From the moment you pick up the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet , it's clear that Samsung hasn't simply reworked its Tab A8. The design remains simple and familiar, but the 11-inch 90 Hz screen immediately surprises with its fluidity, especially in a tablet costing less than €300. For several weeks, we integrated this tablet into our daily life, alternating between streaming, casual gaming, light office work and intensive web browsing, to see if its promises held up in real-life use.
The Galaxy Tab A9+ quickly stands out as the logical successor to the Galaxy Tab A8. The larger screen, the upgrade to the Snapdragon 695, and the addition of 90Hz mode significantly improve responsiveness and visual comfort. 5G connectivity and Samsung DeX allow users to go beyond simple entertainment, while Pogo pins open the door to productive keyboard use.
But the key question remains: can this affordable tablet truly compete in the family segment? Our extensive testing, ranging from video playback to multitasking, shows that while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ doesn't match the power of premium models, it offers a consistent, reliable, and versatile experience that's robust enough for families or users looking for a simple yet complete tablet.
Table of Contents
Design and Finish: Aluminum and attention to detail in the jungle of affordable tablets
As soon as you take the Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet out of its minimalist box, you find a simple USB-C to USB-C cable, without a charger, as has become the almost universal standard among manufacturers, you feel that this tablet plays in a different category than the majority of entry-level models. The brushed aluminum back, punctuated by a contrasting strip for the logo and the photo sensor, gives a feeling of solidity and lightness rare in this price range. Placed on the table, it exudes an understated elegance that has nothing to envy from tablets from competing brands. The Mystic Navy color accentuates this impression: a deep, serious, almost "professional" blue, but which remains pleasant to the eye in a living room or an office.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ also surprises with its compactness and balance. At 6.9 mm thick and weighing only 480 g, it slips easily into a bag, can be handled with one hand to read an article or watch a movie, and doesn't tire when held on your lap or lying in bed. For comparison, many tablets in the same range weigh over 500 g and become noticeable after a few minutes of reading or browsing. Here, every detail seems designed with maneuverability in mind.
The ergonomics are meticulously calibrated. The volume and power buttons fall naturally under the fingers in landscape mode, while the four speakers, distributed on each side, deliver balanced sound without ever being muffled by the hand. The USB-C port and microSD slot for up to 1 TB ensure compatibility with almost all accessories and storage media, and the 3.5 mm jack remains accessible for those who don't want to do without their wired headphones.
The real innovation for this segment is on the lower end: the Pogo connectors, ready to accommodate an official Samsung keyboard. Although the latter was not yet available in France during our test, this integration heralds a shift towards lightweight productivity, an area where many family tablets still fail. The screen's generous but well-calibrated edges allow for a firm grip without triggering accidental presses, a simple but effective compromise found in the 11-inch tablets
Samsung's Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet doesn't just deliver "okay" design: it delivers a tangible sense of quality that's rare at this price point, showing that even an affordable tablet can blend elegance, comfort, and ruggedness into a cohesive, immersive experience.
Screen: fluidity is felt, contrast is guessed
As soon as I turn on the Galaxy Tab A9+, the first thing that strikes me is how smooth the scrolling is. The 11-inch 90Hz display glides under my fingers like a smooth carpet. Web pages scroll smoothly, app animations are almost hypnotic, and you quickly forget you're holding an entry-level tablet costing less than €300. However, if you tilt the tablet slightly, the colors appear a little washed out, and the viewing angles reveal their limitations. You can tell it's not a high-end OLED or IPS display, but for watching a video or reading an article, it's still perfectly usable.
The pixel density isn't impressive, but it gets the job done. Text is crisp, videos are decent, and I find myself switching between tabs without any lag. Adaptive mode adjusts the refresh rate automatically, and I really feel the difference when I switch back to 60Hz to save battery, as the smooth feel instantly adapts.
The brightness of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ surprised me a bit. Indoors, everything is perfectly readable, but when I step outside near a sunny window, I have to tilt the tablet slightly to make out details. On the other hand, when I launch Netflix or Prime Video, the tablet immediately displays videos in Full HD thanks to Widevine L1 certification, and the sound from the speakers accompanies the image well, making the experience immersive even without headphones. YouTube is still limited to 1080p, and I notice that some videos lack punch compared to other Samsung tablets, but this detail doesn't spoil casual viewing.
After a few days of testing, I understand what this tablet really offers: it offers a fluidity that feels everyday , pleasant reading and sufficient visual comfort for hours of browsing or streaming. It does not compete with premium screens for colors or precision, but each gesture, each scroll, reminds us that Samsung has taken care of the tactile experience. For a family tablet, it is exactly what we expect, immersive, responsive and pleasant to use, even if it will not impress demanding movie buffs.
Performance: a leap forward that is felt in use
The most noticeable change on the Galaxy Tab A9+ is immediately obvious. Gone is the Tab A8's anemic Unisoc Tiger T618, replaced by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 695 5G, a 6nm chip mostly found in affordable smartphones, but which radically transforms the tablet's fluidity.
The numbers set the tone. On AnTuTu, the tablet exceeds 420,000 points, literally double that of the Tab A8. Geekbench 6 indicates 910 points in single-core and 1947 in multi-core, while PC Mark displays 10,718 points. Of course, these figures don't rival those of high-end tablets, but the gain is immediately felt in everyday use.
Every gesture, every app opening reflects this leap forward. The One UI 5.1.1 interface, based on Android 13 during our test, is generally fluid. Apps launch without frustrating waiting, multitasking holds up well, and navigating menus is a pleasure. We feel that Samsung has finally given this range a minimum of breathing room for family or general-purpose use.
There are, however, some limitations. When several demanding applications are running at the same time, micro-drops appear, especially on the 4 GB RAM version. The advice is clear: if the budget allows it, the 8 GB RAM configuration with 128 GB of storage is much more comfortable. On the 64 GB version, around 45 GB actually remains available after installing the system and preloaded applications, a space that can fill up quickly.
Ultimately, this Galaxy Tab A9+ transforms the experience compared to the Tab A8. We're not talking about high-end tablet power, but every interaction gives the feeling that the machine can keep up with everyday life without frustration, which, for a family tablet, is a game changer.
Gaming: playable with some compromises
Putting the Galaxy Tab A9+ in my hands to play is a bit like testing a compact car on a mountain road: it handles the road, but you have to know how to stay reasonable. On Call of Duty Mobile, I can push the graphics settings to Very High and activate maximum fluidity. The experience remains surprisingly fluid, with crisp animations and decent rendering, even if, sometimes, a few micro-stutters are felt in the busiest scenes. Lowering the graphics quality slightly allows for even more stability without sacrificing too much visuals.
PUBG Mobile follows the same pattern. In HD and High fluidity, the game is perfectly playable. Those who want a little more finesse can opt for Balanced and Ultra, but the Snapdragon 695 then shows its limits in intense action scenes. Lighter titles like Asphalt 9 run without any hitches.
During several sessions, I never felt any excessive overheating. The Galaxy Tab A9+ remains comfortable to hold, and throttling is practically nonexistent, a sign that the Snapdragon 695 manages heat dissipation well for this type of use. However, you can tell that this is a family tablet rather than a gaming machine: the most demanding games require compromising on graphics quality.
The 5G modem on compatible models offers real convenience for online gaming, especially compared to the Tab A8's 4G. But for most users, the built-in Wi-Fi 5 will be more than enough to enjoy stable and responsive multiplayer sessions.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a pleasant and stress-free gaming experience, as long as you're willing to tone down the graphical ambitions a bit. For casual gaming, it holds its own and remains a solid option for a versatile tablet.
Software: One UI and the DeX asset
Samsung's Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet isn't just designed to be handled, but to be experienced. Scrolling through menus, opening apps, and swiping between tabs is almost hypnotic: everything is fluid, without the slightest delay. The screen responds instantly to every gesture, and the dark mode envelops the interface in a soothing atmosphere, ideal for extended use. The update to Android 15 and One UI 7 gives the feeling that the device is prepared to last, and the few details about future security updates reassure us in the long term.
While testing multitasking, dragging an app into a floating window and juxtaposing it with another becomes instinctive. The taskbar at the bottom of the screen, discreet but practical, makes me forget I'm on an entry-level tablet. Every interaction feels natural, almost tactilely calibrated, as if Samsung intended every gesture to be enjoyable.
Connecting the Galaxy Tab A9+ to my other Samsung devices reinforces this impression. My Galaxy smartphone communicates immediately with the tablet, the Buds connect seamlessly, and even my watch syncs in an instant. The ecosystem comes to life around me, and you feel like this tablet isn't isolated but designed to fit into an already connected daily life. The pre-installed apps don't get in the way, and being able to remove what isn't needed keeps the interface clean and light.
Switching to DeX mode transforms the experience. The screen becomes a mini-PC: windows float and resize, and multitasking happens naturally. Even without an official keyboard, it feels like you're browsing on a laptop, which completely changes the way you feel about this tablet. For light family use, this is already impressive, but for those who want to experiment with productivity, it's a real asset.
After several days of use, the interface almost blends into everyday life. The gestures, multitasking, fluidity, synchronization with other devices: everything contributes to this feeling that the Tab A9+ is more than just an entry-level tablet. It offers a tangible and pleasant experience, which makes you want to use it again and again, with a mastery of the interface not found on all competing models.
Samsung DeX Light: the productivity bonus
Turning on DeX for the first time is a surprise. The Galaxy Tab A9+ instantly transforms, shifting from a classic touchscreen to an almost PC-like environment. Windows float, resize, and align with astonishing fluidity for a tablet of this size. The taskbar is complete, notifications appear logically, and navigating between multiple apps becomes natural, almost instinctive.
Connecting a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse completely changes the way you feel about the tablet. Writing emails, manipulating a spreadsheet, or browsing the web becomes surprisingly comfortable. Every gesture, every click gives the impression that the Tab A9+ can truly replace a computer for light tasks. Multitasking becomes more precise, and you can tell that Samsung wanted to offer a real workspace, even in an affordable family tablet.
Of course, it's DeX Light. You can't connect the tablet to an external monitor via USB-C like higher-end models, but this limitation doesn't spoil the experience. The ergonomics and fluidity remain impressive for the range, and daily use, keyboard and mouse in hand, becomes almost addictive.
Every minute spent in DeX shows just how much of a benefit this feature is. While many tablets in this price range remain strictly multimedia, the Tab A9+ offers a small gateway to productivity—an unexpected but valuable bonus for those who want to do more than just consume content.
Audio: four speakers that surprise
As soon as I start my first video on the Galaxy Tab A9+, the sound hits me. The four speakers, two on each side in landscape orientation, immediately fill the room. The stereo is crisp and the spatialization is noticeable: dialogue seems to come out distinctly from the speakers, and sound effects subtly surround the screen. Even without headphones, the experience is immersive for a tablet of this class.
I cranked up the volume to test the limits, and the tablet held up well: the sound remained clear, without excessive distortion, and voices remained intelligible. The bass was light, yes, but it was enough to accompany a movie or a game. When playing a title like Asphalt 9, I could hear every engine, every impact sound, and the sound was pleasant. The Snapdragon 695 handled the playback without overheating, which made the tablet comfortable to hold even after long sessions.
I then plug in a headset via the 3.5mm jack, a detail that proves invaluable. The connection is immediate, the sound richer and more detailed, perfect for listening to a podcast or immersing myself in a series in the silence of the evening. The port is discreet and a little low, but it allows me to use my favorite headphones without an adapter, a real plus when so many devices abandon this option.
After several days of alternating between videos, games, and music, I realize that the audio on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ far exceeds what you'd expect from an entry-level tablet. Each session creates a tangible experience: the sound is clear, immersive, and balanced, almost giving the impression that the tablet is more premium than it lets on. It's a real pleasure to use in everyday life, whether on the couch, in bed, or on the go.
Photo and Video: to help out… and nothing more
Holding the Galaxy Tab A9+ in your hands to take a photo is a bit like trying to cook a gourmet meal with a pancake pan: it gets the job done, but don't expect miracles. The 8-megapixel main sensor on the back and the 5-megapixel front-facing camera do their job, whether you're scanning a quick document, capturing a quick souvenir, or participating in a video conference. The front-facing sensor's positioning at the top in landscape mode is a nice touch: during video calls, you don't feel like you're looking at a sideways eye, as you might on some tablets where the camera is poorly positioned.
In my photo tests, the images quickly show their limitations. Details are sparse, colors approximate, and as soon as you get out of direct sunlight, the brightness ruins everything. The Camera app offers Photo, Portrait, Video, and a “More” menu where you find Panorama, Pro, and Hyperlapse… enough to create an illusion for a few fun shots, but not enough to impress your followers. Filming in Full HD 1080p at 30 frames per second is still decent, but without the “wow” effect you might expect from a mid-range tablet.
In practice, we find that this tablet is primarily useful for everyday use: video meetings, distance learning, or quick visual notes. Selfies or vacation photos remain anecdotal. But honestly, when you remember that the Tab A9+ costs less than €300, you can almost forgive its small imperfections, and tell yourself that the tablet does exactly what you ask of it... no more, no less.
Autonomy and Recharge: average, but realistic
After spending the day with the Galaxy Tab A9+, I find myself checking the battery gauge a few times, not out of concern, but out of curiosity: how long will that little 7040 mAh battery last? On paper, it seems modest compared to some competitors like the Redmi Pad 2 and its 9000 mAh, but real-life usage can sometimes be a pleasant surprise.
In our typical tests, browsing, video streaming and light gaming, the Galaxy Tab A9+ lasted nearly 10 hours with the adaptive 90 Hz mode , and a little over 10 hours when limiting the refresh rate to 60 Hz. I noticed that scrolling remained smooth throughout the day, without the tablet flinching, and that even after several videos and a few games, it never showed any signs of fatigue. During an intense streaming session, with the brightness at full and the volume at full, it lasted a little over six hours, proof that in extreme use, you have to be realistic.
On a daily basis, it's much more comfortable. Between a few episodes in the evening, quick surfing, emails, and a few games, I easily get two days, sometimes three, before having to plug it in. By lowering the brightness or deactivating 90 Hz, you can even grab a few extra hours. You can feel that this tablet knows how to manage battery life efficiently, without miracles, but in a practical way for family use.
Charging, however, requires a little patience. With only 15W max and no charger included , it takes two hours twenty to two hours thirty to go from 18% to 100%. We often find ourselves plugging it in the night before, telling ourselves that it will take advantage of sleep to regain its strength. It's slow, especially for 2025, but ultimately, in typical family use, it's not catastrophic.
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ keeps up with our daily routines, even if it doesn't win any awards for charging speed. It remains reliable, predictable, and robust enough to support stress-free multimedia and family use. It offers realistic and decent battery life, with just the right amount of patience for proper charging.
Competition: a fierce market
At less than €200, the Galaxy Tab A9+ seems well-positioned to appeal to families. But a quick comparison with the competition reveals that the market is unforgiving and every euro counts.
Xiaomi's Redmi Pad 2 delivers on almost every front. Its 11-inch 2.5K display is sharper, the color accuracy is more accurate, and the MediaTek Helio G100 Ultra delivers surprisingly smooth performance in everyday use. With a 9,000mAh battery and an included 18W charger, battery life is impressive and user comfort is excellent. Its only limitations are its slightly recessed speakers and the lack of DeX, which takes away some of its versatility compared to the Tab A9+.
For ultra-tight budgets, the Redmi Pad SE stands out as a compelling alternative. Despite a price tag of €128-158, it offers solid battery life and decent performance for typical family use.
The Xiaomi Pad 6, on the other hand, is clearly in a different league. With its 2.8K 144Hz display, Snapdragon 870, 33W fast charging, and active stylus compatibility, it technically outperforms the Tab A9+ while remaining affordable, but it's aimed at a more ambitious and demanding use case.
In the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is positioned as the superior model. S Pen support, a better screen quality, and increased performance put it outside the family budget, starting at €450. The Tab A9+ therefore remains a pragmatic choice: simple, efficient, and versatile for everyday use, but faced with better-equipped competitors, it must contend with a particularly fierce market.
Verdict: Who is this tablet for?
After several weeks of living with the Galaxy Tab A9+ , we feel like we've shared the daily life of a tablet that does its job well, but without ever stealing the show. The Snapdragon 695 is immediate, and every interaction in One UI gives the impression that the tablet never has any prohibitive slowdowns. The four speakers deliver pleasant sound, and DeX , even in the Light version, brings a little touch of productivity that is pleasantly surprising in this price range.
However, some limitations are felt on a daily basis. The TFT LCD , despite its 11 inches and its 90 Hz refresh rate, does not make you forget the IPS or OLED panels of the competition. The battery lasts the day without problem, but the recharge is long and no charger is provided, which requires a little organization. And then, compared to the Redmi Pad 2 , the Xiaomi Pad SE or the Pad 6, we realize that other tablets offer more power, more definition or more autonomy for a similar price, or even lower.
This tablet will be perfect if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem and like One UI , if you want to try Samsung DeX for light office work, or if you come across a sale for less than €200. For those looking for the best pure technical value, record battery life or an active stylus, the competition offers more suitable alternatives.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is a reliable and secure option. It plays the card of consistency rather than innovation, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience for streaming, web browsing, and typical family use. It doesn't disrupt the market, but it doesn't disappoint either. A decent, solid tablet, but now surrounded by a sea of bolder competitors.
Double the performance: Snapdragon 695 is twice as powerful as the Tab A8.
Samsung DeX: Desktop mode for productive use (Light version).
90 Hz screen: Smoothness appreciated on a daily basis.
Quad speaker audio: Balanced and powerful sound with Dolby Atmos.
Careful design: Aluminum construction, thin (6.9 mm) and light (480 g).
Full connectivity: 5G, 3.5mm jack, micro SD up to 1TB.
Reduced prices: Regularly under €200 on sale.
Disappointing TFT LCD screen: Bland colorimetry, limited viewing angles, brightness just right outdoors.
Very slow charging: only 15W, 2.5 hours of charging, no charger provided.
Superior competition: Redmi Pad 2 offers better (2.5K screen, 9000 mAh battery) for less.
Limited storage: 64GB version with only 45GB usable.
No active stylus: S Pen not compatible.
Mediocre Photo: Basic 8MP/5MP sensors.
No video output: DeX Light without external monitor connection.
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