Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S9 Plus review
Table of Contents
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab S9 series at the Samsung Unpacked event in 2024, featuring the standard Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus, and the flagship Tab S9 Ultra. For a closer look at the Ultra model, check out our dedicated review, and don’t miss our deals page for the latest offers on the Galaxy Tab S9.
While we’ve had a chance to see the Tab S9 and S9 Plus in person, we still need more time to fully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. However, the upgrades are evident: the Tab S9 boasts a brighter display, an upgraded processor, a slightly larger battery, more RAM configurations, and an impressive IP68 water resistance rating.
For the S9 Plus, the enhancements are similar, with the addition of a more powerful ultra-wide camera on the back instead of a larger battery or display upgrade. The Tab S9 Plus also offers a 256GB storage option, catering to users with greater storage needs. All of this sounds promising, doesn’t it? Absolutely. However, as is often the case with Samsung, these enhancements come with a hefty price tag. Depending on which model you choose, the overall price hikes may not be entirely warranted.
Nonetheless, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and S9 Plus are set to be among the top Android tablets available in 2024. We’re excited to thoroughly test both devices soon and share our comprehensive reviews.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus pricing
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus pricing
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus pricing
| SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus | $767.99 |
| 12GB / 256GB (Wi-Fi): | $1.100 |
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus pricing
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab S9 and S9 Plus during the Unpacked event on July 26, 2023, and pre-orders for both models opened the same day.
Shipping is set to begin in the UK, US, and Australia on August 11. Customers who pre-order directly from Samsung will receive a complimentary slim book cover keyboard and a 12-month subscription to Disney Plus.
Similar to the Galaxy Tab S8 series, both tablets come in two RAM and storage options and support either Wi-Fi or 5G connectivity. However, the configurations differ from their predecessors. This time, both models can be equipped with up to 256GB of RAM, with the S9 Plus exclusively offering this option, as well as a larger 256GB storage variant.
Comparing the prices of the Tab S9 series with the Tab S8 range can be tricky due to varying RAM and storage configurations, as well as differences in regional pricing. However, it’s clear that both the Tab S9 and S9 Plus come with a higher price tag than their predecessors.
For instance, looking at the UK prices, the 8GB RAM / 128GB storage version of the Tab S9 is priced £150 more than the equivalent Tab S8 model. Meanwhile, the 12GB RAM / 256GB version sees a staggering £200 increase compared to its last-generation counterpart, although it does offer additional RAM this time around. The situation is somewhat more favorable for the Tab S9 Plus. The 12GB RAM / 256GB storage version is priced £100 higher than its closest Tab S8 Plus counterpart. However, it’s worth noting that the S9 Plus offers more RAM, and the Tab S8 Plus did not come in a 12GB / 512GB configuration.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus: Design
In terms of design, Samsung has maintained its successful approach, with both the Tab S9 and Tab S9 Plus closely resembling their predecessors.
These tablets feature sleek, all-aluminum bodies, user-friendly button layouts, and slim display bezels, making them comfortable to hold. The stylish magnetic compartment for the included S Pen stylus returns as well, serving as a charger for both devices.
The Tab S9 has dimensions of 165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9mm, making it slightly thinner than the Tab S8, and it weighs 498g for the Wi-Fi model and 500g for the 5G version. The Tab S9 Plus, on the other hand, measures 185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7mm and weighs 581g for Wi-Fi and 586g for 5G. Both models come in graphite and beige options.
The main aesthetic change between the new tablets and their predecessors is the rear camera layout, which now aligns more closely with the design seen in the Samsung Galaxy S23 series—a modification we appreciate.
The most significant design improvement is the introduction of an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, a first for premium tablets. While even top-tier iPads can be vulnerable to water damage if used near a bathtub or pool, Samsung asserts that the Tab S9 and S9 Plus can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as 30 minutes.
While we haven’t yet put this claim to the test, on paper, Samsung’s latest offerings set a new standard for durability in the premium tablet market.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus: Display
Samsung has replaced the LTPS LCD display of the Galaxy Tab S8 with a Dynamic AMOLED screen on the Tab S9, aligning it with the Tab S8 Plus and Tab S8 Ultra, both of which also feature AMOLED displays. This upgrade results in a brighter, more vibrant, and overall more premium visual experience on Samsung’s latest entry-level tablet.
The screen sizes remain unchanged, with the standard Tab S9 measuring 11 inches and the S9 Plus at 12.4 inches. Both tablets also support an up-to-120Hz dynamic refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling that meets the expectations for devices in this price range.
Additionally, both tablets come equipped with Samsung’s new Vision Booster technology, designed to enhance visibility in outdoor conditions. While we haven’t yet compared the performance of the S9 and S8 series in this aspect, we plan to conduct side-by-side tests for our full reviews.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus: Cameras
Premium tablets have never been aimed at photography enthusiasts, and Samsung continues this trend with the Galaxy Tab S9 and S9 Plus.
Both models feature a 13MP main camera on the back, while the S9 Plus also includes an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, a step up from the 6MP sensor found on the S8 Plus. While these cameras may not rival the best smartphone cameras in terms of detail—let alone even budget phones—they can still capture decent photos.
For those who need to take pictures for educational or professional purposes, or who enjoy snapping the occasional family portrait or garden shot, the 13MP camera on both the Tab S9 and S9 Plus will suffice. The S9 Plus offers additional versatility with its ultra-wide sensor, but neither tablet provides the advanced composition options typically found on high-end smartphones (even the flagship Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra shares the same camera setup as the S9 Plus).
Both the Tab S9 and S9 Plus retain the 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera from their predecessors, which is perfectly adequate for video calls and similar uses.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus: Performance
A major upgrade for this year’s Galaxy Tab devices is found under the hood. In addition to expanded RAM options, all three models feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Galaxy 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy—the same customized chipset used in Samsung’s exceptional Galaxy S23 smartphones.
While the S8 and S8 Plus are far from sluggish, Qualcomm’s latest processor has demonstrated remarkable performance across many of this year’s top Android phones, making it refreshing to see Samsung extend this level of quality to its new tablet lineup.
We’ll conduct benchmark tests in our full reviews of the Tab S9 and S9 Plus, but it’s safe to assert that users can expect smooth scrolling, seamless multitasking, and excellent gaming performance—finding faster tablets will be a challenge.
The viewing experience is equally impressive on both models. Equipped with four Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers and those vibrant Dynamic AMOLED displays, you’ll enjoy clear audio for video content, even if you choose to stream it out loud.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus: Software
The software experience on both the Galaxy Tab S9 and S9 Plus is quite familiar. Each device in Samsung’s latest lineup operates on Android 13, featuring the company’s OneUI interface, so users accustomed to this system will feel right at home.
As expected from Samsung tablets, both models include DeX mode, allowing users to create a desktop-like experience by connecting a keyboard and monitor. They also offer user-friendly split-screen functionality and MultiControl, Samsung’s multitasking software for managing multiple devices seamlessly.
Additionally, GoodNotes—one of the most popular note-taking apps on iOS, according to Samsung—makes its Android debut with the Galaxy Tab S9 series. All three tablets also come preloaded with support for creative applications like LumaFusion, Clip Studio Paint, and ArcSite.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus: Battery life
The Galaxy Tab S9 features an 8,400mAh battery, while the S9 Plus is equipped with a 10,090mAh battery. The Tab S9’s battery is slightly larger than the 8,000mAh battery found in its predecessor, whereas the S9 Plus maintains the same capacity as the Tab S8 Plus.
While we haven’t fully tested the battery life of either model yet, the Tab S8 provided around eight hours of video playback on a single charge, so you can anticipate similar or even improved performance from the Tab S9.
In our experience with the Tab S8 Plus, we achieved a full day of moderate usage on a single charge, suggesting that the Tab S9 Plus should offer comparable battery life. Both models also support fast charging, with capabilities of up to 45W.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus: Specs
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S9 Plus specs
| Dimensions: | 165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9mm | 185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7mm |
| Weight: | 498g (Wi-Fi), 500g (5G) | 581g (Wi-Fi), 586g (5G) |
| OS: | Android 13 | Android 13 |
| Display Resolution: | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Refresh rate: | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| CPU: | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM: | 8GB, 12GB | 256 GB |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery: | 8,400mAh | 10,090mAh |
| Rear cameras: | 13MP main | 13MP main, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Front camera: | 12MP ultra-wide | 12MP ultra-wide |
SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G Plus
