Hot topics

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ & S9 Ultra: All New Tablets Compared

nextpit Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Sizes
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

Alongside its new foldable phones, Samsung leveraged its Unpacked event in August to announce new versions of its flagship Galaxy tablets. Check out what's new in the Galaxy Tab S9 series and the primary differences between the Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+, and Tab S9 Ultra.

Unlike its different phone models, Samsung doesn't follow an annual update cycle for the Galaxy Tab S family. The S8 and S9 lineups launched roughly a year and a half after their predecessors. However, does that mean more upgrades for shoppers? Let's find out starting with the specifications of all three 2023 models:

  Base model Big screen flagship Productivity workhorse
Device
Image
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Display 11'' OLED
2560 x 1600 pixels (274 PPI)
120 Hz refresh rate 
12.4'' OLED
2800 x 1752 pixels (266 PPI)
120 Hz refresh rate
14.6'' OLED
2960 x 1848 pixels (239 PPI)
120 Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM 8 / 12 GB LPDDR5 12 GB LPDDR5 12 / 16 GB LPDDR5
Storage 128 / 256 GB 256 / 512 GB 256 / 512 / 1024 GB
microSD
Rear camera Main: 13 MP
 
Main: 13 MP
Ultra wide-angle: 8 MP
Front camera 12 MP
 
Main: 12 MP
Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP
Software Android 13
Four major Android updates
Five years of security updates
Battery 8,400 mAh 10,090 mAh 11,200 mAh
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3
Optional: 5G | 4G LTE
Audio Quad stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos
S Pen
Security Under-display fingerprint reader
Dimensions 165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9 mm
6.53 x 10.01 x 0.23 in
185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7 mm
7.3 x 11.24 x 0.22 in
208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5 mm
8.21 x 12.85 x 0.22 in
Weight Wi-Fi: 498 g | 17.57 oz
5G: 500 g | 17.64 oz
Wi-Fi: 581 g | 20.49 oz
5G: 586 g | 20.67 oz
Wi-Fi: 732 g | 25.82 oz
5G: 737 g | 26 oz
IP rating IP68
Colors Beige, Graphite
MSRP Wi-Fi: ? | $699
5G: ? | $1049
Wi-Fi: ? | $899
5G: ? | $1269 
Wi-Fi: ? | $1,099
5G: ? | $1489
Rating
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
Offers*

Samsung doesn't only differentiate its tablets by size but also by memory options and camera hardware. For the S9 family, however, the differences are smaller compared to the Galaxy Tab S8 range, which had variances in the type of display technology used as well as biometric features. We will dive deeper into the tablet's differences based on their specifications, with a future update as soon as we get to review the devices. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Design and display

Spoiler alert: Not much has changed in the design department between the Tab S8 and Tab S9. Even the overall dimensions are similar, with only the regular Tab S9 getting a little bit thinner. There is one very important change, however, which is the IP68 certification that is now available on all models to offer both water and dust protection.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
All three Tab S9 models are equipped with an OLED panel. / © nextpit

At the back is a notched display on the Ultra model, making it one of the more outstanding features of the S8 Ultra. Both the S9+ and S9 Ultra use an OLED display with the same size and resolution as their predecessors—12.4'' at 2800x1752p and 14.6'' at 2960x1848p, respectively, while the vanilla model received an upgrade from an LCD panel to an OLED screen. All models promise buttery smooth animation thanks to the 120 Hz refresh rate.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Performance and connectivity

When it comes to performance and connectivity, all three models are equally capable on paper. All three Galaxy Tab S9 models are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, with the same "For Galaxy" overclocked version used in the Galaxy S23 flagship smartphones.

Based on our experience with phones that are powered by the same chip, expect top-of-the-line performance in apps and games, with snappy performance even when embarking on multitasking sessions, thanks to the equally high-end LPDDR5 RAM and UFS flash storage.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
The Galaxy Tab S9 tablets can definitely play games, even upside down. / © nextpit

As the SoC dictates most of the connectivity options, it is no surprise that all three Galaxy Tab S9 offer the same range of wireless network compatibility: Wi-Fi 6E (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Tab S9 models can also be purchased with optional 5G connectivity, which is also compatible with 4G/LTE networks. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Cameras

While all three Tab S8 models were equipped with a dual camera kit, the base Galaxy Tab S9 comes with a single camera setup that sports a 13 MP sensor. The other two models, however, will pair the main camera with an ultra wide-angle lens on top of an 8 MP sensor. While this is not the most exciting camera arrangement, it is par for the course when it comes to the tablet market.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Only the basic Tab S9 has a single camera, while the S9+ and Ultra pair the main lens with an ultra-wide-angle one. / © nextpit

Selfie lovers are also well represented here with different specifications distributed among the Tab S9 models. The vanilla model will come equipped with a single 12 MP sensor while the other two models include an ultra wide-angle lens to accompany the primary front snapper. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Software

Software-wise, all Galaxy Tab S9 models ship with Android 13 right out of the box and are powered by the One UI skin. Similar to the Galaxy S phones—and different from most Android tablets—, Samsung promises four major Android version upgrades with five years of security patches.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
It is the same One UI we know but on a bigger screen. / © nextpit

Now that Google has made a return to the Android tablet market with the Pixel Tablet that Camila reviewed, interest in adapting Android apps to the tablet form factor has started to catch up. The Galaxy Tabs are poised to receive better support as well following such developments. Samsung is also doing its part, with a number of exclusive features for multitasking and note-taking, combining both at times. One example is to have a cooking video dividing the screen with a recipe notepad containing notes and drawings using the S Pen.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Battery and charging

The South Korean company is not known to be a trailblazer when it comes to charging technology, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series doesn't change that fact. Both the Galaxy Tab S9+ and the S9 Ultra use the same capacity batteries as their predecessors, 10,090 and 11,200 mAh, respectively, while the vanilla Tab S9 received an upgrade to a 8,400 mAh capacity (from 8,000) battery despite having reduced its thickness.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
USB-C for charging and two of the four speakers. There is also a set of pogo pins for accessories. / © nextpit

As for charging, expect to see similar numbers from the Tab S8 family, with a maximum charging speed of 45 W using a compatible adapter. By the way, a power supply is not included in the box.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Price and availability

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Tab S9 are already available on Samsung's online store, with shipping times depending on each region. As at press time, US pricing details remained unconfirmed, but we already have base prices for the European market:

 
  Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
8 + 128 GB - WIFI $799 | €899 - -
8 + 128 GB - 5G tbc | €1,049 - -
12 + 256 GB - WIFI $919 $999 | €1,119 $1199 | €1,339
12 + 256 GB - 5G tbc $1149 | €1,269 tbc | €1,489
12 + 512 GB - WIFI - $1199 $1319
12 + 512 GB - 5G - tbc tbc
16 + 1024 GB - WIFI - - $1619
16 + 1024 GB - 5G - - tbc

In the Galaxy Tab S9 box, Samsung will include a S Pen. Those hoping to see a power adapter and case will be disappointed as these are sold separately.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Conclusion

After the Galaxy Tab expanded into the "Ultra" territory with the Tab S8 family, Samsung performed a smaller update to its 2023 flagship tablet line. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is a welcome upgrade that should not only offer better performance but also improved battery life compared to the previous generation.

Changes in the Tab S9+ and Ultra models were rather small, despite a general bump in memory options. The vanilla Galaxy Tab S9, however, offers the same 8+128 GB and 12+256 GB options as the Tab S8, while featuring a much-welcomed upgrade with an OLED screen, in-display fingerprint sensor, and improved battery capacity.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Samsung will offer the Tab S9 in the Beige and Graphite color options. / © nextpit

The Galaxy Tab S9 models are unquestionably the tablets to beat when it comes to sheer performance in the Android tablet market. However, their prices are too close to the equivalent iPad models, which makes them hard to recommend. Regardless, if you are a Samsung fan and are looking for the most powerful Android tablets paired with the best software support in the segment, the Galaxy Tab S9 range is your only option at the moment.

 Do you think the Tab S9 prices are reasonable? Would you rather buy a tablet from another brand? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

 The best gaming monitors at a glance

  Best gaming monitor up to $400 Best gaming monitor up to $600 Best gaming monitor up to $800 Best gaming monitor up to $1,000 Best gaming monitor for consoles
Model
Image LG Ultragear 27GP850P - product image Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ - product image BenQ MOBIUZ EX3210U - product image Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDM - product image Gigabyte M32U - product image
Offers
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
Go to comment (0)
Rubens Eishima

Rubens Eishima
Writer

Having written about technology since 2008 for a number of websites in Brazil, Spain, Denmark, and Germany, I specialize in the mobile ecosystem, including various models, components, and apps. I tend to not only value performance and specifications, but also things like repairability, durability, and manufacturer support. I tend to prioritize the end-user's point of view whenever possible.

To the author profile
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing