The mid-tier Android tablet market is crowded, but these two cut through. The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro has a gorgeous AMOLED display and is often found at lower prices. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has an S Pen included and Samsung's stronger software support commitment. Both are worth considering at $500–$600.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the better overall buy. Samsung's seven-year update commitment, included S Pen, and stronger app ecosystem support matter more over the life of the device. The Lenovo's display is genuinely beautiful, but Lenovo's Android update history is weaker.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Lenovo Tab P12 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 12.6" AMOLED 120 Hz | 12.4" TFT LCD 60 Hz |
| Chip | Snapdragon 870 | Exynos 1380 |
| S Pen / Stylus | Sold separately | Included |
| OS Updates | ~2–3 years (Lenovo) | 7 years (Samsung) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Price | ~$450–$550 | ~$550–$600 |
Display Quality
The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro's 12.6" AMOLED display with 120 Hz is one of the best screens in its price bracket. RTINGS rated it well for color accuracy and peak brightness. It's a genuinely premium viewing experience.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+'s 12.4" TFT LCD display is good but clearly a step below AMOLED. Colors are accurate, brightness is adequate at 400 nits, but blacks aren't true black. For media consumption, the Lenovo's screen is noticeably better.
Software Support
Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates for the S9 FE+ — one of the longest update windows in Android. Lenovo historically provides 2–3 years of updates, which is a significant difference in how long this tablet remains secure and capable.
Samsung One UI is also more polished than Lenovo's skin. Samsung DeX works on the S9 FE+ for desktop mode. The overall software experience favors Samsung.
S Pen and Productivity
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ includes an S Pen. It supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, and Samsung Notes is an excellent app for students and note-takers. The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro requires a separate Lenovo Precision Pen purchase.
For students — one of the primary buyers in this segment — the included S Pen is a meaningful cost saving.
Who Should Buy Which
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the better long-term investment for most buyers. Seven years of updates, a mature software platform, and an included stylus make it the safer choice. It's what we'd recommend to a student buying their first full-featured Android tablet.
The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro makes sense if you primarily watch movies and want the best display experience in the $450–$550 bracket. If display quality is your top priority and you plan to upgrade in three years anyway, the AMOLED panel is genuinely impressive.
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro Strengths
- 12.6" AMOLED 120 Hz — best display in this price range
- Premium build quality
- Good audio with four speakers
- Often $50–$100 cheaper at street price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Strengths
- Seven-year OS and security update commitment
- S Pen included in box
- Samsung DeX desktop mode
- More polished One UI software
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro Weaknesses
- Weak software update commitment (2–3 years typical for Lenovo)
- Stylus sold separately
- Slower chip (Snapdragon 870)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Weaknesses
- TFT LCD display — no AMOLED
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is mid-gen
- Heavier than some competitors
Best For
- a: Media consumption enthusiasts who want the best display at the lowest price and plan to replace in 2–3 years
- b: Students, long-term owners who want years of updates, buyers who want an included stylus
FAQ
Is the Exynos 1380 in the Tab S9 FE+ good enough?
For everyday use — apps, web, streaming — yes. It's not a speed demon, but it handles typical tablet workloads without noticeable lag.
Does the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro support DeX?
No. Samsung DeX is a Samsung-exclusive feature. Lenovo has its own productivity UI, but it's not comparable to DeX.