Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs. Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: A Familiar Face with Some Upgrades
Introduction:
Last year, Samsung ventured into the oversized tablet category with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, a device that received mixed reviews. This year, Samsung is back with the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which appears to be a redux of its predecessor, boasting some quality-of-life improvements such as water-resistance and enhanced cooling.
In this comparison, we'll explore the key aspects of both tablets to determine if the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is worth the upgrade.
Design and Display:
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and Tab S9 Ultra share a similar design, featuring a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED panel with vibrant colors and a 120 Hz refresh rate. However, their sheer size makes them more suitable for use on a table or with a keyboard, as they are not one-handed devices. Both tablets offer screen comfort options, allowing users to choose between punchy or realistic colors and fine-tune the temperature. Unfortunately, both devices lack a headphone jack.
Performance and Software:
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra benefits from the latest hardware, sporting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Made for Galaxy processor, a slightly overclocked Snapdragon developed in partnership with Qualcomm. It also boasts UFS 4.0 storage, twice as fast as the previous UFS 3.1, and LPDDR5X RAM for enhanced performance. Benchmark tests indicate a significant performance boost compared to the Tab S8 Ultra, making it a future-proof choice for new buyers.
Camera:
Tablets like these aren't typically used as primary cameras, but they feature front-facing 12 MP cameras for video calls. The rear camera setup remains the same on both devices, with a 13 MP main camera and an upgraded 8 MP ultra-wide camera on the Tab S9 Ultra. While camera improvements are minor, it's not a primary concern for tablet users.
Audio Quality:
Both tablets feature quad speakers in a stereo setup, delivering impressive sound quality. These speakers are great for watching shows and enjoying music, providing a spacious and detailed sound experience. However, neither tablet includes a headphone jack.
Battery Life and Charging:
Both the Tab S8 Ultra and Tab S9 Ultra share the same 11,200 mAh battery. While the newer processor and UFS 4.0 storage may contribute to efficiency, expect similar battery life from both devices. The lack of significant battery improvements is somewhat disappointing.
Specs Comparison:
Here's a quick comparison of the key specifications between the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Tab S8 Ultra:
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra:
- Size, weight: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches, 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm
- Screen: 14.6" AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 "Made for Galaxy"
- RAM, Storage: 12 GB / 256 GB, 16 GB / 1 TB
- Cameras: 13 MP main, 8 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP front wide, 12 MP front ultra
- Battery: 11,200 mAh
- Charging: USB-C, 45W wired
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra:
- Size, weight: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches, 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm
- Screen: 14.6" AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- RAM, Storage: 8 GB / 128 GB, 12 GB / 256 GB
- Cameras: 13 MP main, 6 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP front wide, 12 MP front ultra
- Battery: 11,200 mAh
- Charging: USB-C, 45W wired
Summary:
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a long-term investment with powerful hardware and a commitment to four years of Android updates. However, owners of the Tab S8 Ultra may not find compelling reasons to upgrade, as both tablets share many similarities.
If there's a deal on the Tab S8 Ultra, it can still be an excellent choice. Still, if you're in the market for a new tablet, the Tab S9 Ultra's future-proof hardware, enhanced performance, and minor improvements make it an attractive option, even if it comes at a slightly higher price point.
