The Android tablet market is heating up, with Lenovo and Samsung offering compelling options at competitive price points. We pit the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 8300, against the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, featuring the Exynos 1380, to determine which tablet delivers the best overall experience for power users and everyday consumers alike.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing sustained performance and exceptional battery life, the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 8300 chipset and impressive 112:43h endurance significantly outperform the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, making it ideal for demanding tasks and extended use. However, the S9 FE+ remains a strong contender for those deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 14 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 14 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 291.8 x 189.1 x 6.9 mm (11.49 x 7.44 x 0.27 in) | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm (11.24 x 7.30 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 620 g (1.37 lb) | 627 g or 628 g (1.38 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 2944 x 1840 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~273 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.7 inches, 467.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8300 (4 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G615-MC6 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, (wide)
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort, OTG, accessory connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired
Reverse wired | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 10200 mAh | Li-Po 10090 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Luna grey, Green | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | ZAE40142GR, TB373FU | SM-X610, SM-X616B |
| Price | $ 279.99 | About 770 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.50 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 112:43h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class E (14 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class A | - |
Lenovo Idea Tab Pro
- Exceptional battery life (112:43h endurance)
- Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potential for less refined software experience compared to Samsung
- Camera performance likely average
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Seamless integration with Samsung ecosystem
- Familiar One UI software experience
- 45W fast charging with QC2.0 support
- Less powerful Exynos 1380 chipset
- Significantly shorter battery life compared to Lenovo
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core performance difference lies within. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro’s chipset will allow for smoother animations and faster response times when navigating the UI. The S9 FE+’s display is likely tuned for Samsung’s vibrant color profile, but without specific display specs, it’s difficult to assess its peak brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are also unknown, but a key differentiator could be the inclusion of features like LTPO on either device, which would dynamically adjust the refresh rate for power savings.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. However, given the market segment, it’s unlikely either tablet will excel in photography. The focus should be on video conferencing capabilities. Lens apertures and image processing algorithms will be key. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a significant advantage for stable video calls. We can assume both will have a primary and ultrawide lens, but the quality will likely be adequate rather than exceptional.
Performance
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro’s MediaTek Dimensity 8300 (4nm) chipset represents a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+'s Exynos 1380 (5nm). The smaller 4nm process node generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. The Dimensity 8300’s octa-core configuration, with a high-clocked Cortex-A715 prime core, is designed for sustained performance, while the Exynos 1380 relies on older Cortex-A78 cores. This means the Idea Tab Pro is likely to exhibit less throttling during extended gaming or video editing. The RAM type (LPDDR5x is likely on both) will also play a role, but the chipset is the primary performance driver.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro’s 112:43h endurance is a standout feature, dwarfing what is typically seen in tablets. This suggests a large battery capacity combined with the efficiency of the Dimensity 8300. While both tablets support 45W wired charging, the Idea Tab Pro also offers reverse wired charging, adding to its versatility. The S9 FE+’s inclusion of QC2.0 is a minor benefit, but the Idea Tab Pro’s significantly longer battery life is the more impactful advantage for users who need all-day power.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro if you need a tablet that can handle intensive multitasking, prolonged gaming sessions, or demanding creative workloads without significant throttling. Its superior chipset and battery endurance make it a productivity powerhouse. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if you prioritize seamless integration with other Samsung devices, a familiar One UI experience, and a generally well-rounded tablet experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw performance and battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380 is a capable chip, but its 5nm process and older core architecture are more prone to thermal throttling than the Dimensity 8300. While it won't necessarily overheat to the point of being unusable, expect performance to dip after extended gaming, particularly with graphically demanding titles. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro’s 4nm Dimensity 8300 is better equipped to handle sustained loads.
❓ How does the 1000 charge cycle rating of the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro impact long-term battery health?
The 1000 charge cycle rating indicates Lenovo’s confidence in the battery’s longevity. A charge cycle is completed when you’ve used 100% of the battery capacity, but this doesn’t necessarily mean a single charge from 0-100%. It’s a measure of overall wear. 1000 cycles is a generous number, suggesting the battery should retain a significant portion of its capacity even after years of use, especially given the efficient Dimensity 8300 chipset.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging feature on the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro useful for charging other devices like smartphones?
Yes, the reverse wired charging feature can be quite convenient. While 45W isn't the fastest charging speed available, it's sufficient to top up a smartphone or earbuds in a pinch. It essentially turns the tablet into a portable power bank, which is a valuable feature for travelers or anyone who frequently finds themselves without access to a power outlet.
