The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is a versatile tablet that excels in all areas of productivity, creativity, and entertainment. With its impressive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 1TB of storage, and 8GB of RAM, this tablet offers seamless multitasking and effortlessly handles even the most demanding apps. The 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals, making it perfect for both work and play.
The S Pen adds an extra convenience layer, allowing for precise note-taking, drawing, and document editing. Furthermore, the Tab S9 Plus boasts a long-lasting battery that can power you through an entire day, and its fast charging capabilities ensure that you'll never be left without power for long. Whether you're a professional on the go, a creative artist, or simply seeking entertainment, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is the ultimate tablet for all your needs.
The new Galaxy Tab S9 Plus, released this year, is an incredibly enticing option for those in search of a powerful Android tablet. Samsung's 12.4-inch tablet was unveiled alongside other impressive devices such as the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Watch 6, and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Positioned between the smaller Galaxy Tab S9 and the larger Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus surpasses its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S8 Plus, in numerous aspects, although the improvements may not be considered groundbreaking.
The Galaxy Tab S9 stands out as a true flagship tablet with its impressive big screen and sleek design. What sets it apart is the addition of the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for Galaxy, which enhances its performance and elevates it to the next level. For me, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is my favorite Samsung tablet. While the smaller Galaxy Tab S9 offers portability and ease of use, the extra screen space of the Plus version is truly appreciated. Moreover, the added speed and improved battery life make it one of the top choices among the Galaxy tablets available in the market today.
Tech Specs: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is a top-of-the-line tablet that boasts impressive features across the board. Starting with its stunning 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, users can expect vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The tablet's fast processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, ensures smooth performance and quick responsiveness. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, the Tab S9 Plus offers ample space for all your files and applications.
The camera system is equally impressive, with a 13MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP front camera. This versatile camera setup allows for high-quality photos and videos from any angle. Additionally, the S Pen stylus that comes with the tablet provides added functionality, allowing users to take notes, draw, and edit documents with ease. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is a powerhouse tablet that delivers an exceptional user experience.
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | 12.4″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display |
| Resolution | 2800 x 1752 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 13MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) |
| Front camera | 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Battery | 10090mAh |
| Operating system | Android 13 |
| Weight | 581g (Wi-Fi), 586g (5G) |
| Dimensions | 11.24 x 7.30 x 0.22 in |
| Other features | S Pen, S Pen Fold Edition, quad speakers, Dolby Atmos, IP68 dust and water resistance |
| Colour Options | Beige | Graphite |
Elegant Design & Brilliant Display
The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus stands out with its sleek design, featuring thin edges and a cool-to-the-touch metal back, reminiscent of its counterparts, the Tab S9 and Tab S9 Ultra. Available in neutral Graphite and Beige colors, the tablet offers a sophisticated look that appeals to many users. However, it would be great if Samsung also provided a fun and colorful option, similar to what Apple offers with the iPad 10. In terms of size and specifications, the Tab S9 Plus falls right in the middle of the other S9 models. Depending on the chosen configuration, the tablet measures 185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7 mm and weighs either 581g (Wi-Fi) or 586g (5G).
The tablet being discussed is slightly larger and heavier than the Tab S9, but still smaller and lighter than the Tab S9 Ultra. The screen of this tablet measures 12.4 inches, which is 1.4 inches longer than the Tab S9's screen and 2.2 inches shorter than the S9 Ultra's screen. Despite the varying sizes, all three tablets share the same impressive features, including a fast 120Hz refresh rate and Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays. The larger, sharper, and more colorful screen makes it ideal for streaming content, while the 12.4-inch size provides ample space for drawing without causing discomfort to the user's hands.
The tablet being small enough to fit easily into most bags is a significant advantage. In comparison to the Ultra, I find it much more convenient to carry with just one hand. Additionally, the Samsung S-Pen is included in the box and can be conveniently stored in a long groove on the back of the tablet. When I used the S-Pen with the Tab S9 Plus's screen, I was impressed by its smooth and responsive performance. Moreover, it offered a slight grip, preventing it from slipping, but it didn't feel like paper or screen protectors commonly do on other tablets.
Impressive Features of the Tab S9 Plus
The Plus model of the tablet offers a decent amount of RAM and storage options that fall in between the other two models. Users have the choice of either 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, or 512GB of storage. Similarly, the tablet is equipped with a 10,090mAh battery, which is larger than the Tab S9's battery but smaller than the Tab S9 Ultra's battery, which boasts an 11,200mAh capacity.
Although one might assume that a tablet with an average display and specifications would have a similarly average battery life, it remains to be seen how the three tablets compare in terms of battery performance.
The camera on the Tab S9 Plus is equipped with a 13-megapixel and 8-megapixel rear camera, similar to the Tab S9 Ultra. However, its front camera is the same 12-megapixel found on the standard Tab S9. Despite this difference, the Tab S9 Plus captures bright and clear images, displaying colors that are slightly more vibrant than what the naked eye can perceive. This characteristic is not uncommon for Samsung cameras and it adds an element of uniqueness to the photos taken with the Tab S9 Plus, making them truly stand out.
The front camera's performance falls short in comparison to the back camera, particularly when it comes to sharpness. Selfies captured in low-light environments tend to exhibit duller colors and increased noise. However, in the presence of natural light, the front camera proves to be more effective. It has the ability to smoothen out skin and render colors with greater accuracy. Despite its limitations, the camera is still suitable for activities such as joining Zoom or Teams calls. Additionally, a wide-angle mode allows for capturing larger groups of people within the frame.
Photography Capabilities & Cameras
The Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab S9 Plus have introduced some notable changes, particularly when it comes to their cameras. While the regular Tab S9 has unfortunately lost its camera, the Tab S9 Plus has retained its rear snapper and even made significant improvements to it. The tablet now boasts a 13MP main camera, complete with autofocus capabilities. Additionally, it is complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide camera, which surpasses the 6MP ultra-wide camera found on its predecessor, the Tab S8 Plus. With these camera enhancements, the Tab S9 Plus promises to deliver even more stunning and versatile photography options for its users.
| Camera | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4″, 1.0µm, AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Ultra Wide Camera | 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
When it comes to tablets, it is common for manufacturers to prioritize other features over the cameras, and Samsung's approach with this tablet is no exception. The company does not provide much information about the other technical specifications of the device. However, one notable feature is the single 12MP ultra-wide camera located at the front. This camera holds significant importance as it is the primary tool for conducting video calls on platforms like Zoom or Teams and for participating in business meetings. Despite the camera's limited capabilities compared to dedicated cameras, its functionality for video conferencing purposes cannot be overlooked.
Power and Performance
The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus boasts the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, similar to the highly anticipated Galaxy S23 series. However, this tablet boasts a slightly enhanced version of the chip, making it even more powerful. With a maximum clock rate of 3.36GHz, it surpasses the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which has a clock rate of 3.2GHz. To ensure optimal performance, the tablet is equipped with a new vapor chamber that facilitates two-way heat dissipation, effectively managing the device's temperature. This innovative feature enables the tablet to operate at its peak performance for extended periods, allowing users to immerse themselves in an exceptional experience.
The chipset featured in the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus offers exceptional performance that will undoubtedly be fully utilized, particularly when it comes to gaming. With its graphics processing capabilities on par with Apple's latest A16 Bionic chip, gamers eagerly anticipating Samsung's upcoming mid-sized tablet will be more than satisfied. The tablet boasts a remarkable speed and responsiveness, providing users with a plethora of options to explore and enjoy.
During our performance testing of the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus with Niantic's latest Mobile AR Game – Monster Hunter: NOW, we were astounded by the incredible performance and quality of the game, even when played on the highest settings. The device's powerful hardware and advanced graphics capabilities truly enhanced the gaming experience, delivering smooth and seamless gameplay. The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus effortlessly handled the demanding graphics and processing requirements of the game, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the thrilling virtual world of Monster Hunter. The high-resolution display and vibrant color reproduction further added to the visual appeal, making every detail of the game come to life.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus offers an impressive starting point with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. Furthermore, users have the option to choose between 256GB or 512GB of storage, providing ample space for all their files and media. What sets this tablet apart is Samsung's decision to retain the microSD card slot, allowing users to easily expand their storage capacity. Running on the latest Android 13 operating system, coupled with Samsung's One UI 5.1 interface, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus delivers a seamless and user-friendly experience. Samsung's custom interface boasts a plethora of additional features and improvements, surpassing stock Android and setting it apart from its competitors.
Endurance: Tab S9 Plus Battery Life
Samsung has decided to equip the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus with the same battery size as its predecessor, the Tab S8 Plus. This choice has raised expectations about the device's battery life, as the 10,090mAh battery promises to keep the lights on for an extended period.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is expected to have a longer lifespan compared to its predecessor, thanks to its faster and more efficient chip. This improved chip will not only enhance the tablet's overall performance but also contribute to its longevity. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is likely to feature a 45W charging capability, allowing for quick and convenient charging. Samsung's decision to exclude a wall adapter from the Galaxy Tab S8 series has carried over to the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus, indicating that users will need to provide their own charging accessories.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus stands out as the ultimate tablet choice for individuals seeking a device that can handle any task with ease. Regardless of whether you are a student, a professional, or an artist, this tablet offers a wide array of features that cater to your specific needs. With its powerful performance, the Tab S9 Plus allows you to remain productive, creative, and entertained all at once. Its versatility and functionality make it an excellent choice for those seeking a tablet that can seamlessly transition between work and leisure activities. Whether you need to take notes, sketch, or watch movies, the Tab S9 Plus has got you covered.
The Tab S9 Plus is the ideal choice for those who desire the large screen of the Tab S9 Ultra but also prioritize portability. With its vibrant and vivid AMOLED display, this tablet is perfect for streaming TV shows and movies. Unlike the cumbersome Tab S9 Ultra, the Tab S9 Plus is more manageable and easier to handle. Additionally, it comes at a significantly lower price point. As I have personally experienced, the Tab S9 Plus provides digital artists and photo editors with ample workspace, making it a preferable option over the standard Tab S9.
