Hardware
Encased in an aluminium slab body, it feels solid in every sense of the word. The glass that sits on the front is flat and so are the side edges. The angular design language continues on to the rest of the tab which is rectangular and expected to be used in landscape orientation. Though the display measures 12.4 inches, the width of this tab is only 6 mm. It feels a little bulky, weighing over 600 grams, and it makes one-hand operations difficult. The physical buttons, however, feel snug and well built - keeping up with the legacy of Samsung products.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (where G stands for gaming) and with the Qualcomm Adreno 619 at the helm of its graphics, it pumps out fairly decent performance for a mid-range tablet. There are two versions available in the UAE - the entry-level variant with only 4GB RAM and 64 GB internal memory, and a 6 GB variant with 128 GB internal memory. Though the presence of a MicroSD and SIM tray enables expansion of storage, the lack of Random Access Memory can be felt.
Another thing that is sorely missing is any form of physical biometrics, the power button does not double up as a fingerprint reader and neither can it be found anywhere else on the tab’s body.
Camera
Speaking of biometrics, it does come with the option of facial recognition through its front camera, which at only 5 MP, feels a little underpowered. The same story also continues with the main camera which is an 8 MP sensor. However, both the front and the rear cameras are capable of recording videos at 1080p at 30fps, a redeeming quality when it comes to video calls and conferences.
Connectivity and 5G
While on the topic of redeeming qualities, it is hard to miss out on the fact that it has a SIM card tray enabling it to possess cell phone features like calling and data connectivity. With 5G capability and an impressive WiFi antenna, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE pitches itself as a formidable option for professionals on the go. Although it does not come in the latest configuration of WiFi 6 (The fan edition gets WiFi 5), it feels more than sufficient and provides an ample amount of speed.
S-Pen
Though regular touch operations are smooth and fluid, it is really with the S-pen that the Galaxy Tab S7 FE shines bright. It comes in as part of the Fan Edition package and is one of the most remarkable stylus input devices in the category. Light and ergonomic with a weight of only 8 grams, it distinguishes 4,096 pressure levels making handwritten notes and drawings an absolutely joyous experience.
Verdict
The watered-down version of a flagship tablet feels just that - diluted. If you don’t mind shelling out a few more Dirhams, it is better to upgrade to the Tab s7 or S7 pro, however for a starting price of 2,176 AED, it is hard to complain about the things that are lacking.
