Looking for a premium-ish Android tablet that doesn’t break the bank? Samsung’s latest offering, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus, might just catch your eye. Launched in early 2025, this 13.1-inch tablet starts at $649, positioning it as a mid-to-premium option in Samsung’s lineup. With a sleek design, robust features, and the trusty S Pen included, it’s aiming to compete with rivals like the OnePlus Pad 2 and Xiaomi’s tablet offerings. But does it deliver the value and performance you’d expect for the price? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every nook and cranny of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus—its design, display, performance, battery life, and more—to help you decide if it’s the right tablet for you.

Unboxing the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus {#unboxing}

Straight out of the gate, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus arrives in a slim, minimalist box that reflects Samsung’s no-frills approach. Inside, you’ll find:

• The tablet itself
• A USB-C to USB-C cable
• The beloved S Pen stylus
• A quick start guide

That’s it—no charger, no case, and no keyboard cover. While the absence of a charger isn’t surprising in 2025 (thanks, eco-friendly trends), it’s a bummer not to see a basic cover included, especially at this price point. However, the inclusion of the S Pen is a major win—it’s a feature that sets Samsung tablets apart and adds instant value for note-takers, artists, and multitaskers.

Design and Build Quality {#design}

A Premium Vibe with Practicality

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus screams “premium-ish” with its sleek metal frame and matte finish. At just 6mm thick, it’s only slightly chunkier than Samsung’s flagship Tab S10 Ultra, making it impressively skinny for its size. Weighing in at 664g (Wi-Fi) or 668g (5G), it’s not the lightest tablet around—after an hour of use, you might feel a bit of arm fatigue—but it’s manageable for most.

The 13.1-inch footprint is a beast, offering ample screen real estate for work, play, or binge-watching. Even bezels surround the display—not razor-thin like some competitors, but just thick enough for comfortable one-handed gripping without accidental touches. Speaking of durability, the IP68 water and dust resistance is a standout feature. You can dunk it in water, take it into the shower, or survive a coffee spill—no worries here.

Color Options and Fingerprint Magnet

Available in gray, silver, or blue, the design is clean and professional—think “smart but not sexy.” The matte finish resists fingerprints decently, though it’ll still pick up some grime after a few days of use. A quick wipe keeps it looking pristine.

Fingerprint Sensor: Slim but Mighty

Unlocking the tablet is a breeze with the fingerprint sensor embedded in the ultra-thin power button. It’s fast, reliable, and works from any angle—zero fails during testing. You’re on your desktop in seconds, which is a small but appreciated touch of convenience.

Display: Big, Bold, but Not AMOLED {#display}

The 13.1-inch LCD screen is the star of the show—or at least, it tries to be. With a 2880 x 1800 resolution, visuals are sharp and detailed, even on this massive canvas. Colors pop reasonably well, and viewing angles are solid for group movie nights or presentations. The 90Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling smooth, though Samsung’s One UI occasionally makes it feel less fluid than it should.

At 800 nits peak brightness, it’s usable outdoors, but struggles in direct sunlight or with darker scenes in games like Devil May Cry. Compared to Samsung’s AMOLED panels (think deep blacks and vibrant contrast), this LCD feels like a compromise. It’s a shame, as an AMOLED upgrade could’ve elevated the Tab S10 FE Plus to must-buy status. Still, the Eye Comfort mode filters blue light for late-night use, and there’s no flicker to bother sensitive eyes.

The dual stereo speakers deliver loud, clear audio that fills a room. It’s not the quad-speaker grandeur of premium Samsung tablets, but it’s more than adequate for Netflix or Zoom calls.

Performance: Powered by Exynos 1580

Under the hood, the Tab S10 FE Plus rocks Samsung’s Exynos 1580 chipset, the same silicon found in the Galaxy A56 5G mid-ranger. Paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM (our review unit had 8GB), it handles everyday tasks like a champ. You can run three apps in split-screen mode, plus a floating window without significant lag—perfect for multitasking pros.

Gaming performance is a mixed bag. On titles like Weather and Waves with high graphics settings, frame rates dip regularly, especially during intense action. Dropping to medium or low settings stabilizes things, and there’s no overheating even after an hour of play. For casual gamers or productivity users, the Exynos 1580 and 128GB/256GB storage (expandable to 2TB via microSD) are plenty. Need constant connectivity? Opt for the 5G model with physical SIM and eSIM support.

Software: One UI 5 and AI Features

Running One UI 5 on Android 15, the Tab S10 FE Plus feels familiar to Samsung smartphone users. It’s loaded with Samsung’s apps and services (some duplicating Android staples), but the interface is tablet-optimized. Swipe up with two fingers for split-screen, or drag apps into floating windows—multitasking is intuitive and flexible.

Samsung promises 6 years of OS updates and security patches, stretching support into 2031. That’s flagship-level longevity, a huge plus for value seekers. Storage starts at a modest 128GB, but microSD support up to 2TB keeps you covered.

AI features are sprinkled throughout, like AI Select for quick GIF creation or photo editing (erase shadows or stray objects). The S Pen enhances these tools, letting you scribble notes or edit screenshots. While not groundbreaking, they add practical flair to your workflow.

Occasional quirks—like random Wi-Fi drops or odd icon reorientation in portrait mode—mar the experience slightly, but nothing deal-breaking.

S Pen: A Creative Companion

The bundled S Pen is a highlight, offering precision for notes, sketches, or signing documents. It’s thicker than the tablet itself, with no built-in slot or groove—just a magnetic strip on the back that’s a bit flimsy. Accidental knocks send it flying, so a case with a stylus holder is a smart buy.

There’s no Air Actions support (you’d need the S Pen Pro for that), but basic customization like Air View is available. For students or professionals, it’s a game-changer—think annotating PDFs or brainstorming ideas on the fly.

Camera: Functional but Quirky

The 12MP front camera shines for video calls, handling backlighting and contrast with ease. You can record up to 4K, though most won’t need it. The 13MP rear camera, however, feels like an oddity. Why a massive 13-inch tablet needs a rear shooter is beyond me—snapping photos with this beast is awkward at best. It’s there if you need it, but don’t expect miracles.

Battery Life and Charging

Packing a 10,090mAh battery, the Tab S10 FE Plus is a stamina champ. Mixed use (split-screen, streaming, browsing) yields over 12 hours, while video playback stretches to 19-20 hours. Gaming or video chats drain it faster—around 4.5 hours on high settings—but it’s still impressive for its slim frame.

45W wired charging is decent, but with this capacity, a full charge takes a while. Plan ahead for road trips or long days out—no rapid top-ups here.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sleek, premium design with IP68 resistance
• Large 13.1-inch display with sharp resolution
• S Pen included for creativity and productivity
• Long battery life and 6-year software support
• Expandable storage up to 2TB

Cons

• LCD screen lacks AMOLED’s punch
• Gaming performance stumbles on high settings
• No charger or case included
• S Pen attachment is flimsy

Who Should Buy the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus?

This tablet shines for:

• Students: S Pen notes, split-screen studying, and long battery life.
• Professionals: Multitasking, document editing, and video calls.
• Casual Users: Streaming, browsing, and light gaming.

Hardcore gamers or AMOLED enthusiasts might look elsewhere.

Comparison with Competitors

Versus the OnePlus Pad 2 ($449), the Tab S10 FE Plus offers the S Pen and better software support, but lags in display quality and price value. Xiaomi’s tablets, often cheaper, lack Samsung’s ecosystem polish and stylus perk. For $649, it’s a solid middle ground—just not a steal.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus is a strong contender in the mid-to-premium tablet space. Its big screen, S Pen, and stellar battery life make it a versatile daily driver, while IP68 durability and long-term updates add trustworthiness. However, the LCD panel and middling gaming chops hold it back from greatness. At $649, it’s not the cheapest option—competitors like the OnePlus Pad 2 offer more bang for less buck—but Samsung loyalists and stylus fans will find plenty to love.

Best value Samsung tablet? It’s close, but an AMOLED screen could’ve sealed the deal. What do you think—worth the splurge? Drop your thoughts below!

Author Section

Chris Barraclough
Expert in-depth tech reviews, comparisons, unboxings, and hands-on features with fresh UK smartphones, laptops, wearables, apps, and gadgets.

With over 15 years reviewing tech, UK journalist Chris Barraclough has written for Tech Radar and numerous PC/smartphone outlets, plus edited Mobile Choice magazine. Like Unbox Therapy, Supersaf, and MKBHD, he’s presented tech YouTube videos for Tech Radar and Recombu. Chris dives deep into devices for real-life reviews—budget to premium—because not everyone’s minted. Subscribe for more!

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