Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 review
Table of Contents
The Galaxy Tab A9 is a budget-friendly tablet that offers long-term software support in a compact design. Priced at €170 (US$160), this Samsung device impressed us during our review with its vibrant display and a solid range of features. However, continue reading to learn who this tablet might not be ideal for with the tab A9.
Samsung has revamped its budget-friendly tablet lineup with the release of the Galaxy Tab A9. This successor to the Tab A8 is not only slightly smaller, featuring an 8.7-inch screen, but also comes with a more affordable price tag. Starting at €179 (US$159), the base model is approximately €50 (US$70) cheaper than its predecessor. For Tab A8 users who prefer a larger screen, the new Plus model offers a 10.1-inch option within the Galaxy lineup.
Samsung has also considered younger users in this update. The Galaxy Tab A9 Kids Edition includes a protective case, a stylus, and a simplified One UI interface to make it more child-friendly, while also allowing parents to monitor their children’s digital activities. However, the Kids Edition has yet to be released in Germany.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (Galaxy Tab A9 Series)
- Processor: Mediatek Helio G99, 8-core, with speeds ranging from 2.0 to 2.2 GHz, Cortex-A76 / A55
- Graphics: ARM Mali-G57 MP2
- Memory: 4 GB
- Display: 8.7 inches, 5:3 aspect ratio, 1340 x 800 pixels, 179 PPI, Capacitive touchscreen, LCD TFT, glossy, 60 Hz
- Storage: 64 GB UFS 2.2 Flash, with around 45 GB free
- Ports and Connectivity: 1 USB 2.0 port, USB-C with Power Delivery (PD), 3.5 mm headphone jack, microSD card reader supporting up to 1 TB (FAT, FAT32, exFAT). Also includes sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, compass, OTG, and Miracast support.
- Networking: Wi-Fi 4/ac (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.3, LTE with 4G support (B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B28), 3G (B1/B2/B4/B5/B8), 2G (B2/B3/B5/B8), GPS.
- Dimensions: 8 mm x 211 mm x 124.7 mm (0.31 in x 8.31 in x 4.91 in)
- Battery: 5100 mAh Lithium-Polymer
- Operating System: Android 13
- Cameras:
- Primary Camera: 8 MP, Autofocus, f/2.0, camera2 API: Level 3
- Secondary Camera: 2 MP, Fixed focus, f/2.2
- Additional Features: Stereo speakers, on-screen keyboard, USB cable, documentation, One UI 5.1, 24-month warranty, GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, SBAS, A-GPS for LTE version), Widevine L1, fanless design
- Weight: 332 g (11.71 oz / 0.73 pounds)
- Price: €179
- Manufacturer Links: Visit the Samsung homepage or the Samsung notebook section for more information.
Note: Samsung may use components from various suppliers, such as display panels, storage drives, or memory modules, with similar specifications.
Case – Samsung tablet with metal body
The Galaxy Tab A9 features a sleek metal body, continuing the design language of its predecessors. Its appearance is strikingly similar to the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite and Tab A8, though it introduces a revamped camera module on the back. However, one notable change is the significantly reduced bezels around the 8.7-inch TFT display. With an impressive 81.7% screen-to-body ratio, this budget-friendly tablet outperforms competitors like the Nokia T10, which has a 72.4% ratio.
Despite its affordable price tag, the Galaxy Tab A9 maintains a premium feel thanks to its slim metal chassis. Weighing just 332 grams (0.71 lbs), it is lightweight and comfortable to hold with one hand. The tablet comes in three colors: Graphite, Silver, and Navy. Its matte finish minimizes the appearance of fingerprints, although they can still be somewhat noticeable.
Samsung has ensured excellent build quality with the Galaxy Tab A9. Its compact design gives it a robust and solid feel, adding to its durability
Specifications – Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 with 3.5 mm Audio Jack
The Galaxy Tab A9 brings a range of features that make it well-suited for mobile use. It includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.3, and supports 4G dual SIM with eSIM capability. Samsung offers four different models of this tablet:
- Galaxy Tab A9 Wi-Fi | 64 GB | 4 GB RAM | €179.00
- Galaxy Tab A9 LTE | 64 GB | 4 GB RAM | €219.00
- Galaxy Tab A9 Wi-Fi | 128 GB | 8 GB RAM | €229.00
- Galaxy Tab A9 LTE | 128 GB | 8 GB RAM | €269.00
The model we reviewed is the Wi-Fi-only version with 64 GB of internal storage. However, after accounting for the operating system, approximately 43 GB of usable storage remains. If you need additional space for media files, you can expand storage by using external drives through USB OTG or by inserting a microSD card into the hybrid slot. External storage devices can handle media files, like videos and music, but cannot store applications.
Unfortunately, the Galaxy Tab A9 is equipped with a slower USB 2.0 port, limiting data transfer speeds and preventing video output through a cable. During our testing with a Samsung 980 Pro M.2 SSD, the transfer rate was around 29 MB/s. The tablet supports exFAT and NTFS (commonly used by Microsoft systems), though NTFS is limited to read-only access.
microSD Card Reader
The Galaxy Tab A9 allows users to expand its storage by up to 1 TB using microSD cards, with exFAT support enabling the storage of files larger than 4 GB. This is particularly useful for handling larger media files.
In our JPEG copy test, the tablet delivered impressive transfer speeds with our reference card, although it didn’t fully utilize the potential of the Angelbird AV Pro V60. Nevertheless, the Galaxy Tab A9 performed well in the Cross Platform Disk Test.
SD Card Reader – Average JPG Copy Test (average of 3 runs):
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2022)
Mali-G52 MP2, T618, 32 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird AV Pro V60)
49.18 MB/s (+139%) - Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
Mali-G57 MP2, Helio G99, 64 GB UFS 2.2 Flash (Angelbird AV Pro V60)
48.7 MB/s (+136%) - Nokia T10
Mali-G57 MP1, T606, 32 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird V60)
29.6 MB/s (+44%) - Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4)
PowerVR GE8300, Helio A22 MT6761, 32 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird V60)
26.3 MB/s (+28%) - Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022)
Mali-G52 MP2, MT8169A, 32 GB eMMC Flash (Angelbird V60)
Software – Galaxy Tab with Extended Update Support
Throughout our review, the Galaxy Tab A9 ran Android 13, customized with Samsung’s One UI 5.1, and included security updates as of August 2023. One standout feature of this budget tablet is the extended software support provided by Samsung. Unlike other brands in this price range, Samsung offers two generations of UI and Android OS updates along with four years of quarterly security patches. However, despite these promises, the most recent security updates were from Q3 2023, indicating that Samsung may occasionally fall behind schedule.
Although the Galaxy Tab A9 doesn’t come with Samsung’s DeX interface, it does support the Knox Vault security platform. This allows the tablet to take advantage of Samsung’s Security and Privacy Dashboard, offering encryption before data transmission. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab A9 is integrated into Samsung’s ecosystem, enabling seamless wireless connectivity with other Galaxy devices.
Connectivity and GNSS – Samsung tablet with GPS
The built-in Wi-Fi module in the Tab A9 supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards and thus operates only on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. In our home network, it is possible to hit over 350 MBit/s with the Wi-Fi 5 standard and our reference router (Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000) – decent transfer rates for this price range. The speed on offer is anything but high. That said, send and receive speeds are very consistent.
Our review unit doesn’t have cellular capability. Though an LTE version is available, the Helio G99 doesn’t support the newer 5G standard.
Networking Performance
In our iPerf3 network testing with the AXE11000 router, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 showed solid results in both receiving and transmitting data. Here’s how it compares to other tablets:
iPerf3 Receive (AXE11000 Router):
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A9:
368 MBit/s (range: 359 – 369 MBit/s)
+22% - Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022):
349 MBit/s (range: 337 – 355 MBit/s)
+16% - Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2022):
325 MBit/s (range: 163 – 328 MBit/s)
+8% - Nokia T10:
304 MBit/s (range: 279 – 315 MBit/s)
+1% - Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4):
301 MBit/s (range: 281 – 315 MBit/s)
0% - iPerf3 Transmit (AXE11000 Router):
- Amazon Fire HD 8 (2022):
374 MBit/s (range: 360 – 392 MBit/s)
+7% - Samsung Galaxy Tab A9:
372 MBit/s (range: 189 – 388 MBit/s)
+7% - Lenovo Tab M8 (Gen 4):
367 MBit/s (range: 347 – 379 MBit/s)
+5% - Nokia T10:
357 MBit/s (range: 333 – 367 MBit/s)
+2% - Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2022):
349 MBit/s (range: 178 – 357 MBit/s)
0%
Camera Performance
On the front, the Galaxy Tab A9 features a 2 MP camera with fixed focus positioned above the display. This camera is best suited for video calls rather than high-quality selfies, which tend to appear quite soft. The exposure settings are inconsistent, and the camera’s low resolution limits its ability to capture detailed images, typical of budget tablets.
On the back, the tablet is equipped with an 8 MP camera that includes autofocus—a feature not always found in this price range and sometimes even absent in mid-range tablets. While this rear camera provides satisfactory sharpness for everyday tasks like capturing documents or notes, its photos often lack vibrancy and contrast, with colors sometimes appearing faded.
The rear camera supports 1080p video recording at 30 fps, while the front camera offers only an HD video option.
Accessories and Warranty – Charger Not Included
The Galaxy Tab A9 comes with a few basic accessories: a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, a small tool for opening the card slot, and user documentation. For additional protection, you can purchase the optional Book Cover, priced at €43 (approximately US$46), which offers adjustable angles. Samsung does not include a screen protector with the Tab A9, and no protective film is pre-installed on the 8.7-inch display.
In Germany, Samsung offers a 24-month warranty for the Tab A9. Additionally, you can opt for the Care+ insurance package, available for 12 to 24 months at a starting price of €24 (about US$26). Warranty details and conditions may differ by region.
Input Devices and Operation – Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 with Face Unlock
The Galaxy Tab A9 features a capacitive touchscreen that responds to finger inputs with minimal delay. However, it does not support compatibility with the S Pen. The TFT display has a 60Hz refresh rate, which can result in less fluid animations and scrolling compared to tablets with higher refresh rates, such as the 90Hz Redmi Pad SE.
For biometric security, the tablet uses 2D face recognition through the front camera. While this method is convenient and performs well in well-lit environments, it is less secure. Face data registration is limited to a single user, and the tablet lacks a fingerprint reader.
Gaming – Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Handles 60 fps Games
To assess the gaming performance of the Galaxy Tab A9 and its Mali-G57 MP2 graphics, we tested two popular games from the Play Store using the GameBench app. High-demand games like Genshin Impact struggle to run smoothly on the Tab A9, achieving an average frame rate of 37 fps at low settings, though with noticeable frame drops. Increasing the graphics settings results in an average of 22 fps, accompanied by considerable visual artifacts.
For less demanding games, the Tab A9 performs better. In PUBG Mobile, it maintains 30 fps at HD settings. However, the tablet cannot handle the highest graphics settings (UHD) or the optional 90 fps mode. At the lowest settings, the A9 can reach up to 40 fps.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab A9 features a dual-speaker setup, each rated at one watt. The Dolby Atmos-certified system provides adequate stereo sound and reaches a maximum volume of 86 dB. While the high frequencies are reasonably clear, the midrange frequencies show a pronounced rise when playing pink noise. The audio profile lacks significant bass.
For improved audio quality, connecting via the 3.5 mm audio jack or using Bluetooth to pair with external speakers or headphones is recommended. Our measurements indicate that the audio output noise level is quite satisfactory, with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 78.5 dBFS, especially given the tablet’s price. The device supports several Bluetooth codecs, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC, which should cover most headphones’ needs. However, the range of supported codecs is somewhat limited.
Audio Analysis Frequency Diagram
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Audio Performance
- Speakers: Capable of reaching a relatively loud volume of 86.6 dB.
- Bass (100 – 315 Hz):
- (-) Almost no bass, averaging 26.5% below the median.
- (±) Bass linearity is average, with a 10.1% deviation from the previous frequency.
- Mids (400 – 2000 Hz):
- (±) Higher mids, approximately 6.9% above the median.
- (+) Mids are fairly linear, with a 6.8% deviation from the previous frequency.
- Highs (2 – 16 kHz):
- (±) Higher highs, averaging 7.2% above the median.
- (+) Highs are linear, with a 3.5% deviation from the previous frequency.
- Overall (100 – 16,000 Hz):
- (±) Overall sound linearity is average, with a 24.4% difference from the median.
Comparison to Same Class Devices:
- 70% of devices in this category performed better.
- 8% were similar.
- 22% were worse.
- Best delta: 7%
- Average delta: 22%
- Worst delta: 129%
Comparison to All Tested Devices:
- 71% of devices performed better.
- 6% were similar.
- 23% were worse.
- Best delta: 4%
- Average delta: 25%
- Worst delta: 134%
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2022) Audio Performance
- Speakers: Can reach a loud volume of 87.4 dB.
- Bass (100 – 315 Hz):
- (-) Nearly absent, averaging 28.8% below the median.
- (±) Bass linearity is average, with a 12.2% deviation from the previous frequency.
- Mids (400 – 2000 Hz):
- (+) Balanced mids, only 4.3% off the median.
- (+) Mids are linear, with a 5.4% deviation from the previous frequency.
- Highs (2 – 16 kHz):
- (+) Balanced highs, only 4.7% off the median.
- (+) Highs are linear, with a 6.7% deviation from the previous frequency.
- Overall (100 – 16,000 Hz):
- (±) Overall sound linearity is average, with a 19.9% difference from the median.
Comparison to Same Class Devices:
- 50% of devices performed better.
- 8% were similar.
- 42% were worse.
- Best delta: 7%
- Average delta: 22%
- Worst delta: 129%
Comparison to All Tested Devices:
- 46% of devices performed better.
- 7% were similar.
- 46% were worse.
- Best delta: 4%
- Average delta: 25%
- Worst delta: 134%
Power Management – Galaxy Tab A9 Performs Well
Power Consumption
The Galaxy Tab A9 is equipped with a 5,100 mAh battery and supports charging speeds of up to 15 watts through its USB-C port. We found that recharging the tablet from 0% to 100% using a power bank with PD 3.0 (up to 100 watts) takes approximately 2.5 hours.
The tablet exhibits a range of power consumption levels while idle, from a minimal 0.7 watts to a higher 3 watts. When under load, the Tab A9 shows higher power consumption compared to the Lenovo Tab M8. It’s important to note that direct comparisons with older models are limited due to our recent switch to a new benchmarking tool, Burnout Benchmark, for load testing.
Battery life
In our realistic Wi-Fi web surfing test, the Galaxy Tab A9 gave up only after running continuously for almost 14 hours with display brightness adjusted to 150 cd/m². The Samsung device also had an excellent showing in our video test, lasting over 19 hours.
Even with intensive use, you are easily able to get through an entire day with the Tab A9.
Battery Performance
- Idle (Wi-Fi off, minimum brightness): 32 hours 11 minutes
- Wi-Fi Web Surfing (Chrome 121): 14 hours 17 minutes
- Video Playback (Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p): 19 hours 18 minutes
- Under Load (maximum brightness): 4 hours 34 minutes
Verdict on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 distinguishes itself in the entry-level tablet market with its slim and compact design, making it a standout option with few direct competitors. One notable rival is the Lenovo Tab M8, but it is equipped with a less powerful SoC compared to the Helio G99 found in the Galaxy Tab A9.
With the Galaxy Tab A9, Samsung has delivered a well-rounded tablet in a compact and user-friendly design.
A key benefit of the Galaxy Tab A9 is its extensive update support. Samsung commits to offering four years of security updates, with patches released quarterly. Despite its budget-friendly price, the tablet could benefit from more advanced display customization options in One UI, similar to those available in Samsung’s mid-range devices. Additionally, the 60Hz refresh rate and absence of a fingerprint sensor may detract from the overall user experience.
The Tab A9 also lacks support for Samsung’s S Pen, making it less ideal for users who need a tablet for note-taking and memo writing. For those who prioritize stylus functionality, the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus might be a suitable alternative, although it sacrifices some of the compactness found in the Galaxy Tab A9.
| pros 👍 | cons👎 |
| bright display (for the price) | –slow to charge (power adapter not included) |
| accurate location service | –no fingerprint scanner |
| great fit and finish | –only 60Hz refresh rate |
| solid SoC and fast storage | –only one color profile |
| long update support |
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is priced starting at €179 (approximately $159). However, you might find it for a lower price through online retailers like Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 – Review Summary (02/08/2024)
- Chassis: 84%
- Keyboard: 87%
- Pointing Device: 90%
- Connectivity: 57%
- Weight: 96%
- Battery Life: 91%
- Display: 82%
- Gaming Performance: 34%
- Application Performance: 79%
- Temperature Management: 92%
- Noise Levels: 100%
- Audio Quality: 78%
- Camera Performance: 48%
- Overall Average Rating: 73%
- Weighted Average: 84%
Transparency Note
This review was conducted independently, and the sample device was purchased by the author at their own expense. The manufacturer did not receive any prior access to this review, nor was there any obligation to publish it.
