Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review: The best big Android tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a stunning 14.6-inch display, powerful performance, and seamless multitasking for all your needs.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the best choice if you’re looking for a large tablet. Samsung has been improving its tablets and software longer than anyone else, even Apple. While it’s almost perfect, there are some limitations, especially with Android and accessories could be better. But if you can afford it, you’ll be happy with how well tablet works.
If you want a big Android tablet for productivity, Tab S9 Ultra is a good option. It’s not quite a replacement for a laptop but it can replace a Chromebook or even a Windows or Mac machine in many cases. However, at the same price, you could get a 15-inch MacBook Air, which has a more powerful desktop-class processor.
The Tab S9 Ultra might not have the same hardware power as its Android competitor, the Lenovo Tab Extreme, but Samsung’s software is easier to use. Compared to iPad Pro 12.9, Tab S9 Ultra offers more value for your money with extra screen space and better features.
Tab S9 Ultra comes with the S Pen and Samsung’s DeX environment which makes Android feel more like a Chromebook when connected to a monitor or keyboard. While the optional keyboard accessory isn’t perfect, any keyboard or mouse will work with the tablet. Samsung’s multi-window feature also makes it easier to manage multiple apps, more so than on most other devices, making the Tab S9 Ultra a great choice for getting work done.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓 Release Date | August 11, 2023 |
| ⚖️ Weight | 732g |
| 📏 Dimensions | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm |
| 🖥️ OS | Android 13, One UI 6 |
| 💾 Storage Options | 128GB/512GB/1TB, microSDXC |
| 📱 Display | 14.6-inch, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| 📐 Resolution | 1848 x 2960 pixels |
| 🔋 Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| 🧠 RAM | 12GB/16GB |
| 📸 Main Camera | 13MP + 8MP (wide + ultrawide) |
| 🤳 Selfie Camera | 12MP + 12MP (wide + ultrawide) |
| 🔊 Audio | Stereo speakers, AKG tuned |
| 🌐 Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
| 🔋 Battery | 11,200 mAh, 45W charging |
| 🎨 Colors | Beige, Graphite |
| 💰 Price | Around 1200 EUR |
| 🏆 AnTuTu Score | 1,199,328 (v9) |
| 🚀 GeekBench Score | 4,835 (v5.5) |
| 🎮 GFXBench | 58fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| ⏳ Battery Life | 11 hours of active use |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Price and Availability
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at $1,199.99 / £1,199 / AU$1,999 for the 256GB storage model. You can get it with up to 1TB storage and 16GB RAM but it doesn’t have a 5G option, only Tab S9 Plus does.
It’s pricey but a good deal for what you get. Cheaper options include the OnePlus Pad or Google Pixel Tablet. You could also get a MacBook Air but it doesn’t have a touchscreen.
Tab S9 Ultra has a big, sharp display and comes with the S Pen for drawing. Optional keyboard with trackpad costs $349.99 / £339 / AU$411.75, but there are better keyboard options than Samsung’s.
For its size, Tab S9 Ultra is fairly priced. Lenovo Tab Extreme is cheaper but not always available and iPad Pro 12.9 is more expensive for a smaller screen and doesn’t include a pen, though it does have 5G.
Tablets like this rarely go on sale but you can trade in an old device for a discount.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Display
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a fantastic display that’s sharp, bright and perfect for multitasking. Its large size makes it great for anyone who loves big screens. If you’ve enjoyed using large laptops or big smartphones, you’ll appreciate how immersive Tab S9 Ultra’s 14.6-inch screen feels.
While it doesn’t have the same pixel density as iPad Pro 12.9, it offers significantly more screen space at a lower price. Compared to its closest Android rival, Lenovo Tab Extreme, Tab S9 Ultra’s display often looks better. Photos appear more natural, and movies have a warmer, more cinematic feel especially in Vivid mode.
Tab S9 Ultra doesn’t support Dolby Vision, which Netflix uses for HDR. Instead, it uses Samsung’s HDR10+, so Netflix shows might not look as vibrant as they do on devices like the Lenovo Tab Extreme, especially with darker scenes.
Still, unless you compare screens side by side, you won’t notice much difference. The Tab S9 Ultra’s display is excellent and offers a great viewing experience for most content..
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Design
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra focuses on showcasing its massive 14.6-inch display, with rest of the design keeping things sleek and minimal. Samsung has reduced the bezels, thickness, and weight to make it as slim and portable as possible. In fact, it’s thinner than the iPad Pro 12.9 and lighter than the Lenovo Tab Extreme, despite packing a large 11,200mAh battery.
Tablet uses the S Pen, which magnetically attaches to the back for charging. While this is convenient, it also makes the pen easy to lose. Unlike Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones, tablet doesn’t have a slot to store pen, which could be frustrating for some users. If you’re worried about losing it, optional Samsung cover includes a compartment to hold S Pen securely.
Samsung also offers an Ultra deluxe keyboard cover with a trackpad, but it’s not as premium as the tablet itself. Keyboard connects via magnetic pins, and the stand is part of a separate back cover. While it adds functionality, the setup feels a bit flimsy for a device of this caliber.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Software
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra delivers incredible software power, making multitasking and productivity simple and intuitive. Unlike many tablets that feel complicated to use, Tab S9 Ultra’s multitasking works smoothly, much like on a Windows computer.
You can snap windows to the side of the screen, resize them by dragging from the corners or arrange multiple apps with ease. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, outperforming even macOS in managing multi-window tasks.
Samsung takes things further with DeX, its desktop-like experience. When you connect Tab S9 Ultra to a second display, DeX activates, turning tablet into a full desktop environment. You can open multiple apps, manage windows and use a taskbar just like on a traditional computer. Pair it with a keyboard and mouse for an even more powerful setup.
Tab S9 Ultra works perfectly with other Samsung devices. You can even move your mouse from the tablet to a connected Galaxy phone for a smooth multi-screen setup.
Whether you’re multitasking or using a second screen, Tab S9 Ultra handles it all easily, making it one of the most powerful tablets available.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Performance
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the most powerful Android tablet we’ve tested, thanks to its fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It handles demanding tasks effortlessly, making it perfect for creative work, multitasking and more. However, its performance still doesn’t match Apple’s M1 and M2-powered iPads, which support desktop-grade apps like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro.
While editing large image files in Lightroom, Tab S9 Ultra was responsive, using AI tools and applying adjustments smoothly. It’s not as fast as Apple’s iPad Pro or a Mac mini, but it’s quicker than any other Android device for similar tasks.
The key difference lies in the apps available. If you rely on Android apps, Tab S9 Ultra will perform brilliantly especially for drawing, writing, and journaling. But for heavy-duty video or music editing, Apple’s iPads are better equipped with professional-grade tools.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Battery
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a massive battery that easily lasts all day. Despite its size, Samsung kept the tablet thin and lightweight, balancing portability with excellent battery life.
You can enjoy binge-watching for up to 12 hours straight or use it for a full workday of browsing, typing, sketching and even gaming, with enough power left for your commute home. Battery is so large that it can even charge other devices like your Galaxy S23 Ultra when plugged in.
Charging is decent at 45 watts but it could be faster given the size of the battery. It takes about 90 minutes to fully recharge, so using the best compatible charger is important.
Wireless charging isn’t available, but that’s not a big deal for a tablet this large. Aligning it on a charging pad would be tricky and wireless charging would be slow compared to its wired speed.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 🖥️ Better multitasking than iPad and Pixel Tablet | 💰 Same price as a MacBook Air (M2) |
| 🌟 Great display and fast performance | ⚡ Charging could be faster |
| 💸 Good value compared to iPad Pro | ⌨️ Flimsy keyboard and no easy S Pen storage |
| 🔗 Works well with other Samsung devices | 🎬 No Dolby Vision support for Netflix |
| 🔋Long-lasting battery | 📱Can be heavy for handheld use |
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra lives up to its high price by offering more than expected. It’s the best large Android tablet and rivals iPad Pro, though it’s less suited for advanced music and video editing. Multitasking is seamless, and Samsung’s productivity features surpass those of competitors like Google and Lenovo. If you enjoy big screens and want a laptop-like experience in a tablet, Tab S9 Ultra will impress both casual users and loyal fans.
