Which of the two Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ or the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, is a worthy successor to the Galaxy Tab A8, and why?
For a long time, the Galaxy Tab A8 had been one of the most dependable and compact Android tablets. However, with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, many tablet users were unsure of what to exactly expect in terms of performance.
To better understand whether the Galaxy Tab A9 is any good, we have considered a number of important considerations that go into choosing a good tablet. We have considered the design, build quality, price, screen size, storage space, processor and RAM.
From the start we noticed the Galaxy Tab A9 to be slightly bigger than the Galaxy Tab A8, at 11 inches compared to 10.5 inches in screen size on the latter. It is also cheaper, coming in at $187, well under the $200 mark. This qualifies it as a budget tablet. The Tab A8 is not too expensive – only slightly more at $212 – despite being smaller in size.
One of the reasons the Tab 8 is more expensive is because they feature the same 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution. When this resolution is displayed on a smaller screen area, it offers better clarity than on a larger one.
Additionally, the 16:10 aspect ratio makes the Tab 8 seem significantly bigger, with the capability of using both portrait and landscape orientations. The Galaxy Tab A9+ features a 16:9 aspect ratio that is more of a landscape look.
Samsung also released the Galaxy Tab A9, which can be a little confusing to buyers. Despite having a similar name, the Galaxy Tab A9 is not as good as the Galaxy Tab A9+ and Galaxy Tab A8.
First, it has the smallest screen size and resolution of the 3 tablets. It features an 8.7-inch screen with an 800 x 1340 pixel resolution, which is low. All other specifications save for storage space are not as good.
The screen has an overall 300 nits brightness level, which can be a problem when working outdoors in high light conditions. Processing power is decent but still not as good as the Galaxy Tab A9 +. It has an older MediaTek Helio G99 processor and 4 GB RAM.
Whereas the Galaxy Tab A9 + is a budget tablet offering good value for money at a $187 price, the Galaxy Tab A9 is a cheaper alternative at $109 for weaker specifications. Let us find out which of the two is a worthy Galaxy Tab 8 successor and why.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review
Display Quality: Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Wins
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus easily wins this with a larger 11-inch screen size and 1200×1920 pixels resolution. It has a high 540 nits brightness level on the screen and a 90 Hz refresh rate. This is perfect for outdoor view and basic gaming. It is perfect for streaming, gaming, or media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, which features a smaller screen at only 8.7 inches and 800×1340 pixels in resolution. Despite its compact and easier-to-handle feel, it has a lower resolution and refresh rate and can’t match the visual experience on the A9 Plus.
Body and Build: Galaxy Tab A9 Wins
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus has a larger screen size. However, it still maintains a sleek and slim profile with only 6.9 mm thickness. It has an aluminium-plastic body that is durable but is still lightweight and easily portable.
The Galaxy Tab A9 features better portability due to its smaller, compact size. It weighs only 330 grams and fits in one hand, making it usable for portability and long working hours without fatigue. It is perfect for reading, note-taking, and browsing. Both tablets are lighter than the Tab A8, which weighs 508 g.
Performance and Hardware: Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Wins
The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus features a Snapdragon 695 5G processor and 8 GB of RAM. These features ensure smooth multitasking and allow the tablet to run system-intensive apps efficiently.
Although it has a low 128 GB SSD of internal storage, the A9 Plus is ideal for users who need a tablet for both work and entertainment. The space is expandable using a microSD card that is bought separately.
The Galaxy Tab A9 runs on a weaker MediaTek Helio G99 processor. Although it handles everyday tasks like browsing and streaming, the low 4 GB RAM and 64GB storage capacity limit professional users or people who need a lot of power. The Galaxy Tab A9 is best for simple or casual use, while the A9 Plus is best for professionals and tech enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Wins
Galaxy Tab A9 Plus It offers up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, making it an excellent choice for users who need their device to last throughout the day. Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite series or tackling a full day of productivity, the A9 Plus can handle it.
The Galaxy Tab A9, on the other hand, delivers around six hours of usage, which is adequate for short bursts of activity but requires more frequent charging. For users who value longer battery life, the A9 Plus is the obvious winner.
Both tablets feature USB-C ports, but the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus features USB-C 2.0 for faster data transfer speeds. This is particularly useful for transferring large files or connecting to external accessories.
While both devices support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Galaxy Tab A9 has an added advantage with LTE connectivity, making it a versatile option for users who need mobile internet access. Despite this, the A9 Plus’s overall connectivity performance remains more robust due to its superior hardware.
Operating System and Security: Draw
Both tablets run on Android 13. It is upgradable and features Samsung’s user-friendly interface. Upgradability ensures a smooth and secure user experience for many years to come.
Both tablets rely on facial recognition security for unlocking. This is convenient but less secure compared to fingerprint sensors. As neither device offers a more advanced security feature, this category is tied. As both tablets have the same operating system, security, and software capabilities, this category is tied.
Audio Quality and Cameras: Galaxy Tab A9 Plus Wins
Audio quality is often overlooked in budget tablets, but it plays a significant role in the user experience. The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus offers decent sound output for streaming videos and music, although it lacks depth and clarity for audiophiles.
The Galaxy Tab A9 steps up slightly in this department with its dual speakers, enhancing the audio experience during gaming or video calls. While neither tablet delivers premium sound quality, the A9 edges out its larger counterpart in this area.
It features an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus, producing clear images for casual use. The 5 MP front camera is equally capable of handling video calls with ease.
The Galaxy Tab A9, on the other hand, offers a basic 5 MP rear camera and a 2 MP front camera, which are sufficient for occasional use but fall short of delivering the quality required for frequent or professional usage. For users who value better camera performance, the A9 Plus is the better choice.
Pricing: Galaxy Tab A9 is cheaper.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is slightly pricier. It is priced at around $220, which justifies its specs, such as a larger display, better performance, and longer battery life.
The Galaxy Tab A9, on the other hand, is slightly cheaper. It is available for around $180, making it a more budget-friendly option for those with simpler needs. If affordability is your top priority, the A9 is the better choice, but for those willing to spend a bit more for enhanced features, the A9 Plus is worth the investment.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
Verdict
If you prioritise a larger display, better performance, and longer battery life or need a perfect tablet for professional use in media or multitasking, we recommend the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus.
For casual users who value portability, easy usage, and affordable prices. The Galaxy Tab A9 is the best pick. It is ideal for reading, browsing, or casual gaming while on the go.