Smartphones & Tablets | August 3, 2023
Once again, Samsung aims to be the king of Android tablets. And it does so with its flagship line, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, which maintains a consistent design but with some significant innovations. Among them, the most eye-catching one is the inclusion of IP68 resistance for all models. Does this mean that the tablets are waterproof? Only in theory, they can withstand being submerged for up to thirty minutes at a depth of one and a half meters. However, we do not recommend taking them to the pool or too close to the sea, as these tests are conducted in a laboratory environment with distilled water. However, if they accidentally fall into the water, it’s likely they will remain functional. So, it does provide some peace of mind.
In addition to this design improvement, we will enjoy high-quality Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays on all three models (Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra) and the option to purchase an improved S Pen with a top-notch writing experience for artists and creators. All three models are available for pre-order starting today, with prices that will leave you breathless. Prices start at 900 euros for the basic configuration of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, up to 1,910 euros for the most powerful configuration of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. We will go through all the details about this renewed line of tablets from Samsung.
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | |
| Screen | 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz | 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz | 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz |
| Internal memory | 128GB and 256GB | 256GB and 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB |
| Extension | Up to 1TB with microSD | Up to 1TB with microSD | Up to 1TB with microSD |
| Processor and RAM | Snapdragon 8 Gen2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen2 |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh with fast charging of 45 W with cable | 10,090 mAh with fast charging of 45 W with cable | 11,200 mAh with fast charging of 45 W with cable |
| OS | Android under Samsung One UI | Android under Samsung One UI | Android under Samsung One UI |
| Connections | 5G (optional), WiFi 6E, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type C 3.2, GPS+GLONASS, Beidou and Glalileo | 5G (optional), WiFi 6E, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type C 3.2, GPS+GLONASS, Beidou and Glalileo | 5G (optional), WiFi 6E, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type C 3.2, GPS+GLONASS, Beidou and Glalileo |
| SIM | nanoSIM in the 5G version | nanoSIM in the 5G version | nanoSIM in the 5G version |
| Design | – Reinforced aluminum – Colors: beige and graphite IP68 certification | – Reinforced aluminum – Colors: beige and graphite IP68 certification | – Reinforced aluminum – Colors: beige and graphite IP68 certification |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9mm and 498gr (WiFi) or 500 grams (5G) | 185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7mm and weight of 581gr (WiFI) and 586gr (5) | 208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5mm and weight of 732gr (WiFi) and 737gr (5G) |
| Featured Features | AKG stereo sound Fingerprint sensor on the side button Facial recognition using Samsung Dex software Samsung Knox S Pen included | AKG stereo sound On-screen fingerprint sensor Facial recognition software Samsung Dex Samsung Knox S Pen included | AKG stereo sound On-screen fingerprint sensor Facial recognition software Samsung Dex Samsung Knox S Pen included |
| Release date | Presale from July 26 Sale from August 11 | Presale from July 26 Sale from August 11 | Presale from July 26 Sale from August 11 |
| Price | €899 (WiFi 8GB/128GB); €1,019 (WiFi 12GB/256GB); €1,049 (5G 8GB/128GB); €1,169 (12GB/256GB) | €1,119 (WiFi 12GB/256GB); €1,239 (WiFi 12GB/512GB); €1,269 (5G 12GB/256GB); €1,389 (12GB/512GB) | €1,339 (WiFi 12GB/256GB); €1,459 (12GB/512GB); €1,759 (16GB/1TB); €1,489(5G 12GB/256GB); €1,609 (5G 12GB/512G); €1,909 (16GB/1TB) |
It is one of the main attractions of this new generation of tablets. The design reinforcement with the inclusion of IP68 protection. This means that, in theory, both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra can handle dust without problems and can be submerged for half an hour at a depth of one and a half meters. However, here comes the caveat. These tests are carried out in a laboratory environment with distilled water, and they do not take into consideration the chlorine in pool water or the salt in seawater. Therefore, Samsung itself does not recommend taking these tablets to such places. However, this certification does increase the chances of your tablet surviving if it accidentally falls into the water.
Aside from that, there is a continuous design approach, with a very slim body (even a bit slimmer than the previous year) and remarkable lightness. The largest model with a 14.6-inch screen weighs only 732 grams. The most interesting improvement, in my opinion, as a former Galaxy Tab user, is the upgrade in the charging band of the stylus. Previously, it could only charge if placed in a specific orientation. It may seem trivial, but it was somewhat annoying to have to keep turning it to put it in the correct position. Now, you won’t have to worry because it can be placed in both directions.
Speaking of the S Pen, in this generation, you can purchase a new pen separately, designed for creators and designers, called the S Pen Creator. It comes with interchangeable tips, a thicker design for a more comfortable grip, and a greater tilt angle to make the experience more similar to using a real pen.
And what can we say about the displays? Samsung knows it excels in this area and has once again demonstrated its strength with its new tablets. All versions of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, an enhanced version of this display technology that offers deep blacks, improved battery life, and a more attractive and cinematic experience compared to LED panels. The refresh rate dynamically changes between 60Hz and 120Hz, depending on what is needed at each moment. The main advantage of this is better power management, which should be noticeable in the usage time these devices allow. The battery life has not been disclosed by the Korean company yet. The batteries have the same capacity as in the previous generation, but it remains to be seen if Samsung has achieved the same efficiency improvements it achieved in models like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which significantly improved its usage times.
Another aspect that Samsung has emphasized is the improvement in the thermal efficiency of these devices, with a vapor chamber that dissipates heat better and promises better performance during extended use. And let’s not forget the Samsung DeX desktop experience, which comes very close to what you can experience on a Windows laptop. Especially on the largest 14.6-inch model, where you can even adopt it as your personal laptop.
Now, let’s get to the crucial point of the price. It must be said: these tablets follow the general trend in the technology market of raising prices significantly each year. The cheapest tablet in the range starts at 900 euros (quite a sum). To get the basic configuration of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, you have to pay 1,120 euros, while the basic configuration of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at 1,340 euros. Pre-orders for the tablets begin today, and they are expected to be available in physical stores from August 11th. In conclusion, we have models that are not surprising but maintain the good work that Samsung has done with this premium tablet line. Some of the most interesting features include the IP68 certification, the new S Pen (available separately), and the ability to finally charge the stylus oriented to the left or right.
