Samsung has been one of the fastest and most consistent manufacturers when it comes to updating its devices to the latest version of Android. The company has already rolled out Android 14 with One UI 6 to many of its flagship and mid-range smartphones, and now it is turning its attention to the tablets. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, which was launched in October 2023 with Android 13, is now receiving the Android 14 update with One UI 6.
The Android 14 update for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ comes with firmware version X616BXXU1BWK9 and includes the November 2023 security patch. The update is currently available in Europe, but it is expected to expand to other regions soon. Users can check for the update by going to Settings > Software update and tapping Download and install. Alternatively, they can download the firmware file from our database and flash it manually.
The update brings a host of new features and improvements to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. Android 14 introduces new privacy and security features, such as Privacy Dashboard, App Hibernation, and Nearby Share. One UI 6 also adds new features and enhancements to the user interface, such as a new Quick Panel layout, a new font, new emoji styling, and a new media player widget in the notifications area. The media player widget also has a cool waveform animation when music is played. The update also adds a dedicated battery section in the Settings app, where users can see the battery usage and health of their device.
Why is the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ getting the update before the Galaxy Tab S9?
Some users might be wondering why the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is getting the Android 14 update before the Galaxy Tab S9, which is the flagship model in the series. The reason is that the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is based on the Galaxy Tab S8+, which was launched in 2022 with Android 12. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ shares the same hardware and software as the Galaxy Tab S8+, so it is easier for Samsung to update it to Android 14. The Galaxy Tab S9, on the other hand, is a new device with a different hardware and software configuration, so it requires more testing and optimization before getting the update.
Samsung has already started the One UI 6 beta program for the Galaxy Tab S9 series, and it is expected to release the stable Android 14 update for the flagship tablets by the end of December 2023. The Galaxy Tab S9 series will also be eligible for three more Android OS upgrades, as per Samsung’s software update policy.
How does the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ compare to the Galaxy Tab S9?
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a more affordable version of the Galaxy Tab S9+, with some compromises in terms of specifications and features. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but it has a lower resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, compared to the 2800 x 1752 pixels of the Galaxy Tab S9+. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also has a lower RAM and storage capacity, with 6GB and 128GB options, compared to the 8GB and 256GB options of the Galaxy Tab S9+.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also has a less powerful processor, with the Snapdragon 865+ chipset, compared to the Snapdragon 888+ chipset of the Galaxy Tab S9+. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also has a smaller battery, with a 10,090 mAh capacity, compared to the 10,860 mAh capacity of the Galaxy Tab S9+. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also lacks some features that the Galaxy Tab S9+ has, such as wireless charging, quad speakers, and an under-display fingerprint scanner.
However, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also has some advantages over the Galaxy Tab S9+. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which the Galaxy Tab S9+ lacks. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also has a lower price, starting at $649, compared to the $849 price of the Galaxy Tab S9+. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also comes with a free S Pen in the box, while the Galaxy Tab S9+ requires users to buy the S Pen separately.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a great option for users who want a premium tablet experience without breaking the bank. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a large and smooth display, a powerful performance, a long battery life, and a versatile S Pen. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also gets timely software updates, as evidenced by the Android 14 update with One UI 6. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is one of the best tablets in the market right now, and it is a worthy addition to Samsung’s Fan Edition lineup.
