Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series is Samsung’s response to Apple’s iPad Pro lineup. The flagship model, the $974.99Tab S9 Ultra, boasts a stunning 14.6-inch screen, making it the largest of the three Tab S9 models. It comes equipped with an S Pen stylus, a powerful processor, an impressive battery life, and seamless integration with Samsung smartphones, ensuring productivity on the move. Although the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is priced higher than the base 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro ($1,099) and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 ($999), it stands out as the top choice for those seeking a large Android tablet. Despite some inherent challenges with Android on tablets, Samsung has made significant strides to optimize the user experience on this platform.

Go Big or Go…Slightly Smaller

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra impressively incorporates a 14.6-inch display into a surprisingly compact frame. Its dimensions are 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches (HWD) and it weighs 1.61 pounds. In comparison, the Lenovo Tab Extreme, priced at $949, features a slightly smaller 14.5-inch screen but has a larger body at 12.9 x 8.3 x 0.23 inches and weighs 1.63 pounds. If the Ultra seems too large, the midsize Galaxy Tab S9+ offers a 12.4-inch screen, measures 11.23 x 7.30 x 0.22 inches, and weighs 1.28 pounds. The more compact Tab S9 has an 11-inch screen, with dimensions of 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.23 inches, and weighs 1.10 pounds.

For the first time, the Galaxy tablet and its included S Pen stylus boast an IP68 rating, signifying their resistance to dust and water. This means all three Tab S9 models can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes and can be rinsed off if they get dirty. The screens are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which, while not the newest version, can endure drops from nearly four feet onto hard surfaces and resist scratches. This IP68 rating sets the Tab S9 series apart from competitors like the Lenovo Tab Extreme and iPad Pros, which lack such protection. As a result, the Tab S9 is uniquely suited for use by the pool or at the beach.

The 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display of the Tab S9 Ultra offers a resolution of 2,960 by 1,848 pixels, supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and reaches a peak brightness of 930 nits. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, this display provides an expansive viewing experience. However, due to its size and reflectiveness, using the Tab S9 Ultra in direct sunlight can be challenging. Indoors, the display’s brightness is sufficient for typical room lighting conditions. Additionally, the screen includes an in-display fingerprint sensor located near the USB-C port, which performed reliably during testing.

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Specifications : SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S9 ULTRA SPECS

• Display: 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Resolution: 2,960 x 1,848 pixels
• Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz
• Brightness: Peak 930 nits
• Aspect Ratio: 16:10
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 12GB / 16GB
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (expandable via microSD up to 1TB)
• Operating System: Android 13 with One UI 5.1
• Battery: 11,200mAh
• Camera:
  • Rear: 13MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide)
  • Front: 12MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C 3.2
• Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches
• Weight: 1.61 pounds
• Water/Dust Resistance: IP68
• Extras: S Pen included, in-display fingerprint sensor, Samsung DeX support

PROS

CONS

• Pricey
• Size makes it awkward to handle
• Android on tablets is still limiting