Lenovo Idea Tab Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: A Deep Dive Comparison

The mid-range Android tablet space is heating up, with the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ vying for dominance. While both aim to deliver a versatile tablet experience, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving it. The Lenovo prioritizes exceptional battery endurance, while the Samsung focuses on a more efficient chipset and broader feature set. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day (and multi-day) battery life, the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus is the clear winner. Its 107:53h endurance significantly outpaces what the S9 FE+ can achieve. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a more modern chipset and potentially smoother performance for demanding tasks, making it a better choice for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Lenovo Idea Tab Plus Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model onlyGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 / 1800 - cellular model onlyHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - cellular model only1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - cellular model only1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, September 052023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, OctoberAvailable. Released 2023, October 16
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, aluminum backGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions278.8 x 181.1 x 6.3 mm (10.98 x 7.13 x 0.25 in)285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm (11.24 x 7.30 x 0.26 in)
SIMNano-SIM - cellular model onlyNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)
Weight530 g (1.17 lb)627 g or 628 g (1.38 lb)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5-
Resolution2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density)1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density)
Size12.1 inches, 424.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 15, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-8 MP, (wide) 8 MP, (ultrawide)
Single13 MP, (wide), AF-
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP12 MP, (ultrawide)
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort, accessory connector pinsUSB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity (accessories only)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only)
Battery
Charging45W wired45W wired, QC2.0
TypeLi-Ion 10200 mAhLi-Po 10090 mAh
Misc
ColorsCloud grey, Luna grey, Sand roseMint, Silver, Gray, Lavender
ModelsTB361ZU, TB361FU, ZAG70922USSM-X610, SM-X616B
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 770 EUR
SAR-0.77 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.50 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery107:53h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass F-
Free fallClass E (5 falls)-
RepairabilityClass A-

Lenovo Idea Tab Plus

  • Exceptional battery life (107:53h endurance)
  • 1000 charge cycles promise long-term reliability
  • Potentially lower price point due to chipset choice

  • Older 6nm chipset may limit performance in demanding tasks
  • Likely less refined software experience compared to Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

  • More efficient 5nm Exynos 1380 chipset
  • QC2.0 support for potentially faster charging
  • Benefit from Samsung’s software ecosystem and features

  • Significantly shorter battery life compared to the Lenovo
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Lenovo, while likely adequate, may not reach the same level of visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, aiming for a modern aesthetic without the ultra-thin margins of flagship tablets. The absence of refresh rate data suggests both are likely 60Hz panels.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a primary focus for either tablet. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature modest camera setups suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. The absence of information suggests neither device will excel in low-light photography. Any included macro cameras (likely 2MP) will offer limited utility due to their small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

The chipset battle is a key differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ utilizes the Exynos 1380 (5nm), built on a smaller fabrication process than the Lenovo’s MediaTek Dimensity 6400 (6nm). This 5nm process generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. While the Exynos 1380 features Cortex-A78 cores (2.4 GHz) which are architecturally superior to the A76 cores (2.5 GHz) in the Dimensity 6400, the Lenovo’s higher clock speed may offer a slight edge in single-core tasks. The Exynos’s four performance cores versus the Lenovo’s two suggest better multi-tasking capabilities. The S9 FE+ also supports QC2.0, which could lead to faster charging with compatible chargers.

Battery Life

The Lenovo Idea Tab Plus truly shines in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 107:53h rating. This is a significant advantage over what the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is likely to achieve. While the S9 FE+ benefits from the more efficient 5nm Exynos 1380, the Lenovo’s larger battery capacity (unspecified, but implied to be substantial to achieve that endurance) and optimized software likely contribute to its longevity. Both tablets support 45W wired charging, but the Samsung’s QC2.0 support could result in slightly faster charging times with compatible adapters.

Buying Guide

Buy the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus if you need a tablet that can reliably last through long flights, workdays, or extended travel without needing a charger. It’s ideal for students, commuters, and anyone who values peace of mind regarding battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if you prefer a tablet with a more responsive processor for multitasking, gaming, and creative applications, and if you appreciate the broader ecosystem of Samsung features and accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 in the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Dimensity 6400 is a capable chipset, it's not designed for extreme gaming. Expect to be able to play most mobile games at medium settings, but demanding titles may require reduced graphics settings or experience occasional frame drops. The Exynos 1380 in the S9 FE+ will offer a smoother gaming experience overall.
❓ How does the 1000 charge cycle claim on the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus affect its long-term battery health?
The 1000 charge cycle claim suggests Lenovo is confident in the longevity of the battery. A charge cycle is completed when you've used 100% of the battery capacity, not necessarily a single full charge. Reaching 1000 cycles doesn't mean the battery will immediately fail, but it's a point where capacity may begin to noticeably degrade. It's a strong indicator of build quality and long-term reliability.
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ overheat during prolonged use, such as video editing or gaming?
The 5nm Exynos 1380 is generally efficient, reducing the likelihood of significant overheating. However, prolonged intensive tasks will inevitably generate heat. Samsung's thermal management system should prevent throttling in most scenarios, but sustained peak performance may be limited to avoid overheating.
❓ Is the 45W charging on both tablets truly fast, or is it just a marketing number?
45W charging is a respectable rate for tablets, but the actual charging speed depends on several factors, including the adapter used and the battery's current charge level. The Samsung's QC2.0 support may allow for slightly faster charging with a compatible adapter, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic. Expect a full charge to take around 1.5-2 hours for both devices.