Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs Galaxy Tab S7/S7+: Is it a flagship tablet killer?

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE has a lot to prove, given that it's Samsung's first-ever Fan Edition tablet. But the fact that it was inspired by the 2020 Galaxy Tab S7 series seems to have worked in its favor. These tablets have more things in common than some might expect, but it's also fair to say that the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is missing a few premium features. After all, it wouldn't have been an FE-branded device if this weren't the case, though the differences here are a little more stark than they were between the flagship Galaxy S20 models and the Galaxy S20 FE.

Samsung has described the Galaxy Tab S7 FE as a multimedia and productivity-oriented tablet, which it is. Much like the two non-FE models, the new tablet ships with an S Pen and a handful of productivity apps. It can also be paired with optional accessories, such as a Book Cover Keyboard.

Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs Galaxy Tab S7 / S7+: Design is top-notch

Samsung's first-ever FE-branded tablet looks very much like the Galaxy Tab S7, or rather, the Galaxy Tab S7+, given its large 12.4-inch display. More on the technical side later, but as far as looks go, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is premium and contemporary.

This is all because Samsung's new tablet follows the same design language as its siblings from 2020. Every surface is flat, save for the rounded corners and the camera bump. The tablet has a metal finish and it will be available in four color options, Mystic Black, Mystic Green, Mystic Pink, and Mystic Silver.

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE measures 185.0 x 284.8 x 6.3mm and weighs 608 grams, which means it's heavier than the Galaxy Tab S7 and the Galaxy Tab S7+. But thanks to the 12.4-inch display, its footprint is nearly identical to that of the Galaxy Tab S7+.

Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs Galaxy Tab S7 / S7+: The software is incredibly similar

Just like the exterior design, the software experience delivered by the Galaxy Tab S7 FE was inspired by the Galaxy Tab S7 series. Very much so. The tablet ships with the latest version of Samsung Notes and an S Pen included in the box, and every customer has free access to third-party apps such as Noteshelf, Clip Studio Paint, and a 30-day trial to Canva Pro. This is the same app bundle that was distributed with the Galaxy Tab S7 series.

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE supports Multi-Active Window, Second Screen, and Samsung DeX, but the company made no mention of wireless DeX. It does ship with Android 11 and One UI 3.1, which means that if Samsung supports it with three major Android OS updates, it will eventually be updated to Android 14. This gives it an advantage over the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+, the latter of which are planned to drop support after Android 13.

Samsung TV Plus is available for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE out of the box, and the company is giving customers a four-month YouTube Premium subscription.

Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs Galaxy Tab S7 / S7+: Hardware makes the difference

As you all know by know, the main differences between the Galaxy Tab S7 and the Plus model lie in the display size and type, battery sizes, and fingerprint sensor types. Otherwise, they are virtually the same tablet, which makes this comparison a tad easier.

Samsung's first FE tablet is on the large side, as it features a generous 12.4-inch display, just like the Galaxy Tab S7+. But unlike the flagship model, it has a TFT screen, and it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. UI animations won't look as smooth, and the S Pen won't feel as responsive.

All three tablets look alike and offer a similar software experience, but Samsung had to make some sacrifices somewhere, and it chose the internal hardware.

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE has a Snapdragon 750G chipset, which isn't nearly as powerful as the Snapdragon 865+. It also comes with less RAM and storage. Samsung will sell two models, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, or 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A microSD card slot is included.

Comparatively, the Tab S7 and S7+ come with 6GB / 8GB of RAM and 128GB / 256GB / 512GB of storage.

Samsung's new tablet supports Dolby Atmos, but it has two AKG-tuned stereo speakers instead of four. One thing the Galaxy Tab S7 FE has that the non-FE models lack is a 3.5mm audio jack.

The tablet is equipped with a single 8MP main camera and a lower-resolution 5MP selfie sensor. On the other hand, it boasts a 10,090mAh battery with 45W super-fast charging capabilities, just like the Galaxy Tab S7+. And, same as before, Samsung is pairing the FE tablet with a 15W charger.

Galaxy Tab S7 FE vs Galaxy Tab S7 / S7+: Conclusion

Samsung's first FE tablet sounds promising and could be a great addition to the company's portfolio, but as far as a Fan Edition device goes, the price might pose a problem. The tablet will be released in June in select markets, and in the UK, the 64GB / 128GB models will go on sale for £589 and £629.

In contrast, the base Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+ models with Wi-Fi-only connectivity cost £619 and £799, respectively. So, while the Galaxy Tab S7 FE seems to have a chance to challenge the larger Galaxy Tab S7+ from a cost perspective, it will be a much more difficult sell when compared to the base Galaxy Tab S7 model because they cost almost the same. It's only a £30 difference between the base Galaxy Tab S7 FE and Galaxy Tab S7 models.

On the face of it, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE looks like an interesting mix of premium features and mid-range hardware, which isn't exactly the Fan Edition way that was set forth by the Galaxy S20 FE. The lack of a high refresh rate or AMOLED display and / or a flagship-grade chipset is disappointing, but the tablet's other qualities could make up for it.

Is it a flagship tablet killer? Not necessarily, but it might complement the existing Galaxy Tab S7 lineup well.

Check our Galaxy Tab S7+ review and our device comparison widget below for more info.

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