Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series has consistently led the Android tablet market, often standing as the only serious alternative to Apple’s iPad lineup. With the launch of the Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung pushes its ambitions further by refining what already worked in previous generations while introducing key upgrades that elevate the tablet experience. It brings features previously reserved for the S9+ and Ultra models like the Dynamic AMOLED display to the base model, alongside the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip and IP68 water and dust resistance, making it one of the most durable and well-rounded tablets on the market.
However, at a starting price of $799, the Tab S9 clearly targets professionals, creatives, and serious tablet users not casual buyers. Visually, it doesn’t stray far from the Tab S8’s minimalist design, which begs the question: Is it worth upgrading if you already own a recent Galaxy Tab, or even jumping into Samsung’s tablet ecosystem for the first time?
In this hands on review, we break down every aspect of the Galaxy Tab S9 design, display, performance, S Pen functionality, software experience, battery life, and how it integrates into the broader Samsung ecosystem. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this high-end Android tablet is the right investment for you in 2025, and if it truly stands out in a crowded market of productivity focused devices.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Worth the Upgrade
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 may look strikingly similar to its predecessor, the Tab S8 but that familiarity works in its favor. Samsung has kept the same sleek, modern design that fans appreciate: flat edges, a minimalist aluminum chassis, and a remarkably thin 5.9mm profile that feels premium in the hand. The Armor Aluminum construction enhances durability while maintaining a lightweight footprint, making the tablet both stylish and travel-friendly.
What sets the Tab S9 apart in 2025 is its IP68 water and dust resistance a groundbreaking addition for Samsung tablets. This level of protection is rare in tablets, and it significantly expands where and how the device can be used. Whether you’re working outdoors, following recipes in the kitchen, or using it poolside, the Tab S9 is now built to survive spills, splashes, and dusty environments with ease.
Weighing around 498 grams (Wi-Fi version), the device strikes a comfortable balance between screen size and portability. It feels solid, well-built, and easy to carry in one hand or slip into a bag. The S Pen, included in the box, attaches magnetically to the back charging strip with a satisfying snap and remains secure during transit. Available in Graphite and Beige, the Tab S9 keeps a cohesive look with Samsung’s broader Galaxy lineup.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S9’s refined design, rugged durability, and thoughtful build make it one of the most polished and practical tablets in its class.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 display
Samsung continues to dominate the Android tablet display space, and the Galaxy Tab S9 is a perfect example of why. Unlike the previous base model, which used an LCD panel, the Tab S9 upgrades to an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, placing it on par with the more premium Tab S9+ and S9 Ultra. This change alone dramatically enhances the visual experience and is one of the tablet’s most compelling upgrades.
With a crisp 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the screen is not only sharp but incredibly fluid. Whether you’re scrolling through documents, sketching with the S Pen, or watching fast-paced video content, the smoothness and responsiveness are instantly noticeable. The support for HDR10+ brings colors to life, offering deeper contrast, richer hues, and pitch-perfect blacks that LCDs simply can’t replicate.
At up to 600 nits of peak brightness, the Tab S9’s display remains clear and readable in bright indoor lighting and even in some outdoor conditions. Combined with the superior contrast of AMOLED technology, it’s perfect for media consumption, photo editing, and even productivity tasks that demand visual clarity.
Overall, the upgrade to an AMOLED panel elevates the entire user experience. It’s not just about better visuals it’s about making everything from reading to gaming to video conferencing more immersive and enjoyable. If screen quality matters to you, the Tab S9’s display alone may justify the upgrade.
The Performance of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a slightly overclocked and Samsung-optimized version of Qualcomm’s flagship chip. This custom SoC is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, depending on the configuration, and comes with 128GB or 256GB of UFS storage. The tablet also supports microSD expansion up to 1TB, offering flexibility for users who want extra space for files, apps, or creative projects.
The performance leap over its predecessor is instantly noticeable. In everyday use, the Tab S9 handles everything with ease from multitasking with multiple apps in split-screen mode to running Samsung DeX for a desktop-like interface. Whether you’re toggling between Slack, Chrome, and YouTube, or using Microsoft Office while referencing notes and a calendar app, the tablet never stutters.
Gaming performance is equally impressive. High-end titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty- Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run smoothly at high settings with minimal frame drops. The Adreno 740 GPU, paired with the powerful CPU cores, ensures sustained performance even during long sessions.
Thanks to Samsung’s improved vapor chamber cooling system, the tablet stays cool and maintains consistent speeds under load. Unlike many Android devices that throttle aggressively to control heat, the Tab S9 remains responsive without overheating, even in Samsung DeX mode or extended gaming sessions.
If you’re upgrading from the Tab S7 or Tab S8, you’ll appreciate the snappier app launches, faster multitasking, and smoother animations. Graphic-intensive apps open quicker, and background tasks are handled more efficiently. Simply put, the Tab S9 delivers flagship-level performance that makes it not just a tablet, but a genuine productivity and entertainment powerhouse.
S Pen and Productivity Tools
Samsung’s S Pen remains one of the defining features of the Galaxy Tab series. With the Tab S9, you get a low-latency, magnetic S Pen included in the box not sold separately like Apple’s Pencil.
With 2.8ms latency, writing or drawing feels almost like using a real pen on paper. It’s responsive, precise, and works perfectly with apps like Samsung Notes, Clip Studio Paint, and PenUp. Whether you’re a note-taker, digital artist, or annotator, this tool delivers.
The S Pen also supports Air Actions (gesture-based controls) and quick tools like:
- Screen-off memos
- Smart Select
- Live Messages
- Screenshot markup
Combined with Samsung DeX, the Tab S9 becomes a legitimate productivity machine. You can connect it to an external monitor or use DeX directly on the tablet for a desktop-like interface, complete with windowed apps, drag-and-drop functionality, and multi window control.
Software Experience
The Tab S9 runs One UI 5.1.1 based on Android 13, with updates planned through Android 17 as part of Samsung’s extended support policy (4 years of OS updates, 5 years of security patches). That makes this device a future proof investment.
Samsung’s software enhancements for tablets continue to mature:
- Taskbar: persistent multitasking bar for faster app switching
- Pop-up View: float multiple resizable app windows
- Split View: run up to three apps side by side
- Multi-User Mode: great for families or shared work environments
Bloatware is minimal, and most pre-installed apps are useful (Samsung Notes, SmartThings, Samsung Flow). The tablet also syncs beautifully with Galaxy phones, Galaxy Buds, and Smart TVs, allowing cross device workflows and shared clipboards.
Audio and Media Experience
Samsung has equipped the Tab S9 with quad stereo speakers tuned by AKG and enhanced by Dolby Atmos. These speakers are loud, crisp, and immersive especially for a tablet this thin.
Audio separation is excellent, with distinct highs and deep mids. Whether you’re watching YouTube, streaming Spotify, or attending a Zoom meeting, the audio quality never disappoints.
There’s no headphone jack, which might be a downside for some, but Bluetooth 5.3 offers stable, high-quality wireless audio, and the support for advanced codecs (AAC, SBC, aptX) is welcome.
Camera Quality
Tablet cameras are rarely a priority, but the Tab S9 delivers solid optics for its category.
- Rear camera: 13MP autofocus with decent detail and dynamic range
- Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide (120° field of view) excellent for video calls and selfies
The front camera is smartly placed in landscape mode, making it ideal for video conferencing. Auto Framing technology keeps you centered during calls perfect for remote workers, students, and creators.
For document scanning, note capture, and occasional photos, the Tab S9’s camera setup does the job well. Just don’t expect flagship smartphone level results.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Tab S9 packs an 8,400mAh battery, which translates to around:
- 12–13 hours of mixed-use (browsing, notes, video)
- 8–9 hours of intense multitasking or DeX usage
- 14+ hours of video playback with moderate brightness
Standby drain is minimal, thanks to improved software efficiency and the power-savvy Snapdragon chip. If you’re using it for media or productivity, it’ll easily last a full workday or two.
Charging supports 45W wired fast charging, but (as usual) Samsung does not include the charger in the box. With a compatible adapter, you can expect a full charge in around 80–90 minutes.
Join our best reader giveaway and win a free Samsung Tablet – Apply Now
Price, Variants, and Ecosystem Integration
As of 2025, the Galaxy Tab S9 is priced at:
- $799 (Wi-Fi, 8GB/128GB)
- $899 (5G or higher storage variants)
It’s more affordable than the Tab S9+ or S9 Ultra, yet it delivers nearly the same core experience minus the larger display and battery. For many users, this smaller form factor hits the sweet spot.
In terms of competitors:
- iPad Pro 11-inch: Strong ecosystem, but higher cost when adding accessories
- Lenovo Tab Extreme / Pixel Tablet: Affordable but lacks AMOLED and S Pen finesse Samsung’s ecosystem integration really shines here.
- Samsung Flow (clipboard and file sharing with Galaxy phones)
- Auto Switch (for Galaxy Buds)
- SmartThings and Samsung Notes syncing create a cohesive, Apple-like experience across devices.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| 1. Gorgeous 11″ AMOLED display with 120Hz and HDR10+ 2. Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip with excellent thermal control 3. IP68 water and dust resistance 4. Included S Pen with low latency | 1. No charger included in the box 2. No headphone jack 3. Price may be steep for casual users |
Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re coming from the Tab S7 or any older Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 is a massive leap forward especially with its AMOLED display, flagship processor, and improved durability. The inclusion of IP68 water resistance and an in-box S Pen only sweeten the deal.
For Tab S8 owners, the upgrade is more nuanced. If you have the LCD version of the S8 and crave an AMOLED screen, or you work in environments where water resistance matters, the upgrade is justified. However, if you already own an S8+ or Ultra, the leap may feel less impactful.
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is one of the best Android tablets of 2025, delivering premium performance, productivity, and entertainment in a highly portable form. It’s not just a tablet it’s a capable work device, digital canvas, and media machine all in one.
If you want a future-proof Android tablet that excels across the board, the Galaxy Tab S9 is absolutely worth the upgrade.
