The mid-range tablet market is heating up, with the vivo Pad SE and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE vying for attention. The vivo Pad SE aims for affordability with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, while the Samsung Tab S9 FE steps up with an Exynos 1380 and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tablet for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a more efficient 5nm process, delivers noticeably improved performance and potentially better sustained speeds. The 45W charging is a significant advantage, offsetting the slightly higher price.
| 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 | 2025, April 21 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 25 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 277.1 x 185.6 x 6.8 mm (10.91 x 7.31 x 0.27 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 | 559 g or 569 g (1.23 lb) | 523 g or 524 g (1.15 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1600 x 2464 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~239 ppi density) | 1440 x 2304 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.3 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 HD | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | 15W wired | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | 8500 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Titanium | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | - | SM-X510, SM-X516B |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (body) |
vivo Pad SE
- More affordable price point
- Potentially lighter weight due to simpler components
- Sufficient for basic tasks like browsing and video playback
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Tab S9 FE
- Slow 15W charging
- Likely lower quality display
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Faster and more efficient Exynos 1380 chipset
- 45W fast charging with QC2.0 support
- Likely superior display quality and color accuracy
- Higher price tag
- Potentially heavier than the vivo Pad SE
- May experience some throttling under sustained heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, Samsung typically employs better color calibration and potentially higher peak brightness. The Tab S9 FE’s larger screen size (typically 10.9” vs the Pad SE’s 11”) suggests a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of LTPO technology on either device indicates standard refresh rates, likely 60Hz, impacting smoothness during scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera details, a direct comparison is limited. However, Samsung generally prioritizes camera quality even in its FE line. It’s reasonable to assume the Tab S9 FE will feature a more capable main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The vivo Pad SE likely focuses on basic image capture for video calls and quick snapshots. The absence of details suggests neither device will excel in photography.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) holds a clear advantage over the vivo Pad SE’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm). While both are octa-core CPUs with similar core configurations (4x Cortex-A78 & 4x Cortex-A55), the Exynos 1380’s higher clock speeds (2.4GHz vs 2.2GHz) and more efficient 5nm fabrication process translate to superior performance in CPU-intensive tasks and potentially better thermal management. The 5nm process allows for higher transistor density and lower power consumption, reducing the likelihood of throttling during prolonged use. This benefits users engaged in multitasking, video editing, or gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the charging capabilities are a significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s 45W wired charging with QC2.0 support drastically reduces charging times compared to the vivo Pad SE’s 15W charging. This means less downtime and more time using the tablet. While a larger battery capacity on the vivo Pad SE could partially offset the slower charging, the convenience of the Tab S9 FE’s faster charging is a major advantage for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Pad SE if you prioritize extreme budget-friendliness and basic tablet functionality for casual browsing and media consumption. It's ideal for users who don't demand high performance or fast charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and the potential for light gaming or multitasking. It’s the better option for students, creatives, or anyone who wants a tablet that can keep up with a more demanding workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE tend to overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1380 is a capable chip, it can experience some thermal throttling during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming. However, the 5nm process helps mitigate this compared to older Exynos chips. Expect some performance dips after 30-60 minutes of demanding gameplay, but it shouldn't lead to complete shutdowns.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the vivo Pad SE sufficient for overnight charging?
Yes, 15W charging is adequate for overnight charging. It won't be as quick as the Tab S9 FE's 45W charging, but if you plug it in before bed, it should be fully charged by morning. However, a full charge from 0% will take considerably longer – likely over 3 hours.
❓ What type of storage does each tablet use, and is it expandable?
Storage type and expandability are not specified. However, Samsung typically uses UFS storage for faster read/write speeds. Expandability via microSD card is common in Samsung tablets, but less so in vivo devices. Check the specific model specifications before purchasing if storage expansion is crucial.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 handle multitasking compared to the Exynos 1380?
The Exynos 1380’s superior CPU and GPU performance, coupled with its more efficient 5nm process, allows for significantly smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will struggle with numerous apps open simultaneously, potentially leading to lag and slowdowns. The Tab S9 FE is the better choice for users who frequently switch between apps.
