Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE the Affordable Alternative to Your Laptop?

Google has abandoned the production of its own Android tablets, leaving it to OEM partners to take the lead. Samsung remains a frontrunner, consistently releasing new Android tablets annually, particularly in India. The latest addition is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which aims to provide the premium features of the Tab S7 range at a more budget-friendly price point, similar to the FE series of phones.

We previously evaluated the premium Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ at the end of last year, which was impressive but also quite pricey. Is the new FE version a viable budget option? Let’s explore.

Pricing and Variants of Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

The starting price of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE in India is set at Rs. 46,999 for the entry-level model, featuring 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The upgraded variant is priced at Rs. 50,999 and includes 6GB of RAM along with 128GB of storage. Both models offer LTE (4G) connectivity for calls and data, and they support expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB.

Design of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE bears a resemblance to its more expensive counterparts, the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+, featuring a design that seems heavily inspired by Apple’s iPad Pro models. The all-metal construction feels exceptionally premium, and it is available in several colors, including Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, and Mystic Pink, akin to the new iPad Air. I received a Mystic Black unit that appeared more gunmetal than pure black, but it has an appealing look and doesn’t attract too many fingerprints or smudges. Weighing approximately 608g, it feels somewhat hefty, making prolonged use a bit challenging.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is well-built and has an attractive appearance

 

Along its flat edges, you’ll find all the necessary buttons, ports, and connectors. The edges also have exposed antenna bands that enhance LTE reception. One notable absence is the headphone jack, which I immediately noticed while inspecting the device. Though it’s become common to remove this feature from smartphones, it would have been beneficial in a tablet of this size. On the right (or at the top if used horizontally), the power and volume buttons are positioned at one end, with a SIM tray on the opposite end that accommodates one Nano-SIM and a microSD card.

It includes dual AKG-tuned speakers arranged to deliver decent stereo sound in landscape mode. While this is two speakers less than what the pricier Tab S7 models have, Dolby Atmos support is still available. At the base, there’s a USB Type-C port, while the left side features contact pins and grooves for docking with an optional keyboard case.

The tablet sports a 12.4-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, mirroring the Galaxy Tab S7+. However, its resolution is slightly lower at 2,560×1,600 pixels, and it utilizes an LCD panel instead of an AMOLED. The refresh rate remains a standard 60Hz, which is somewhat disappointing. The display achieves good brightness, offers excellent contrast, and performs well with HDR videos. The bezels around the display are uniformly thick with rounded corners, providing a comfortable area to rest your thumb while holding the tablet.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE boasts a substantial 10,090mAh battery

 

The front camera is placed so that it is situated above the display in landscape orientation, contrasting with the portrait placements on all iPads. The absence of a fingerprint sensor in the Galaxy Tab S7 FE seems like a significant oversight, which we will discuss further.

The tablet’s back is rather unremarkable apart from a slight camera bump. The included S-Pen is bigger than those offered with Galaxy Note smartphones and features a flattened edge for easy magnetic alignment with the back of the tablet near the camera or on the right side beneath the volume button. Along with the S Pen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE package also includes a USB Type-A to Type-C cable and a 15W charger.

Additionally, I received the optional Book Cover Keyboard case, which can be purchased separately for Rs. 14,999.

Specifications and Software of Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC. While smartphones utilizing this chipset have 5G capability, this tablet is limited to 4G (LTE) networks. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE also supports cellular phone calls. Connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5, and a variety of sensors and satellite navigation systems. The device houses a 10,090mAh battery and supports fast charging up to 45W, though a 45W charger is sold separately.

The S Pen is included with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

 

The tablet operates on Samsung’s OneUI 3.1, based on Android 11. The user experience and features are consistent with those found on recent Galaxy smartphones, enlarged for the tablet display. The standard interface allows for split-screen multitasking with up to three apps, although the method to do this can be a bit cumbersome. Once the first app is opened, the other two must be launched through the Edge Panel, a floating grid of shortcuts. You will need to manually set up this floating panel with the required apps, and you can create combinations of apps to launch simultaneously. While it works effectively, the initial setup process can be tedious.

Working with Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: Book Cover Keyboard, S Pen, and Dex

If you’re contemplating acquiring a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE or any device in the S7 lineup, it’s likely that you’re seeking more functionality than just watching films or browsing online. Let’s start with the S Pen, which is bundled with the tablet. It feels robust and automatically charges when magnetically attached to the tablet.

The S Pen functions as intended and can attach to the back or side of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

 

The S Pen operates as expected, allowing for note-taking, automatic conversion of handwritten text into typed text, and use in virtually any application with a text input field. A quick press on the S Pen button reveals all your pen-supportive apps and shortcuts. Samsung has also provided a limited-time membership to select premium creative applications such as Clip Studio Paint and Canva Pro, along with various note-taking apps like Noteshelf and Samsung Notes.

I’m not an artist, so I didn’t use the S Pen for extensive sketches, but it proved useful for jotting down notes during Zoom meetings. The spacious display makes it convenient to have a video call on one section of the screen while keeping a notes app open on the other.

The keyboard case is on the pricier side, but discounts are available if purchased alongside the tablet. It features a matte black plastic design with a flap that magnetically secures it to the upper section of the tablet. When closed, the cover provides decent display protection and stays in place via magnets, preventing it from accidentally opening during transport. There’s also a convenient slot in the hinge designated for the S Pen.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE leans at a comfortable 60-degree angle when attached to the keyboard, which I found pleasant for usage. The keys are clicky (almost to an annoying degree), well spaced, and comfortable to type on.

The Book Cover Keyboard case is a wise investment if you plan to utilize the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE for work

 

Having also received the Book Cover Keyboard case from Samsung, I decided to substitute my usual laptop with the tablet for a few days to determine if it could effectively replace a laptop. My routine typically involves writing, editing photos for published articles, and managing email, Slack, and internet browsing. Using it on my lap was somewhat awkward due to the top-heavy design, but I experienced no issues on a table or couch.

There are notable shortcomings with this keyboard case. Firstly, the keys are not backlit, and the characters do not glow in the dark, making it difficult to use in low light conditions. Secondly, the absence of a trackpad necessitates touching the display for various interactions, whether resizing a window in Dex mode or selecting a text box to start typing.

Contrastingly, the keyboard case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ included a trackpad, so it’s unclear why Samsung opted for a different design here. Additionally, I found it frustrating that to access shortcuts for volume, brightness, Dex, and more on the function keys, it’s necessary to first press the Fn button. I would have preferred the default punch to be the other way around.

Returning to my work routine, I was generally pleased with the laptop-like experience I accessed on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE when using Dex mode. The layout resembles that of Windows or macOS. You get a taskbar at the bottom, where favorite apps can be pinned, a desktop with app shortcuts, and a system tray at the bottom right for notifications and the time. My USB Type-C hub was recognized seamlessly, allowing me to manage files through the My Files app, transferring data to and from USB pen drives and my camera’s SD card, and even using devices like a wireless mouse.

A USB Type-C hub is essential if you wish to connect all your peripherals to the tablet

 

Despite successfully making the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE operate similarly to a laptop, I had to adjust my workflow around the limitations of Android. I could access all my work tools without issues, as they are browser-based, but tasks like editing images in Photoshop Express are not as seamless as on the desktop version. Discovering workarounds for my preferred desktop apps slowed me down, and I found myself reaching for my laptop for work that was time-sensitive.

Nevertheless, I still consider Samsung Dex to be the closest thing to a desktop-like functionality on an Android tablet. It enables windowed app usage, and most can be resized, allowing you to “snap” one window to occupy half of the display while selecting another for the other half.

However, there are some restrictions, primarily related to Android’s inherent structure. While having numerous apps open in different windows is possible, returning to a previously opened app sometimes leads to it “relaunching” in the same window. Additionally, some applications do not optimally adapt to larger displays. For instance, the Slack app is quite challenging to use on an Android tablet. Furthermore, exiting Dex mode and reentering might not guarantee that all your apps will remain in their previous state.

There are also some rough edges with Dex; for instance, minimizing an app doesn’t indicate any background activity in the dock, even if the app is pinned there.

Performance and Battery Life of Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE performs smoothly with everyday tablet tasks. The Qualcomm SoC is more than capable of handling UHD video playback and gaming. Titles like Asphalt 9: Legends and Battlegrounds Mobile India ran without issues. The device warmed up slightly during use, but nothing concerning. The video quality was excellent, prompting me to use this tablet extensively for watching streaming content.

Games perform exceptionally well on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

 

One feature I missed was the fingerprint sensor. The face recognition system is slow and nearly ineffective in low-light environments. Moreover, it requires you to be directly aligned with the camera, which can be inconvenient if you’re not seated at a desk. A capacitive fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button would have mitigated this annoyance.

The LTE capability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a significant asset if you’re willing to invest in a data plan. While tethering via your smartphone is an option, the ability to seamlessly transition between Wi-Fi and LTE on a 4G tablet ensures constant internet connectivity, which is advantageous for sensitive work requiring a reliable connection.

The cameras on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE perform adequately. The 5-megapixel front camera works well for video calls, significantly better than the average laptop webcam. The 8-megapixel rear camera is merely average for photography but serves its purpose for scanning documents. An LED flash would have been beneficial, especially for scanning in low-light conditions.

Battery life is commendable. During usage that included browsing on Chrome and occasional Netflix sessions, I was able to achieve around 8-10 hours of screen-on time from a single charge. Gaming could deplete the battery more quickly, but overall, I was pleased with the device’s runtime. When conducting the HD video loop test, it lasted 13 hours and 47 minutes, which was below my expectations.

Charging the substantial battery with the included 15W charger required about three hours, but using a higher wattage USB PD charger yields faster charging times.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a well-equipped tablet for its price and can also support productivity tasks, especially if paired with the optional Book Cover Keyboard case

 

Final Thoughts

The 6GB model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE, which I reviewed, retails for Rs. 50,999, a reasonable price considering it includes LTE and a stylus. When factoring in the cost of the Book Cover Keyboard case, the total investment aligns closely with purchasing a 128GB iPad (8th Gen), Apple Pencil, and Smart Keyboard. Between the two sets, Samsung provides superior value thanks to LTE support, enhanced stylus functionality, and a more productive interface with Dex.

However, it’s not without flaws. I genuinely missed the fingerprint scanner since the face recognition feature is all too often unreliable. Additionally, the omission of the headphone jack seemed unnecessary. Lastly, minor improvements like a higher refresh rate display or an LED flash would have enhanced the user experience.

If you’re searching for a basic productivity solution to replace your laptop, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE, paired with the optional keyboard case, should meet most of your requirements. It’s not flawless, and you may need to adjust your workflow to accommodate Android’s constraints, but it remains one of the most feature-rich options available at this price point.