The mid-range Android tablet space is heating up. The vivo Pad Air, leveraging the proven Snapdragon 870, challenges Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S9 FE, powered by the Exynos 1380. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these two tablets, helping you decide which best fits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE emerges as the slightly better choice. While the vivo Pad Air’s Snapdragon 870 is a capable performer, the Exynos 1380’s more modern 5nm process and Samsung’s software optimizations provide a smoother, more efficient experience, especially considering long-term software support.
| 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 | 2023, August 25 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August 25 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 259.7 x 176 x 6.7 mm (10.22 x 6.93 x 0.26 in) | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 530 g (1.17 lb) | 523 g or 524 g (1.15 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1840 x 2800 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~291 ppi density) | 1440 x 2304 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 391.6 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS 3 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, PD
5W reverse wired | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | 8500 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver, Rose Gold | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | - | SM-X510, SM-X516B |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (body) |
vivo Pad Air
- Strong CPU performance with Snapdragon 870
- 44W fast charging with Power Delivery
- Reverse wired charging for accessories
- Older 7nm process may lead to more heat
- Potentially shorter software support lifespan
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- More efficient 5nm Exynos 1380 chip
- Likely longer software support from Samsung
- Faster charging with Quick Charge 2.0
- CPU clock speeds are lower than the Snapdragon 870
- May not match the Pad Air in peak, sustained performance
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so we must rely on market positioning. The Tab S9 FE, being a newer device, likely benefits from a slightly more refined LCD panel with potentially better color accuracy. However, the Pad Air, given vivo’s focus on multimedia, likely features a well-tuned display. The absence of LTPO technology on either suggests standard refresh rates, impacting smoothness compared to flagship tablets. Bezels are likely comparable, targeting the mid-range segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both tablets feature modest camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. The absence of information suggests neither device prioritizes photography. Any differences in image quality will likely stem from software processing rather than hardware superiority.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Pad Air’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm) is a mature, well-regarded SoC known for its consistent performance. Its octa-core configuration, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, delivers strong single-core speeds. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) benefits from a smaller fabrication process. While clock speeds are lower (2.4 GHz Cortex-A78), the 5nm node translates to improved thermal efficiency and potentially less throttling under sustained load. This means the Tab S9 FE is likely to maintain peak performance for longer periods during intensive tasks. The Tab S9 FE’s Cortex-A78 cores are also architecturally more advanced than the Kryo 585 cores in the Snapdragon 870, offering better instructions per clock (IPC).
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Exynos 1380’s 5nm process gives the Tab S9 FE an advantage in power efficiency. While the Pad Air supports 44W wired charging with PD and 5W reverse wired charging, the Tab S9 FE offers 45W wired charging with QC2.0. The slightly higher wattage and Quick Charge support on the Tab S9 FE suggest potentially faster charging times, even if battery capacities are similar. The Pad Air’s reverse wired charging is a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad Air if you prioritize raw, sustained performance for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming and are comfortable with potentially shorter software support cycles. Its Snapdragon 870 offers a strong CPU and GPU combination. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you value a more balanced experience with a focus on efficiency, longer software updates, and integration within the Samsung ecosystem. The Exynos 1380 provides solid performance with improved power management.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Tab S9 FE overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380’s 5nm process is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While it may get warm during prolonged gaming, it’s less likely to experience significant throttling compared to the Snapdragon 870 in the Pad Air, which is built on a larger 7nm node. Samsung’s software optimizations also contribute to better thermal management.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 still a relevant chipset in 2024 for tablet use?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 870 remains a very capable SoC, offering plenty of power for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding games. While newer chipsets exist, the 870 provides a strong performance-to-price ratio, making the vivo Pad Air a compelling option for budget-conscious users.
❓ How does Samsung’s software update policy compare to vivo’s for these tablets?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its tablets than vivo. You can expect several years of Android OS updates and security patches for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, whereas the vivo Pad Air may receive fewer major OS updates. This is a crucial consideration for long-term usability.
