Samsung launches new iPad rival tomorrow with three features Apple won’t match

In need of a new tablet? Samsung is hoping it can persuade you to ignore the popular iPad range of devices and switch to its Galaxy slates instead. The firm is releasing a duo of devices today, October 12, which include a 10.9-inch Galaxy Tab S9 FE and bigger 12.4-inch Tab S9 FE+ and they could be worth checking out.

They both look a little like Apple’s 10th Gen iPad with slim bezels around the screen and the option to buy them in a number of fruity colours including Lavender and Mint.

Although there are clearly similarities, Samsung is also making sure there are some features on the S9 FE range that you won’t find on the iPad. Firstly, the Tab S9 FE and Tab S9+ are both IP68 water resistant which means they can cope with the great British weather or a quick dip in the tub if you drop whilst watching Netflix during your nightly soak.

The displays both push to a more impressive 90Hz for speedy scrolling – the iPad 10th Gen can only muster 60Hz – and you also get an S Pen stylus in the box.

This digital pencil lets you scribble on the screen without using your finger. Of course, Apple offers something similar via its Apple Pencil accessory but it doesn’t ship with the device and you’ll need to stump up another £109 to own one.

And that brings us nicely onto the price. The new Tab S9 FE range starts from £449 – £50 cheaper than the iPad and with that S Pen included.

Another bonus is that you won’t need to buy it with extra storage as the Tab S9 also has a microSD card slot which adds up to 1TB of room for files, films and music.

Other features worth a mention include up to 20 hours of battery life and Vision Booster technology which helps you see the display in daylight.

As well as these tablets, Samsung has also announced the release of a budget smartphone called the Galaxy S23 FE. This device features a triple-lens rear camera, 6.4-inch screen and fast charging battery.

Unlike the Tab S9 which is on sale now, it won’t be available until December and will cost £599.

“At Samsung, we are committed to bringing world-class innovation to everyone through epic mobile experiences that fit their lifestyle,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our new FE devices are packed with crowd-pleasing premium capabilities that, on their own or as part of a connected ecosystem, let Galaxy users maximize their creativity and productivity.”