TABLETS

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, 11.0″ TFT LCD PLS Display – Pros and Cons Review

 

 

A Budget-Friendly Tablet with Big Potential

 

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a compelling option in the budget tablet market, offering an 11.0″ TFT LCD PLS display, solid performance, and a sleek design at an affordable price point. The 4GB RAM/64GB storage model, and with an 8GB/128GB variant, this tablet aims to deliver value for families, casual users, and budget-conscious buyers. After testing the device, here’s a detailed look at its strengths and weaknesses.

 

 

Pros

 

Vivid Display with Smooth 90Hz Refresh Rate

The 11.0″ TFT LCD PLS display with a 1920×1200 resolution (WUXGA) is a standout feature. The 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for streaming movies and shows, offering vibrant colors and decent clarity for indoor viewing. The 90Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Tab A8, ensuring smoother scrolling and animations, which enhances the experience for gaming and browsing. While it’s not an OLED, the display holds its own for the price, making it great for Netflix binges or casual gaming like Candy Crush.

 

 

 

Solid Build and Lightweight Design

The Tab A9+ boasts a premium-feeling aluminum body that’s just 6.9mm thick and weighs 480g, making it easy to carry and hold. Available in Graphite, Navy, and Silver, its minimalist design feels sturdy despite the budget price tag. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome touch for wired audio fans, though its placement near the corner could be precarious.

 

 

Impressive Software Support

Running Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14) with Samsung’s One UI 5.1, the Tab A9+ offers a clean, user-friendly interface optimized for tablets. Samsung promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, which is exceptional for a budget device, ensuring longevity until at least 2027. Features like multi-window support and a taskbar enhance productivity, while the Samsung Kids app makes it family-friendly.

 

 

 

Great Battery Life

The 7,040mAh battery delivers reliable performance, lasting up to three to four days with light use like streaming or browsing. Standby time is also impressive, with the tablet retaining charge for nearly a week when idle. This makes it a dependable companion for travel or casual home use.

 

 

 

Expandable Storage and 5G Option

With a microSD slot supporting up to 1TB, storage constraints are easily addressed. The optional 5G model adds flexibility for users needing mobile connectivity, a rare feature at this price.

 

 

 

Cons

 

Weak Cameras

The 8MP rear and 5MP front cameras are underwhelming, producing soft, washed-out images, especially in low light. They’re functional for video calls or document scanning but fall short for photography. If you rely on your tablet for video conferencing, the front camera is just adequate.

 

 

 

Slow Charging

The Tab A9+ supports only 15W charging, taking around four hours for a full charge. No charger is included, which is disappointing, though not uncommon. Compared to rivals like the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, the charging speed feels sluggish.

 

 

No Fingerprint Sensor or S Pen Support

The lack of a fingerprint sensor means reliance on less secure face unlock or PINs. Additionally, there’s no S Pen support, limiting its appeal for note-taking or creative tasks compared to Samsung’s pricier Tab S series.

 

 

 

Base Model Performance Issues

The 4GB RAM/64GB storage model can be sluggish during multitasking or app switching. For smoother performance, the 8GB RAM variant is recommended, but it increases the cost. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset handles daily tasks well but struggles with demanding games like Genshin Impact on high settings.

 

 

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a fantastic budget tablet for streaming, browsing, and light productivity. Its large, smooth display, long battery life, and robust software support make it a strong contender under €250. However, slow charging, mediocre cameras, and the base model’s performance hiccups hold it back from being a complete all-rounder. For casual users or families, it’s a great pick, but those needing more power or stylus support might want to look elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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