The mid-range Android tablet space is heating up, with the Motorola Moto Pad 60 Neo and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE vying for attention. The Moto Pad 60 Neo aims for affordability, while the Tab S9 FE offers a more premium experience with Samsung’s ecosystem integration. This comparison dives deep into their core components to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process, delivers a noticeable performance advantage and faster charging capabilities, justifying the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 12 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 22 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 254.6 x 166.2 x 7 mm (10.02 x 6.54 x 0.28 in) | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 480 g (1.06 lb) | 523 g or 524 g (1.15 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1440 x 2304 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, 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 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | 7040 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pantone: Bronze Green | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | - | SM-X510, SM-X516B |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (body) |
Motorola Moto Pad 60 Neo
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Sufficient for basic media consumption
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Tab S9 FE
- Slower charging speed (20W)
- Potentially more thermal throttling under load
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 1380 chipset
- Faster 45W charging with QC2.0
- Better multitasking and gaming performance
- Higher price tag
- May be overkill for basic users
- Potential for Samsung’s software bloat
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in processing power impacting UI responsiveness. The Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380, manufactured on a 5nm node, allows for potentially more efficient display driving. The lack of LTPO technology in either device suggests standard refresh rates, but the Exynos chip’s superior GPU could translate to smoother animations. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, but color accuracy will depend on calibration, a detail not specified.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely a secondary consideration for both tablets. However, the Tab S9 FE, benefiting from Samsung’s image processing expertise, is expected to deliver more consistent results. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement, but Samsung’s history suggests a focus on computational photography, potentially mitigating the limitations of a mid-range sensor. The Moto Pad 60 Neo will likely offer adequate image quality for casual snapshots, but won’t compete with dedicated cameras.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) holds a clear architectural advantage over the Motorola Moto Pad 60 Neo’s Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The Exynos utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, a generation ahead of the A76 cores in the Dimensity chip, offering improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Exynos’s more advanced architecture and smaller fabrication process translate to better performance and thermal efficiency. This means the Tab S9 FE is likely to handle demanding tasks and sustained workloads with less throttling. The GPU within the Exynos 1380 will also provide a more capable gaming experience.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Tab S9 FE’s 45W wired charging with QC2.0 support provides a significant advantage over the Moto Pad 60 Neo’s 20W charging. This faster charging speed translates to less downtime and quicker top-ups. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Exynos 1380’s 5nm efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life compared to the Moto Pad 60 Neo.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto Pad 60 Neo if you need a capable tablet for basic tasks like media consumption, web browsing, and light productivity, and are on a strict budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you prioritize smoother multitasking, gaming, faster charging, and integration with the Samsung ecosystem, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more refined experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Tab S9 FE get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380’s 5nm fabrication process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during demanding tasks like gaming, it’s unlikely to experience significant throttling compared to the Dimensity 6300 in the Moto Pad 60 Neo, which is built on a less efficient 6nm process. Samsung’s thermal management solutions also contribute to maintaining stable performance.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Dimensity 6300 and Exynos 1380 significant for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming?
For basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and social media, the performance difference will be minimal. However, the Exynos 1380’s superior CPU and GPU architecture will become more apparent when multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphically intensive games. The Tab S9 FE will offer a smoother and more responsive experience overall.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Tab S9 FE compared to the 20W charging on the Moto Pad 60 Neo?
The 45W charging on the Tab S9 FE will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times depend on battery capacity (not specified), expect the Tab S9 FE to charge considerably faster – potentially cutting charging time by over half compared to the Moto Pad 60 Neo. This is a major convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their tablet.
