Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus: A Budget-Friendly Upgrade
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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus
The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is Samsung's latest budget tablet, replacing the 2022 Tab A8. It boasts a faster Snapdragon 695 processor, a slightly larger 90Hz display, and a lower starting price. Plus, it comes with the latest Android 13 pre-installed.
The base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage starts at $219, while a version with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage costs $269. There's even a 5G-enabled model available for $269 if you need mobile data connectivity.
The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus went on sale in January 2024, following its October 2023 announcement. You can buy it from Samsung directly or through retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo. The 5G model is available through major US carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular.
I spent 10 days testing the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus, and here's my verdict: it's a great option if you're looking for an affordable tablet with a big screen and a headphone jack. It's both faster and cheaper than the previous Tab A8, and Samsung's promise of future software updates means it should stay capable for basic tasks like streaming and light gaming, even if it's not powerful enough to fully replace a laptop.
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus?
Samsung's previous budget tablet, the Galaxy Tab A8, was a hit with us for its affordability and entertainment features. It had a big screen, four speakers, and even a headphone jack – everything we needed to enjoy our favorite shows. So it's no surprise that Samsung took their time releasing the next version, the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus. And honestly, if you didn't see them side-by-side, you wouldn't even know they were different!
The main changes are a slightly bigger screen (11 inches instead of 10.5) and a smoother refresh rate (90Hz instead of 60Hz, making scrolling and animation feel much nicer). Everything else is pretty much the same, including the wide 16:10 aspect ratio and the 1920 x 1200 resolution. You might see a tiny difference in sharpness if you look really closely, but for most people, it won't be noticeable.
It's not every day that you get more tablet for less money.
The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus looks familiar, with a metal back and a plastic strip around the edges. It doesn't have a fancy fingerprint reader or a special pen, but it does have a headphone jack (watch out, it's easy to snag!).
This tablet packs a punch for its price. It has a faster processor than its predecessor, which means smoother performance, especially for games. It also has more RAM and storage, so you can keep more apps open and store more photos and videos.
The 11-inch screen is great for watching shows and movies, but not ideal for most games because of its wide shape. However, it's perfect for browsing recipes in the kitchen (just be careful not to spill anything, as it's not water-resistant).
The battery life is decent, lasting around 3-4 days with light use. However, charging is slow (it takes 4 hours to go from empty to full) and there's no charger included in the box.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is a good option for casual users who are looking for a budget-friendly tablet for streaming, browsing, and light gaming.
Additional software updates make the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus an even better value year over year.
Samsung has upped the game for software support on their budget tablet line. The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is now promised two things: three years of Android version updates and an extra year of security patches. This means the tablet should receive updates until Android 16 and 2027, though it won't be at the front of the line for any new releases.
Currently, the Tab A9 Plus runs Android 13. Based on past experiences with similar devices, we expect it to receive the Android 14 update and One UI 6 sometime in the first quarter of 2024. Even without the fancy Galaxy AI features found on the S24 series, the Tab A9 Plus offers a user-friendly experience with a handy taskbar and straightforward multitasking controls. It's a solid choice for everyday tasks and covers all the essentials.
Let's talk about the cameras, which are... well, they're there. They're the same ones as the Galaxy Tab A8, which means they're not very good. The front-facing camera is only 5 megapixels and the back one is 8 megapixels. They both take blurry pictures, especially indoors, and they look more like screenshots from a video than actual photos. The front-facing camera is okay for video calls, especially if you use wired headphones, but you won't want to take any pictures with this tablet that you plan on sharing, especially if you have a decent smartphone.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is a great buy if you're looking for a tablet that won't break the bank. It's an improvement over the previous model with a better screen, faster processor, and newer software, all at a lower price. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some more expensive tablets, the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is a great choice for everyday tasks and you won't have to worry about babying it.
What are the best Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus alternatives?
The world of budget tablets is bursting with options, and while the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus might be a strong contender, it may not be your perfect match. If you're looking for other solid options within a similar price range, here are a few suggestions:
1. Amazon Fire Max 11: This top-of-the-line Fire tablet from Amazon is practically the Tab A9 Plus' twin, but without the Samsung brand. It boasts a comparable 11-inch display, the same amount of storage, and a sleek aluminum design, all for a similar price. However, you'll need to get used to Fire OS, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially if you prefer Google Assistant over Alexa.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: If you're looking to level up the Tab A9 Plus experience, consider the Galaxy Tab S9 FE. It features a sharper display, a more powerful processor, compatibility with the S Pen stylus, and even protection against water and dust. However, be prepared to pay almost double the price for these upgrades.
3. Apple iPad (9th Generation): While Apple's already released the 10th generation of their basic iPad, the 9th generation remains a solid choice for many. Sure, it doesn't have the sleek, modern design with thin bezels found on newer models, but it's significantly cheaper and retains familiar features like the home button with Touch ID. Plus, Apple's software support is unmatched, meaning you can expect years of updates for your iPad.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider what features are most important to you and compare these options to find the perfect fit within your budget.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus specs
| Feature | Specification | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Processor | RAM | Storage | Audio | Cameras | Authentication | Software | Dimensions / Weight | Colors | |
| 11-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, LCD | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | 4GB or 8GB | 64GB or 128GB | Four stereo speakers, headphone jack, Dolby Atmos | Rear: 8MP, Front: 5MP | Li-ion 7,040mAh battery | No fingerprint sensor | Android 13 | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9mm, 480g (Wi-Fi), 491g (5G) | Silver, Navy, Graphite |
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