Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review: The iPad Killer?

Introduction

I’ve been glued to the Samsung S9 Ultra for a solid month now, and boy, do I have some stories to tell! We’re not just talking about another shiny gadget on the wall; this beast has been through the wringer with me. From epic photo fails to binge-watching marathons that turned into accidental all-nighters, this tab’s seen it all. And today, I’m spilling the tea on everything – the good, the bad, and yeah, even the ugly. Buckle up, because this is the real-deal review of the Samsung S9 Ultra, served up Ed-style – no fluff, no nonsense, just straight talking from a guy who’s lived to tell the tale. Let’s dive in.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review

1. Design & Display

The Samsung S9 Ultra comes out of the box swinging with its massive 14.6-inch AMOLED display, boasting an impressive 1848 by 2960 resolution. This isn’t just big; it’s the biggest in Samsung’s arsenal, which means more screen real estate for productivity, multitasking, or kicking back with your favorite Android app. And with that 120Hz refresh rate, everything from navigating the One UI to flipping through an Android 13-powered Excel sheet is buttery smooth.

2. Fingerprint Sensor & Facial Recognition

One thing I appreciate is the under-display optical fingerprint sensor. It’s quick, it’s in the right spot, and it’s just… convenient. Now, at the same time, the facial recognition tech here isn’t quite on par with Apple’s Face ID, especially in dimly lit rooms – and that’s alright because that fingerprint sensor has your back.

3. Power & Performance: A Core of Graphite

Under that vivid screen lies the heart of the Samsung Tab S9 Ultra– the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. We’re talking about horsepower that can handle your heavy lifting, whether it’s photo editing, Android gaming, or jumping between DeX mode and your standard tablet UI. Samsung isn’t playing when it comes to performance, and the Samsung Tab S9 Ultra is a testament to that.

4. DeX Mode: Desktop Productivity in a Tablet

The DeX mode has always been Samsung’s ace in the hole for productivity, and it’s no different with the Samsung Tab S9 Ultra. I love how it transforms the tablet into a desktop experience, blurring the lines between a mobile device and a desktop PC. Need to work on a PowerPoint before switching to an Android game? No problem.

5. The S Pen

Samsung also includes the S Pen – and there’s a lot to like here. We’re looking at a pen stylus that’s precise, responsive, and fully featured. From jotting down notes to sketching out designs, the S Pen is a creativity enabler, and you don’t have to shell out extra cash for it.

6. Camera: Ready for Your Close-Up

The front-facing camera setup is what I’d call a game-changer for video calls. With its horizontal orientation, it feels like Samsung actually thought about how we use these devices. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, making video calls feel more natural and engaging.

7. Audio & Connectivity: All About That Bass (and Bluetooth)

Samsung’s not skimping on the audio front either. The quad speakers pump out rich sound that complements the vibrant display perfectly. Pair that with ultra-reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and you’ve got a media powerhouse.

8. Battery Life & Storage: Go All Day, Store Everything

Samsung claims impressive battery life on the Samsung Tab S9 Ultra, and from my experience, it’s not just talk. You can get through a full workday and then some. Plus, with options starting at 256GB and expandable storage via microSD, you’re not likely to run out of space anytime soon.

9. Keyboard Case: Typing on Cloud Nine?

Let’s chat about the keyboard case. Typing feels great, thanks to a full-size keyboard with tactile keys, but I’ve got to address the trackpad. It’s a bit of a miss with its overly eager cursor behavior. But the case’s ability to launch DeX with a simple docking? That’s a win.

10. Lapability: It’s Not a Word, But It Should Be

Using the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra on your lap with the keyboard case isn’t the ideal scenario. It’s better suited for a stable surface, but when you’re at a desk? It’s a comfortable and productive setup.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Pros and Cons

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