Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: An Affordable Tablet for Productivity and Entertainment

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ strikes a perfect balance between affordability and functionality, excelling in productivity tasks and delivering solid entertainment performance, including streaming and gaming. Priced at $219.99, this Android-powered tablet embodies everything a budget-friendly device should offer. With its large 11-inch display, sleek design, reliable performance, and expandable storage via a microSD slot, the Tab A9+ earns its place as our Editors’ Choice for affordable Android tablets. While it has a few limitations, such as minimal base storage, these are easy to overlook given its value-packed features.

Design and Build Quality

Measuring 10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 inches and weighing 1.06 pounds, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is slightly more compact than its competitor, the $259.99 Lenovo Tab P11 Plus. While Apple’s 10th-generation iPad is lighter at 1.05 pounds, it’s also thicker and wider. The Tab A9+ feels well-balanced and comfortable to hold in any orientation.

Samsung maintains its reputation for quality with the Tab A9+. The sturdy plastic back and sides are seamlessly joined, giving the device a premium feel despite its budget pricing. However, the thick bezels around the display hint at its entry-level status, and the lack of an IP rating means it’s not as durable as pricier models like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, which starts at $449.99 and boasts IP68 water resistance.

On the right side, you’ll find a responsive volume rocker and power button, while the bottom edge features pogo pin connectors for accessories. A microSD card slot near the corner offers expandable storage. The tablet’s quad-speaker setup, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB-C 2.0 port provide versatile connectivity options. A single-lens rear camera protrudes slightly, and face recognition via the front camera is the sole biometric option, which is less secure than a fingerprint scanner.

Display: Great for Streaming

To keep costs low, the Tab A9+ features an 11-inch LCD screen with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution and a 90Hz adaptive refresh rate. While small text can occasionally appear blurry, video playback is vibrant and smooth. The screen performs well indoors but struggles in direct sunlight, where it can appear washed out.

Compared to competitors, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus has a slightly sharper 2,000 x 1,200 resolution, and the iPad offers 2,360 x 1,640 resolution, though both are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. The Tab A9+’s 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for landscape video viewing, surpassing Lenovo’s 5:3 and Apple’s 4:3 ratios in this regard.

Battery Life and Charging

The Tab A9+ houses a 7,040mAh battery, supporting 15W wired charging, though no charger is included. In tests involving continuous 1080p video streaming at maximum brightness, the tablet lasted about seven hours. A full recharge took approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes with a compatible charger, reaching 20% in 30 minutes.

For context, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus lasted nearly eight hours, while Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ managed 7 hours and 23 minutes. Google’s Pixel Tablet lagged behind with just 5 hours and 25 minutes.

Connectivity and Audio Performance

The Tab A9+ supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, with an optional 5G upgrade available for an additional $50. It lacks NFC, which limits its functionality for mobile payments. When tested with a Wi-Fi 6 router, the tablet achieved download speeds of 440Mbps and upload speeds of 6.09Mbps. At a distance from the router, it maintained respectable speeds of 173Mbps down and 3.72Mbps up.

The quad-speaker setup produces impressive volume, peaking at 103.8dB, outperforming both the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ and Google Pixel Tablet. However, bass reproduction is limited, so pairing the tablet with wired headphones or Bluetooth earbuds is recommended for a richer audio experience.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ delivers a commendable mix of performance, design, and features for its price. While it doesn’t match the premium specs of higher-end tablets, its strengths in entertainment and productivity make it a standout option in the budget category. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or tackling everyday tasks, the Tab A9+ is a reliable companion that won’t break the bank.

Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+

Pros

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers an affordable price at $149.00, making it an excellent value for its features. It has a large 11-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is perfect for streaming and media consumption. The tablet delivers smooth performance, handling productivity tasks and casual gaming with ease. It includes a microSD slot for expandable storage, ensuring users can add more space as needed. The device is lightweight and well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. Its quad-speaker system produces impressive audio volume, ideal for watching videos or listening to music. Face recognition provides a convenient unlocking option, even though it’s less secure than a fingerprint scanner. The build quality is sturdy, with materials that feel more premium than the price suggests. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smoother visuals compared to many competitors at this price point.

Cons

The tablet has low base storage, which may feel limiting for users with large apps or files. It lacks a fingerprint scanner, which means it doesn’t offer a more secure biometric option for authentication. No charger is included in the box, so users may need to purchase one separately. The battery life is limited, lasting about seven hours during heavy use, which is shorter than some competitors. While the LCD panel is decent, it’s not as vibrant or sharp as OLED displays. Screen visibility diminishes significantly in direct sunlight. The device lacks an IP rating, so it’s not water- or dust-resistant like some pricier alternatives. Connectivity is outdated, supporting Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 instead of newer standards. The audio quality struggles with bass response, making low frequencies less prominent. Finally, while the plastic build is sturdy, it doesn’t have the premium feel of metal or glass.