Samsung released two new entry-level tablets for its Samsung Galaxy Tab product line in the last quarter of 2023. These are the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. The former is more of a successor to the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. The latter is a little bit beefed up version of the former and is a direct successor to the Galaxy Tab A8. Nevertheless, with notable upgrades at an affordable price, the latter can be considered the best entry-level Android tablet in the market for both 2023 and 2024. This article reviews the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and its notable features and limitations.
Pros of Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and Notable Features
1. Above-Average Performance for an Entry-Level Tablet
This successor to the Galaxy Tab A8 has notable improvements in the hardware department. It now sports a Snapdragon 695 5G system-on-a-chip with an Adeno 619 integrated graphics processor. This is an upgrade to the Unisoc Tiger T618 of the Tab A8. The base model also now comes with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM while the upper model comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. The better hardware specifications translate to a smoother and faster performance. It can handle casual games and even some popular game titles at mid settings.
2. Premium Built Quality with an All-Aluminum Chassis
Another notable feature of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is its premium look and feel. It is still based on an all-aluminum chassis that gives it an expensive built quality that is comparable to the real premium Galaxy Tab S line. Take note that the Tab A8 also has an all-metal chassis built. It is worth mentioning that most Android tablets in the same price range or under the entry-level market segment tend to feature a plastic body and less premium built quality. Samsung manages to design a budget-friendly tablet without sacrificing design and built quality.
3. Large HD LCD Screen with 90Hz Screen Refresh Rate
This Android tablet uses an 11-inch TFT liquid crystal display or LCD screen. It has a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels for a true full high-definition experience. The pixel density is around 216 pixels per inch. These display specifications are not that impressive compared to more premium tablets. However, compared to previous Samsung entry-level tablets and counterparts from competitors, the display sports a 90Hz screen refresh rate. Even previous mid-range Samsung tablets such as the Tab S6 Lite and Tab S7 FE only have a 60Hz refresh rate.
4. Impressive Quad Speakers and Dolby Atmos Support
Another one of the commendable pros of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is its very impressive quad speakers. Take note that it is not comparable to higher-end tablets from Samsung and Apple. However, for its price range, the entire speaker system provides a good reason to buy this tablet, especially for those who want a device for streaming video content and music. The speakers are loud. The overall sound the system produces is full. There is also support for Dolby Atmos for a digital surround sound experience when playing or streaming supported content.
5. Multi-Window Feature and Samsung DeX Experience
One of the strengths of Samsung Android smartphones and tablets is their multitasking features. These devices support a multi-window feature that can be resized or placed on top of each other. This particular tablet supports the same feature. However, the main highlight of this Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ review is Samsung DeX. This software feature converts the tablet user interface into a desktop-like user interface and user experience that is comparable to Windows. This is the first time Samsung has featured Samsung DeX in an entry-level Android device.
Cons of Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and Main Limitations
1. Limitations in Performance From Limited Hardware Specs
This Android tablet is capable enough for its price. Note that it retails for USD 219.00 for the base Wi-Fi variants and USD 269.00 for the base Wi-Fi and 5G variant. The decent hardware specifications make it the best entry-level tablet in the market for 2023 and 2024. However, despite the noticeable hardware improvements, it is still important to underscore the fact that this device is not suited for running resource-intensive apps and games. It would struggle to handle video editing apps and it would not run graphics-demanding games at maximum settings.
2. Timeworn TFT Display Tech With Limited Viewing Angle
Remember that its 90Hz screen refresh is one of the pros of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. However, with regard to the overall display quality, especially in comparison with tablets using high-end in-plane switching or IPS LCD or OLED displays, the TFT LCD screen on this device is outdated. The colors are muted and look less vibrant and a bit unrealistic. The contrast ratio is also not good. The blacks are not deep. Another problem with the screen is its limited viewing angle in which color shifts become apparent when the screen is viewed from another angle.
3. Mediocre Front-Facing and Rear-Facing Camera Systems
The camera system placed on the front is a 5-megapixel shooter that can take photos or record videos at 1080p. The rear camera system is an 8-megapixel shooter with the same 1080p resolution specification. These cameras highlight the fact that this Android tablet is an entry-level device. They are good for taking photos or scanning documents under very good lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is somewhat average for video calling under the same lighting conditions. They are still mediocre. These cameras take below-average photos and videos.
4. Average Battery Life and Long Battery Charging Time
Another one of the main cons of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is its battery life and charging performance. This device is powered by the same non-removable 7040 mAh lithium polymer battery found on the previous Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. The battery specification appears to be good enough but the actual battery life is considerably average at around 6 hours of running time. This device also supports 15-watt wired charging. The charging time is slow. It takes about 3 hours to reach a full battery charge. There is also no support for wireless charging.
5. Concerns About Long-Term Software Support Commitment
Samsung has not provided details about its long-term operating system support and other important software and security updates and upgrades. Take note that its premium Galaxy Tab S line and its mid-range and flagship Android smartphones come with up to four years of support from the date of launch. It is still uncertain what exactly the support timeline for the Galaxy Tab A9+ is. However, compared to other Android tablets from manufacturers such as Lenovo, Xiaomi, and Huawei, Samsung has a reputation for rolling out upgrades and updates for at least two years.
Review Verdict: Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
This Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ review highlights the fact that this device is the best entry-level Android tablet for 2023 and 2024. Remember that it retails for USD 219.00. This is a good deal considering its better hardware components compared to its predecessors and other entry-level Android tablets. The addition of Samsung DeX, loud quad speakers, and a screen refresh rate of 90Hz are three of the most notable pros of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. However, for individuals who want more out of their tablets, especially those who are into high-performance gaming or extensive photo and video editing, this Android tablet is not the right fit. It is still a capable device for average users and for use cases that include content consumption, casual gaming, and average office productivity driver.
