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Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a tablet with solid software support, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 might be just what you’re looking for. Priced at around $160, this compact tablet surprised us during our review with its vibrant display and robust feature set. Samsung has refreshed its budget tablet lineup with the Tab A9, offering an affordable option that slightly downsizes its predecessor, the Tab A8, and comes at a lower price.
Design & Build Quality
The Tab A9 is smaller than the Tab A8, resembling the dimensions of the Tab A7 Lite. It’s incredibly slim, weighing only 332g and measuring just 8mm thick. Unlike many budget-friendly tablets, the A9 doesn’t have excessively thick bezels, making it sleek and portable.
For a device at this price, the design and build quality are surprisingly good. It boasts a mostly metal body with clean lines and a solid feel, giving it a premium look compared to other budget tablets. This makes it feel more like an iPad Mini competitor rather than a cheap slate. The Tab A9 is available in classy color options, including Navy Blue, Silver, and Graphite, with Navy Blue being particularly eye-catching.
Display & Audio
With an 8.7-inch display, the Tab A9 is notably smaller than the 10.5-inch Tab A8. For those wanting a larger option, the 11-inch Tab A9+ is available, offering a near-full-size tablet experience. The Tab A9’s LCD screen features a standard 60Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution. While the display does have a slight blue tint, it offers good viewing angles and a crisp appearance for text, icons, and video. Scrolling can feel a bit blurry due to the 60Hz panel, but this is common for budget devices.
The audio experience is also better than expected for a tablet in this price range. The dual speakers deliver decent sound, offering enough power for light music or streaming video. While it won’t fill a large room, it’s perfect for personal use, like watching videos or listening to podcasts.
Performance & Specifications
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset from 2022, the Tab A9 performs well for a budget tablet. The chipset offers mid-range specs similar to the Snapdragon 695 found in the Tab A9+. The base model comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which is adequate for casual use. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can upgrade to the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage model for an extra $42, which is a great value. There’s also a microSD slot for expandable storage, providing flexibility if you need more space.
For casual users, the Tab A9 handles everyday tasks smoothly, but if you plan on using more demanding apps, the 8GB model is a better choice. The Helio G99 doesn’t support 5G, but you can opt for a 4G LTE version if you need cellular connectivity on the go.
Camera Performance
Cameras are where the Galaxy Tab A9 falls short, but for a budget tablet, this is a reasonable compromise. It features an 8 MP rear camera and a 2 MP front-facing camera, neither of which delivers great results. The rear camera struggles with focus, exposure, and color accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. While you might get better results outdoors in good lighting, don’t expect the A9 to replace your smartphone camera.
Battery Life & Charging
The Tab A9 comes with a 5100mAh battery, which is relatively small for a tablet but compensates with efficient performance. During our testing, it lasted an impressive 12 hours and 18 minutes in a standard battery test at 200 nits brightness. However, your actual usage may vary depending on brightness settings and workload.
One drawback is the slow 15W charging speed. Samsung includes only a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, leaving you to purchase a separate adapter if needed. When using a 15W charger, the tablet gained just 7% battery in 15 minutes and 15% in 30 minutes, meaning a full charge takes several hours. This could be frustrating if you’re in a hurry to recharge.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who still want reliable software support and decent performance. While it’s not without its compromises, particularly in terms of camera quality and charging speed, it excels in design, display quality, and battery life for its price. If you’re after a small, affordable tablet with a premium feel, the Galaxy Tab A9 is worth considering.