Galaxy Tab S10 FE Review: Budget S Pen Tablet for Students
Quick verdict
The cheapest way into Samsung's S Pen, with a tough metal body and long updates. The LCD and mid-range chip mean it's for notes and light sketching, not serious art.
Buy it if
- You're a student who takes handwritten notes.
- You want a pen in the box on a budget.
- You want a tablet that'll get updates for years.
Skip it if
- Drawing is the main job. Get the Tab S11 or MovinkPad 11.
- You want an OLED or 120Hz screen.
- You want the most power for the money.
Specs
| Screen | 10.9 in LCD |
|---|---|
| Resolution | - |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz |
| Brightness (claimed) | - |
| Chip | Samsung Exynos 1580 |
| Storage | 128 GB + microSD, 8 GB RAM |
| OS | Android, long update support |
| Pen | S Pen, no battery |
| Pen included | Yes |
| Weight | - |
Pros and cons
Pros
- S Pen included, no charging.
- Handwriting to text and Math Solver work well.
- IP68 and an all-metal build.
- Long battery life; microSD slot.
Cons
- LCD, not OLED; 90Hz, not 120Hz.
- Mid-range chip.
- Only a small upgrade over the S9 FE.
- Keyboard covers are pricey.
Real-world math
The real cost vs. an iPad. The S Pen is in the box. With the base iPad, you add an Apple Pencil, and the USB-C Pencil doesn't even have pressure sensitivity.
Writing space. The 10.9-inch 16:10 screen is about 235 x 147 mm, or 344 square centimeters. Almost the same as the Tab S11.
Battery. Tech Advisor measured over 13 hours, about three hours more than the last model. Android Authority got about a week of their normal use per charge.
Notes and the S Pen
Tech Advisor called Samsung's pen setup "the best in the business." Android Authority found handwriting-to-text effective, and Math Solver useful for students.
The trade-offs
It's an LCD at 90Hz, and the Exynos 1580 is mid-range. Tech Advisor felt rivals offer more power for the money, unless you specifically want the pen included.
How it compares
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 | Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) |
|---|---|---|---|
| My rating | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Screen | 10.9 in LCD | 11 in Dynamic AMOLED 2X (OLED) | 10.86 in Liquid Retina, not laminated |
| Resolution | - | 2560 x 1600 | 2360 x 1640 (264 PPI) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (claimed) | - | Up to 1,600 nits peak | 500 nits |
| Chip | Samsung Exynos 1580 | MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ | Apple A16 |
| Storage | 128 GB + microSD, 8 GB RAM | 128 GB + microSD (this listing) | 128 GB (this listing) |
| OS | Android, long update support | Android 16, 7 OS upgrades promised | iPadOS |
| Pen | S Pen, no battery | S Pen (Wacom EMR, no battery) | Apple Pencil (USB-C) or Apple Pencil (1st gen, with adapter) |
| Pen included | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | - | 469 g | 477 g |
| Check price | Check price Review | Check price Review |
FAQ
- Does the Tab S10 FE come with the S Pen?
- Yes. Samsung includes the S Pen with the Tab S10 FE and FE+.
- Is it waterproof?
- It's IP68-rated for dust and water, per Samsung.
- Can I add storage?
- Yes, microSD cards up to 2 TB.
- Tab S10 FE or Tab S11?
- The S11 has an OLED 120Hz screen, a much faster chip and 12 GB of RAM. Get it if you draw seriously. The FE is fine for notes.
Bottom line
For students who mostly take notes, this is the best-value Android pick, with the pen included. Artists should step up to the Tab S11.