Samsung tipped to debut lower-cost Galaxy Tab S9 FE line with multiple sizes

News
By
published

New "Fan Edition" Galaxy tablets in 11-inch and 12.4-inch versions rumored to be in the works

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Samsung's Galaxy Tab devices are some of the best Android tablets out there. The Galaxy Tab S9 line is expected to launch later this month at Samsung Unpacked, and now rumor has it an old fan-favorite could make an appearance alongside Samsung's flagship models. Samsung is reportedly working on a Galaxy Tab S9 FE series of more affordable tablets with multiple sizes to choose from.

We haven't seen a "Fan Edition" device from Samsung since the Galaxy S21 FE in January 2022 and the Galaxy Tab S7 FE the year before. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE was only available in one size: the larger 12.4-inch display. That apparently won't be the case this time around. This week, as spotted by 9to5 Google, noted tipster @OnLeaks along with partners MediaPeanut and WolfOfTablet shared CAD-based renders showing off the purported Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE Plus. The displays clock in at 10.9 inches and 12.4 inches, respectively.  

This tablet duo's form factor looks designed to match that of the Galaxy Tab S9 series, with the Plus model packing dual cameras and the main model featuring a single camera setup. Both feature a metal frame with flat edges as well as pins for accessories, USB-C and dual speakers. 

Samsung's FE line is geared toward packing all the best features of its flagship devices into a more affordable package. With the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, Samsung swapped in an LCD screen instead of the OLED one found on the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus to cut costs. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE Plus look to repeat this pattern while also dropping the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip as seen in the Galaxy S23, which is anticipated to come with the Tab S9 series.

What kind of price tag this tablet duo could have remains unclear. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE came in at $300 under the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus' price, which at least gives us an idea.

And while we may see the latest FE line revealed at Samsung Unpacked, it's unlikely Samsung will launch it alongside the Galaxy Tab S9. In the past, Samsung has spaced out the rollout of its flagship and budget series of devices by at least a few months.

We'll have to wait until Samsung's big shindig to learn more. Tune into our Unpacked hub for all the latest rumors about what we expect to see, from a possible price decrease for the Z Fold 5 to a potential Galaxy Watch 6 reveal.

More from Tom's Guide

Alyse Stanley
Alyse Stanley
News Editor

Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming and entertainment. Prior to joining Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk, where she covered breaking tech news — everything from the latest spec rumors and gadget launches to social media policy and cybersecurity threats.  She has also written game reviews and features as a freelance reporter for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and miniature painting.