Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review
Introduction
Samsung’s latest addition to the tablet arena, the Galaxy Tab S9 series, stands tall against Apple’s formidable iPad Pro line. Leading the pack is the Tab S9 Ultra, priced at $1,199.99, boasting an expansive 14.6-inch display that captivates with its brilliance. With the inclusion of the S Pen stylus, a robust processor, extended battery life, and seamless connectivity with Samsung smartphones, this behemoth ensures productivity knows no bounds, even while on the move. Despite its premium price tag exceeding that of the base 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro ($1,099) and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 ($999), the Tab S9 Ultra reigns supreme as the ultimate choice for aficionados of Android-centric experiences on a grand scale. However, it’s worth noting that while Samsung endeavors to mitigate Android’s inherent quirks on tablets, the platform’s limitations can still pose occasional hurdles.
Go Big or Go…Slightly Smaller
Crafted with finesse, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra presents a sleek design housing an expansive 14.6-inch screen within a surprisingly compact frame. Its dimensions of 12.85 by 8.21 by 0.21 inches (HWD) and weight of 1.61 pounds make it a marvel of engineering. Contrasting with this, the Lenovo Tab Extreme ($949) offers a slightly smaller 14.5-inch screen within a marginally larger body measuring 12.9 by 8.3 by 0.23 inches and weighing 1.63 pounds. For those seeking a more manageable size, the midsize Galaxy Tab S9+ features a 12.4-inch screen and dimensions of 11.23 by 7.30 by 0.22 inches, weighing 1.28 pounds, while the Tab S9 offers an 11-inch screen, measuring 10.01 by 6.53 by 0.23 inches, and weighing 1.10 pounds. Available in Beige or Graphite, the Tab S9 family exudes elegance in two distinct hues.
Over the past year, our team of experts rigorously evaluated 17 products within the Tablets category. With a tradition dating back to 1982, PC Mag remains dedicated to testing and rating thousands of products, ensuring you have the insights needed to make informed purchasing choices. Delve into our testing methodologies to understand how we meticulously assess each product’s performance and features.
Over the past year, our team of experts rigorously evaluated 17 products within the Tablets category. With a tradition dating back to 1982, PCMag remains dedicated to testing and rating thousands of products, ensuring you have the insights needed to make informed purchasing choices. Delve into our testing methodologies to understand how we meticulously assess each product’s performance and features.
Breaking new ground, the Galaxy tablet, along with its accompanying S Pen stylus, achieves an IP68 rating for the first time, signifying their resilience against dust and water. This advancement means all three Tab S9 models can endure submersion in water for up to 30 minutes and can be easily rinsed off when soiled. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, although not the latest iteration, the screen can withstand drops from nearly four feet onto hard surfaces and is resistant to scratches. This puts the Tab S9 ahead in durability compared to the Lenovo Tab Extreme and iPad Pros, as they lack IP ratings, making the Tab S9 an ideal choice for scenarios like poolside or beachside use.
Sporting a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the Tab S9 Ultra dazzles with a resolution of 2,960 by 1,848 pixels and a refresh rate reaching up to 120Hz. With a peak brightness of 930 nits and an aspect ratio of 16:10, it promises immersive viewing experiences. However, its reflective nature poses challenges for outdoor usage under direct sunlight. Indoors, the display shines, effortlessly adapting to typical room lighting conditions. Notably, the display integrates an in-screen fingerprint sensor adjacent to the USB-C port, showcasing reliable performance during testing.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra $1,319.99 at Best Buy
