Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite vs. S9 FE+: A Deep Dive into Battery, Performance, and Value

Samsung's tablet lineup offers compelling options at various price points. The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite represents a more budget-conscious entry, while the S9 FE+ aims for a balance of features and affordability. Both utilize the Exynos 1380 chipset, but key differences in battery endurance and charging capabilities create a distinct user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and sustained use, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite emerges as the winner. Its exceptional 87:42h battery endurance significantly outweighs the S9 FE+'s faster 45W charging, especially considering both share the same chipset.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 661, 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, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 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, August 252023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, August 25Available. Released 2023, October 16
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions254.3 x 165.8 x 6.6 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 in)285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm (11.24 x 7.30 x 0.26 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)
Weight524 g (1.16 lb)627 g or 628 g (1.38 lb)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5-
Resolution1320 x 2112 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~228 ppi density)1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density)
Size10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio)12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetExynos 1380 (5 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MP5Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-8 MP, (wide) 8 MP, (ultrawide)
Single8 MP, (wide), AF-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, (wide)12 MP, (ultrawide)
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model onlyGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass (cellular model only)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only)
Battery
Charging25W wired, 100% in 120 min45W wired, QC2.0
TypeLi-Po 8000 mAhLi-Po 10090 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Silver, Coral RedMint, Silver, Gray, Lavender
ModelsSM-X400, SM-X406, SM-X406BSM-X610, SM-X616B
Price$ 249.99About 770 EUR
SAR-0.77 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.92 W/kg (body)0.50 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery87:42h endurance, 2000 cycles-
EnergyClass F-
Free fallClass E (0 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite

  • Exceptional 87:42h battery endurance
  • Long-lasting 2000-cycle battery lifespan
  • Competitive price point

  • Slower 25W charging (120 minutes to 100%)
  • Potentially less refined display compared to S9 FE+

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

  • Faster 45W charging with QC2.0 support
  • Potentially more RAM options for improved multitasking
  • Likely more premium build quality

  • Significantly lower battery endurance compared to S10 Lite
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

While both tablets are expected to feature LCD panels (based on their positioning), specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy are not provided. However, the S9 FE+ is likely to have a slightly more refined display experience due to its higher price point, potentially offering better viewing angles and color calibration. Bezels are expected to be similar, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within their respective form factors.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers. Details are limited, but both tablets will likely feature a basic rear camera setup. The S9 FE+ may have a slightly more advanced image processing pipeline, but the core sensor technology is expected to be similar. Focusing on the primary sensor is key; any secondary sensors (like a 2MP macro) will offer limited utility.

Performance

Both the Tab S10 Lite and S9 FE+ are powered by the Exynos 1380 (5nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means raw processing power will be nearly identical for most tasks. The 5nm fabrication process contributes to reasonable thermal efficiency, but sustained heavy workloads could still lead to some throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but the S9 FE+ is likely to offer more options, potentially impacting multitasking performance.

Battery Life

The most significant difference lies in battery performance. The Tab S10 Lite boasts an impressive 87:42h endurance, indicating exceptional longevity. This is coupled with a 2000-cycle battery lifespan, suggesting long-term reliability. The S9 FE+, while offering 45W wired charging with QC2.0 support (allowing for a 100% charge in a shorter timeframe), doesn't have the endurance figures to match the S10 Lite. The S10 Lite's 25W charging, taking 120 minutes for a full charge, is a trade-off for its superior battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite if you need a tablet that can reliably last through long flights, workdays, or extended entertainment sessions without frequent charging. It’s ideal for students, travelers, and anyone who values battery life above all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if you prioritize quicker top-ups and are consistently near a power source, and potentially value the slightly more premium build quality often associated with the FE+ line.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1380 chip in either tablet tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380 is a reasonably efficient chip, but sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. Both tablets will likely experience some throttling to manage temperatures, but the 5nm process helps mitigate this. The S9 FE+ might have slightly better thermal management due to potential build material differences, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the S9 FE+ a significant advantage over the S10 Lite's 25W charging in real-world use?
While 45W charging is faster on paper, the S10 Lite's exceptional battery life diminishes the importance of quick charging. The S9 FE+ will charge faster, but the S10 Lite will require charging less frequently, making the slower charging speed a less noticeable inconvenience for most users.
❓ How does the 2000 charge cycle rating of the S10 Lite impact its long-term usability?
A 2000 charge cycle rating is excellent and indicates the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its capacity even after years of regular use. This means the S10 Lite is likely to maintain good battery health for a longer period compared to tablets with lower cycle ratings, offering a better long-term investment.