The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 was announced in October 2023 alongside the bigger Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. This Android tablet is technically not the successor to the Galaxy Tab A8 but more of a refresh to the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite that was announced in May 2021. The Galaxy Tab A9+ is the true successor to the Galaxy Tab A8. Nonetheless, with the naming convention scheme, this device is the most affordable Android tablet from the Samsung Galaxy line. This article reviews the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9.
Pros of Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Notable Features
1. Budget-Friendly and Capable Tablet
This device retails below USD 200.00. Some sell it for around USD 150.00. It is the cheapest Android device from Samsung. Furthermore, despite its price, its hardware is still fitting for an entry-level and budget-oriented product. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 and comes in either a 64GB with 4GB of RAM or 128GB with 8GB of RAM and expandable storage.
2. Simple and Compact Form Factor
Another one of the notable pros of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is its form factor. It has a sleek design that is based on an aluminum back and frame with plastic ends. The device feels premium because of its metal chassis. The TFT LCD might not be the best in class compared to an IPS LCD or OLED display but it has a respectable level of brightness and pixel density.
3. Respectable Level of Performance
It might not be suitable for running resource-intensive apps such as video editors and playing graphics-demanding games but it is still a decent Android tablet for its price. The 128GB with 8GB of RAM variant is more than enough for average use. Both the system-on-a-chip and memory are a notable upgrade to the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite and even the Galaxy Tab A8.
4. Unparalleled Multitasking Features
Samsung has perfected multitasking on Android. Another one of the main pros of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is that it allows its user to run and switch between apps with ease. The split screen feature enables opening up to three app windows at once. There is also a window resizing feature that allows opening small and resizable app windows on top of each other.
Cons of Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Main Limitations
1. Older Internal Storage Technology
One of the main drawbacks of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is its slow internal storage that is based on embedded Multimedia Memory Card or eMMC technology. This internal flash storage is popular in small, inexpensive, and power-efficient devices but it is slower than a Universal Flash Storage or UFS in terms of read and write speeds and has a shorter lifespan.
2. Very Slow Battery Charging Speed
This device is equipped with a non-removable 5100 mAh lithium polymer battery. The total run-time is decent enough for average uses. The processor and other hardware components keep it efficient at consuming power. However, when it comes to charging, this battery supports 15-watt wired charging. The total charging time is slow and can take more than two hours.
3. Poor Front and Rear Camera Systems
The front-facing camera is a 2-megapixel shooter while the rear camera is an 8-megapixel shooter with autofocus. Both are below average. The two take average-level pictures and record below-average videos even in very good lighting conditions. This is understandable for its price but it would be better if it is fitted with decent cameras to take advantage of its size.
4. Unclear Software Long-Term Support
Another one of the main cons of this device is its longevity. It would receive four years of security updates starting from the date of its release. However, when it comes to operating system and other important upgrades, Samsung has not released statements as regards its long-term commitment to an expansive software support. It is still expected to support Android 14.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Review Verdict: Pros and Cons
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 indeed falls short when compared to the bigger and better Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ but it is still a decent entry-level tablet that is suitable for children and even adults in need of a small device for browsing the internet, checking and responding to emails, signing documents, consuming content, and running casual games. Its small form factor and lightweight are two of its defining advantages, and they make it an ideal travel companion or a spare tablet device that can be shared around the household or be used to control a smart home system.
