Not everyone needs a high-end tablet packed with features they’ll never use. Sometimes, you just need a device that works well for everyday tasks, nothing fancy, nothing overly complicated.
That’s exactly what the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is all about. It’s an upper-entry-level to lower-mid-range tablet, designed for browsing the web, streaming movies, handling emails, and getting some light work done.
It won’t blow you away with cutting-edge performance or a premium design, but if you need a straightforward, reliable device, it fits the bill.
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Competition
The Tab A9+ is an upper-entry level to lower-mid-range tablet, putting it in the same category as the Lenovo M10 3rd Gen, the Lenovo M11, and the Apple iPad (9th Gen).
Design
There isn’t a lot that makes the Tab A9+ stand out, it’s a familiar-looking tablet. But that’s not a problem, this is a device designed for functionality and not premium looks. It’s thin at 6.9mm and light, weighing 480g, which means you can easily hold it in one hand for reading and watching videos.
It has a plastic back, which makes it feel a little less sleek, and it isn't very sturdy, so you may want to get a case like this, but it does help to keep the tablet light and easy to manoeuvre.
The bezels around the display are quite thick which does give it a dated look, but this is to be expected in a tablet in this category. There’s a USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack which is a nice touch.
As per usual there’s a power button and a volume rocker on the side and there’s a slot for a MicroSD card allowing you to expand the internal storage which is another nice feature.
There are some features missing here, like a fingerprint scanner, but you can use facial recognition to unlock the device, so it’s not a biggie.
Display
The Tab A9+ boasts an 11-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution, LCD screen. It’s fine for watching videos, scrolling social media, and surfing the web, but don’t expect the dark blacks or vibrant colours found on more premium devices.
The standout feature here is the 90Hz refresh rate. Tablets in this category are usually limited to 60Hz and the A9+ is noticeably smooth to navigate.
Unfortunately, the LCD screen is a bit limited in direct sunlight, you will have to crank up the brightness in these sorts of situations, but I had no issues using it indoors.
Performance
It’s important to know that this is not a tablet for power users. If you’re looking to play graphically intense games or do some video editing, the A9+ will struggle. If you’re looking for a tablet for everyday tasks like answering emails, browsing the web, streaming Netflix, and basic productivity apps, it works well.
This is powered by the Snapdragon 695 processor and you can get it with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. If you’re looking to do multitasking, like having multiple apps open at the same time, the 8GB option will be your best bet.
It also supports Samsung DeX which adds extra functionality by providing a mini desktop experience with resizable windows and a taskbar. Essentially you can use it more like a laptop than a tablet which is helpful for doing work.
Cameras
Like most tablets, the cameras here are nothing to boast about, they’re there if you need them but that’s about it.
On the back, there’s an 8MP camera that’s good for things like scanning documents or taking photos while at work, but don’t expect great results. It struggles in low light conditions and doesn’t produce the sharpest images.
On the front, there’s a 5MP camera which is fine for video calls and there’s face tracking software included which helps to keep you in the center of the screen.
You can film in up to 1080p at 30fps which is fine for virtual meetings and work calls, but again this isn’t a tablet designed for high-level photography. Most of the time, your phone will take a better photo.
Battery
Inside, there’s a 7,040mAh battery which provides between 7 and 10 hours of usage depending on what you’re doing. For light usage like checking emails and surfing the web, you’ll easily get around 10 hours of use before needing to charge the device. Heavier tasks like gaming, video calls, or streaming at full brightness will drop that down closer to seven hours.
Unfortunately, the charging speed is quite slow at 15W, taking 3 to 4 hours for a full charge and there’s no wireless charging here.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ isn’t trying to be anything fancy, it’s a basic tablet for people who just need a simple device that works.
If you’re looking for something to stream movies, browse the web, read e-books, check social media, or do some light work, it’s a solid option. It’s also a great choice for kids, elderly users, or anyone who wants a no-fuss tablet that just does the job.
However, if you need a powerful gaming tablet, S Pen support for drawing, or fast charging, this isn’t the one for you.
It’s not a productivity powerhouse, but for everyday use, it gets the job done without any major complaints.
