Cheaper and smaller, perhaps
in recent weeks, and it seems as though the Android tablet series could arrive with two cheaper FE models as part of the range – which would be something of a surprise.has been joining the dots and comparing the model numbers posting Geekbench benchmarks. Two of those models, SM-X516B and SM-X616B, could relate to budget-level versions of the Tab S9.
Based on previous convention, the Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus and Tab S9 Ultra should have the model numbers SM-X716, SM-X816 and SM-X916 respectively. That means the two extra models that have turned up are something of a mystery.was launched in 2021, but we didn't get an FE tablet with the Galaxy Tab S8 the year after. The signs now are that the FE model might be making a comeback – as it might well for Samsung's phone line too.
The FE version of the Galaxy S22 phone didn't materialise – matching the tablet series – but there has been plenty of talk that therethis year. It would seem that the Fan Edition is back in favor. According to the benchmarks, these tablets are going to be fitted with a mid-range Exynos 1380 chipset and either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. They should appear alongside the main Tab S9 tablets around August or September time .In previous years – except last year – Samsung has used FE tablets and phones to appeal to people who don't want to spend flagship-level prices but do want devices they can rely on. All the best mid-range phones and tablets make compromises, but the right ones.
In theory, these FE devices should be the perfect balance of price and performance, but it can be a difficult sweet spot to hit. For inspiration, Samsung need only look to Apple, which covers a whole range of price points with its iPads.Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech.