Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Review: Big Screen Fun for Kids?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ has emerged as a compelling contender in the budget tablet market, offering a harmonious blend of affordability, performance, and thoughtful design. As users seek versatile devices for both work and leisure, the Galaxy Tab A9+ steps up to the plate with its impressive features and user-friendly experience.

The Galaxy Tab A9+ slots neatly into the budget end of Samsung’s Android tablet lineup in the US, replacing the Galaxy Tab A8 from 2022. Let’s dive into what makes this tablet stand out:

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Tab A9+ inherits design traits from its predecessor, the Tab A8, which earned a special place in users’ hearts. Its understated yet refined design exudes elegance, making it a pleasant companion for streaming videos, browsing the web, or tackling productivity tasks. The sturdy build ensures durability, even during everyday use.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ strikes a balance between style and functionality with its design and build quality. Here’s a detailed look:

• Thin and Light: Measuring just 0.27 inches thin and weighing 1.35 pounds, the Tab A9+ is a remarkably portable tablet. This makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, making it ideal for reading ebooks, browsing the web, or watching videos.
• Premium Feel: Samsung clad the A9+ in a sleek aluminum back that gives it a polished and premium look. The aluminum construction also enhances durability, providing peace of mind for everyday bumps and nicks.
• Large Display, Minimal Bezels: The large 11-inch display is the centerpiece of the tablet, accentuated by minimal bezels that create a more immersive viewing experience.
• Color Options: The Tab A9+ comes in three classic colors: Graphite, Silver, and Navy. You can choose the color that best suits your style.

Some things to consider

• While the aluminum build feels sturdy, some reviewers have noted that it can be a bit slippery. A case might be a good idea for added grip and protection.
• The bezels, while minimal, are slightly thicker than those found on high-end tablets.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ delivers a well-designed and well-built tablet, particularly for its price point. The thin and light profile makes it easy to carry around, while the aluminum construction offers a touch of elegance and durability.

Display and Audio

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is built for entertainment, and its display and audio system reflect that focus. The 11-inch display steals the spotlight. With a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) and a refresh rate of up to 90 Hz, the screen offers vibrant visuals and smooth interactions. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series or immersing yourself in an e-book, the Galaxy Tab A9+ delivers.

But it’s not just about visuals—the tablet boasts quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos. Your music, shows, and games come alive with rich, clear sound. Imagine the joy of watching a movie with your family, with each speaker contributing to the cinematic experience. Let’s delve into the details:

Display:

• Large and Vibrant: The centerpiece of the A9+ is its expansive 11-inch TFT LCD display. This generous screen size is perfect for watching movies, playing games, or browsing the web.
• Sharp Resolution: With a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA), the display offers sharp visuals and clear text. While not the highest resolution on the market, it delivers enjoyable visuals for everyday tasks.
• Smooth Scrolling and Motion: A 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and transitions, making navigation and fast-paced games feel fluid and responsive.

Audio:

• Dolby Atmos Experience: The A9+ boasts quad speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos technology. This combination delivers immersive and rich surround sound, significantly enhancing your movie, music, and gaming experiences.
• Loud and Clear Audio: Whether you’re watching a quiet dialogue scene or listening to action-packed music, the speakers deliver clear and well-balanced audio at ample volume.

Some things to consider

• Display Type: An LCD panel is used instead of an OLED panel. While LCDs offer good brightness and color accuracy, OLED panels generally provide deeper blacks and better contrast ratios.
• No Fingerprint Sensor: The display doesn’t house a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the tablet. Fingerprint security is available via a side-mounted sensor, however.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ display and audio combination provide a compelling entertainment experience. The large display offers plenty of screen real estate, while the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals. The Dolby Atmos-powered quad speakers deliver immersive and room-filling sound, making the A9+ a great choice for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games.

Performance and Software

The performance and software of the Galaxy Tab A9+ work together to deliver a smooth and capable user experience. Let’s explore what’s powering this tablet:

Processor:

• Upgraded Performance: Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab A9+ packs an updated Snapdragon 695 processor. This improvement translates to snappier performance, whether you’re switching between apps, editing documents, or playing casual games. Android 13 comes pre-installed, ensuring you’re up-to-date right out of the box. This upgrade translates to improved performance for everyday tasks, including:
  • Effortlessly switching between multiple apps
  • Browsing the web with ease
  • Handling productivity tasks like document editing and note-taking
  • Enjoying casual games without lag

While not a powerhouse for demanding games or heavy multitasking, the Snapdragon 695 is a capable processor that delivers a noticeable improvement over previous A-series tablets.

Software:

• Android 13 out-of-the-box: The Galaxy Tab A9+ comes pre-installed with the latest Android 13 operating system. This ensures you have access to the newest features, security updates, and optimizations from Google.
• Samsung’s One UI Interface: Samsung overlays Android 13 with their One UI interface. This user-friendly interface provides a clean and intuitive experience specifically designed for tablets. It offers features like:
  • Multi-window functionality for efficient multitasking
  • Drag-and-drop capabilities for seamless file management
  • Dex mode, transforming the tablet into a desktop-like experience with a monitor connection (optional accessory required)

Some things to consider

• Mid-Range Performance: The Snapdragon 695 is a mid-range processor. While it handles everyday tasks well, users who require intensive multitasking or high-end gaming should look towards higher-end tablets.
• Bloatware: Samsung’s One UI may include some pre-installed apps you might not use. These apps can usually be disabled or uninstalled to free up storage space.

Overall, the combination of the upgraded Snapdragon 695 processor and Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI interface offers a smooth and capable user experience for everyday tasks, entertainment, and light to moderate productivity work.

Storage Options

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ caters to individual storage needs with two built-in storage options and the flexibility of expandable microSD card support. Let’s delve into the details:

Built-in Storage:

• 64GB and 128GB Options: The Galaxy Tab A9+ comes in two storage variants: 64 GB and 128 GB. The choice depends on your typical tablet usage and how much storage you require for apps, games, photos, videos, and files.
  • 64GB: This option is suitable for users who primarily browse the web, check email, stream videos occasionally, and use lighter apps.
  • 128GB: If you plan on downloading more apps and games, storing a larger music or photo library, or working with offline files, the 128GB model provides more breathing room.

Expandable Storage with MicroSD Cards:

• MicroSD Support Up to 1TB: Fortunately, the Galaxy Tab A9+ doesn’t limit you to its built-in storage. It features a microSD card slot that allows you to expand your storage capacity by up to 1TB with a compatible microSD card (sold separately). This is a significant advantage, especially for users who:
  • Download a lot of movies, music, or games for offline use.
  • Take high-resolution photos and videos.
  • Need to store large work files on the tablet.

Making the Right Storage Choice

Here are some tips to help you decide how much storage you’ll need:

• Consider your app usage: If you plan on installing many games or data-heavy apps, opt for the 128GB option or plan to use a microSD card.
• Think about your media consumption: Do you store a lot of music, movies, or offline content? If so, you’ll likely benefit from more storage space.
• Evaluate your photo and video needs: If you take high-resolution photos and videos, you’ll need more storage to store them.

Value Proposition

Now, let’s talk value. The base model starts at $214.99, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious users. But there’s more: Samsung offers a 5G-ready version for those seeking faster connectivity. Compare this to other tablets in the same price range, and the Galaxy Tab A9+ holds its ground admirably.

Pros and Cons

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ positions itself as a budget-friendly entertainment and productivity tablet. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a compelling balance of features and affordability for casual users, families, and students who prioritize entertainment, browsing, light productivity, and everyday tasks. By considering the pros and cons, you can decide if the A9+ aligns with your needs and usage style.

Who Benefits Most?

The Galaxy Tab A9+’s versatility makes it a compelling choice for various users:

• Students: The large display is perfect for reading textbooks and ebooks. The A9+ can handle note-taking apps and research browsing with its capable processor.
• Casual Users: Enjoy streaming movies and shows, browsing social media, and managing emails with ease. The A9+ provides a smooth experience for everyday entertainment and light productivity tasks.
• Families: The large screen makes the A9+ ideal for family movie nights or watching shows together. Samsung Kids provides a safe and engaging space for children to learn and play, while expandable storage allows you to store plenty of movies, games, and educational apps for everyone.
• Budget-Minded Users: Looking for a large-screen tablet without breaking the bank? The A9+ offers excellent value with its feature set and affordable price point.
• Light Gamers: While not a powerhouse, the A9+ can handle casual games without any issues.

Read: Facetel Q7 Tablet Review: Budget Hero or Big Disappointment?

Parental Controls & Kid-Friendly Content

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ isn’t just about entertainment; it can be a valuable educational tool for children as well. But for parents, ensuring a safe and controlled environment is crucial. Here’s how the A9+ addresses those concerns:

• Samsung Kids: This dedicated app creates a safe space for your children to explore age-appropriate content. It offers:
  • Curated Content: Educational games, interactive activities, and child-friendly videos ensure your kids are learning and having fun.
  • Parental Controls: Set screen time limits, manage app access, and monitor usage to ensure a healthy digital balance.
  • Customizable Profiles: Create individual profiles for each child, allowing for personalized content and time restrictions.
• Simple Setup: Setting up Samsung Kids is easy and intuitive. You can quickly establish a safe environment for your children, giving you peace of mind.

Beyond Samsung Kids:

• Google Play Parental Controls: The Galaxy Tab A9+ allows you to leverage Google Play’s parental controls. This lets you restrict app downloads, and in-app purchases, and manage content filtering based on your child’s age.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. It won’t replace a high-end laptop, but it’s a reliable companion for everyday tasks. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone seeking an affordable tablet, the Galaxy Tab A9+ deserves a spot on your radar.

Remember, technology evolves, but thoughtful design and usability remain timeless. The Galaxy Tab A9+ embodies this philosophy, making it a worthy addition to your digital arsenal. So go ahead, explore, create, and enjoy—Samsung’s got you covered!

Read: The Best Tablets Under $300: 5 Tablets for School & Fun