The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE has been my primary media tablet for the past week, and I’m ready to share my thoughts. This isn’t a laptop replacement or a powerhouse tablet; it’s designed for casual use, often feeling more like a large phone than a compact computer. Is this a detriment or part of its charm? Let’s explore.
The back of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
Design and Ergonomics
As a media and gaming tablet, portability and screen size are crucial. The Tab S10 FE excels in these areas. At 487 grams and a mere 6mm thick, it’s incredibly easy to carry. The 10.9-inch screen strikes a perfect balance, avoiding the bulk of the larger S10 FE+. While ideal for home and occasional outdoor use, some ergonomic issues arise. The thin chassis becomes uncomfortable during extended gaming sessions, with sharp corners digging into the palm. The black, white, and blue color options offer some variety, but the rear panel quickly attracts fingerprints and smudges. The small, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while accurate, can be challenging to locate. Registering multiple fingerprints is highly recommended. On the plus side, the IP68 dust and water resistance rating adds peace of mind, and the sturdy chassis exhibits no noticeable flex. The blue color adds a touch of personality to the otherwise minimalist design.
THe Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
Display and Performance
The Tab S10 FE features a 10.9-inch IPS LCD screen instead of Samsung’s signature AMOLED. While this may not be a significant drawback for general use, the screen lacks the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp contrast of AMOLED displays. The screen’s inconsistent 90Hz refresh rate is a more noticeable issue. The adaptive mode often defaults to 60Hz even in situations where 90Hz would be beneficial, like browsing or scrolling through apps. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially with no option to force the higher refresh rate.
A game running on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
Powered by a Samsung Exynos 1580 processor and 8GB or 12GB of RAM, the Tab S10 FE offers decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. While it handles games like Asphalt Legends: Unite smoothly (with adjusted graphics settings), the mid-range processor reveals its limitations in system navigation and app loading times. The performance is adequate for general use, but it lacks the snappy responsiveness of higher-end devices.
| Geekbench 6 CPU (Single) | Geekbench 6 CPU (Multi) | Geekbench 6 (GPU) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE (Samsung Exynos 1580) | 1365 | 3895 | 6925 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Google Tensor G4) | 1052 | 3239 | 6474 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) | 2314 | 7104 | 15898 |
A video playing on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
Software and Features
Android 15 with One UI 7 runs smoothly on the Tab S10 FE, offering a user-friendly experience. The excellent multi-screen functionality allows for seamless multitasking with up to three apps simultaneously. Samsung’s Good Lock app further enhances this by enabling split-screen mode for apps not originally designed for it. However, One UI 7 exhibits some inconsistencies in its tablet adaptation. Elements like desktop icon arrangement and certain settings menus feel more phone-centric than tablet-optimized. Despite these inconsistencies, features like the well-organized settings menu and split notification/Quick Settings panel demonstrate thoughtful design choices for tablet use. The inclusion of AI features like Best Face, Object Eraser, and Read Aloud add value, though more advanced AI features are reserved for Samsung’s higher-end devices. The familiar One UI interface will be a welcome sight for Samsung smartphone users, and the six years of OS and security updates provide long-term support.
Split-screen mode on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
Camera, S Pen, and Battery
The Tab S10 FE features a 13MP rear camera primarily for business use and a 12MP front camera optimized for video calls in portrait orientation. While functional, it lacks advanced video call features like Center Stage found on iPads. The included S Pen stylus is a standout feature. It works instantly without pairing or charging and magnetically attaches to the tablet’s side. It enhances the user experience across the operating system, including games and note-taking apps. While the writing experience on the glass screen may lack tactility for artists, it’s a valuable tool for general use.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE using the stylus.
The 8,000mAh battery provides decent battery life, lasting around eight to nine hours with mixed use, including gaming. While Samsung claims 20 hours of video playback, real-world usage falls short of this estimate. The 45W fast wired charging is a welcome addition, replenishing the battery in about 100 minutes. However, a charger is not included in the box.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE on charge.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE starts at $500 for the 128GB model and $570 for the 256GB version. The microSD card slot, supporting cards up to 2TB, mitigates the need for the higher storage variant unless you require the additional RAM.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is a classic tablet experience geared towards media consumption and general use. While not a productivity powerhouse, it offers a familiar software experience for Samsung users, good battery life, and the added benefit of an S Pen stylus. However, the inconsistent refresh rate, mid-range performance, and lackluster camera may push some users towards alternatives like the Apple iPad or OnePlus Pad 2. Ultimately, the Tab S10 FE is a solid choice for those seeking a casual tablet experience within the Samsung ecosystem.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
