Galaxy Tab S9 vs Tab S9+ vs Tab S9 Ultra: What’s The Difference?

At the Unpacked event, Samsung finally unveiled a fresh range of high-end Galaxy Tab S9 tablets alongside new smartphones and watches. The lineup includes the Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Although these tablets come with a hefty price tag, they are clearly positioned to compete with Apple’s premium iPads. In this Galaxy Tab S9 vs Tab S9+ vs Tab S9 Ultra comparison, we will take a deep dive into their specs and features to give you clarity over their differences and which one you should consider buying. 

Galaxy Tab S9 vs Tab S9+ vs Tab S9 Ultra: Overview

Specification	Galaxy Tab S9	Galaxy Tab S9+	Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Display	11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz display, HDR10+	12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz display, HDR10+	14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz display, HDR10+
Storage	8GB+128GB or 12GB+256GB	12GB+256GB or 512GB	12GB+256GB/512GB or 16GB/1TB
Camera	Single Front – 12MP Ultra-Wide / Single Front – 12MP Ultra-Wide	Dual Rear – 13MP AF + 8MP Ultra-Wide / Single Front – 12MP Ultra-Wide	Dual Rear – 13MP AF + 8MP Ultra-Wide / Dual Front – 12MP + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Connectivity	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v5.3	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v5.3	5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth v5.3
Sound	Quad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos	Quad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos	Quad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos
IP Rating	IP68 Water-Resistance	IP68 Water-Resistance	IP68 Water-Resistance
Operating system	Android 13 with One UI 5.1.1	Android 13 with One UI 5.1.1	Android 13 with One UI 5.1.1
Dimensions	165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9mm	185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7mm	208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5mm
Weight	498g (Wi-Fi) / 500g (5G)	581g (Wi-Fi) / 586g (5G)	732g (Wi-Fi) / 737g (5G)
Battery	8400mAh	10090mAh	11200mAh
Color	Beige, Graphite	Beige, Graphite	Beige, Graphite
Pricing and Availability	Starts at $799	Varies based on model and region	Varies based on model and region

Galaxy Tab S9 vs Tab S9+ vs Tab S9 Ultra: What’s The Difference?

Each of these Samsung tablets boasts impressive specifications and a sophisticated, sturdy design. Let’s start comparing the specs and features of the Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+, and Tab S9 Ultra.

Display and Design

The first notable difference among the Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra lies in their display sizes. The Galaxy Tab S9 features an impressive 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The HDR10+ support ensures breathtaking colors and contrast, providing a visually immersive experience. The 16:10 aspect ratio strikes a perfect balance between productivity and entertainment, making it great for both work and play.

Moving on to the Galaxy Tab S9+, it takes things up a notch with a larger 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Like its sibling, it also flaunts a 120Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, and HDR10+ support. The extra screen real estate is a boon for multitasking, gaming, and watching movies.

Now, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra goes even further with a massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This gigantic screen is a dream come true for creative professionals, artists, and anyone who craves an expansive canvas. The 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ capabilities ensure smooth visuals and vivid details, providing an unparalleled viewing experience.

One of the key highlights of the Galaxy Tab S9 series is its IP68 rating. This means that all three tablets are water and dust-resistant, offering peace of mind when using them in various environments or weather conditions. Additionally, the S Pen that comes with each model also boasts an IP68 rating, making it water-resistant and durable.

Considering the differences in display sizes, it’s no surprise that the dimensions and weight vary between the models. The Galaxy Tab S9 is the most compact and lightweight, measuring 165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9mm and weighing around 498g (Wi-Fi) / 500g (5G). The Galaxy Tab S9+ is slightly larger at 185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7mm and weighs around 581g (Wi-Fi) / 586g (5G). Finally, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the largest and heaviest, measuring 208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5mm and weighing around 732g (Wi-Fi) / 737g (5G).

Also Read: Galaxy Tab S9 vs Google Pixel Tablet

Hardware and Storage 

Under the hood, all three tablets are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. This powerful processor handles multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks with ease, making sure your tablet experience is lag-free and enjoyable.

When it comes to storage, the Galaxy Tab S9 comes in two variants: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage or 12GB RAM with 256GB storage. The Galaxy Tab S9+ offers 12GB of RAM with either 256GB or 512GB of storage. If you need even more storage, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has two options: 12GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage, or a whopping 16GB of RAM with a massive 1TB storage option.

But if you ever need more storage space, don’t fret, because Samsung has got you covered with a microSD expansion slot that supports up to 1TB on all three tablets. You can easily pop in a microSD card and expand your storage to carry all your digital treasures with you.

In terms of connectivity, Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Tab S9 series with all the latest options. They all support 5G for lightning-fast internet speeds and LTE for reliable mobile connectivity. Additionally, you get Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth v5.3, providing a range of options to stay connected, share files, and use various wireless peripherals.

The sound capabilities of the Galaxy Tab S9 series will bring joy to audio enthusiasts. Each of the three models features Quad Stereo Speakers, with four speakers tuned by AKG, touted to deliver exceptional and immersive sound quality. Additionally, these tablets support Dolby Atmos for enhanced entertainment experience with immersive 3D audio, whether you’re watching movies or playing games.

Camera Setup and Battery

The Galaxy Tab S9 comes with a solid camera setup. On the rear, you’ll find a single 13MP autofocus camera that captures sharp and detailed photos. For selfies and video calls, there is a 12MP ultra-wide lens front camera. 

Stepping up to the Galaxy Tab S9+, you get a more advanced camera system. On the back, there’s a dual-camera setup featuring a 13MP autofocus main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. This setup enables you to capture a wider field of view, perfect for landscape shots or capturing large groups of people. The front camera remains the same as the Galaxy Tab S9, a 12MP ultra-wide lens.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra shares the same rear camera setup as the Tab S9+, featuring a 13MP autofocus main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. But here’s where it gets interesting – the front camera is upgraded to a dual-camera system with two 12MP ultra-wide lenses. This dual front camera setup allows for even more creativity when taking selfies, offering a wider field of view and various effects to experiment with.

The Tab S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra are equipped with batteries of 8,400mAh, 10,090mAh, and 11,200mAh respectively. Until we conduct thorough testing, it is difficult to determine their real-world performance. However, it is worth noting that the Tab S8, featuring an 11-inch screen and an 8,000mAh battery, lasted for 7 hours and 50 minutes in our battery test. According to GSMArena, all these devices support 45W wired charging. While a USB-C charging cable is included in the box, a power adapter is not provided, so if you buy any of the Tab S9 tablets, make sure to get a proper charger with required throughput.

Software and Accessories

All three tablets run the latest Android 13 with Samsung’s user-friendly One UI 5.1.1. The good news is that Samsung is committed to providing four OS upgrades for these devices, and they’ll also receive security patches for a whopping five years. 

Moreover, these tablets can also function like a regular computer when connected to an external display, thanks to Samsung’s DeX mode. So you can count on these tablets to support you in your productivity tasks. In terms of security, they all feature Samsung Knox and an in-display fingerprint scanner for added protection.

Samsung offers a range of accessory options for the Galaxy Tab S9 series, including the S Pen (BLE) which comes included, a Creator Edition Book Cover Keyboard, Book Cover Keyboard Slim, Smart Book Cover, Outdoor Cover, Notepaper Screen, and Privacy Screen. These accessories enhance productivity and protection while offering a more personalized experience.

Pricing and Availability

Samsung offers two color options for the Galaxy Tab S9 series: Beige and Graphite. All the three tablets are up for pre-orders and will go on regular sale from August 11. Here’s the pricing of the Galaxy Tab S9 series:

• Galaxy Tab S9 Fi 8GB + 128GB: $799.99
• Galaxy Tab S9 Wi-Fi 12GB + 256GB: $919.99
• Galaxy Tab S9+ Wi-Fi 12GB + 256GB: $999.99
• Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G 12GB + 512GB: $1149.99
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Wi-Fi 12GB + 256GB: $1199.99
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 5G 16GB + 1TB: $1469.99

Please note that prices may vary depending on your region and the chosen configuration.

The Verdict

For the majority of users, the standard Tab S9 offers more than sufficient features. Its 11-inch 120Hz AMOLED display provides a perfectly sized tablet experience. Additionally, it boasts impressive primary and selfie cameras, a fast processor, and quick charging capabilities, just like its larger counterparts. Available at a reasonable price of £799, you can get the base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. And if you ever require additional storage space, simply insert a microSD card and you’re good to go.

If you’re looking for a slightly bigger screen and more storage, the S9 Plus could be a perfect choice. However, the extra $200 it costs may not be worthwhile for everyone. As for the Ultra, it’s a great option if you really want that massive display size, but keep in mind that it comes with an additional $400 price tag. So, only go for the Plus or Ultra if you absolutely need a larger screen. Otherwise, the standard Tab S9 is a reliable option.