The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 FE 5G is arguably a complete package tablet because it can be used to study, work, and is equipped with various features that support creativity.
The FE frill, which stands for Fan Edition, promises performance like a flagship device at a more affordable price (cheaper versions of the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+), but with a number of feature reductions that users usually understand.
People usually buy tablets for work, school or college purposes, creative work for drawing, graphic design, or for entertainment needs such as playing games, reading e-books, watching movies, and others. What is the performance like and how functional is this tablet for everyday use? Check out our review below.
Design
The design of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is the same as its brother, the Galaxy Tab S7+, carrying a 12.4-inch relief screen (note: Galaxy Tab S7 has an 11-inch screen). Samsung offers four color options: Mystic Black, Mystic Green, Mystic Silver, and Mystic Pink. Well, what we use is Mystic Silver.
The front display of the tablet has a rather thick bezel that surrounds the screen, but that doesn't reduce the impression of relief from this display. On this screen there is also a front camera that is positioned right in the middle when the tablet is positioned in landscape. This camera placement is ideal when used in online meetings.
Turning to the back, the back looks simple, only showing the Samsung logo and the rear camera. Regarding the build quality, the Samsung brand is unquestionable. The material that wraps this tablet uses aluminum which makes it look premium.
The power and volume buttons are at the top when used in landscape orientation (on the right, if used in portrait). Then at the bottom there is a USB-C port for charging or data transfer.
The dimensions of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G are 185 x 284.8 x 6.3 mm and weighs 608 grams. Not too thin, not too thick either. The weight may be a bit heavy for the size of a tablet, but it is still comfortable and portable enough to carry everywhere.
Screen
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is designed for people who need screen display space for productive and entertainment activities, so it's no wonder that the 12.4-inch TFT LCD screen it uses.
When compared to the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+, the refresh rate of the Tab S7 FE 5G is lower, 60 Hz. Understandable, because this is the FE version. However, the resolution of 1600 x 2560 pixels is sufficient to maintain the visual quality of the tablet.
Used to watch streaming videos and play casual games during testing, it's safe. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G screen is capable of displaying images with high contrast and saturation levels. The clear impression is reinforced by the screen resolution which is also fairly high. Of course, this condition must be balanced by the resolution of the video content displayed, at least 1080p so that the viewing experience is maximized.
When in an outdoor environment, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE screen is able to compensate for bright light, so the content displayed on the screen can still be seen clearly.
For entertainment needs, this spacious and clear screen is supported by Dolby Atmos audio from AKG which supports the viewing experience with cinema-style audio at home.
Another advantage of the wide screen of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is the convenience of multitasking. Samsung provides this tablet with the option to open three application windows at once on one screen display. The size and order of the windows can be adjusted as desired. Well, the large screen size is almost close to this 13-inch laptop, so it feels ideal when used for these needs.
Processor
Galaxy Tab 7 FE 5G is equipped with Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage capacity (can be expanded up to 1TB). The Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset is categorized as a mid-range chipset but already supports 5G connectivity. From here it can be seen that the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is targeting the premium middle class market.
Although "only" the middle class, the performance of this chipset is more than enough for tablet use in general. In testing, we found this chipset to be no problem as it suffices most of the needs for WFH, simple office work, drawing, and video and music streaming. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G also feels agile moving between applications.
Oh yes, considering there is a 5G label on this processor, for the record, in this test we used a tablet with a WiFi connection more often, occasionally using a 4G SIM card because 5G is not yet available in our area.
For those who want to buy but think "But what about it, the 5G doesn't exist yet?". Yes, indeed 5G coverage is still limited. But in our opinion, for devices with a fairly long lifespan, there's no harm in setting up the device first. After all, the availability of 5G networks is currently being gradually expanded.
Camera
Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G only provides 1 rear camera with 8 MP resolution that supports auto focus, can take pictures using portrait mode, bokeh, and night mode. While the front camera has a resolution of 5 MP and supports portrait mode. The camera features are the same as in most Samsung smartphones.
The photos are ordinary, but that's not a problem at all, because the main need for a camera on a tablet is not for photography. Importantly, when used for activities that take advantage of video conferencing features and photographing documents, this tablet camera works well.
Battery
For battery matters, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is stubborn. The 10,090mAh battery capacity is not just a number, but it is proven to make the device power last a long time.
For about two weeks, this device was mostly used for typing, online meetings, taking notes, simple Microsoft Office tasks, streaming movies and music, reading e-books, drawing, and sometimes playing casual games. In one full 100% battery recharge, the tablet can last a maximum of up to 3-4 days. Battery life may vary due to device usage patterns.
This tablet actually supports fast charging with up to 45 watts of power. However, in the purchase package, Samsung only includes a 15-watt fast charger. According to Samsung's claims, the 45-watt charger can charge up to 100% in just 190 minutes. Users can buy a faster charging charger separately.
DeX Mode
The existence of the Samsung DeX mode, could be one reason to consider buying this Tab S7 or S7 FE 5G series. Samsung DeX changes the appearance of Android to be like a computer operating system display with a desktop environment to run applications. This application can be arranged and resized in the desktop area like we use Microsoft Windows.
This mode can be activated via the Fn+Dex keyboard keys or from the settings menu. In addition to getting an interface like a desktop interface, Samsung DeX can also be used to extend our tablet to a monitor as a second screen either wirelessly or using an HDMI cable.
Speaking of Microsoft Windows on this tablet, we really don't get the exact same flexibility as Microsoft Office applications on a computer or laptop. Although limited, we can still use this tablet for light work such as typing documents in Word, making Power Point presentations, or using Excel.
S-Pen
The S-Pen is included with the purchase of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G. Important features of the S-Pen such as Create Note, Smart Select, Live Messages, to AR Doodle can be operated smoothly without any problems.
Samsung has also provided pre-installed recommended creative applications such as Canva, Noteshelf, and Clip Studio. So, for scribbling notes, coloring, even drawing, this tablet is all you need to do.
The S-Pen on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is different from the S-Pen that is part of the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+. Again, this is a compromise that Samsung had to make on the FE version of the device.
Samsung's flagship stylus on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is not an active S-Pen type, meaning it's only a "regular" S-Pen without bluetooth that can be used to perform various additional features such as presentation control, camera control, and others. On the other hand, this regular S-Pen provides the advantage of not needing a battery so it doesn't need to be charged.
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The feel of using the S-Pen is quite natural, just like using an ordinary pencil. Moreover, when used to draw, this tablet can be adjusted to produce sounds such as scratching a pencil, marker, or brush so that it creates the sensation of drawing or coloring on paper.
Keyboard Cover
During the tablet sales promo period, the purchase package for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G includes a free keyboard cover. While promo or not, we suggest that the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G should be equipped with this keyboard cover because it is very useful.
Combined with the keyboard cover, the use of the tablet is maximized, especially if it is used for tasks during WFH and online school. Samsung may need to make the keyboard cover included in the purchase like its S-Pen.
For the keyboard cover itself, it looks premium. The keyboard cover keyboard is integrated with the back cover so it cannot be removed. Just like the tablet, the build quality of the Samsung Tab S7 FE 5G keyboard is very good.
For some people, the initial use may feel clumsy and cramped, especially if you are used to typing on a laptop keyboard which is more spacious. But apparently, this is just a matter of habit. Over time, the new keyboard will feel good to use.
The keyboard has a soft key arrangement when used to type. There is also a shortcut for DeX mode. However, this keyboard does not have a trackpad. Depending on user preferences, those who are used to using a trackpad may find it a drawback. As for those who prefer to use a mouse, the absence of a trackpad does not seem a problem and may even like it because it makes this tablet look simpler.
In the center of the keyboard cover, there is a magnetic area for storing the S-Pen. If you don't use this cover, the S-Pen storage is located on the back parallel to the camera. In our opinion, storing the S-Pen in the keyboard cover is much better and safer than sticking it on the back.
How to install this keyboard is also very easy. The back of the tablet will be directly attached to the back cover of the keyboard if you bring it close due to the magnet that has been designed to attach the back cover.
Our Opinion
With all its features, this tablet is really worth considering. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G offers a rich user experience for WFH needs, online school or college, even for creative work.
In addition to supporting productivity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G is also equipped with complete multimedia features so that it is fun when used to watch streaming videos, play games, and others.
No less important, this tablet has anticipated the arrival of the 5th generation network aka 5G. So, when the availability of 5G is wider, the owner of this tablet will just have to use it.
