REVIEW: Galaxy Tab S7 FE has big screen and good battery

Launched in Brazil in July last year as a more affordable option with fan-favorite features, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE has an interesting proposal for those who need a device that will be active for most of the day. Alongside the S Pen, the model can also be an ideal option for those who design or work with document signatures.

Over a two-week period, courtesy of the Samsung, I tested this tablet Android which is being sold in the market for the suggested price of R$ 4.999. Check out all the details about using it in practice right now. 

Design and construction

With the brushed aluminum all-aluminium body, you can see the premium finish as soon as you take your Android tablet out of the box. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE was launched in Brazil in black and silver and the company sent me the lighter model for testing. The weight of 608 grams seems much smaller and the feeling I had is holding a book with about 400 pages. 

While the white back looks very elegant, in the first moments of use I noticed that it also allows fingerprint marks to remain on the back. Although the aluminum body is elegant, it also has this problem, despite being more resistant than entry-level tablets, usually made of plastic. 

Looking at the edges, the two speaker outputs are located separately. One is on the left side and the other is on the right side. The USB-C input (the Samsung ships a 45W charger in the box) can be used both to charge the model and to listen to music. This allows the model to be only 6.3 millimeters thick. 

A detail that I found simple, but very functional, was the manufacturer's decision to place the volume buttons and on the same side. I'm a person who really likes to take screenshots of what I'm listening to on Spotify or that funny tweet to be shared on other social networks and, for this task to be done, just click on the buttons and volume and release them quickly.

It's a detail that may seem simple, but in everyday life, people with small hands won't have to do the famous “juggling” to get to the buttons because they are located on different sides. 

Using it in landscape mode is interesting, but I particularly had a better experience using the Galaxy Tab S7 FE like a big smartphone, in portrait mode. Of course, videos will be enjoyed with the screen “lying down”, but those with a bigger hand will be able to make good use of the model in portrait mode. 

With the exception of the fingerprint-recording back and the lack of a headphone jack, the design and the way this Android tablet's connections have been arranged is smart and functional. You can solve the problem of material on the back by purchasing a case that will also protect the device; this would also be an item that the Samsung could ship inside the box.

For the problem of lack of headphone input, you will need to opt for a P2 to USB-C adapter (if you don't already have one) or even buy a model of this type, which can be used in other devices.

Fabric

A Samsung chose to put a 12,4-inch TFT LCD screen with QHD resolution (2560 x 1600) and 60Hz rate, without HDR support. In practice, the consumption of content is of high quality, even without the standard that displays more vivid colors. In tests with high resolution videos, the display was able to highlight lighter and darker tones without much difficulty. 

The same complaint about the rear also appears on the front: the screen material of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE it registers the dreaded fingerprints, so it's always worth doing a good cleaning after many people use it. 

When I used it outdoors to check emails, social networks or even to watch content on YouTube or services of streaming, the screen became a large mirror. It would be interesting if the model had a protection to avoid this, although this is a problem that not even the Apple is on the lookout, since not even the iPad 9, possibleel competitor of Galaxy Tab S7 FE, does not have lamination and anti-reflective coating. 

The ambient light sensor works smartly and allows this problem to be seen in a minor way, but still, outdoor use can be uncomfortable for some people. I particularly enjoy watching content on mobile devices even when I'm at home, so all consumption – in my bedroom or living room – was quite assertive. 

A Samsung was quite right in delivering a screen that is neither as big as a notebook's and not as small as a smartphone's. Transitions between applications are also very fluid in this model, so if it weren't for the lack of anti-glare lamination, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE I would get a 10 on the screen.

Cameras

It is true that tablets are no longer primary devices for capturing content. Many companies, from those that launch high-end tablets to those that choose to act only in the entry market, are not putting in lenses with many megapixels or AI capabilities that deliver good post-processing. And the same goes for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. 

Back camera

At just 8 MP, the only lens on the back is the very basics and nothing more. For capturing landscapes and static objects, you'll get favorable shots and the Pro mode can solve focus issues and allow the most light to enter, but it's important to understand: the most basic lens can't go very far without AI support. . 

The AR effects, which can be created with the S Pen or with your fingers, are pretty cool to use, but it's the kind of tool that has had little use. The night mode is also not to be praised, but at the same time it allows a simple improvement in photo capture. See the evolution of zoom:

Portrait mode is best used on the rear lens, but it's a result we'd see on weaker mid-range models. Video capture in 1080p at 30 fps (the same on the rear and front camera) is also more basic and the audio is captured without noise, although a system to focus only on the voice instead of external noise is lacking in this model. .

It is important to keep in mind that the Samsung did not invest much in the cameras of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE precisely because people who value better cameras already have access to it on smartphones. The model is not completely bad, but understand that for an entry-level product, it manages to do well within its limitations. 

Frontal camera

If the rear lens has limitations, the front camera delivers even less. At just 5 MP, the lens for selfies and video calls even has the software from Samsung, similar to what we see on smartphones, but it is important to remember that it is far from the same. THE Samsung you know that your consumers who value great mobile records prefer smartphones over tablets, so it's important to keep that in mind.

I set the front camera of this tablet Android as simple but effective. Of course, you won't get the same results you'd find on smartphones, not least because the portrait mode, which has only 4 post-processing customization options, still needs to be improved a lot. In recordings indoors, some hairs still appear blurred, which denounces the portrait mode at first glance. Background switching in the Gallery app could also be improved, as long as the model is within the entry-level tablet market.

The feeling I had was that when developing and thinking about camera options for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, Samsung chose to use the simplest option possible so that the price would not be too high, unified with the other functions. With that, the lens doesn't do poorly outdoors, but AI capabilities would be great so that better results can be delivered to users.

Connectivity

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE was launched in 2021, while the 5G auction had not yet taken place and consequently there were not many operators offering this to customers yet. At the same time, it is important to remember that the main focus of FE models (acronym for Fan Edition) is to allow features loved by fans to become accessible. With 4G, 3G and 2G compatibility, the tablet did well in everything that was proposed in terms of connectivity to mobile networks.

with support for Wi-Fi e Bluetooth 5.2, there is nothing negative to say about the connectivity points of this tablet Android. Everything works as it should, with no errors or problems that spoil the experience. The management and use of speed is more done by the apps than by the operating system itself, and when I asked to watch videos in high quality on YouTube, I didn't have any problems either.

In the long term, it would be interesting for the Samsung brought the version with support for 5G networks, but the connectivity options available in the model are more than useful for everyday life. Here, a ten without a doubt.

Processor and operating system

Equipped with processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, what is octa-core and has eight nanometer architecture. One small problem I've noticed is that after about 30 minutes of playing Fortnite, the model starts to heat up in its upper right part and this can be a problem for whoever is using it, depending on the position. This does not mean that during some moment of my use for almost three weeks the tablet had to interrupt the operation of some application, which is due to the 8GB of RAM for optimal performance.

But there is no denying that by "forcing" the device to go further, a small heating will end up happening, "response" of the system and processor that is present in practically all mobile devices. I received the model that has the One UI 3.1 factory installed and an update to version 4.1, which is based on Android 12 and was available for free download.

In addition to the features known by product users Samsung, the possibility to use the tablet as a second screen in the Windows surprised me in a very positive way.

If you think you need a notebook made by the Korean company, you can put that thought aside. The tablet and computer just need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that's it, remote use can be done without problems.

Unfortunately, there are limitations: I was not able to activate the keyboard or type anything on the tablet when using the second screen functionality, but the screen touch can be used for navigation, which makes the model a great mobile option that can be installed on the desktop and then taken home.

The model I received for testing also has 128GB of internal storage, as well as an SD card slot of up to 1TB for all customers. If you use the device as your main or secondary screen, these options will be more than essential for your day to day.

Battery

Another positive point of the model that is worth mentioning. With the 12,4-inch screen, it might have been a challenge to organize all the power from the 10500mAh battery to last a good part of users' day.

In average daily use of an hour and a half to watch content on YouTube, applications streaming, games and browsing the internet and social networks, I managed to reach 4 hours of screen usage. In practice, between activating and deactivating the screen, I started using it on Monday and had to use the charger included in the box only on Friday.

Charging time can scare smartphone users away, but remember that there is a much bigger battery in the Galaxy Tab S7 FE and recharging all this, even with the 45W charger that is included in the box, takes considerable time. If you used this tablet Android in my daily life, I would solve all possible pending issues until the battery ran out and then move to another device (laptop or computer) while charging was carried out.

Use of S Pen

Lighter than a pen, but as useful as the accessory that is in our routine, the S Pen included in the Galaxy Tab S7 FE it was another pleasant surprise. The writing is still somewhat “robotic” and nothing like a “real” pen for that experience we are used to, but the attempt to change the accessory is quite valid. The response time is great and the feeling that we are writing on the screen is quite immersive.

I'm not a person who has a talent for digital drawings, but simple doodles were done with the expected precision and if you're an artist who needs an accessory to draw and a tablet that you can work with, the model can be an interesting option.

My big complaint about the S Pen is that the magnetic fitting is still somewhat flawed and most of the time, when moving the tablet with the accessory, it will end up falling off (even more so if it's on the back).

The edge where the buttons are located seems to be ideal for you to hold the pen of the Samsung, but, in particular, I would feel better if the company sent a cover with a cloth insert in the box itself or any other material that would provide greater security for everyday movement.

Conclusion

I come to the end of this review with the thought that although although it seems quite useful for most of the day, there may be options in the Android tablet market (or even iOS) that can be cheaper than the Galaxy Tab S7 FE and deliver a similar experience. The product, which closely resembles the Motorola Moto Tab G70, it certainly delivers maximum power for those who perform tasks from the most basic to the most powerful tasks, but the price of BRL 3.599 at Magazine Luiza it can be a little discouraging.

I tested the model that marked the return of Motorola, as well as the Nokia t20, and the usage experience is similar, as both models can be considered entry-level tablets. If you are thinking of buying the Galaxy Tab S7 FE just because of the S Pen, it's worth analyzing the market for pens that connect via Bluetooth to save money and, who knows, have access to a model with a better screen and cameras and a possible headphone jack.

But if you prefer models from the Samsung or you can even invest a little more in a tablet, this option is complete, but, at the same time, it has points of improvement that could be solved in this generation instead of having to wait for this year's launch.

Technical specifications

Brand	Samsung
Model:	Galaxy Tab S7 FE LTE
Processor	Octa-core 2×2.2GHz + 6×1.8GHz
Networks	4G/LTE, 3G, 2G. There is no Brazilian model with 5G
Dual-Sim	Single SIM/eSIM
Android version	Android 11
Fabric	12.4 TFT
Rear cameras	8MP (main)
Frontal camera	5 SM
RAM memory	6GB
Storage	128GB
MicroSD card	Yes
S-Pen	Yes
Battery	10090mAh
Bluetooth	Yes
WiFi	Yes
NFC	Yes
Colors	Black, Silver
Dimensions	185.0 284.8 x x 6.3mm
Price	3.599,00 in cash

What did you think of the model? Do you have any questions about usage? tell us Comment!

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