Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 vs A9+: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing a new tablet, Samsung offers an array of options to cater to different needs and preferences. Two of the popular choices are the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and its upgraded version, the Galaxy Tab A9+. While they may sound quite similar, there are key differences that set them apart. In this Galaxy Tab A9 vs A9+ comparison, we compare both the tablets in terms of design, display, performance, camera, battery life, connectivity, pricing, and more. Let’s dive in and find out which tablet suits your requirements better.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 vs A9+ Comparison

Specs	Samsung Galaxy Tab A9	Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Dimensions and weight	211 x 124.7 x 8 mm, 332 grams	257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm, 480 g
display	8.7 inches, 800 x 1340p (HD+), TFT LCD	11 inches, 1200 x 1920p (Full HD+), TFT LCD
Processor	Octa-core Mediatek Helio G99, clocked at 2.2 GHz	Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, clocked at 2.2 GHz
RAM/Storage	4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage / 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage. Dedicated micro SD slot for further storage expansion	4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage / 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage. Dedicated micro SD slot for further storage expansion
Software	Android 13, One UI	Android 13, One UI
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, 5G (optional)
Cameras	8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera	8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
Battery	5100 mAh, fast charging 15W	7040 mAh, fast charging 15W
Additional Features	Optional LTE support	Optional LTE support, optional 5G support

Size and Weight

The first thing you might notice is the size and weight difference. The Galaxy Tab A9 is the lighter one, weighing in at a mere 332 grams. It’s pretty compact, measuring 211 x 124.7 x 8 mm. On the other hand, the Tab A9+ is slightly heavier at 480 grams and a bit larger at 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm. But it brings a more premium feel with its slim profile.

Display

At first glance, the most noticeable difference between the Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+ is their screen sizes. The standard Tab A9 features an 8.7-inch display, whereas the A9+ boasts a larger 11-inch IPS screen. However, the Galaxy Tab A9+ doesn’t stop at size alone; it offers a higher-resolution Full HD display and 90Hz refresh rate, compared to the standard 60Hz on Tab A9.

It’s easy to tell them apart visually as well. The standard Tab A9 has thicker side bezels when held in landscape orientation, while the Galaxy Tab A9+ sports consistent bezels all around the screen. This sleek bezel design gives the Galaxy A9+ a more modern and appealing look compared to its smaller counterpart. 

Performance

The standard Tab A9 uses a MediaTek Helio G99 chip, meant for basic tasks like streaming and browsing. It’s not suitable for heavy tasks. On the other hand, the Tab A9 Plus uses a Snapdragon 695 chip, which allows you to play games and do things like photo editing. Neither of these chips is super fast but Snapdragon 695 definitely holds an upper hand over the MediaTek G99 SoC. The Galaxy Tab A9 comes in WiFi only and WiFi+4G LTE variants with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage while the Tab A9+ comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage in WiFi only and WiFi+5G LTE variants.

Camera

The Tab A9 has an 8 MP rear camera that can capture decent shots, especially in good lighting conditions. It also has a 2 MP front camera, which is basic for video calls and the occasional selfie.

The Tab A9+ comes with an 8 MP rear camera too but upgrades the front camera to 5 MP. Although the front camera is better than Tab A9, the front camera quality on the Tab A9+ is not that great and may even seem a bit grainy in low-light conditions. We recently got our hands on the Tab A9+, you can know more about our experience in our hands-on review.

Battery

Both tablets come with fast-charging support. A 5100 mAh battery backs the Tab A9 tablet, which is enough to get you through a day of moderate use on a single charge. The Tab A9+ packs a bigger 7040 mAh battery to support its larger screen and higher resolution. You won’t have to worry about it falling behind the smaller counterpart in terms of battery life.

Additional Features

Lastly, both tablets offer optional LTE support based on the variant you buy, so you can stay connected even when there’s no Wi-Fi available. The Tab A9+ goes a step further with optional 5G support while the Tab A9 settles for 4G LTE, promising even faster internet speeds. The Tab A9 Plus, which costs a bit more, has some improvements. It boasts four speakers for better sound quality, compared to dual speakers on the regular A9. 

Pricing

In terms of pricing, the Galaxy Tab A9 is a more budget-friendly option. The model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage costs around 179 euros. The 5G version costs 219 euros. The Galaxy Tab A9 Plus starts at 249 euros for the Wi-Fi variant, and if you want a 5G variant, then you will be shelling out around 299 euros. Both the tablets are already up for sale in India and UAE, and are expected to be available soon in some European locations.

The Verdict

In summary, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is not just a larger version of the Galaxy Tab A9. It sets itself apart with a different design, better performance, a bigger and better screen, powerful speakers, and a higher-resolution selfie camera. You don’t just get a bigger screen but get better features and performance with the Tab A9+. 

If you want to use your tablet as a laptop replacement, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is a better choice. Samsung’s keyboard covers are compatible with the 11-inch tablet. The regular Tab A9 is too small for serious work and is better suited for casual tablet use.

So, which tablet is better for you? If you are all about portability and a smaller budget, the Tab A9 could be a decent pick for you but you will be compromising on performance and features. However, if you want a larger screen, enhanced performance, and future-proof connectivity, the Tab A9+ is worth the investment.