Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review: The Best Android Tablet

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is Samsung‘s newest top-of-the-line Android tablet, featuring an extra large 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz display with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Packed with the latest high-end hardware like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and plenty of RAM and storage options, the Tab S9 Ultra offers exceptional performance whether you’re working, playing games, or binge-watching videos.

In this Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review, we’ll look in-depth at the design, display quality, software experience, performance benchmarks, camera capabilities, battery life, and more to help you determine if it’s the right premium tablet for your needs.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review: Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra sports a slim, rectangular design with proportional bezels and rounded corners. It measures 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm and weighs just 732 g, which is surprisingly lightweight for a tablet this size. The rear is made of aluminum, giving it a premium feel, while the front is covered with strengthened glass.

Available color options include Graphite and Beige. Our Graphite review unit looks sleek and professional. The tablet feels solidly constructed with no flex or creaks. The prominence of right-angled edges gives it an industrial vibe.

Buttons for power and volume are located along the top edge for easy access when holding the tablet horizontally. The top edge also houses the SIM card slot for cellular models.

The bottom edge contains the POGO pin connectors for attaching accessories like Samsung’s keyboard cover. Unfortunately, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack. The right side includes the USB-C charging port when holding the tablet horizontally.

The Tab S9 Ultra flaunts a minimalist, business-oriented aesthetic with impressive craftsmanship, given its large display size. It looks and feels premium, thanks to the high-end materials used in its construction.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Display Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is built around a massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz display with a sharp WQHD+ resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels. This 16:10 aspect ratio results in ample screen real estate for productivity and multitasking.

It’s a gorgeous cinematic display that makes watching movies and videos a treat. Everything from documents to websites to games looks crisp and clear on the large, vibrant screen. 

With support for a 120Hz refresh rate, animations and scrolling are incredibly fluid. You can choose between 60Hz and 120Hz modes to balance performance and battery life—the high refresh rate pairs nicely with the S Pen stylus for drawing and note-taking.

The Tab S9 Ultra display showcases deep blacks and rich colors, as we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology. Certified for HDR10+ content, it delivers exceptional contrast and detail. Brightness can reach up to 930 nits for decent outdoor visibility. 

Overall, the display is buttery smooth, responsive, and immersive – precisely what you want from a top-tier media consumption and creativity tablet. It sets a new standard for large tablet screens.

Tab S9 Ultra Software, UI, and Features

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra comes with Android 13 out of the box and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 custom interface. The UI is designed specifically for large-screen devices like tablets and foldables. 

You get access to all the standard Android apps plus some excellent productivity features from Samsung. Multitasking is easy with the ability to run up to 3 apps simultaneously in a split-screen view. Apps can also be overlaid in pop-up windows. 

For creative work and note-taking, the S Pen stylus offers tons of utility through Samsung Notes and other apps. Write or draw naturally with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. Low 9ms latency provides a pen-to-paper feel. Handwriting recognition allows note-taking with the S Pen.

Other software highlights include:

• DeX mode for a desktop-style experience.
• Seamless syncing across Galaxy devices.
• Bixby voice assistant.
• Game Launcher for gaming tools.
• Kids Mode with parental controls for child-friendly use.

One UI 5.1 on the Tab S9 Ultra is fast, fluid, feature-rich, and designed for big-screen productivity. The software experience is better than what you’ll find on most other Android tablets.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra S Pen Performance 

One of the key features that helps the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stand out from the competition is the integrated S Pen stylus. Stored magnetically along the back of the tablet, the S Pen enables natural writing, drawing, and navigation as an alternative to touch input.

Samsung has reduced the S Pen’s latency to just 2.8ms, over 3X faster than the previous model. This makes writing and drawing feel instantaneous and seamless. Pressure sensitivity has also been improved up to 4x higher, enabling greater precision. 

The S Pen attaches sturdily to the back of the tablet for charging and storage when not in use. It’s always there when you need it. 

Writing notes and annotating PDFs in Samsung Notes is a breeze. Drawing in apps like Clip Studio Paint happens with pinpoint accuracy. The S Pen makes the Tab S9 Ultra feel like a digital sketchbook or notepad.

Handwriting recognition has also improved for quickly converting scrawled notes into typed text. Air Actions allow you to control certain features like camera shutters or presentations with gestures.

The S Pen integration is game-changing if you enjoy writing and drawing on your tablet. The reduced latency and improved pressure sensitivity bring the experience closer to paper and pen.

Samsung Tab S9 Ultra Hardware and Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a performance powerhouse thanks to cutting-edge hardware packed inside. It runs on the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform, featuring an octa-core CPU based on a 4nm manufacturing process.

Here are the key specs powering the Tab S9 Ultra:

• Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)- Octa-core (1x Cortex-X3 • 3.36 GHz + 2x Cortex-A715 • 2.8 GHz + 2x Cortex-A710 • 2.8 GHz + 3x Cortex-A510 • 2.0 GHz)
• Adreno 740 GPU
• 12GB / 16GB RAM options
• 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage options + microSD card slot
• 5G sub-6GHz and mmWave support
• Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

This bleeding-edge silicon provides incredible processing power and efficiency. Everything feels lightning-fast, from launching apps to multitasking and more. Gaming performance is also excellent, with high frame rates in graphics-intensive titles.

In benchmarks, the Tab S9 Ultra tops the charts with one of the highest scores on any Android tablet. Here are some benchmark results:

• Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 2084
• Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 5540

Performance is snappy and responsive across the board, no matter how hard you push the Tab S9 Ultra. Thermals also remain excellent thanks to the efficient chipset and intelligent cooling system.

With up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, you can load this tablet with apps, games, media, and files without worrying about capacity. External storage can be further expanded via the microSD card slot.

If raw processing power matters for productivity and entertainment, the Tab S9 Ultra delivers in spades – the pinnacle of Android tablet performance.

Tab S9 Ultra Camera Quality

Tablet cameras are rarely excellent, but the dual camera setup on the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is solid for a tablet.

You get a 13MP primary camera and an 8MP ultra-wide camera on the back. The primary sensor has an f/2.0 aperture capable of taking decent shots in the daytime and moderate indoor lighting. Autofocus is quick, and images show fair color accuracy and detail.

The ultra-wide lens allows you to fit more into each frame. It’s great for landscapes, architecture, or group photos. However, the quality could be much better than the primary lens.

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra comes with a dual selfie camera setup. The 12MP +12MP front-facing camera adeptly handles selfies and video chat. Face unlock with the front camera is supported as well.

Video recording reaches 4K resolution at 30fps on the rear cameras. The footage looks nice, with good stabilization for a tablet.

While the Tab S9 Ultra cameras will not replace your smartphone, they offer helpful imaging and scan capabilities for a device focused on productivity and media. The dual sensor setup provides functional flexibility that most other Android tablets lack.

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Battery Life

Powering that spacious 14.6-inch screen requires robust battery capacity. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra incorporates a massive 11,200 mAh battery.

The tablet can quickly deliver 10+ hours of screen time in real-world use, even at maximum brightness levels. You can stretch it even longer by tweaking settings like refresh rate or dark mode.

Our battery benchmark test yielded 13 hours and 27 minutes of continuous video playback on a charge. This puts battery life near the top of any high-end tablet we’ve tested.

Depending on your usage, you can feasibly go several days without recharging the Tab S9 Ultra. The battery lasts and lasts even with heavy use.

When it comes time to power back up, the 45W fast charging support replenishes quickly. You can gain a considerable boost from just 30 minutes of charging. Full recharges still take a while, given the large capacity.

For continuous marathon use without worrying about battery anxiety, the Tab S9 Ultra satisfies. The battery life is exemplary for a media consumption and creativity tablet this size.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers 45W wired charging via USB-C. This allows you to gain back hours of use from short charging sessions rapidly.

Charging the S Pen is also wireless by attaching it to the side of the tablet. A few minutes of magnetic contact provides hours of stylus use.

If you want the fastest charging experience, invest in a 45W USB-PD adapter. But the Tab S9 Ultra offers flexible charging options no matter your situation.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs iPad Pro M2: In-Depth Comparison

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra goes up directly against Apple’s iPad Pro M2, introduced earlier this year. Let’s compare the two tablets in major categories:

• Design: Both tablets boast a premium metal and glass build. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is more compact, but the Tab S9 Ultra’s expensive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display provides more real estate for work and play.
• Performance: Apple’s M2 chip is undoubtedly fast, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is right up there in benchmarks. The Tab S9 Ultra offers more RAM (up to 16GB vs. iPad Pro’s 16GB max) for demanding apps.
• Software: iPadOS 16.1 on the iPad Pro offers a touch-optimized iOS experience. Samsung’s One UI 5.1 adds extensive customization atop Android 13. iPadOS is more limited in this regard.
• Cameras: The Tab S9 Ultra provides two excellent selfie cameras compared to just one on the iPad Pro. But Apple’s tablet has a better rear camera setup for photos and videos.
• Battery: Both tablets will easily last a full day, but the massive 11,200 mAh battery gives the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra a clear edge in endurance.

Overall, both tablets have pros and cons. Still, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra pulls ahead with its larger canvas-like display, top-tier performance, and battery life. iPad Pro remains the winner for some use cases thanks to iPadOS and build quality. Still, as an overall package, Samsung’s offering provides more bang for the buck.

Top Features and Reasons to Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Based on our extensive testing and impressions, here are the key highlights that make the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra a top choice:

• Cinematic 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display – With slim bezels and a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the Tab S9 Ultra’s screen draws you in with vivid colors and expansive real estate.
• Desktop-class performance – The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC delivers incredible power for demanding tasks. This is the fastest Android tablet yet.
• Epic battery life – With 11,200mAh battery capacity, the Tab S9 Ultra can last several days on a single charge – unmatched longevity.
• S Pen included – Samsung’s responsive S Pen stylus is in the box, great for notes, art, and precision work.
• DeX productivity mode – Connect to an external display and use the Tab S9 Ultra in desktop PC mode with support for resizable windows and more.
• Intuitive One UI 5 software – Samsung’s latest Android skin brings Android 13 features and customizations for an optimized tablet experience.
• Premium, durable design – An aluminum frame sandwiched between glass makes the Tab S9 Ultra feel top-notch yet durable.
• Best-in-class cameras – Dual selfies and dual rear cameras on the tablet allow you to capture great photos and video.

If you want the best Android tablet experience, the feature-packed Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a top choice in 2023. From entertainment to productivity, Samsung’s
Flagship has you covered.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Key Specs Overview

Here is a quick rundown of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra specifications:

• Display: 14.6” WQHD+ (2960 x 1848) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
• Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
• RAM: 12GB/16GB
• Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB plus microSD
• Rear Camera: 13MP main + 8MP ultra-wide
• Front Camera: 12MP + 12MP
• Battery: 11,200 mAh
• Charging: 45W wired
• Biometrics: Under display, optical fingerprint reader, face unlock
• Audio: Quad stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos
• S Pen: Stored in chassis, 2.8ms latency
• Software: Android 13, One UI 5.1
• Dimensions: 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm
• Weight: 732 g.

This impressive slate of specs makes the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra one of the most robust, well-equipped Android tablets money can buy in 2023. The next-generation display, sound, performance, and features place this tablet in a class of its own.

Our Verdict about Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra represents Android tablets taken to their highest level yet. This productivity machine does everything from its stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz display to the powerful next-gen processor to responsive S Pen.

Suppose you want the best technology and user experience in an Android tablet today for work, creativity, and play. In that case, the Tab S9 Ultra shines bright. The premium price reflects the unmatched quality you receive across the board.

Power users who multitask extensively will love the giant screen real estate and Swift performance. Mobile professionals and students can get serious work done with DeX mode and keyboard accessories.

Media lovers will bask in the gorgeous cinematic display and quad speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos. Casual users will enjoy the intuitive interface and features like split screen.

With class-leading battery life, mighty performance, an incredible display, and a slim, durable chassis, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra sets the new benchmark for large-screen Android tablets in 2023. Samsung knocks it out of the park with its latest flagship slate.

FAQ about the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Q. Does the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra have a headphone jack?

Unlike most premium flagships, the Tab S9 Ultra does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You will need to use the USB-C port or wireless headphones for audio.

Q. How much RAM and storage do Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra models have?

There are three configurations:

•  12GB RAM + 256GB storage
•  12GB RAM + 512GB storage
•  16GB RAM + 1TB storage

Q. Does the Tab S9 Ultra support WiFi 6E?

Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 powered US model of the Tab S9 Ultra supports the latest WiFi 6E standard.

Q. Does the S Pen come included?

Yes, the S Pen stylus is included in the box and stored within a slot in the chassis for easy access. It charges wirelessly by just being housed in the phone.

Q. Does the 45W charger come included?

No

Q. Does the keyboard and cover come included in the box?

No