Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S8 Extremely in 2022, it turned various heads. The corporate took the standard Android pill to a spot it’d by no means been earlier than, with an enormous 14.6in show and highly effective specs inside an extremely skinny and light-weight chassis. 

There are some notable enhancements on its successor this yr, with the processor, audio system and sturdiness all improved for the Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely. However it’s nonetheless basically the identical gadget, which means the identical shortcomings stay. 

Design & construct

• Enormous, premium pill
• Impressively skinny and light-weight
• Pointless notch
• Now IP68 mud and waterproof

Let’s get one factor out of the way in which first: the Tab S9 Extremely is large. It may not be instantly apparent from pictures, however a 14.6in show makes it bigger than many laptops. Amongst tablets, it feels considerably greater than even the 12.9in iPad Professional. 

Regardless of an impressively slim (and constant) bezel, that makes it a problem to carry. It looks like you may have an enormous monitor in your arms – which you do, primarily.  

The one distinction is that Samsung has managed to cram all the required elements right into a chassis which is simply 5.5mm thick – an actual feat of engineering.  

Nevertheless, it’s not precisely straightforward to make use of. I needed to modify my grip a number of occasions to succeed in some content material, and it by no means felt comfy. Duties reminiscent of looking the net, scrolling social media and typing have been all awkward with out a cowl or keyboard. 

The official Guide Cowl Keyboard, which introduces the potential for the S9 Extremely being a laptop computer alternative, prices an additional $349.99/£339. It additionally provides 644g onto the preliminary 732g (737g for 5G) weight, making the gadget much less moveable.  

I wasn’t capable of take a look at this with the S9 Extremely, although it’s unchanged from the S8 Extremely model. You continue to get an awesome trackpad and first rate typing expertise, nevertheless it provides quite a lot of bulk to the gadget and detaches from the show too simply. 

Loads of extra reasonably priced equipment can be found, together with these with out a keyboard and trackpad. They’re additionally all out there on the extra compact common Tab S9 (11.4in) and S9 Plus (12.4in), which nonetheless have a lot in frequent with the Extremely. 

In the case of design, not a lot has modified on the S9 Extremely. It’s nonetheless a premium mix of aluminium and glass, with Gorilla Glass 5 serving to enhance the display screen’s sturdiness. 

The gadget now has an IP68 ranking, which means it might survive being as much as 1.5m underwater for half-hour and is absolutely protected towards mud. That’s an enormous improve over the Tab S8 vary, which had no IP ranking in any respect. 

Aesthetically, the pill isn’t something to put in writing residence about. There’s now no less than a alternative of colors (Graphite or Beige), however neither are notably eye-catching. I personally favor this minimalist design, although it received’t be for everybody. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

The design of the twin rear cameras might be acquainted to anybody who’s used a Galaxy S23 cellphone, however the lengthy magnetic strip under may not be. That is used to cost the included S Pen and pair it with the pill, each of which work seamlessly. 

Nevertheless, this implementation continues to be removed from best. The magnets that connect the S Pen are comparatively weak, which means it might simply be dislodged whereas in a bag or on a desk. It additionally creates a clumsy wobble when positioned face-up on the desk.  

You may connect it to a number of the sides as an alternative, however the magnets are even weaker right here and it received’t cost. Whereas the S Pen is far chunkier than the S23 Extremely cellphone model, I actually want Samsung had discovered a solution to construct it instantly into the gadget. 

It’s nice to see selfie cameras prioritised, however the S9 Extremely has included a notch to make room for each front-facing sensors. That is completely pointless – a barely thicker bezel would’ve prevented any want for this and appeared significantly better within the course of. Nevertheless, it’s not a dealbreaker. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Show, S Pen & audio

• Glorious 14.6in OLED show
• Spectacular S Pen stylus
• Above-average audio system

Samsung hasn’t modified the core features of the Tab S9 Extremely’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X show, nevertheless it didn’t have to: this is without doubt one of the absolute best screens on any cell gadget.  

It’s a 14.6in, 1848×2960 panel, adopting the widescreen 16:10 side ratio we now see on many laptops. This implies you’ll be able to watch most films with none black bars above or under the motion (letterboxing), although it’s nice for any form of content material consumption. 

As an OLED show, you get each deep blacks and wealthy, vibrant colors. The latter is especially evident on the default ‘Vivid’ mode, however the extra toned-down ‘Pure’ setting is preferable in some conditions. 

Whichever you select, that prime decision (between 1440p and 4K) ensures an outstanding degree of element. Textual content and pictures look clear and crisp throughout all of the apps and menus I used, many third-party choices, each in gentle and darkish mode. It’s a really versatile show. 

Throughout multitasking, the 120Hz refresh charge comes into its personal. Utilizing two or extra apps side-by-side feels very fluid and responsive, whether or not you’re scrolling via pages, typing on a doc or watching a video. The display screen is well-suited for nearly each pill activity you’ll be able to consider. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Nevertheless, it’s not an awesome alternative for outside utilization. The measured 355 nits of peak brightness (although Samsung quotes 930 nits) is a lot for indoors, however visibility is considerably affected by reflections exterior. It’s a more sensible choice for a aircraft or prepare.

Throughout the show is a fingerprint scanner, with Samsung persevering with with its ultrasonic sensor relatively than the extra well-liked optical model. I discovered it to be slightly temperamental, notably when switching between panorama and portrait orientation. It unlocks more often than not, however not all the time on the primary strive. 

Whereas the Tab S9 Extremely’s show is a touchscreen, it additionally helps stylus enter by way of the included S Pen. A response time of simply 2.8ms means there’s no noticeable delay earlier than your word or doodle reveals up on display screen. 

Samsung hasn’t made any modifications to its design, so it nonetheless appears and capabilities very similar to a ballpoint pen. The one actual distinction is the only bodily button on the facet, which can be utilized for a wide range of completely different capabilities (often called ‘Air actions’) relying on the app you’re utilizing. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

For me, the one factor lacking is that the highest of the S Pen doesn’t double as an eraser. However even if you happen to solely use the stylus sometimes, it’s an awesome accent to have round. 

In the case of audio, the quad stereo audio system actually add to the expertise. They create a depth and heat to the sound that you just don’t typically get on tablets. Anticipate loads of quantity, and even a pleasant hit of bass. 

Specs & efficiency

• Excellent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 efficiency
• Expandable storage as much as 1TB
• No 5G within the US

As you would possibly anticipate, the Tab S9 Extremely delivers top-tier efficiency. In reality, it’s extra highly effective than all non-Samsung Android tablets on the market. 

That’s as a result of it makes use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, an overclocked model of Qualcomm’s newest and best that’s solely out there Tab S9 tablets and Galaxy S23 telephones (on the time of writing). It boosts CPU speeds from 3.2GHz to three.36GHz and GPU speeds from 680MHz to 719MHz.

Will you discover a distinction, even in comparison with the 8 Gen 1 powering the Tab S8 Extremely? In all probability not. However that slight efficiency enhance means the S9 Extremely is much more future-proofed than earlier than. That’s extra vital on a pill, the place you’ll wish to maintain it for no less than a number of years. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

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As for the efficiency proper now, it’s merely very good. Alongside a whopping 16GB of RAM on the mannequin I examined (however nonetheless 12GB on cheaper variations), it breezes via virtually each conceivable activity with ease. 

That features common duties reminiscent of net looking, e mail, social media and watching movies. Even with two or extra of those mixed in split-screen multitasking, there’s no slowdown in any way. 

Anticipate equally sturdy efficiency in cell gaming, the place titles reminiscent of Name of Responsibility: Cell, PUBG Cell and Asphalt 9: Legends all run easily and lag-free. I don’t consider there’s a single app within the Google Play Retailer that might push the Tab S9 Extremely near its efficiency limits. 

On the Android facet, no pill can beat the S9 Extremely in the case of efficiency. However even Apple’s M1 iPad Professional from 2021 has a transparent higher hand, no less than in response to the benchmarks.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Extremely benchmarks

The Tab S9 Extremely additionally introduces a brand new storage choice: 1TB. It’s good to have, however solely needed if you happen to retailer a lot of information domestically or plan to make use of it as a laptop computer alternative. Even on 256- and 512GB fashions, you need to use a microSD card to develop it as much as 1TB.  

Wi-Fi 6E is offered on all fashions, however the state of affairs is extra sophisticated on 5G mobile connectivity. An elective mannequin is offered within the UK and Europe, even if you happen to’ll have to pay additional to your personal contract. However it’s utterly lacking within the US, and there’s no 4G instead both. 

Cameras & video

• Respectable 13Mp primary and 8Mp ultrawide rear cameras
• Spectacular twin 12Mp front-facing cameras
• Strong microphones

Whereas a pill ought to by no means be your primary images gadget, the cameras on the S9 Extremely are surprisingly vital. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

There are 4 lenses in whole, equally break up between the back and front of the gadget. A 13Mp primary rear sensor is unchanged in comparison with the S8 Extremely, so it continues to ship stable however unremarkable photographs. Picture high quality is roughly on par with a mid-range cellphone, providing an honest degree of element and vibrant colors. 

The ultrawide subsequent to it’s now 8Mp (up from 6Mp), which means the drop-off in high quality isn’t as noticeable. Dynamic vary and publicity each endure barely, nevertheless it’s a pleasant various while you wish to match extra within the body. 

As annoying because the notch is, Samsung has put that house on the entrance to good use. The common and ultrawide sensors are each 12Mp, which means each supply clear and crisp selfies with loads of element. 

However the front-facing cameras come into their very own for video, whether or not it’s by yourself or as a part of a bunch. Each can seize footage at as much as 4K 30fps, which is much superior to any built-in laptop computer webcam. 

Alongside three crystal-clear microphones which do a very good job of filtering out most background noise, the S9 Extremely is a superb gadget for video calling. 

Battery life & charging

• 11,200mAh battery
• Middling battery life
• Gradual charging

On paper, the Tab S9 Extremely has a battery that’s a lot sufficiently big. Its 11,200mAh capability is bigger than virtually all Android tablets, even when there’s no change in comparison with the S8 Extremely. 

Nevertheless, the large show and flagship-level efficiency place quite a lot of calls for on the battery. Assuming you don’t wish to activate power-saving mode or scale back display screen refresh charge, battery life is just common. 

For those who plan on utilizing the S9 Extremely to get work finished, don’t anticipate a full day of utilization on a single cost. With brightness set to a reasonably typical 200 nits, I recorded a time of seven hours and 53 minutes in PCMark’s battery take a look at, which simulates a spread of real-world duties.

It additionally roughly aligns with my expertise, so means you’ll wish to keep inside attain of an influence supply because the day involves an finish. For those who solely plan on utilizing the pill within the night, you’ll have the ability to get two and even three days of utilization. However I hoped for higher battery life from such an costly gadget. 

The S9 Extremely fees by way of USB-C at as much as 45W, however there’s no charger within the field. Utilizing a 65W Samsung laptop computer charger I needed to hand, it reached 13% in half-hour and 26% after an hour. However a full cost took over 4 hours, and there’s no wi-fi charging. 

Software program & options

• Android 13
• One UI 5.1
• DeX mode and extra

Software program is the largest weak point of the Tab S9 Extremely, nevertheless it’s not for the need of attempting.  

Out of the field, the pill runs Samsung’s One UI 5.1 pores and skin over Android 13. Whereas designed for smartphones, there are a number of tweaks that permit it to run higher on the large display screen.  

Swiping down from anyplace on the prime of the display screen reveals a bigger notification shade, providing full entry to fast settings. A dock seems every time you open an app, making it simpler to navigate or start multitasking. 

Then there’s DeX mode, Samsung’s elective mode for a desktop-like expertise. It really works greatest with a keyboard and trackpad or mouse, however nonetheless responds to the touch. You should utilize it instantly on the S9 Extremely, or join (wirelessly or by way of a cable) to an exterior monitor or your TV. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

DeX feels far more like a laptop computer than the common pill interface, and it runs all Samsung and Google apps very easily. However third-party choices are far more hit-and-miss, with many merely bigger variations of the smartphone app. Some apps refuse to open in any respect in DeX mode. 

In comparison with a Home windows or macOS laptop computer, DeX doesn’t utilise the house out there practically as properly, so issues can shortly turn into cluttered. It’s a helpful choice if you happen to’re proud of net looking and fundamental cell apps, however that received’t apply to many individuals. 

As a pure pill, the S9 Extremely is far more spectacular. Its multitasking options are glorious, whereas optimised apps are a pleasure to make use of. Devoted pill apps merely aren’t a precedence for a lot of third-party builders, however Samsung is benefiting from the software program out there to it. 

The corporate can also be beneficiant with software program updates. You’ll get 4 main new variations of Android, taking you as much as a possible Android 17. Safety updates will then proceed till 2028. 

Value & availability 

Whatever the mannequin you select, the Tab S9 Extremely is pricey.  

For a Wi-Fi model, costs vary from $1,199/£1,199 to $1,619.99/£1,549. The highest-spec 5G mannequin I examined prices £1,699, however there’s no choice for 5G within the US. 

You should buy the pill from a spread of shops, together with Samsung and Greatest Purchase within the US and Samsung and Amazon within the UK. 

Whereas the S Pen stylus is included in the associated fee, you’ll have to buy a canopy individually. The complete model with a keyboard and trackpad prices $349.99/£339. 

That’s costlier than another Android pill you should buy. The 12.9 iPad Professional (from $1,099/£1,249) is its primary rival, however Home windows gadgets such because the Intel-powered Floor Professional 9 (from $999/£1,099) are additionally value contemplating. 

Earlier than shopping for the Tab S9 Extremely, it’s value ensuring {that a} common laptop computer or 2-in-1 wouldn’t go well with you higher. 

Verdict 

The Tab S9 Extremely is a pill on steroids, blowing all different Android slates out of the water.. 

This 14.6in behemoth feels virtually impossibly skinny and light-weight, particularly contemplating the top-tier efficiency and sizeable battery housed inside.  

Its show is solely very good, when it’s a lot highly effective sufficient to run any Android app you’ll be able to consider.  

However therein lies the issue. Regardless of some tablet-specific tweaks and DeX mode, the dearth of devoted pill apps and desktop-level software program nonetheless holds it again. 

And at this worth, being an awesome content material consumption gadget merely isn’t sufficient for most individuals. Until you’ll be able to see your self utilizing the S9 Extremely as an alternative of a laptop computer, there are higher choices elsewhere.  

Specs 

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (overclocked) 
• 12/16GB RAM 
• 256GB/512GB/1TB storage (expandable by way of microSD) 
• 14.6in 120Hz AMOLED show (1848×2960) 
• Twin rear cameras: large (13Mp, f/2.0) and ultrawide (8Mp, f/2.2) 
• Twin front-facing cameras: large (12Mp, f/2.2) and ultrawide (12Mp, f/2.4) 
• Quad stereo audio system 
• IP68 
• Wi-Fi 6E 
• Bluetooth 5.3 
• 5G (elective, not in US) 
• S Pen stylus (included) 
• 11200mAh battery 
• 45W wired charging 
• Android 13 with One UI 5.1 
• 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm 
• 732g (Wi-Fi) or 737g (5G)