Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series is the brand’s direct competitor to Apple’s iPad Pro lineup. Leading the series is the Tab S9 Ultra, priced at $1,199.99, which boasts an impressive 14.6-inch display. This large device includes an S Pen stylus, a powerful processor, extended battery life, and seamless integration with Samsung smartphones, making it ideal for productivity on the move. Despite its higher price compared to the base models of the 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro ($1,099) and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 ($999), the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out as the best Android tablet available. However, it’s worth noting that Android can sometimes feel less optimized on tablets, although Samsung has made significant efforts to mitigate these issues.
Go Big or Go…Slightly Smaller
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra impressively packs a 14.6-inch screen into a sleek and compact frame. It measures 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches and weighs 1.61 pounds. In comparison, the Lenovo Tab Extreme ($949) offers a slightly smaller 14.5-inch display within a larger body, measuring 12.9 by 8.3 by 0.23 inches and weighing 1.63 pounds. For those seeking a more manageable size, the midsize Galaxy Tab S9+ features a 12.4-inch screen, measuring 11.23 by 7.30 by 0.22 inches and weighing 1.28 pounds. The smallest in the lineup, the Tab S9, comes with an 11-inch screen, measuring 10.01 by 6.53 by 0.23 inches and weighing 1.10 pounds. The Tab S9 series is available in two color options: Beige and Graphite.
For the first time, the Galaxy tablet series and its accompanying S Pen stylus have achieved an IP68 rating, indicating they are both dustproof and waterproof. This means all three Tab S9 models can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes and can be easily rinsed off when dirty. The screens are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which, while not the latest version, can withstand drops from nearly four feet and resist scratches. Unlike the Lenovo Tab Extreme and iPad Pros, which lack IP ratings, the Tab S9’s durability sets it apart, making it ideal for use at the pool or beach.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a stunning 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2,960 by 1,848 pixels, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a peak brightness of 930 nits, and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Given the display’s size and its reflective nature, using the Tab S9 Ultra outdoors in natural sunlight can be challenging. However, indoors, the screen is bright enough to handle typical room lighting. The display also includes an in-screen fingerprint sensor located near the USB-C port, which performed reliably during testing.
Pros
- Gorgeous screen
- Fast performance
- Tight Samsung integration
- Good productivity software
- IP68 rating
- S Pen stylus included
Cons
- Pricey
- Size makes it awkward to handle
- Android on tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Specs
- Operating System: Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI
- Dimensions: 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches
- Weight: 1.61 lbs
- Screen Size: 14.6 inches
- Screen Resolution: 2960 by 1848 pixels
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM: Options typically range from 8GB to 16GB
- Storage Capacity: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, expandable via microSD card
- Battery Life: Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C port, optional 5G
- Camera: Dual rear camera setup, high-resolution front camera
- Stylus: S Pen included
- Audio: Quad speakers tuned by AKG, Dolby Atmos support
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance
- Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- Color Options: Beige and Graphite
