Samsung has long dominated both the budget and flagship tablet markets with its Galaxy Tab A and Galaxy Tab S series. While it’s been easy to recommend devices at either end of the spectrum, the mid-range has always been a more challenging space. Facing fierce competition from other Android rivals and the formidable iPad, Samsung hasn’t always found the perfect formula for a mid-tier device.
Read: Samsung Galaxy S25 Review: Beautiful, powerful, and safe
That might be about to change. With the new Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Samsung seems to have finally found the ideal balance of performance and value. This tablet strikes a perfect chord, offering a “just right” experience that is neither too much nor too little. I believe this model has the potential to appeal to a wide range of Galaxy fans, and I’m excited to dive in and see if it truly lives up to its promise. In our in-depth Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE review, we explore if Sammy has found the perfect middle ground for people that need a do-it-all tablet.
Design & Build
The design and feel of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE are immediately familiar because they are nearly identical to the previous generation, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. This is a clear sign of Samsung’s iterative approach. While the new model has the same 254.3 x 165.8mm footprint, it’s slightly thinner at 6mm and lighter at 497g. Despite these minor changes, the tablet feels premium, thanks to its creak-free, all-metal construction.
A standout feature that sets the Galaxy Tab S10 FE apart from its competition—even the high-end iPad Pro—is its IP68 water and dust resistance. This makes it a much better choice for use by the pool or in the bath.
Another key advantage is the included S Pen stylus, which comes with every tablet. The stylus attaches magnetically to the back of the device and integrates seamlessly with Samsung’s software. From taking quick notes with a button hold and double tap to using its powerful handwriting recognition, the S Pen experience is arguably the best in the business.
Security is handled by a fingerprint sensor on the power button, which works well once you find it, though it can be tricky to locate on a tablet. The colour options are limited and uninspired, with choices of Silver, Gray, and a vaguely blue-tinted Blue. This lack of vibrant colour is a missed opportunity for a device that could otherwise stand out.
Display & Audio
Samsung sent me the standard 10.9-inch Galaxy Tab S10 FE for review, though the much-anticipated 13.9-inch Plus model is arguably the most interesting new addition to the lineup.
The screen itself is a high-quality 10.9-inch IPS LCD with a sharp 1440 x 2304 resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. I have no complaints about its quality; it gets bright enough for most conditions, and colours are vibrant and natural once you switch to the ‘Vivid’ screen mode. However, a noticeable omission is the lack of support for advanced formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which is a shame given that competitors have offered these for some time.
The tablet’s wide 16:10 aspect ratio makes it a perfect device for media consumption in landscape mode, though it feels a bit unwieldy when held in portrait orientation.
As for audio, the stereo speakers get the job done. They produce clear sound with decent separation, making them perfectly fine for general use. However, the sound quality is not as immersive as what you’d find on some rivals. With competitors offering six or even eight-speaker setups, the S10 FE’s audio feels a little underwhelming by comparison.
Camera(s)
Let’s be clear: a tablet is rarely a primary camera, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE doesn’t change that. However, the camera hardware has seen a minor upgrade. Samsung has replaced the single 8MP main camera of its predecessor with a 13MP alternative. While this is a nominal improvement, it’s still a basic sensor you should only use as a last resort. Almost any decent modern smartphone will capture better photos.
In ideal lighting, Samsung’s expert image processing and the extra megapixels ensure a basic level of competence. But the camera is extremely limited and lacks the clarity, depth, and detail of even a mid-range phone camera.
The same applies to the 12MP ultra-wide front camera. It’s serviceable for video calls, but selfies lack clarity and depth. On the video side, you get 4K/30fps recording, which is a welcome addition. However, the absence of OIS (optical image stabilization) means your footage will be shaky, and there’s no 60fps support for 1080p video.
Ultimately, the cameras on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE are there for utility—video calls and quick reference shots—but not for serious photography or videography.
Software
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE runs on Android 15 with the company’s One UI 7 interface layered on top. While someone who prefers a clean, stock Android experience might find it a bit cluttered, the positives of Samsung’s software are hard to ignore. One UI 7.0 is visually appealing, with crisp icons and a flexible, feature-rich design that builds on Samsung’s familiar style.
One of the standout features is Samsung DeX, which transforms the tablet’s UI for keyboard and mouse use, effectively turning it into a lightweight laptop. Multitasking is also a breeze, with the large screen making split-screen app usage a seamless experience.
The tablet’s software truly shines with the included S Pen. Samsung’s stylus integration remains best-in-class, offering a user-friendly experience without being intrusive. The Air Command menu provides quick access to functions like screen writing, note creation, and AI Select, which can turn videos into GIFs or extract text from the screen. For creative users, apps like PenUP offer colouring projects and a community to share art.
However, there are a few minor frustrations. Setting up Google Password Manager, for instance, requires a bit of fiddling, unlike on other Android devices where it works instantly. The Settings menu can also feel congested, often requiring a search to find a specific option. While I’m not a fan of the new split notification and quick toggles menus on smartphones, the larger screen of the tablet makes this design choice feel more logical.
A huge benefit of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE is Samsung’s commitment to software support. The company has promised six years of OS and security updates, which is one of the best update policies available for any tablet on the market today.
Performance
Beyond the optional larger screen, the most meaningful improvement to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is its performance. The tablet is powered by the Exynos 1580 chip, which represents a significant two-generation jump from the Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s processor. While the Exynos 1580 isn’t a powerhouse—it’s the same chip used in the Galaxy A56 smartphone—it provides a smooth and responsive user experience. You’ll encounter very little stutter or lag during everyday tasks.
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The performance is also bolstered by an increase in memory, with configurations offering either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This additional RAM is a welcome change, as Android truly begins to “purr” once it hits that 8GB threshold.
However, a key point of comparison is how the Tab S10 FE stacks up against its rivals. While it’s a good performer in isolation, it doesn’t quite match the raw speed offered by competitors like the OnePlus Pad 2 or Honor Pad V9.
On the other hand, Samsung offers a unique advantage: the option of a 5G-enabled model. This is a critical feature that gives it an edge over those same rivals, who don’t offer this level of connectivity choice in their mid-range tablets.
Battery
While the battery capacity remains unchanged at 8,000mAh, the more efficient Exynos 1580 chip provides a significant boost to the tablet’s stamina. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE lasts much longer on a single charge than its predecessor.
For typical use—like light web Browse, taking notes, and media consumption—you can expect the tablet to last for several days. It can also comfortably handle a full workday of light productivity tasks with power to spare.
Charging speeds are consistent with the previous model, supporting 45W Samsung charging. However, you’ll need to purchase this adapter separately, as it’s not included in the box. Using an official 45W charger, I was able to charge the tablet from empty to 27% in 15 minutes, and a full charge took exactly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE successfully delivers on its promise of finding a “just right” balance of features and value. While its design is largely an iterative update, the premium, all-metal build and crucial additions like IP68 water resistance and the included S Pen make it a standout in its class.
On the performance front, the new Exynos 1580 chip provides a smooth user experience, and the significant boost in battery life is a welcome benefit. Samsung’s commitment to six years of software and security updates further enhances its long-term value.
However, the tablet isn’t without its compromises. The display, while good, lacks modern features like Dolby Vision, and the stereo speakers are outclassed by rivals with more immersive audio setups. The cameras are also basic utility tools rather than a standout feature.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE’s strengths—especially its S Pen integration, durable build, and extended software support—make it a compelling choice. It’s not a flagship killer, but it doesn’t need to be. It carves out a near-perfect middle ground, offering a comprehensive and reliable tablet experience for a wide range of users.
