There have been just a few rumblings in regards to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 in current weeks, and it appears as if the Android pill sequence may arrive with two cheaper FE (Fan Version) fashions as a part of the vary – which might be one thing of a shock.

The staff at SamMobile (opens in new tab) has been becoming a member of the dots and evaluating the mannequin numbers posting Geekbench benchmarks. Two of these fashions, SM-X516B and SM-X616B, may relate to budget-level variations of the Tab S9.

Based mostly on earlier conference, the Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus and Tab S9 Extremely ought to have the mannequin numbers SM-X716, SM-X816 and SM-X916 respectively. Which means the 2 further fashions which have turned up are one thing of a thriller.

The FE returns

You might keep in mind that a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE was launched in 2021, however we did not get an FE pill with the Galaxy Tab S8 the 12 months after. The indicators now are that the FE mannequin could be making a comeback – as it would properly for Samsung’s cellphone line too.

The FE model of the Galaxy S22 cellphone did not materialise – matching the pill sequence – however there was loads of speak that there’ll in actual fact be a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE this 12 months. It might appear that the Fan Version is again in favor.

In keeping with the benchmarks, these tablets are going to be fitted with a mid-range Exynos 1380 chipset and both 6GB or 8GB of RAM. They need to seem alongside the primary Tab S9 tablets round August or September time (following the schedule of the Galaxy Tab S8).

Evaluation: overlaying the value factors

In earlier years – besides final 12 months – Samsung has used FE tablets and telephones to enchantment to individuals who do not wish to spend flagship-level costs however do need units they’ll depend on. All the very best mid-range telephones and tablets make compromises, however the proper ones.

It isn’t clear precisely why the FE fashions did not seem alongside the Galaxy Tab S8 or the Galaxy S22, however the ongoing results of a worldwide pandemic and financial uncertainty in all probability had one thing to do with it.

One other risk is that gross sales weren’t nice for units just like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, so it may be fascinating to see if that modifications, ought to Samsung determine to supply two Galaxy Tab S9 FE fashions (presumably with completely different sizes or configuration choices).

In principle, these FE units ought to be the proper steadiness of value and efficiency, however it may be a troublesome candy spot to hit. For inspiration, Samsung want solely look to Apple, which covers an entire vary of value factors with its iPads.

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