The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
The device boasts a massive screen with fast performance, perfect for multimedia and productivity tasks.What's good
- Expansive OLED display
- IP68 rating
- Strong performance
- S Pen stylus included
- Great multitasking features
What's bad
- High price
- Size awkward to handle
- DeX mode needs improvement
- Keyboard accessory flimsy
- No charger included
Design
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra impresses with its extremely slim profile and high-quality build. Despite its 14.6-inch size, it remains lightweight at 1.6 pounds, making it relatively easy to carry. The IP68 rating means it's dust and waterproof, which adds peace of mind for outdoor use.
It integrates a practical magnetic strip for the included S Pen, allowing it to charge when attached. However, this external attachment might make the pen easy to lose. A reviewer from TechRadar noted, 'It’s all about that big, beautiful display, so the rest of the design just needs to get out of the way.'
Display(s)
The 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on this tablet captivates with its 2,960 by 1,848-pixel resolution. Whether watching movies or gaming, the quality stays top-notch.
The screen supports up to 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and seamless transitions. This enhances your viewing and interaction experience.
Though its brightness reaches 930 nits, it can be hard to use in direct sunlight due to reflectivity. But indoors, it shines and performs admirably well.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra boasts outstanding performance, driven by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It excels in multitasking, handling demanding apps, and gaming without stuttering. Whether you're running multiple apps or playing high-end games like Genshin Impact, the experience remains smooth and responsive.
PCMag experts highlighted, 'The Tab S9 Ultra was excellent in testing. It loaded any and every app without issue, and running many apps at once didn't lead to stuttering or slowdowns.'
For those seeking high performance in a large-screen Android tablet, this device offers speed and efficiency for all your needs, from productivity to entertainment.
Software & Storage
Samsung's One UI on the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a refined, intuitive experience that many reviewers find appealing. “Multitasking is a breeze,” says TechRadar.
With Android 13, you can run up to three apps at once, making it easy to juggle tasks.
DeX mode lets you use the tablet as a desktop, showing Samsung's commitment to productivity.
Cameras
The 13MP main camera and 8MP ultra-wide lens work great in well-lit settings, capturing vibrant colors and detailed scenes. This tablet is better seen as a productivity tool rather than a go-to camera device. The front-facing dual 12MP cameras, ideal for video calls, produce sharper and more vibrant images than the rear cameras.
Reviewers like PCMag pointed out that “photos and videos are (expectedly) poor in low light,” making it less ideal for nighttime shots. Engadget noted that the smaller details can appear fuzzy under darker lighting conditions.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra packs a hefty 11,200mAh battery. This tablet lasts up to 9.5 hours during HD video streaming and longer with casual use, reducing the need for frequent recharges. Most users appreciate this robust battery life, especially those who often stream video or play games.
Charging is convenient with its 45W fast charging support. Experts from TechRadar highlight that it charges up to 20% in just 15 minutes. This means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time enjoying your device. Despite its high capacity, the tablet can charge fully in around 1.5 hours using the right charger.
The lack of a charger in the box might be a letdown, requiring an additional purchase for optimal use. But with its power-efficient performance, battery anxiety becomes a thing of the past, making it ideal for work and play alike.
Audio
The Tab S9 Ultra features four AKG-tuned speakers with Dolby Atmos support. This ensures clear and loud audio for both calls and entertainment, making every word and sound come to life.
Experts have noted the solid bass and clear highs, although music can sound “garbled and tinny at max volume” according to Tom's Guide.
For video calls, you'll appreciate the sharp audio that captures every detail, ensuring you never miss out during meetings or chats with friends and family.
The Bottom Line
This device impresses with its 14.6-inch display and includes an S Pen for drawing and note-taking. Its size can make it awkward to handle, and Android on tablets still feels restrictive.
Given its hefty price, consider if its features meet your needs. As TechRadar noted, 'Samsung's multitasking is better than iPad and Pixel Tablet.'
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Ian Evenden, Creative BloqLarge and bright, with a wonderful screen, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra wants to be so much more than a media consumption device, and nearly manages it. There's a lot to like here for creative pros, but you have to be prepared to accept the Android software available.
- Basil Kronfli, Digital Camera WorldWith the best screen on the block, smart desktop-style screen projection, a pressure-sensitive pen in the box and IP68 water resistance, the Tab S9 Ultra is a creative powerhouse. While its keyboard dock isn’t our favourite and iPadOS has more quality creative apps than Android, if you want a huge,...
- Antoine Engels, NextPitThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra impressed me by the end of the review. The design is minimalist and uncluttered, if not a little too sober for my taste. The screen is simply sublime, and it's a real pleasure to play on this tablet. Samsung has also taken full advantage of its flagship tablet's large...
- Leigh :) Stark, PickrWhile size and price are critical issues for the Tab S9 Ultra, if you really need the massive display, they probably won’t matter. Outside of these not small niggles, Samsung’s equally not small tablet is impressive, but can feel very, very niche. We’re clearly not the target market, and we’re not s...
- Basil Kronfli, StuffHands down the ultimate Android tablet – but its colossal size (and price) means the Tab S9 Ultra won’t be for everyone.
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