. The tablet supports 4K video recording at 30fps, but lacks features like OIS and higher frame rates for smoother video capture.
!Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Cameras
Battery Life & Charging
Equipped with an 8000mAh battery and 45W charging support, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE offers improved battery life compared to its predecessor. The tablet’s efficient Exynos 1580 chip contributes to longer usage times, making it suitable for light productivity tasks and media consumption. However, the lack of a charger in the box might inconvenience some users.
!Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Battery Life
Software & Apps
Running on Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7 interface, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE delivers a visually appealing and feature-rich user experience. The tablet offers flexibility with Samsung DeX support and efficient multitasking capabilities. While the software is powerful and customizable, some users may find Samsung’s pre-installed apps and cluttered settings menu overwhelming.
!Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Software
Price & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is priced starting from $499.99 for the base model, with higher configurations available at increased costs. While the tablet offers competitive features, the price hike from its predecessor may deter some potential buyers. The availability of 5G connectivity at an additional cost provides users with more options based on their connectivity needs.
Verdict: Is the Stylus Enough?
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE presents a well-rounded option for users seeking a mid-priced tablet with stylus functionality. While the tablet excels in design, stylus implementation, and battery life, it falls short in terms of performance and camera quality compared to its competitors. The incremental improvements and price increase may make it a less appealing choice for users looking for significant advancements in their tablet experience.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE’s success hinges on whether the bundled S Pen stylus and Samsung’s software features align with the user’s needs. For those prioritizing creativity and productivity, the tablet remains a solid choice despite its shortcomings in performance and camera capabilities.