Samsung ups the ante in budget tablet market with high-refresh Galaxy Tab A9+

Samsung has officially expanded its entry-level hardware portfolio with the release of the Galaxy Tab A9+, a device that signals a significant shift in the company's budget strategy by introducing high-refresh-rate technology to its more affordable A-series. This 11-inch tablet, launched alongside a smaller standard model, seeks to provide a premium aesthetic and enhanced multitasking capabilities to price-conscious consumers who require a functional secondary device for media consumption and light productivity. By balancing a sleek metallic build with updated internal specifications, Samsung is positioning the Tab A9+ as a formidable contender in the mid-range Android ecosystem.

The physical design of the Galaxy Tab A9+ borrows heavily from Samsung’s flagship language, featuring a slim 16:10 aspect ratio and a chassis primarily constructed from matte-finished metal. While a plastic frame remains at the top to facilitate connectivity, the overall build quality is remarkably rigid, lacking the flex or audible creaking often associated with budget-tier tablets. The device is notably lightweight for its size, making it comfortable for extended handheld use, though it lacks the IP-rated water resistance found in more expensive models. Connectivity is well-handled with a USB-C port, a microSD slot for up to 1TB of expansion, and the increasingly rare inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The centerpiece of the experience is the 11-inch IPS display, which marks a milestone for the A-series as the first to support a 90Hz refresh rate. This upgrade results in significantly smoother system animations and scrolling compared to previous generations. The Full HD panel offers excellent viewing angles and sharp imagery for streaming content, supported by a quad-speaker array with Dolby Atmos that performs admirably in quiet environments. However, the screen's peak brightness remains a limiting factor for outdoor use, as visibility struggles significantly under direct sunlight, making it a device best suited for indoor environments.

Under the hood, Samsung has opted for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, an eight-core processor that provides stable, if not record-breaking, performance. The tablet is available in configurations featuring either 4GB of RAM with 64GB of storage or a more robust 8GB of RAM with 128GB of internal memory. In practical testing, the hardware manages daily tasks and app launches with minimal latency. Gaming performance is consistent for mid-tier titles like Asphalt 9, and the inclusion of a gyroscope enhances the experience for motion-controlled applications. While it may not satisfy the demands of high-end mobile gaming, the thermal management remains impressive, keeping the device cool during prolonged sessions.

On the software front, the Galaxy Tab A9+ ships with One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, featuring optimizations specifically tailored for the larger screen. Samsung has prioritized multitasking, allowing users to run multiple full-screen or floating apps simultaneously without significant stuttering. It is important to note, however, that the budget positioning necessitates some omissions; the device does not support the S-Pen stylus, nor does it include the DeX desktop interface found on higher-end models. Security is managed through face recognition and standard PIN or pattern locks, as a physical fingerprint sensor is absent from this model.

The camera and battery specifications round out a package designed for utility rather than professional creative work. The 8MP rear camera and 5MP front-facing sensor are sufficient for document scanning and video conferencing, though video quality can appear pixelated in suboptimal lighting conditions. Power is provided by a 7040 mAh battery supporting 15W fast charging, ensuring longevity for moderate daily use. While it faces stiff competition from brands like Xiaomi, the Galaxy Tab A9+ stands out as a high-value proposition for those seeking the reliability of the Samsung ecosystem and a high-quality display at an accessible price point.