Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023) Vs Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (14.6", 2023)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£482.00

Versus £1,364.76 new

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Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4", 2023)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£440.84

Versus £868.13 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus, both released in 2023, are premium Android tablets designed for a range of demanding tasks. While they share a common foundation in their operating system and core processing power, their primary distinctions lie in their physical dimensions, screen size, and specific camera configurations. Both devices run on the Android operating system, enhanced by Samsung's One UI, offering a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these tablets, both the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and S9 Plus offer a comparable expected lifespan due to their simultaneous release and shared software support policies.

  • Software Support: Samsung has committed to providing four generations of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the Galaxy Tab S9 series, ensuring both models remain current and secure for an extended period.
  • Physical Durability: Both tablets feature an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a robust build quality designed to withstand daily use. This level of protection contributes to their practical lifespan by guarding against common environmental hazards.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary by region and service provider, both devices are high-end tablets, and their construction generally aligns with modern tablet repair practices. Users can expect similar considerations for potential repairs over their operational life.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Performance

In terms of raw processing power and day-to-day responsiveness, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and S9 Plus are nearly identical, offering a high-performance experience across various applications.

  • Processing Power: Both tablets are equipped with the same current-generation processor, enabling them to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-rich games with smooth performance. Users can expect quick app loading times and seamless transitions between tasks.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus typically comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers configurations with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage up to 1TB. Both models also support microSD card expansion up to 1TB, providing ample space for files and media.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a larger 11,200 mAh battery, compared to the S9 Plus's 10,090 mAh battery. However, the Ultra's significantly larger display requires more power, meaning that in real-world usage, both tablets tend to offer comparable battery longevity, often lasting through a full day of varied use.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Processor

Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Screen quality

The display is a primary differentiator between these two tablets, impacting both the viewing experience and overall portability.

  • Display Technology: Both devices feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. This technology ensures a high-quality visual experience for media consumption, productivity, and gaming.
  • Size and Resolution: The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra boasts a expansive 14.6-inch display with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, offering maximum screen real estate. In contrast, the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus provides a still-generous 12.4-inch display with a resolution of 2800 x 1752 pixels. The larger screen of the Ultra is well-suited for immersive media viewing and professional multitasking, while the Plus offers a more balanced size for portability without significantly compromising screen quality.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer excellent brightness levels, making them suitable for use in various lighting conditions, including outdoors. The high pixel density on both models ensures sharp text and detailed images.

Resolution

1848 x 2960

1752 x 2800

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Pixel density

240ppp

270ppp

Audiovisual

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and S9 Plus offer capable camera systems for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography.

  • Rear Camera System: Both tablets share an identical dual-rear camera setup, featuring a 13MP wide-angle lens and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This configuration allows for versatile shots, from general photography to capturing broader scenes.
  • Front Camera Configuration: The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra distinguishes itself with a dual front-facing camera system, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This dual setup is particularly beneficial for video conferencing, offering wider fields of view and potentially better subject framing. The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus features a single 12MP ultra-wide front camera, which is still well-suited for video calls and selfies.
  • Audio Experience: Both models are equipped with quad stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos, providing a rich and immersive audio experience for media consumption and video calls.

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these tablets.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and S9 Plus support modern connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. Optional 5G cellular connectivity is available for the S9 Plus in some markets, offering greater flexibility for on-the-go use, whereas the S9 Ultra is typically limited to Wi-Fi only.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is significantly larger and heavier, measuring 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm and weighing 732g. This makes it less portable but ideal for a desktop-like experience. The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus is more compact at 285.4 x 185.4 x 5.7 mm and weighs around 581g, offering a better balance between screen size and portability. Both include an S Pen for creative and productivity tasks.
  • Security and Ports: Both tablets feature an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. They also come with a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer.

Weight

129 g

129 g

Screen size (in)

14.6

12.4

Network

Wi-Fi + 5G

Wi-Fi

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB Type-C

USB Type-C

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra as a powerhouse for those who prioritize maximum screen real estate and a desktop-like experience. Its large display is frequently praised by users for immersive media consumption and demanding productivity tasks, such as graphic design or extensive document editing. However, its size and weight are sometimes noted as a consideration for portability. The dual front cameras are also a common positive point for enhanced video conferencing.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Plus, on the other hand, is generally seen as a more balanced option. Users appreciate its still-large, high-quality display that offers a good compromise between screen size for work and media, and a more manageable form factor for carrying around. Its optional cellular connectivity is also a significant advantage for users who need constant internet access away from Wi-Fi. Criticisms for both models are rare regarding core performance, given their shared powerful internal components.

Users prioritizing an expansive display for intensive multitasking, digital art, or an ultimate media viewing experience may find the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those seeking a high-performance tablet with a more portable design and potentially cellular connectivity for on-the-go productivity might lean towards the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus. Both tablets represent robust choices in the premium Android tablet market, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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