Galaxy Tab S10 FE review

It’s been quite a while since I last tested a Samsung tablet. My previous review was written three years ago, about the biggest and most expensive Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. I own a Galaxy Tab S9+ myself, which I’ve been using happily for nearly two years. This summer I was very curious to try the mid-range Galaxy Tab S10 FE, which is considerably cheaper but still offers S Pen support. This tablet is aimed at students and pupils, and since I’m studying myself, it was interesting to test what the Tab S10 FE can do and use it in daily student life — specifically, revising for exams. So here’s the Galaxy Tab S10 FE review from a student’s perspective. Let’s begin!

Design

The Tab S10 FE is 10.9 inches and smaller than my Tab S9+. Last year Samsung decided to drop the smaller size and launched only the Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra. So if you want the newest but also the smallest Galaxy Tab, there's only one option. In terms of comfort and ergonomics, the device is easier to hold and takes up less room in a backpack. I like bigger screens, but a compact size is a real advantage — that is, after all, what a tablet is for.

I really like the Tab S9+ for its aluminium body. Happily, Samsung didn't decide to skimp on materials, and the Tab S10 FE's body is made from good-quality aluminium. Holding it, I wouldn't say this is a mid-range model at all. The metal body improves impact resistance, which matters in student life.

The tablet is very thin at 6 mm — thinner than an average A4 notebook. The Wi-Fi version weighs 497 grams (5G: 500 g), roughly the equivalent of two notebooks, which isn't much. The Tab S10 FE suits a dynamic lifestyle.

The back is a stylish grey, with the S Pen attaching along the top edge. The only difference from the pricier models is that the S Pen doesn't charge and works as a simple stylus. Both the tablet and the S Pen carry an IP68 rating for dust and water, so they're ready for outdoor adventures and for the spills that occasionally happen in a backpack. In short, more water-resistant than a notebook.

The power button with its fingerprint sensor sits on the top edge, along with volume up and down buttons for smoother adjustment. Each side edge has a speaker, providing stereo sound, plus one USB-C charging port. On the bottom there’s a magnetic connector for the keyboard and other accessories.

In Lithuania the Tab S10 FE comes in two sizes: the Tab S10 FE and the Tab S10 FE+, the latter with a 13.1-inch screen. It's sold in a single grey colour that reminds me of graphite. Other markets get lighter blue and silver models. You can choose between Wi-Fi (July 2025 — €489) and 5G (July 2025 — €589) variants with 128 GB of storage.

Display

The Tab S10 FE offers a bright and wonderfully smooth 10.9-inch screen. It's an IPS LCD panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate and up to 800 nits of brightness with Vision Booster. Even so, this display is one of the device's weak points, because the pricier Tab S10+ and Ultra have Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with far better colour and contrast. Is the difference noticeable? I think so — although the Tab S10 FE has Low Blue Light certification, its colours render cooler and the edges of the screen are less evenly lit.

On the other hand, the Tab S10 FE’s screen beats OLED on brightness, so content looks clearer in sunlight. I’d recommend choosing the “Vivid” display mode, since colours and images render better. It’s a shame the Tab S10 FE’s screen has no anti-reflective coating to cut glare — that would have made it an even better combination for working outdoors.

It's worth noting that this tablet's screen heats up less than the Tab S10+ when displaying white, which matters if you use the device for notes. In the dark the Tab S10 FE doesn't render blacks as well, because the screen is always lit, so watching films may be a poorer experience than on the Tab S10+ with its OLED panel.

The speakers are loud, though the low frequencies sound weaker. The four speakers on my Tab S9+ produce better sound. Overall, though, I rate them well, and holding the Tab S10 FE horizontally doesn’t block the speakers, so the sound carries freely.

Cameras

I won't dwell on this, since a tablet isn't the main device we take photos or video with — unless you're a "dad with an iPad" (I hope not! :)).

There’s a single 13 MP lens on the back, and it takes decent photos. I rarely use a tablet’s camera, except for photographing documents — for which it’s genuinely convenient.

Video goes up to 4K at 30 frames per second, which is very good, though I genuinely can’t imagine a scenario where I’d film with a tablet camera, other than during video calls. You won’t shoot a feature film, but you’ll certainly digitise all your documents.

The front camera matters more, since it’s constantly used for remote meetings. The Tab S10 FE has a 12 MP front sensor mounted on the long edge, so you’re always centred in frame. Quality is far better than most laptops, and the microphone array and stereo speakers ensure excellent call quality.

Performance and battery

Inside the Tab S10 FE sits an Exynos 1580 processor, the same one found in the Galaxy A56. The chip isn't the most powerful on the market, but it isn't weak either. Working with this tablet is a genuine pleasure. The device moves smoothly between apps, doesn't overheat and doesn't stutter. The Tab S10 FE performs very well; the only issue is that apps aren't fully optimised for this processor, so they don't exploit all of its capability and efficiency.

More demanding apps and games such as Genshin Impact or Grid Autosport run smoothly at default settings. Even after a longer gaming session the Tab S10 FE stayed at a normal temperature.

There’s also a Tab S10 FE model with more memory (12 GB RAM), which would further improve running multiple apps, but only the 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage configuration is available in Lithuania. The tablet supports microSD cards up to 2 TB, so you shouldn’t run out of space.

The tablet holds an 8,000 mAh battery. The Tab S10 FE lasts all day, so it should survive a student’s schedule. I’d add that this device’s battery lasts longer than my Tab S9+, which has a larger 10,090 mAh cell — the Tab S10 FE’s less demanding processor is the reason. Charging is quick too at up to 45 W, so a little over an hour should be enough to reach 100%.

One UI and AI features

Since the Tab S10 FE launched this April, it arrives running Android 15 with the One UI 7 interface. The operating system is adapted for larger screens and most apps are optimised too. One UI 7's design improvements make the tablet nicer to use, but it doesn't adapt the home screen layout between portrait and landscape, so you end up rearranging apps and widgets several times.

You can run up to three apps on screen at once, which is very handy for multitasking. The Tab S10 FE also supports DeX mode, which lifts the experience to laptop level. You can additionally buy a keyboard case to make work smoother and more productive. Bought together with the tablet the case is discounted to €160, with the complete bundle starting from €650 (July 2025).

The Galaxy ecosystem surprises me with new features every time. I use QuickShare practically daily, sharing photos and other files between my Samsung devices and those from other manufacturers. I particularly like being able to create a QR code and a link you can send to friends using iPhones.

The Notes app integrates as well, turning your phone into a tool picker. Especially if you have a Galaxy S25 Ultra with its S Pen, you can choose colours and continue drawing on the Tab S10 FE's screen. The devices also sync activity, so once you start browsing on your phone you can easily move to the tablet and back. You can just as easily answer phone calls on the Tab S10 FE's screen.

AI features work on this device too. The Tab S10 FE doesn't get the full Galaxy AI experience, but some of the core features are there. Circle to Search works brilliantly with the S Pen, and the Notes app has Solve Math, which automatically handles basic calculations. Object Eraser works too, limited as it is on the Galaxy A56, along with Best Face for fixing group shots. Unfortunately the device lacks transcription, document and page summarisation tools, and Audio Eraser, which would have made studying and working even easier.

It's odd that you can't set Gemini as the default assistant, and especially that you can't summon it by holding the power button. The only option is Bixby, which performs worse and has no Lithuanian. And yes, the Tab S10 FE has no smooth integration between Gemini and Notes, the calendar or other apps.

S Pen

What sets Samsung tablets apart is that most of them support — and include in the box — the S Pen. I can't imagine my tablet without a stylus, which turns it not only into an excellent notebook but into a perfect productivity device. As a student who often has to take notes and work through problems by hand during lectures, the Tab S10 FE with its S Pen is an indispensable tool. It's genuinely convenient that the Notes app lets you create new notes and open PDF files. So I often open the lecture slides and underline information and add comments. That simplifies editing enormously and means no struggling to copy information out during the lecture.

The Tab S10 FE’s S Pen doesn’t support Bluetooth, unlike the Tab S10+, so there’s no gesture support. Although you rarely take photos with a tablet, the S Pen is extremely handy as a slide clicker — something I’ve tested more than once.

Verdict: pros and cons

Do I recommend the Galaxy Tab S10 FE? Although it’s a “Fan Edition” model, Samsung really is offering a good tablet with S Pen support at a more accessible price. This model is an excellent choice not only for students and pupils looking for a portable tool for notes, reading and productive work, but for anyone who wants the Samsung experience and ecosystem for less.

I’d have liked this model to have a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and more Galaxy AI features, but their absence is what allows the device to be offered at a more attractive price. Long OS support means the Tab S10 FE will stay relevant and secure for at least six years.

I wouldn’t recommend buying the Book Cover Keyboard separately, though — it costs a lot and you’ll use it rarely, especially if you also use a laptop. I’d suggest investing in a good case instead, perhaps the Smart Book Cover, plus a screen protector.

A tip for students

Beyond the Notes app, I’d recommend students try Goodnotes and NotebookLM. The first syncs notes across Android, Windows and Apple devices and has some standout features. NotebookLM is an excellent AI tool for exam revision, because you can upload your lecture slides and its thorough analysis will prepare study material and even create podcasts that make the information easier to remember.

You can buy the Galaxy Tab S10 FE through this link. Don’t forget my discount code ROKAS10, which gives you 10% off. Buying through this link helps support my work.