There have been a number of rumblings in regards to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 in latest weeks, and it appears as if the Android pill sequence might arrive with two cheaper FE (Fan Version) fashions as a part of the vary – which might be one thing of a shock.
The group 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, might relate to budget-level variations of the Tab S9.
Primarily based 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 additional fashions which have turned up are one thing of a thriller.
The FE returns
You could do not forget 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 may be making a comeback – as it would properly for Samsung’s telephone line too.
The FE model of the Galaxy S22 telephone did not materialise – matching the pill sequence – however there was loads of speak that there’ll actually be a Samsung Galaxy S23 FE this 12 months. It will appear that the Fan Version is again in favor.
In response to 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 worth factors
In earlier years – besides final 12 months – Samsung has used FE tablets and telephones to attraction to individuals who do not need to spend flagship-level costs however do need units they will depend on. All the very best mid-range telephones and tablets make compromises, however the best 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 most likely 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 attention-grabbing to see if that adjustments, ought to Samsung determine to supply two Galaxy Tab S9 FE fashions (probably with totally different sizes or configuration choices).
In concept, these FE units needs to be the proper stability of value and efficiency, however it may be a troublesome candy spot to hit. For inspiration, Samsung want solely look to Apple, which covers a complete vary of value factors with its iPads.