Samsung launches its new Galaxy Tab S9 tablets that are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 *Updated*

During its Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul Korea, Samsung unveiled its newest Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series of devices alongside its latest smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5. 

According to Samsung, they have seen a 7% annual growth rate for premium Android tablets despite the company seeing its share of the tablet market falling. So the new Samsung Galaxy Tab series builds on its premium Android tablet range with three new models. 

Premium hardware and water resistance for the first time!

For the first time, across all three models, the Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra differ solely based on their display size and battery capacities, with no compromises on their components or hardware quality between them, unlike the Tab S8 models. Plus, in a world’s first, all of the Galaxy Tab S9 series devices are IP68-rated. The Tab S8 didn't have any water resistance capabilities, so that's a plus point for the Tab S9, as you can easily use them without concerns in many more scenarios.

But that’s not all; in addition to the Galaxy Tab S9 series being IP68-rated, so too is the Galaxy S Pen that is included with all three variants of the Tab S9 series.  Later this year, we can also expect to see a new S Pen Creator’s Edition with improved angles for more control over the stylus. You can check out our hands-on to find out more about what to expect as we've tried the S Pen Creator's Edition in Samsung's Korea headquarters.

Every device is equipped with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy with differences in the amount of RAM and storage capacity. What is nice is that the Galaxy Tab S9 has retained their storage capacity expansion capabilities via a microSD expansion card to add up to 1TB extra storage, just like the Tab S8 models.

All three models have a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel and Vision booster, HDR10+ support, Eye comfort, an adaptive refresh rate of 60 to 120Hz and a 16:10 aspect ratio screen. All these might not sound new as they are featured on the Galaxy S23 series (and from the S22 series) as well as the just-launched Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 mobile phones. However, for a tablet, the Tab S9 is the first to support all these features. The crucial difference is that AMOLED 2X panel not only has higher peak brightness, but also indicates that it now supports HDR10+ content. This is important since you get to enjoy HDR scenes that dynamically suit to the content shown; basically scene-by-scene HDR support through dynamic metadata that's embedded in the video show or stream. Amazon Prime is one place where you'll find a notable number of recent content that is HDR10+ compatible.

In terms of display sizes, they are identical to the Tab S8 options. We have display sizes for the S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra at 11 inches, 12.4 inches, and 14.6 inches, respectively. 

All three models also have 20% larger quad-stereo speakers with Sound by AKG when compared to the Tab S8 series. They also come with Dolby Atmos support. 

Part of the reason why the new S9 series is able to perform so well boils down to the fact that it is the most heat-efficient Galaxy Tab lineup ever, with an internal vapour chamber custom engineered for the high-intensity demands of a tablet. New two-way heat dissipation helps enable and sustain better performance over a longer usage period.

 

Hardware and software working together

But a tablet is only as useful as the software and accessories it has in its ecosystem. 

To inspire creatives, the Galaxy Tab S9 Series has enhanced and upgraded some apps to make them almost pro-grade. GoodNotes, LumaFusion, Clip Studio Paint, and ArcSite are some examples of this. Through close collaboration with Google to optimise large-screen experiences, users can benefit from these apps to easily complete tasks and turn ideas into reality on the Galaxy Tab S9 Series.

GoodNotes for example, offers a new note-taking and journaling experience on Android for the first time, launching exclusively for Galaxy tablet users. Plus, notes created in GoodNotes on all platforms can easily be shared and co-edited simultaneously.

The LumaFusion video editing app makes it easy to create sharable content. Images and videos, no matter the size, that were taken on your Galaxy smartphone camera can be easily shared to Galaxy Tab S9 Series with Quick Share. Plus, if you have the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, LumaFusion can take full advantage of the large screen to ensure editing videos is precise.

The interface for Clip Studio Paint has been streamlined to make it easier for drawing, painting and more. 

Meanwhile, ArcSite empowers designers and professionals by transforming their creative vision into meticulously crafted 2D CAD blueprints, comprehensive site plans, and accurate estimates. 

In a nod to multi-tasking, DeX Mode returns with PC-like controls. This allows your device to cast a PC-like experience to the big screen with the same apps you use on your phone every day. You can also use Second Screen to mirror or extend the PC screen to the tablet. And to make collaboration even easier, Samsung Notes and Google Meets are now integrated with each other for note-sharing.

 

Pricing and pre-orders 

Galaxy Tab S9 Series comes in two colours, Beige and Graphite and will be available for pre-order from July 26, with general availability starting August 11. Users will get four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. For the full pre-order details, promotions and accessories to accompany the new Tab S9, here's our summary.

For those who've been following the Galaxy Tab S journey, you'll realize that the Tab S9 models are actually priced less than the Tab S8 counterparts. This is much more pronounced in the S9+ and S9 Ultra. So if you've been putting off getting a premium Samsung tablet previously, now might be a better time to reconsider. Don't forget to check out our hands-on impressions, including underwater writing!

Pre-order the Galaxy Tab S9 now

For additional reading:

• Launch promotions for the Samsung Galaxy Tab9
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 hands-on
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 hands-on
• A rundown of what's new on Z Flip5 and Fold5

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