In the realm of premium tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 emerges as a pinnacle of technological achievement, redefining what a cutting-edge tablet can offer.
With its seamless fusion of power, elegance, and innovative features, the Galaxy Tab S9 stands as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to delivering excellence to users seeking an exceptional mobile computing experience.
Designed to transcend the boundaries of conventional tablets, the Galaxy Tab S9 captivates with its stunning display, versatile capabilities, and a myriad of features that cater to both productivity enthusiasts and entertainment aficionados.
In this exploration, Glitchmind delves into the remarkable features and functionalities that make the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 a true standout in the realm of tablets.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 overview
- NETWORK Technology: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
- LAUNCH Announced 2023, July 26
- BODY Dimensions 254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.23 inches)
- Weight 498 g (1.10 pounds)
- Build Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back
- SIM Nano-SIM
- IP RATING: IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes)
- Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro)
- DISPLAY Type Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
- Size 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density)
- Protection Corning Gorilla Glass
- PLATFORM OS Android 13, One UI 5.1
- Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
- CPU Octa-core (1×3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-
- A510)
- GPU Adreno 740
- MEMORY Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
- Internal 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, UFS
- MAIN CAMERA Single 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4″, 1.0µm, AF
- Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
- Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
- SELFIE CAMERA: Single 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide)
- Features HDR
- Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
- SOUND Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
- 3.5mm jack No
- Tuned by AKG
- COMMS WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
- Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE
- Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
- NFC No
- Radio No
- USB USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector
- FEATURES Sensors Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
- Wireless Samsung DeX
- BATTERY Type Li-Po 8400 mAh, non-removable
- Charging 45W wired
- MISC Colors Beige, Graphite
- Price About 800 EUR
Pros
Embracing OLED technology for the screen, a long-awaited enhancement.
- A compact and lightweight design that ensures comfortable handling.
- Impressive performance that delivers a seamless user experience.
- High-quality speakers that provide excellent audio output.
- Equipped with water resistance for added durability.
Cons
- The 16:10 aspect ratio might feel a bit confined for web browsing and other tasks.
- Positioned at a higher price point, which could be seen as a drawback for some potential buyers.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Reivew
1. Striking Dynamic AMOLED Display
The latest flagship from Samsung introduces a significant enhancement in its display technology compared to its previous iteration.
The tablet features a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that elevates visual experiences to a new level. This upgraded display technology produces images with vivid colors and impressive brightness, resulting in a visually captivating experience.
The tablet’s screen boasts a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, combined with HDR10 compliance, ensuring that images and content appear sharp and vibrant. The 16:10 aspect ratio adds to the tablet’s versatility, offering ample screen real estate for various tasks.
While the Tab S9 Ultra’s display resolution may be slightly lower than that of competitors like the iPad Pro, its advantage lies in the utilization of the AMOLED panel technology. This technology infuses visuals with a heightened sense of vibrancy and contrast, providing the tablet with a distinct visual edge.
Notably, even the smaller Tab S9 and S9 Plus models have also been upgraded to feature the impressive Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays. However, for those seeking the ultimate entertainment experience, the Ultra model remains the top choice.
2. IP68 Rating for Worry-Free Use
With its premium features, polished appearance, and well-rounded offering, the Tab S9 Ultra’s price tag becomes more justifiable when compared to other tablets within a similar price range. The tablet presents itself as a comprehensive and compelling choice in the market.
What sets the Tab S9 Ultra apart is its IP68 rating, a feature that is not commonly found on other premium tablets, including the iPad. This certification guarantees the tablet’s resilience against water and dust, elevating its durability and usability.
While I wouldn’t suggest pushing the limits excessively, the Tab S9 Ultra is splash-proof and can even withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for a duration of 30 minutes.
This impressive level of water resistance opens up possibilities for scenarios where other tablets might falter. From transitioning seamlessly between video conferences and work tasks to enjoying leisure time with Netflix even in a bath setting, the Tab S9 Ultra can confidently navigate these situations.
To put the IP rating to the test, I personally submerged and utilized the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, including drawing on its screen underwater. The tablet’s performance exceeded expectations, proving its resilience under these conditions.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution and adhere to the tablet’s specifications. While the S9 series tablets are designed to handle water and dust, continuous exposure to such elements should be avoided.
3. Enhanced S Pen Functionality and DeX Mode Integration
Among the remarkable features of the Tab S9 Ultra, the S Pen undoubtedly stands out as my personal favorite. While all the Galaxy Tab S9 models include the S Pen, its inclusion is only the tip of the iceberg. Samsung continues to refine and enhance this accessory, making it an invaluable tool.
This year’s S Pen maintains its lightweight design while delivering heightened precision, thanks to an impressively fast 2.8-millisecond latency.
An additional noteworthy improvement is its magnetic charging capability, which ensures convenient charging regardless of which side it’s placed on the back cover. This feature is a step up from the previous S8 Ultra model.
However, the Tab S9 Ultra offers more than just the impressive S Pen. The tablet combines an array of productivity options, making it even more commendable.
The integration of Samsung DeX takes multitasking to the next level, particularly in the Ultra model. DeX essentially transforms the tablet into a computer-like interface, operable through a mouse and keyboard setup. Furthermore, the option to connect an external monitor enhances the experience.
This functionality enables you to view your tablet apps as separate windows on a computer screen, arranging and resizing them according to your preferences.
The productivity gains with this feature are particularly pronounced on the spacious screen of the S9 Ultra, contributing to a sense of substantial value for your investment.
Moreover, for Windows users who seek to capitalize on the Tab S9 Ultra’s expansive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, the tablet can be utilized as a Second Screen for Windows. This function proves advantageous when you’re on the go with your laptop and S9 Ultra, necessitating additional screen space.
In essence, the combination of an improved S Pen and the versatile DeX mode transforms the Tab S9 Ultra into a highly functional and productivity-driven device, offering a well-rounded experience for users seeking efficiency and convenience.
M2 iPad Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
1. Pricing, Availability, and Specifications
Both the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro are currently available for purchase. With their widespread retail presence, both Apple and Samsung ensure easy accessibility through various consumer tech stores in your city, as well as online platforms like Amazon and Best Buy.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is priced as follows:
- $1,199 for the 12GB RAM/256GB variant
- $1,319 for the 12GB RAM/512GB model
- $1,469 for the highest-end 16GB/1TB model
- The tablet comes bundled with the S Pen.
The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro offers 10 configurations, combining different storage capacities and cellular connectivity options. The WiFi-only models are priced as follows:
- Starting at $1,099 for 8GB RAM/128GB storage
- Going up to $2,199 for 16GB RAM/2TB storage
If cellular capability is desired, an additional $200 is added to each model, making the highest-end iPad Pro cost $2,399.
For a direct pricing comparison, the WiFi-only 256GB storage iPad Pro is priced at $1,199, matching the cost of the 256GB storage variant of the Tab S9 Ultra. It’s important to note that the Apple Pencil is sold separately for the iPad Pro, making the Tab S9 Ultra a more value-oriented choice.
2. Hardware and design
Both the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro exhibit the contemporary design language expected from flagship tablets. Their unibody constructions sport metallic finishes, flat sides, and generously large screens with minimal bezels.
The tablets are equipped with quad-speaker setups and USB-C ports placed symmetrically at the bottom.
However, it’s worth noting that both devices feel somewhat incomplete without keyboard cases due to their substantial sizes, especially the Tab S9 Ultra.
In terms of dimensions, the Tab S9 Ultra is slightly thinner but a bit heavier than the iPad Pro. Both tablets offer quad-speaker setups, USB-C ports at the base, and comparable designs, but the Tab S9 Ultra leans towards the larger side.
The Tab S9 Ultra’s 14.6-inch 16:10 OLED screen boasts greater width compared to the iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch 3:2 MiniLED screen.
The thinner bezels of Samsung’s tablet contribute to a wider display area, but the practical benefits are most notable when consuming widescreen content or multitasking with multiple apps open. For most applications viewed in full screen, the additional inch of horizontal space doesn’t dramatically alter the experience.
The OLED display on the Tab S9 Ultra is technically superior, offering pure blacks, but the difference might not be discernible for everyday tasks, especially considering most apps and websites don’t employ true black backgrounds.
While the iPad Pro’s screen can appear slightly warm due to Apple’s TrueTone technology, the Tab S9 Ultra’s screen tends to lean cooler.
Both screens offer vibrant colors and sharp resolution, with the iPad Pro boasting a slightly higher pixel density. Animation smoothness is comparable, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rates on both devices, though some users find the iPadOS animations slightly smoother.
Biometric authentication diverges between the two, with the Tab S9 Ultra featuring an in-display fingerprint scanner positioned on the right side of the screen when in landscape orientation. The iPad Pro relies on Face ID using Apple’s TrueDepth camera system located in the left bezel when in landscape mode.
Under the hood, the iPad Pro houses the M2 chip, while the Tab S9 Ultra boasts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. While both chips are incredibly powerful, the M2 exhibits superior multicore benchmark performance.
For typical tasks like reading, watching videos, light gaming, and occasional emailing, the difference in processing power is negligible. However, for tasks involving video editing or 3D graphics, the M2 takes the lead.
In terms of battery life, the Tab S9 Ultra gains an advantage due to its larger 11,600 mAh battery compared to the iPad Pro’s 10,758 mAh. Real-world usage also tends to favor the Tab S9 Ultra in terms of battery drain. Further details can be found in the performance section.
Accessories Enhancing Productivity
When it comes to Pro/Ultra level tablets like the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and iPad Pro M2, they transcend mere handheld devices, offering the potential for full-fledged creativity and productivity.
Their substantial size and impressive capabilities render them ideal for more than casual content consumption, thus making accessories crucial for unlocking their true potential. Below, I’ll delve into the accessories that enhance the usability of these tablets.
Samsung has taken a customer-friendly approach by including the S Pen stylus with the Tab S9 Ultra package. In contrast, the Apple Pencil is available as a separate purchase for the iPad Pro.
Despite its bundled status, the S Pen offers additional functionality, doubling as a remote control for various tablet operations, including camera shutter control and PowerPoint presentations.
While the Apple Pencil primarily serves as a precise tapping tool for the screen, it does offer beneficial features when used for drawing and creative tasks.
Regarding keyboard accessories, I can provide insights into the official first-party keyboard for the iPad Pro, but unfortunately, Samsung’s official keyboard for the S9 Ultra was not provided for review.
Nonetheless, having used Samsung’s Tab S8 Ultra keyboard in the past, I can offer a comparative perspective. Both companies offer official keyboard cases, albeit at a premium price point exceeding $300 each.
However, the market is rife with more economical third-party alternatives. The subsequent sections of this article will delve into how these accessories significantly contribute to the tablets’ overall performance.
In essence, these accessories augment the tablets’ versatility, enabling them to function as comprehensive creative and productivity tools rather than being confined to large-scale content consumption.
The selection of accessories not only enhances usability but also plays a pivotal role in determining how well these tablets perform in various professional scenarios.
Software and Features Comparison
The software platforms for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the iPad Pro, OneUI 5.1 based on Android 13 and iPadOS 16.6 respectively, ignite the classic Android vs iOS debate, influencing preferences across various categories.
While personal preferences will play a significant role, it’s worth noting some key differentiators between the two systems.
In terms of the app ecosystem, the advantage that Apple enjoys in the smartphone realm is even more pronounced in the tablet space.
Android tablet users often face the challenge of apps not being optimized for widescreen displays, with even commonly used applications like the former Twitter app suffering from this limitation.
On the other hand, iPadOS offers a broader and more refined selection of widgets compared to Samsung’s offerings. While Apple was a latecomer to widgets, their integration into the homescreen grid is more natural and interactive.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra excels in multitasking capabilities, thanks to Samsung’s expertise in running apps in resizable floating windows. OneUI 5.1 further enhances this experience by introducing gestures that make transitioning between apps feel seamless.
By dragging down the upper right corner of a full-screen app, users can shrink it into a window, allowing for efficient multitasking. In contrast, while iPadOS also supports windowed apps through a feature called Stage Manager, its implementation is more complex and requires a learning curve.
Moreover, the iPad Pro’s multitasking capabilities are limited compared to the Tab S9 Ultra’s.
Both tablets offer support for external monitors. However, Samsung’s approach involves turning the external monitor into DeX, a Windows-like sandbox UI.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro extends its homescreen onto the second screen in a manner similar to MacBooks and Windows laptops.
The cohesiveness of Apple’s approach resonates with users, as the two screens share the same UI, while Samsung’s DeX creates a separate interface from the Tab S9 Ultra’s display.
In conclusion, the choice between the two tablets’ software and features largely hinges on individual preferences.
While each system has its strengths, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra excels in multitasking, whereas the iPad Pro boasts a more refined app ecosystem and a cohesively integrated dual-screen experience.
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