Samsung offers the Galaxy Tab A9 in two versions: Tab A9 and Tab A9+. We reveal the differences between the two models and the purposes for which they are suitable.
Samsung is giving the popular Galaxy Tab A8 not one, but two successors. These go by the names Tab A9 and Tab A9+. Both are available now, with prices starting at 179 euros (Tab A9) and 249 euros (Tab A9+) respectively. Is the surcharge for the Plus version worth it or are the differences rather minor? Let’s take a look at them together.
Display
The most noticeable difference is probably the size. As with the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+, the Plus version has a larger screen. This measures 11 inches, compared to 8.7 inches for the Tab A9. We consider this to be “too small” by today’s standards and would therefore tend to recommend the Plus version rather than the Plus model or its predecessor. It offers a 10.5-inch display.
There are also differences in the resolution of the screens. The Tab A9 only offers WXGA+. This means that 1,340 x 800 pixels are spread across the screen. The Tab A9+, on the other hand, has 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. Both panels are TFT screens.
Front Camera
Not only does the display of the Tab A9 have a lower resolution, but also the front camera. This is a 2-megapixel lens, while the Tab A9+ has a 5-megapixel selfie camera. Both record videos in Full HD with a maximum of 30 FPS.
Battery
Due to the different sizes, both tablets naturally have differently sized batteries. Samsung installs a battery with a capacity of 5,100 milliampere hours (mAh) in the Tab A9, while the Tab A9+ has a battery with 7,040 mAh.
Processor
Samsung does not provide any precise details about which processor is in the respective tablet. According to the data sheet, however, the chip in the Tab A9 clocks a few megahertz higher than in the Tab A9+. However, without specific information on the chipset, it is impossible to say anything about the performance of the two models.
Versions
Both tablets are available in a WLAN-only version as well as a version with a cellular modem. However, the Tab A9 has a maximum LTE speed, while the Tab A9+ also offers the option of the newer 5G standard.
Price
The Tab A9 costs 179 euros in the cheapest version, while the Tab A9+ costs 249 euros. Below you will find an overview of the prices of the individual model variants:
Galaxy Tab A9 (Wifi) with 64 gigabytes of memory: 179 euros
Galaxy Tab A9 (Wifi) with 128 gigabytes of memory: 229 euros
Galaxy Tab A9 (LTE) with 64 gigabytes of memory: 219 euros
Galaxy Tab A9 (LTE) with 128 gigabytes of memory: 269 euros
Galaxy Tab A9+ (Wifi) with 64 gigabytes of memory: 249 euros
Galaxy Tab A9+ (Wifi) with 128 gigabytes of memory: 299 euros
Galaxy Tab A9+ (5G) with 64 gigabytes of memory: 299 euros
Galaxy Tab A9+ (5G) with 128 gigabytes of memory: 349 euros
You can already pre-order the tablet – including from Samsung itself. Here you can also get two gifts when you buy the Galaxy Tab A9+. Samsung is not offering a pre-order promotion for the Tab A9.
Result
The Tab A9 is primarily suitable for surfing on the sofa or for video conferencing. The same applies to the Plus model. Of course, you have to decide which display size you prefer. However, we would tend towards the 11-inch model. If this is too expensive for you, you can still buy the predecessor Tab A8 for around 150 euros. It offers a 10.5-inch display.