Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: Detailed Review
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is the latest addition to the company’s popular
Galaxy Tab A series of tablets, offering a compelling combination of features
and performance. As one of the most anticipated tablet releases of 2023, the
Galaxy Tab A9+ aims to cater to a wide range of users, from casual media
consumption to light productivity tasks. In this detailed review, we’ll delve
into the various aspects of the tablet, including its design, display,
performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more, to help you
determine if it’s the right tablet for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ boasts a sleek and premium design, with a sturdy
metal body that exudes a sense of quality. The tablet measures 305.00 x 204.00
x 37.00mm and weighs a respectable 510.00 grams, making it comfortable to hold
and use for extended periods. The clean, minimalist aesthetic is further
enhanced by the slim bezels surrounding the display, which contribute to the
tablet’s overall modern and elegant appearance.
| Colour Options | Availability |
|---|---|
| Grey |  |
| Silver | 
|
| Dark Blue | 
|
The build quality of the Galaxy Tab A9+ is commendable, with no noticeable
creaks or flex, ensuring a durable and long-lasting device. The tablet’s power
and volume buttons are tactile and responsive, while the USB-C port and 3.5mm
headphone jack provide versatile connectivity options.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ features an 11.00-inch touchscreen display with a
resolution of 1920×1200 pixels. The display delivers a crisp and vibrant
visual experience, thanks to its IPS panel technology and support for a wide
color gamut. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides a comfortable viewing experience
for both landscape and portrait orientations, making the tablet well-suited
for a variety of tasks, including media consumption, web browsing, and
document viewing.
| Display Size | 11.00 inches |
|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 1920×1200 pixels |
| Display Technology | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 |
The display’s brightness levels are satisfactory, allowing for comfortable use
both indoors and outdoors, although some users may find the peak brightness
slightly lower than preferred under direct sunlight. The touch responsiveness
is excellent, providing a smooth and accurate user experience when navigating
the tablet’s interface or interacting with on-screen content.
Performance and User Experience
Powering the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is the Snapdragon 695 SoC, a capable
mid-range processor that delivers a solid performance. The octa-core chipset,
paired with 8GB of RAM, ensures a smooth and responsive user experience,
handling a variety of tasks with ease, from web browsing and multimedia
playback to light productivity work.
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 SoC |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8GB |
The tablet’s performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of the OneUI
5.1.1 user interface, which is based on Android 13. OneUI 5.1.1 offers a
polished and intuitive experience, with a clean design, customizable features,
and a range of productivity-focused tools that can help users streamline their
workflows.
| Storage Options | 64GB |
|---|---|
| Expandable Storage | Yes (via microSD card) |
The 64GB of onboard storage provides ample space for apps, documents, and
media, while the microSD card slot allows for easy expansion, catering to
users with varying storage needs.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is equipped with a respectable camera setup,
consisting of an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing
camera. While the tablet’s primary purpose is not photography, the cameras can
still be used for capturing casual snapshots, video calls, and basic
photo-editing tasks.
| Rear Camera | 8-megapixel |
|---|---|
| Front Camera | 5-megapixel |
| Front Camera Flash | Yes |
The rear camera is capable of capturing decent-quality images in well-lit
environments, with accurate color reproduction and reasonable detail. However,
low-light performance is slightly compromised, with some noise and loss of
detail. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is well-suited for video
calls and selfies, thanks to its 5-megapixel sensor and front-facing flash.
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps |
|---|
The tablet’s video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30fps, which
should suffice for basic needs but may not be suitable for more advanced video
recording or editing tasks.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is equipped with a substantial 5100mAh
non-removable battery, which provides a respectable battery life for a tablet
of this size. Under typical usage conditions, including a mix of web browsing,
media consumption, and light productivity tasks, the tablet can comfortably
last for a full day on a single charge, with some users potentially extending
the usage even further.
| Battery Capacity | 5100mAh |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Non-removable |
The tablet supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up the
battery when needed. However, the included charger in the box may not be the
fastest available, so users may need to purchase a compatible fast charger
separately to take full advantage of the tablet’s charging capabilities.
Comparisons and Recommendations
When compared to other tablets in the mid-range segment, the Samsung Galaxy
Tab A9+ holds its own quite well. Its combination of a large, high-resolution
display, respectable performance, and decent camera capabilities make it a
compelling option for those seeking a well-rounded tablet experience.
The Galaxy Tab A9+ is an excellent choice for users who prioritize media
consumption, light productivity tasks, and casual web browsing. The tablet’s
large display, combined with its solid performance and battery life, make it a
great companion for streaming movies, reading ebooks, and browsing the
internet. Additionally, the tablet’s compatibility with various productivity
apps and stylus support (sold separately) make it a viable option for those
who need to take notes, sketch, or perform light document editing on the go.
However, it’s important to note that the Galaxy Tab A9+ may not be the best
choice for users who require more advanced camera capabilities, intensive
gaming, or heavy-duty productivity tasks. In such cases, users may want to
consider other tablets in the premium or high-end segments, which offer more
robust hardware and specialized features.
Comparisons to Other Tablets
When compared to other mid-range tablets on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Tab
A9+ holds its own quite well. One of its closest competitors is the Apple iPad
Air (2022), which boasts a larger 10.9-inch display and a more powerful M1
chip. However, the iPad Air is also significantly more expensive, with a
starting price of $599 compared to the Galaxy Tab A9+’s $399 price tag. The
iPad Air may be a better choice for users who prioritize performance and
productivity, but the Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a more affordable option with a
similar set of features.
Another tablet to consider is the Microsoft Surface Go 3, which offers a
detachable keyboard and a more productivity-focused Windows 11 operating
system. The Surface Go 3 starts at $399, the same as the Galaxy Tab A9+, but
it has a smaller 10.5-inch display and a less powerful Intel Pentium Gold
processor. The Surface Go 3 may be a better fit for users who need a portable
productivity device, but the Galaxy Tab A9+ provides a more well-rounded
experience for media consumption and light tasks.
Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is another alternative to consider. It
offers a larger 12.4-inch display, a more powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset,
and support for the S Pen stylus. However, the Tab S7 FE also carries a higher
price tag, starting at $529. The Galaxy Tab A9+ may be the better choice for
users who want a more affordable tablet with a balance of features and
performance.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is an excellent choice for the following users:
-
Casual Media Consumers: With its large, high-resolution
display and solid performance, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is a great companion for
streaming movies, TV shows, and playing casual games. -
Light Productivity Users: The tablet’s compatibility with
productivity apps, optional stylus support, and decent performance make it a
viable option for taking notes, light document editing, and other basic
productivity tasks. -
Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a
compelling set of features and capabilities at a relatively affordable price
point, making it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget. -
Families and Kids: The tablet’s durable build, large
display, and versatile features make it a good choice for families and as an
entertainment device for children.
Who Should Avoid the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a well-rounded tablet, it may not be the
best choice for the following users:
-
Power Users and Professionals: If you require more advanced
performance, specialized productivity features, or higher-end camera
capabilities, you may want to consider a more premium tablet, such as the
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 or the Apple iPad Pro. -
Avid Gamers: While the Galaxy Tab A9+ can handle casual
gaming, it may not provide the optimal experience for more demanding mobile
games due to its mid-range processor and graphics capabilities. -
Photographers and Content Creators: The tablet’s camera
setup, while decent, may not be sufficient for users who require
high-quality imaging and video capabilities for professional or advanced
photography and videography tasks.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a well-rounded and compelling tablet that
strikes a balance between performance, features, and affordability. Its sleek
design, vibrant display, and respectable performance make it a great choice
for users who seek a versatile tablet for media consumption, light
productivity, and casual everyday use. While it may not excel in every aspect,
the Galaxy Tab A9+ delivers an overall satisfying user experience that is sure
to appeal to a wide range of tablet enthusiasts.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a solid mid-range tablet that offers an
impressive set of features and capabilities at a reasonable price point.
Whether you’re looking for a device for entertainment, light productivity, or
a combination of both, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is worth considering as a compelling
option in the crowded tablet market.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ include an 11-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, an octa-core Snapdragon 695 SoC, 8GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage with microSD card expansion, an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a 5,100mAh non-removable battery.
What are the color options available for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is available in three color options: Grey, Silver, and Dark Blue.
How is the display quality of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ features an 11-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels. The display delivers a crisp and vibrant visual experience, with good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. However, the peak brightness may be slightly lower than preferred for use under direct sunlight.
How is the performance of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is powered by the Snapdragon 695 SoC, a capable mid-range processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. The overall performance is smooth and responsive, handling a variety of tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity work with ease. The tablet’s user experience is further enhanced by the OneUI 5.1.1 software based on Android 13.
What are the camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is equipped with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. While the camera setup is not the primary focus of the tablet, it can capture decent-quality images in well-lit conditions. The front-facing camera is suitable for video calls and selfies. The tablet’s video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps.
How is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is powered by a 5,100mAh non-removable battery, which provides a respectable battery life. Under typical usage conditions, the tablet can last for a full day on a single charge, with some users potentially extending the usage even further. The tablet also supports fast charging, though the included charger may not be the fastest available.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is an excellent choice for users who prioritize media consumption, light productivity tasks, and casual web browsing. It’s also a good option for budget-conscious buyers, families, and those who need a versatile tablet for entertainment and light work. However, it may not be the best choice for power users, professionals, avid gamers, or content creators who require more advanced performance and specialized features.