In addition to the high-end S-series tablets, which aim to compete with iPads, Samsung offers the A-series, which includes simpler, more affordable models, like the all-new Galaxy Tab A9+.

In addition to the high-end S-series tablets, which aim to compete with iPads, Samsung offers the A-series, which includes simpler, more affordable models, like the all-new Galaxy Tab A9+.

For its tablets, Samsung applies the same segmentation as for its smartphones. On the one hand, we therefore find the S range which includes the high-end models (including the Tab S9 which we tested a few months ago) and, on the other, the A range which focuses on more affordable. These are tablets with a technical sheet that is certainly less extensive but which retain the spirit of the brand and a good level of finish.

The brand new Galaxy Tab A9+ is therefore placed a notch above the A9 model (in short) with a larger screen and is available in several versions with a simple Wi-Fi connection or, in addition, a 5G, 4 or 8 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of storage. Official prices start at 260 euros. A rather affordable price for a device in this category which lacks neither advantages nor disadvantages as we have seen. The Galaxy A tablets in the Samsung catalog are therefore oriented towards family use, focused on multimedia, reading, surfing the Web and relaxation. You don’t have to ask for much more from them, but it’s already more than enough for a device that we often leave available on the coffee table in the living room to take advantage of a screen larger than that of the smartphone. We were able to test the Galaxy Tab A9+ in its 8-128 GB version for several weeks. Here is our verdict.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: an elegant and neat design

Even for its entry-level devices, the South Korean takes care of its image. This Galaxy Tab A9+ thus presents very careful finishes worthy of a much more expensive model. No plastic here but a brushed aluminum chassis with the most beautiful effect even if it easily sticks to fingerprints on the back.

It also has a wasp waist with its 6.9 mm thickness and its flat edges which remain comfortable even during long sessions of use. We also appreciate its very reasonable weight for its size of 480 g. The wrists do not tire when held vertically or horizontally with both hands.

The left edge houses the power and volume buttons. We note in passing the absence of a fingerprint reader, although it is very practical. You will therefore have to make do with the traditional PIN code or facial recognition (rather effective) to unlock the device.

An original choice, Samsung placed the battery jack in the lower left corner on the edge which houses the USB-C port. Consequence: when you hold the tablet horizontally, with the selfie camera facing upwards, the jack cable of a headset or wired earphones particularly hinders the grip. Not very practical.

On the front we have a large screen framed by wide borders. A common feature on this type of device to avoid unwanted presses on the screen but here, the thickness of the borders seems a bit exaggerated and harms the overall aesthetic of the tablet. Damage.

Finally, don’t look for a waterproof rating here. Unlike the S range models, the Tab A9+ is not protected against dust or water. It will therefore be necessary to take care of it.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: a pleasant but non-configurable screen

For this model, Samsung has opted for an 11-inch TFT LCD panel. A very comfortable surface for enjoying the majority of content and which lends itself well to playing videos with its 16:10 format. However, we would have appreciated a slightly more generous definition than the 1920 x 1200 pixels and the resolution of 206 ppi. So much so that the panel does not necessarily pay tribute to very high definition content. In terms of brightness, it is not a panacea, far from what the models in the S range can obviously offer, but comfort remains there indoors. However, we experienced some difficulty with readability in direct sunlight.

Above all, we deplore the absence of settings concerning colorimetry. No option is offered to adopt brighter colors or, on the contrary, adjust a blue that is too dominant. The only setting available simply allows you to change the refresh rate (60 Hz to save battery or automatic up to 90 Hz).

On the audio side, the Galaxy Tab A9+ has four speakers distributed on the left and right edges (when the device is held horizontally). Dolby Atmos compatible, they deliver rather decent sound for their size. But you will have to be light on the volume otherwise saturation will quickly be felt.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: somewhat fair performance

Technical sheet

Under the hood, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor is in operation, supported by 8 GB of RAM on the model tested. This entry-level SoC is not a lightning bolt but delivers enough power for most everyday tasks. We did not encounter any problems with fluidity or latency when managing multitasking and that is all we ask for from a tablet in this category. However, after ten applications are opened, some slowdowns may begin to be felt.

On the gaming side, the Tab A9+ provides the minimum. It allows you to play casual titles but is not really designed to tackle more demanding games. With our reference title Genshin Impact, we had to set the details to the Medium level to play at 45 frames per second. Add to that the fairly low definition of the screen and you get a passable display but nothing more. That’s a bit fair.

Note that when unboxing, the Tab A9+ was powered by OneUI 5.1, Samsung’s software overlay on top of Android 13. A few dozen minutes later, it received One UI 6, the new version also at work on smartphones South Korean and Android 14. We have not noticed any particular slowdowns following this major update.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: very decent battery life

The tablet is the kind of device that stays available in sleep mode for long hours or even days before waking up and performing at its best. The Tab A9+ fits perfectly into this category. Several days (and nights) of standby only reduced the battery by less than ten points. In use, it very easily holds the length with its 16h40. Its 7040 mAh battery seems rather well designed for the device. You will therefore have no worries about taking it with you on a long journey to watch your films and series without keeping an eye on the gauge.

It’s only when recharging that it gets stuck. First, the tablet comes without a charger. You will therefore have to obtain one yourself. Then, the Tab A9+ only offers a maximum charge of 15W. That’s way too short. Also, to refuel, from 0 to 100%, give it almost three hours. It’s way too long.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: an additional camera

Let’s quickly move on to the photo section. Tablets are not, in general, devices that lend themselves readily to this exercise given their imposing format. And, in this area, Samsung is not performing well. The Tab A9+ has a single 8 Mpx (f/2.0) photo module on the back. It delivers images that are generally quite dull with too little definition. The sharpness is absent and the smoothing is too pronounced.

On the front, the selfie camera consists of a 5 Mpx (f2.2) module. It turns out to be sufficient for video calls but not much more.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+: should you go for Samsung’s entry-level tablet?

With the Tab A9+, Samsung has created a rather elegant and versatile tablet for this price level. We find the South Korean know-how in the finishes and the care given to the interface. We can obviously regret the somewhat low definition of the screen and the lack of speed of the processor in certain situations. However, the Tab A9+ offers real comfort of use for most uses for a tablet with, as a bonus, a very decent battery life which allows you to carry it around everywhere without worry. It’s a shame, however, that charging is so slow. A point on which the manufacturer must work and which it continues to leave behind both on its tablets and on its smartphones for that matter. If you decide to go for it, however, we recommend opting for the most advanced version, which we had in our hands, equipped with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage space (which can be found for less than 280 euros) so as not to be caught off guard over time.