The tablet market is heating up, with options ranging from ultra-premium to aggressively affordable. The Realme Pad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE represent distinct approaches: the Pad 2 aims for maximum value, while the S9 FE offers a more polished experience with a focus on features. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing value and decent performance, the Realme Pad 2 is the stronger pick. Its aggressive pricing delivers a capable tablet experience. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE justifies its higher cost with a more powerful processor and faster charging, making it ideal for demanding users.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 19 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August 01 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 268.2 x 168.5 x 7.2 mm (10.56 x 6.63 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 (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 518 g (1.14 lb) | 523 g or 524 g (1.15 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 1440 x 2304 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 120Hz, 450 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 G99 (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 13 or Android 14, Realme UI 4 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, 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 (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired
Reverse wired | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | 8360 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | - | SM-X510, SM-X516B |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (body) |
Realme Pad 2
- Significantly lower price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- 33W fast charging with reverse wired charging
- Less powerful processor compared to the S9 FE
- Likely lower build quality materials
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- More powerful Exynos 1380 processor
- Faster 45W charging with QC2.0 support
- Potentially better display quality and color accuracy
- Higher price tag
- May not represent a massive leap in performance for basic users
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. The Realme Pad 2’s Helio G99 will struggle with demanding graphical tasks on the display compared to the S9 FE. The Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, will deliver a more responsive experience, especially noticeable when multitasking or playing graphically intensive games. We expect the S9 FE to have better color accuracy and potentially higher peak brightness, though specific nit ratings are unavailable. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers, but the S9 FE likely holds an advantage. While specific sensor details are missing, Samsung generally employs more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Realme Pad 2’s camera is likely adequate for basic scanning and video calls, but the S9 FE will produce more detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the S9 FE, if equipped, would further enhance image quality, especially in low-light scenarios. We can assume both tablets will have a basic front-facing camera for video conferencing.
Performance
The Exynos 1380 in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE represents a significant step up in processing power compared to the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Realme Pad 2. The Exynos utilizes a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A78 cores versus the Pad 2’s A76 cores – resulting in approximately 15-20% faster single-core performance. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, meaning sustained performance will be higher. While both use Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the S9 FE’s overall system performance will be noticeably smoother, particularly when handling demanding applications or multitasking. The S9 FE is the clear winner for users who plan to game or run resource-intensive apps.
Battery Life
The Realme Pad 2’s 33W charging is respectable, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s 45W charging with Quick Charge 2.0 support offers a faster top-up time. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the S9 FE is a tangible benefit for users who frequently use their tablet throughout the day. The 5nm process of the Exynos 1380 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. Expect the S9 FE to reach a full charge approximately 30-45 minutes faster than the Realme Pad 2.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Pad 2 if you need a reliable tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity, and are on a tight budget. It’s perfect for students or families needing a secondary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you prioritize performance for gaming or creative tasks, appreciate faster charging speeds, and are willing to invest in a more refined software experience and potentially the S Pen ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, is generally efficient and well-managed in terms of thermal performance. While it will get warm during extended gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling like some older or less efficient chipsets. Samsung's thermal management solutions are also typically effective.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Realme Pad 2 fast enough for typical daily use?
33W charging is adequate for most users, providing a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours. However, it's noticeably slower than the 45W charging on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. If you frequently find yourself needing to quickly top up your tablet, the S9 FE's faster charging is a significant advantage.
❓ Can the Realme Pad 2 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Mediatek Helio G99 can run these games, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The experience won't be as fluid or visually impressive as on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which has a more powerful processor.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE support the S Pen, and is it included in the box?
Yes, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE supports the S Pen, but it is *not* included in the box and must be purchased separately. The S Pen adds significant functionality for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the tablet.
