The New Galaxy Tab S10 FE: The Ultimate Budget Tablet for Students? Price, Specs, and What You Need to Know
The tablet market has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with a variety of models catering to different needs and budgets. Among the most anticipated releases this year is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE, set to launch soon. This comes roughly 1.5 years after the release of the Tab S9 FE, making it an exciting update for budget-conscious consumers looking for high-performance tablets without breaking the bank.
If you’ve been considering entering the tablet world or if you’re a student looking for an affordable option to complement your laptop, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE may just be the device for you. Let’s dive into the details and explore everything you need to know about this new tablet.
Design: Subtle Tweaks and Improved Camera
When it comes to the design of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, there aren’t drastic changes compared to its predecessor, the Tab S9 FE. However, there are some noticeable differences in the Plus model. The most significant change is the camera setup. Previously, the Tab S9 FE featured a dual-camera system with two 8MP cameras (wide and ultra-wide). The S10 FE, however, will come with a single 13MP wide-angle camera, which is a significant upgrade in terms of camera quality.
The new model will be available in three colors: Blue, Gray, and Silver. While the Tab S9 FE offered a wider range of colors, including Mint and Lavender, the S10 FE seems to focus on more subtle, elegant shades. Samsung’s Blue color is expected to resemble a light, sky-blue shade that is popular in their Galaxy S25 lineup, which many fans are excited about.
Display: A Slight Size Increase but No 120Hz
The regular model of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE will feature a 10.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2400×1600 pixels, which is the same as its predecessor. However, the Plus model will see a slight bump in size, moving to a 13.1-inch display. This larger screen size is perfect for those who want a more expansive tablet for tasks such as video editing, note-taking, or media consumption.
While this increase in screen size is great, there’s one thing that many fans are hoping for—120Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE will continue to support a 90Hz refresh rate, which, while smooth, is a bit of a letdown for those hoping for a more fluid display experience. Nonetheless, the 90Hz display is still solid for everyday tasks like watching videos or browsing, especially considering the price.
Performance: Boosted Power with Exynos 1380
The performance of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE is set to be significantly better than its predecessor, with a 45% increase in CPU performance and an 80% boost in graphics performance, thanks to the new Exynos 1380 processor. The Exynos 1380 is a reliable chipset for most tasks, although it’s worth noting that some users had concerns about Exynos chips in the past. That being said, performance benchmarks show that the single-core score of 1349 and the multi-core score of 3882 are impressive and should offer smooth performance for everyday use.
One of the most significant upgrades is the increase in RAM capacity. The base model will come with 8GB of RAM (an upgrade from 6GB), with an option to go up to 12GB of RAM. This increase will help users who multitask frequently or run heavier applications on their tablet.
Battery: Impressive Longevity
One of the standout features of the Tab S10 FE is its battery life. The regular model comes with an 8,000mAh battery, while the Plus model will have a slightly larger battery. Both versions support 45W fast charging, which should ensure that users can recharge quickly and get back to work or entertainment. When it comes to video playback, the regular model can last up to 18 hours, while the Plus model will stretch to 20 hours, making it a perfect companion for long study sessions or movie marathons.
Pricing: How Does it Compare?
Price is often the deciding factor for many when choosing a tablet, and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE is expected to be one of the most affordable options in Samsung’s lineup. According to leaks, the Wi-Fi model of the regular Tab S10 FE will likely cost around $250 USD, which is an increase of about $25 compared to the previous model. The Plus model will cost more, likely priced closer to $300 USD, considering the larger screen size and extra RAM.
When compared to the Apple iPad in this price range, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE holds its own. The Tab S10 FE offers a 90Hz refresh rate (better than the 60Hz of the basic iPad) and a brighter display with 800 nits of peak brightness (versus the iPad’s 500 nits). The Samsung S Pen also comes bundled with the tablet, unlike the Apple Pencil, which is sold separately for around $120 USD.
Why Choose the Galaxy Tab S10 FE?
Here are several reasons why the Galaxy Tab S10 FE could be an attractive option for students, casual users, or those who are new to the tablet world:
- Budget-Friendly: With its affordable pricing, the Tab S10 FE provides great value for money, especially when you factor in the bundled S Pen.
- Larger Screen Option: The Plus model offers a sizable 13.1-inch display, making it a good choice for users who want a more immersive experience for media consumption or productivity.
- Enhanced Performance: With the new Exynos 1380 chip and a significant boost in RAM, the Tab S10 FE will be more than capable of handling day-to-day tasks like web browsing, note-taking, and media consumption.
- Long Battery Life: The Tab S10 FE offers excellent battery life, with up to 20 hours of video playback, making it ideal for students and commuters.
- Durable and Versatile: The IP68 water and dust resistance makes the Galaxy Tab S10 FE more durable than many of its competitors, which can be particularly useful for those using their tablet in more challenging environments.
Conclusion: Is the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Right for You?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE appears to be a strong contender in the budget tablet market, offering great value for those who need a reliable device for everyday tasks. Whether you’re a student looking for an affordable way to take notes, watch videos, or access online learning resources, the Tab S10 FE is an excellent choice. Its combination of solid performance, long battery life, and budget-friendly pricing makes it a highly competitive option in the tablet market.
However, if you’re looking for the ultimate in tablet performance and can stretch your budget, higher-end options like the Apple iPad Air may be worth considering. But for most users, especially students or those new to tablets, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE will more than meet your needs.
With its release just around the corner, we can’t wait to see how the Tab S10 FE performs in real-world use. Keep an eye out for more details and hands-on reviews once it hits the shelves!