The tablet market has seen a resurgence, but finding a capable device without breaking the bank can be challenging. The Oppo Pad SE and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE both aim to deliver a solid Android tablet experience at a competitive price point. This comparison dives deep into their core components, focusing on performance, charging, and overall value to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE emerges as the stronger choice. Its Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Oppo Pad SE’s Helio G100, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the Oppo Pad SE offers UFCS charging, the S9 FE’s 45W charging and overall processing power make it the better all-rounder.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE - cellular model only | 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 |
| Speed | LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, May 15 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May 23 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 254.9 x 166.5 x 7.4 mm (10.04 x 6.56 x 0.29 in) | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM - cellular model only | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 527 g or 530 g (1.16 lb) | 523 g or 524 g (1.15 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) | 1440 x 2304 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G100 (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 15, ColorOS 15 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (cellular model only) | 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), compass (LTE model only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 33W UFCS, PD | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | 9340 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Blue, Starlight Silver | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | OPD2417 | SM-X510, SM-X516B |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (body) |
Oppo Pad SE
- UFCS charging offers wider charger compatibility.
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Decent performance for basic tasks.
- Helio G100 chipset is less powerful than the Exynos 1380.
- 6nm process may lead to more thermal throttling.
- Limited information on display quality.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Exynos 1380 provides superior performance.
- 5nm process offers better thermal efficiency.
- 45W charging enables faster top-ups.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Oppo Pad SE.
- Quick Charge 2.0 is an older standard.
- Display details are limited.
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Samsung provided display specs beyond the basic existence of a display. Assuming both utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket, the key differentiator will be color accuracy and peak brightness. Without concrete data, we can infer that Samsung’s display calibration is likely more refined, given their history with display technology. Bezels are expected to be similar, contributing minimally to the overall experience. The lack of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Given the focus on budget tablets, camera performance is unlikely to be a primary selling point for either device. Details on camera sensors are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature modest configurations. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more sophisticated, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The inclusion of features like OIS is unlikely on either device at this price point.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Oppo Pad SE’s MediaTek Helio G100 (6nm). The Exynos 1380 utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, offering superior single-core performance compared to the G100’s Cortex-A76 cores. This translates to snappier app launches and a more responsive user interface. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. While both tablets feature 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, the Exynos chip’s overall architecture provides a clear advantage for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging capabilities offer a point of comparison. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE supports 45W wired charging with Quick Charge 2.0, enabling faster top-ups. The Oppo Pad SE supports 33W wired charging, alongside UFCS (Universal Fast Charging Standard) and PD (Power Delivery). While UFCS offers broader compatibility with various chargers, the 45W peak charging speed of the S9 FE will likely result in quicker 0-100% charge times. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Exynos 1380’s 5nm efficiency could contribute to slightly longer runtimes on the S9 FE.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Pad SE if you prioritize a slightly more affordable entry point and appreciate the versatility of UFCS charging compatibility. It’s a good option for casual users primarily focused on media consumption and light tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you demand better performance for multitasking, gaming, or creative applications, and value faster charging speeds. It’s the superior choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a more responsive and future-proof tablet experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE tend to overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While some warmth is expected during prolonged gaming, the S9 FE is unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling, unlike devices with less efficient chipsets. Samsung’s thermal management solutions further contribute to stable performance.
❓ Is the UFCS charging on the Oppo Pad SE a significant advantage over the Samsung Tab S9 FE’s Quick Charge 2.0?
UFCS offers broader compatibility with a wider range of chargers, including those from Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme. However, the Samsung Tab S9 FE’s 45W charging speed is faster than the Oppo Pad SE’s 33W, meaning you’ll spend less time plugged in, even if you need to use a specific Quick Charge 2.0 adapter.
❓ Can either of these tablets handle demanding multitasking, like running multiple apps and browsing with many tabs open?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, with its Exynos 1380 and potentially more RAM, is better equipped for demanding multitasking. The more powerful processor and efficient architecture will result in smoother performance and less lag when switching between apps. The Oppo Pad SE may struggle with heavy multitasking loads.
