Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review: The Ultimate Tablet Experience?

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is Samsung’s largest tablet yet, and its size is immediately impressive. The 14.6-inch display dominates the front, surrounded by slim bezels that maximise screen space without compromising usability. Despite the size, Samsung has managed to keep the tablet remarkably thin at just 5.5mm and lightweight at 737g (1.63 lbs).

The Armor Aluminium frame gives it a durable, premium feel, while the IP68 water and dust resistance is a rare feature in tablets, offering peace of mind for users on the go. However, the large size might make it less comfortable to hold for extended periods without a stand or case.

The 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is one of the standout features of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. With a resolution of 2960 x 1848 and support for HDR10+, the display delivers stunningly vibrant colours, deep blacks, and sharp detail.

Whether you’re watching 4K videos, editing photos, or multitasking with split-screen apps, the screen provides an immersive and visually rich experience. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, which is perfect for both productivity and entertainment.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra handles demanding tasks with ease. The tablet comes in configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, making it ideal for multitasking, gaming, and creative applications like photo and video editing.

In benchmark tests, the S9 Ultra performs on par with flagship smartphones and high-end tablets. It handles apps like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and graphics-intensive games without any lag or slowdowns.

Performance Highlights:

• Fast app loading and multitasking
• Excellent gaming performance with minimal heat
• Optimised for productivity with Samsung DeX

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is built with productivity in mind. Samsung’s One UI 5.1 offers a range of features designed to enhance multitasking, including multi-window mode, drag-and-drop functionality, and Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience.

The included S Pen is a major plus, offering precise input for note-taking, sketching, and editing. The pen attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet for easy storage and charging.

Samsung’s ecosystem integration is another advantage. Features like Quick Share, Second Screen, and seamless syncing with Galaxy phones and laptops make the tablet a versatile tool for professionals who are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.

However, Android tablets still face limitations when it comes to app optimisation. While Samsung has made significant strides, some apps still feel stretched or underdeveloped compared to their iPadOS counterparts.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is equipped with an 11,200mAh battery, which can easily last through a full day of productivity or media consumption. Samsung claims up to 14 hours of video playback, and in real-world usage, it holds up well under a mix of tasks.

The tablet supports 45W fast charging, allowing you to recharge to 100% in about 90 minutes. However, you’ll need to purchase the fast charger separately, as it’s not included in the box.

While cameras aren’t usually a priority for tablets, Samsung has equipped the S9 Ultra with dual 12MP front cameras (including an ultra-wide lens) and a 13MP + 8MP rear camera setup. The front cameras are excellent for video calls, offering wide-angle framing and good low-light performance.

The quad-speaker system, tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support, delivers rich, immersive audio. Whether you’re watching movies or attending virtual meetings, the sound quality is among the best on any tablet.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a variety of connectivity options, including:

• USB-C 3.2
• Wi-Fi 6E
• 5G (on cellular models)
• Bluetooth 5.3

However, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a downside for users who prefer wired audio. Samsung also does not include expandable storage via a microSD card, which may limit options for some users.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a premium device, with prices starting at £1,199 for the base model and increasing with higher storage and RAM options. It’s positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s iPad Pro 12.9-inch and Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9.

For users who need a tablet that can function as a laptop replacement, the S9 Ultra offers excellent value with its expansive display, powerful performance, and productivity features. However, if you’re primarily looking for casual media consumption, there are more budget-friendly options available.