The much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event finally revealed the latest iteration to Samsung’s flagship lineup, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. At first glance, the Tab S9 Ultra bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the Tab S8 Ultra, but it brings along a host of new upgrades in terms of hardware and software.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve deeper into the differences between these two tablets and determine whether the upgrade from Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is worth it.
Design and Durability:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra was designed primarily for effectiveness, with a utilitarian approach and lacking in stylish flair. It only came in a single graphite-colored variant, catering to a more professional and conservative audience. However, based on the success of the S8 Ultra, Samsung decided to add a splash of color to the Tab S9 Ultra. The new variant comes in a classic yet slightly underwhelming beige, providing users with more choices.
The most significant design change in the Tab S9 Ultra comes in the form of durability. Samsung takes pride in making the Tab S9 Ultra the first major flagship Android tablet to house a rock-solid IP68 rating. This level of protection renders the tablet immune to environmental damage, such as water and dust, enhancing its longevity and making it an ideal choice for outdoor use and adventurous users. The Tab S9 Ultra also features a reshaped camera array, which adds a touch of modernity to its overall design.
Display and Interface:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra impressed users with its stunning 1848 x 2960 resolution on a large AMOLED panel, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate complemented by HDR10+ support. The tablet’s massive size made multitasking simpler and reading content enjoyable, thanks to the 500 nits of brightness. The display was nothing less than phenomenal, offering vivid colors and deep blacks.
With the Tab S9 Ultra, Samsung decided not to tamper with the size and resolution but opted for a new and more capable OLED panel. The Tab S9 Ultra now offers a 60 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring stability during tasks while conserving battery life when not required. The peak brightness has also received a boost, making the Tab S9 Ultra more outdoor-friendly than ever, even in bright sunlight.
Both tablets run on Android 13 with Samsung’s renowned One UI 5.1 interface. The One UI interface has a reputation for being highly intuitive and customizable, and it continues to evolve for the better. The Tab S9 Ultra, being a generation ahead in terms of Android, means users are essentially getting an extra year of software evolution, resulting in enhanced longevity and continued software support. However, it is important to note that some Android apps may not be fully optimized for large tablet displays, leading to awkward layouts and unintuitive interfaces, which is a common issue with large Android tablets.
Performance and Storage:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra featured the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which was fast and capable, providing smooth performance for most tasks. However, the Tab S9 Ultra takes performance to a whole new level with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The “Gen 2” designation indicates that the SoC (System on Chip) has been optimized and overclocked specifically for the Tab S9 Ultra, resulting in a significant boost in overall performance.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset not only offers improved clock speeds but also 40% less power consumption, making the Tab S9 Ultra more power-efficient. Additionally, the S9 Ultra benefits from updated throttle profiling, allowing it to sustain its peak workload for longer periods without overheating or performance throttling. These enhancements ensure that users can glide through tasks effortlessly, even during heavy workloads.
The Tab S9 Ultra also sees improvements in RAM and storage options. Samsung has upgraded to the latest DDR5X RAM variant for both the 12GB and 16GB versions, making the tablet even quicker and more responsive. Moreover, with a massive one terabyte internal storage space, storage concerns become a thing of the past. Users can now store vast amounts of data, media files, and apps without worry.
Camera:
While tablets are not typically known for their cameras, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra provided tough competition to its competitors with its imaging algorithm and 13-megapixel rear camera and 12-megapixel front-facing camera. Though not reaching the same level of quality as top-tier smartphones, the camera setup on the S8 Ultra was more than sufficient for casual photography and video calls.
In this regard, the Tab S9 Ultra brings a modest upgrade with the addition of an 8-megapixel rear ultra-wide camera, complementing the existing 12-megapixel ultra-wide selfie camera. While not a massive difference, this upgrade allows users to capture a wider field of view, making group selfies and scenic shots more enjoyable.
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Battery Life:
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra boasted an impressive battery life, capable of lasting an entire day of heavy usage without any issues. Following the approach of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Samsung decided to leave the 11,200mAh battery intact in the Tab S9 Ultra. However, the real difference lies in the chipset.
With Qualcomm’s claim of 40% better efficiency, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the Tab S9 Ultra delivers an improved battery life. This enhanced efficiency means users can indulge in multitasking and play demanding games without significantly draining the battery. The Tab S9 Ultra becomes a reliable companion for extended periods of use, ensuring users stay connected and productive throughout the day.
Price and Conclusion:
As with any top-of-the-line flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra commands a higher price tag. While the Tab S8 Ultra was priced at $1,100, the Tab S9 Ultra requires users to pay $1,200 for its numerous upgrades. Though it is natural for flagship devices to come at a premium, the price increase is justified by the significant improvements offered by the Tab S9 Ultra.
In conclusion, Samsung has taken a substantial leap forward with the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Building on the strengths of its predecessor, the Tab S8 Ultra, the S9 Ultra emerges as a powerhouse of a tablet that leaves little room for complaints. With its sleek design, stunning display, powerful performance, improved camera, and enhanced battery life, the Tab S9 Ultra caters to a wide range of users, from casual consumers to power users seeking high-powered portable productivity.
The upgrade to the Tab S9 Ultra is undoubtedly worth considering for existing Tab S8 Ultra users or those looking for a top-tier Android tablet experience. With a significantly brighter screen, smoother performance, a powerful processor, and longer battery life with thermal efficiency, the Tab S9 Ultra proves to be a compelling choice for those seeking the ultimate tablet experience.
Whether you are a creative professional, a student, or simply a tech enthusiast, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra sets a new standard for flagship Android tablets, making it a worthy investment for years to come. Its blend of design, performance, and features ensures that it remains a relevant and powerful device even amidst the ever-changing landscape of technology.
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