Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ review: Noticeably better than its predecessor

The Galaxy Tab A series consists of Samsung's inexpensive tablets. The current models are called Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+. Together, they release the Galaxy Tab A8 of its duties. While the predecessor model relied on a 10.5-inch display, Samsung offers the successor in two separate sizes. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+ in comparison

At 8.7 inches, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is the smaller of the two new tablets. It has a resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels, uses the Mediatek Helio G99 as an SoC and its starting price for the configuration with 64 GB of storage is around US$200. At 11 inches, the 1920 x 1200-pixel Galaxy Tab A9+ is a lot bigger, even surpassing its predecessor's 10.5-inch screen diagonal.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ will set you back at least US$220 and even then, you just get the WiFi version with 64 GB of storage. However, its upgrade in size compared to the Galaxy Tab A9 isn't the only reason to reach for the more expensive model. The Galaxy Tab A9+'s features also have a lot more to offer.

For the first time within Samsung's Galaxy Tab A series, the Galaxy Tab A9+ runs with a refresh rate of 90 Hz, which makes for a nice and smooth depiction. The Galaxy Tab A9, on the other hand, only runs at 60 Hz.

Additional features that are only available on the larger model include its optional 5G (Galaxy Tab A9: LTE) and Samsung DeX—a desktop mode similar to a PC which, in previous times, was reserved for Galaxy Tab S tablets. Although the Galaxy Tab A9+ can't power external monitors with DeX, you can still operate the tablet well using a mouse and keyboard. The larger configuration of the Galaxy Tab A9+ with 128 GB of storage and a 5G module officially costs US$269.99.

Good everyday performance

In our test, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ also impressed with its good performance. The manufacturer's switch from the slower Unisoc T618 to the Snapdragon 695 5G may not be a quantum leap, but it does give the 11-inch tablet an everyday performance boost. 

In combination with the Adreno 619 GPU and 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM, the tablet even manages to run graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact. The same can't be said for the Galaxy Tab A9, as the sister model can't boast the same performance levels as the Galaxy Tab A9+. 

You can read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ here.