New S Pen for Galaxy Tab S9 FE brings an unexpected upgrade

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series brings a handful of expected and unexpected upgrades, most of which Samsung detailed in its press release and formal announcement. However, Samsung didn't push every new change into the spotlight, and some smaller upgrades were left unmentioned, leaving users to discover them on their own, like easter eggs.

Allow us to let you in on a little secret about the Tab S9 FE S Pen. We had early access to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ for our hands-on video, and we can confirm that the S Pen included with the tablet has a different feel, all thanks to one change: the S Pen's side button requires more force to actuate.

Apparently, Samsung made this change to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series' S Pen based on feedback it gathered from users. Samsung did it because the old side key was too soft and left too much room for error and accidental presses.

Story continues after the video

S Pen button requires more force, reduces accidental presses

Samsung left the following information out of its Fan Edition marketing material, but sources tell us that the side button on the new S Pen included with every Fan Edition tablet requires 170 grams of force to actuate instead of 160 grams. An extra 10 grams might be enough to prevent accidental presses without negatively impacting the user experience in other ways.

Interestingly, Samsung may have also applied this change to the S Pen Creator Edition's side button, but not the standard S Pen accompanying the high-end Galaxy Tab S9 flagship series. You could say that the new Fan Edition tablets have beaten the flagship lineup to the punch, at least in the area of the S Pen side button, if nothing else.

Samsung will release the Galaxy Tab S9 FE duo in select markets on October 10. Prices start at $449/€529 for the base model, and the slightly upgraded S Pen is included for free.