The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra was announced a few months ago, it is the largest model in the lineup, which sports a 14.6-inch display that is almost like a laptop. However, it is not a traditional Windows laptop like you think, mainly because it runs on Android. Well, we are living in 2023 and many things have changed. I’ve been using the tablet for a month, and here’s the full review.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Specs
- 14.6-inch (1,848×2,960) Dynamic AMOLED 2X (60~120Hz) display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for Galaxy
- 12GB RAM
- Up to 512GB expandable storage
- Cameras
- Rear: 13MP AF + 8MP ultra-wide
- Front: 12MP + 12MP ultra-wide
- Quad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos
- 11,200mAh battery with 45W Super Fast Charging supported
- One UI 5.1 (Android 13)
- Color: Graphite
Design
In terms of design, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra looks pretty much like its predecessor. You get a huge 14.6-inch display at the front with a tiny notch that houses the 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide front cameras. Like its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has an in-display fingerprint sensor at the right part of the screen.
Samsung continues to follow the same design language — an aluminum body with a boxy design and flat edges. The glossy part on the back is where you put the S Pen and charge it. You can snap the S Pen on top of the tablet if you think that’s more convenient, but keep in mind that the S Pen won’t charge itself.
The tablet has a total of four speakers — two on each side, these speakers are tuned by AKG, Dolby Atmos. The speakers sound better than many Windows laptops on the market, I mean, a lot better! There’s a USB-C port on the right side (in landscape mode) for charging and data transfer. Like other Samsung flagship phones, it doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio jack. Oh! The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is also the first IP68 water and dust-resistant Galaxy S tablet, the same goes for its in-box S Pen.
Samsung also includes a book cover keyboard in the box so that you can have a PC-like experience. For starters, you can detach the keyboard part and the kickstand free stop hinge lets you find the perfect angle. However, it’s not ideal to put it on your lap like a laptop. There’s also a nook for the S Pen to sit in.
Display
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra sports a 14.6-inch (1,848×2,960) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is better than most laptops. As expected, AMOLED display remains the top-class in the field and everything is just so smooth and snappy thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Performance
Powering the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for Galaxy, which is the originally Samsung-exclusive version with overclocked CPU and GPU. The tablet comes with 12GB RAM and two storage options — 256GB and 512GB, other regions do have the 1TB variant though. It has the best hardware available to the mass market and its temperature stability is pretty good.
Software
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra runs on One UI 5.1 on top of Android 13. There’s a dock at the bottom that shows favorite and opened apps. You can hide and show it by using the gesture line (tap and hold). To take advantage of the big screen, the tablet also comes with DeX mode, basically Samsung’s version of desktop mode.
If you happen to have another Galaxy smartphone, the Multi Control feature makes copying, pasting, or dragging text and images directly between tablet and smartphone seamless, allowing you to control your smartphone with a Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra touchpad.
Additionally, Samsung also offers certain pro-level apps available exclusively:
- Fan-favorite GoodNotes offers a new note-taking and journaling experience on Android for the first time, launching exclusively for Galaxy tablet users. Plus, notes created in GoodNotes on all platforms can easily be shared and co-edited simultaneously.
- The pro-level LumaFusion video editing app makes work easy when creating sharable content. Images and videos — even large files — taken on your Galaxy smartphone camera can be easily shared with the Galaxy Tab S9 series with Quick Share. LumaFusion takes full advantage of Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s expansive screen to ensure editing videos is precise.
- Clip Studio Paint has been transformed into a streamlined tablet interface for drawing, painting, and more. Meanwhile, ArcSite empowers designers and professionals by transforming their creative vision into meticulously crafted 2D CAD blueprints, comprehensive site plans, and accurate estimates. Through close collaboration with Google to optimize large-screen experiences, users can benefit from partner apps to easily complete tasks and turn ideas into reality on the Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra packs an 11,200mAh battery that supports 45W Super Fast Charging. Unfortunately, the 45W fast charger is sold separately. If you treat it like a laptop, it has a great battery life with around 7 hours of battery life or more.
Final Words
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is now available in Malaysia in only Graphite color:
- 5G with keyboard (512GB): RM7,149
- 5G with keyboard (256GB): RM6,649
- Wi-Fi with keyboard (512GB): RM6,499
- Wi-Fi with keyboard (256GB): RM5,999
It is the most powerful Android tablet you can get right now. The AMOLED display is gorgeous and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset handles everything impressively. If you are using your laptop for mail checking, web browsing, watching Netflix/videos, and typing documents, it can replace your laptop. Compared to most laptops, it is lighter and easier to carry around, the screen and speakers are a lot better, and the battery life is pretty impressive as well.
The tablet is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance. Its S Pen is also IP68-rated as well, and I do appreciate that Samsung included it in the box together with the cover keyboard. Yes, the iPad Pros are the real threat to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, but what Apple doesn’t offer are the bundled accessories and Samsung DeX! If you happen to be using a Galaxy smartphone as well, this is the perfect choice for you as they both can work together.
Buy Here
Yay
- Bundled with S Pen and cover keyboard
- Great speakers
- Top-class display
- Impressive performance
Nay
- No audio jack
- No charging adapter in the box
- The notch is unnecessary