Our Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the premium Android tablet with AMOLED 120Hz, included S Pen and unique IP68 water resistance. DeX mode adds desktop productivity. iPad Air M2's iPadOS app ecosystem is more tablet-optimised — Galaxy Tab S9 wins for Android users who want the best Android tablet display and the S Pen included rather than sold separately.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz display — the best tablet display technology, superior to iPad Air's LCD
- S Pen included in the box — no separate purchase unlike Apple Pencil Pro
- IP68 water resistance is unique among premium tablets — usable poolside and in rain
- Samsung DeX mode provides a desktop-style interface when connected to a monitor
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 handles demanding Android apps and gaming smoothly
✗ Cons
- Android tablet app ecosystem less optimised than iPadOS for tablet-specific apps
- DeX is capable but less mature than macOS for serious productivity
- Samsung's software update commitment shorter than Apple's iPad longevity
Key Specifications
| Display | 11" Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz |
|---|---|
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Pen | S Pen included |
| Water | IP68 |
| DeX | Desktop mode |
| OS | Android |
Performance
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the premium Android tablet with AMOLED 120Hz, included S Pen and unique IP68 water resistance. DeX mode adds desktop productivity. iPad Air M2's iPadOS app ecosystem is more tablet-optimised — Galaxy Tab S9 wins for Android users who want the best Android tablet display and the S Pen included rather than sold separately. On paper the headline numbers are display of 11" Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz, chip of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, pen of S Pen included, water of IP68, dex of Desktop mode, os of Android. Its standout is that dynamic amoled 120hz display — the best tablet display technology, superior to ipad air's lcd
Build Quality & Design
Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. S Pen included in the box — no separate purchase unlike Apple Pencil Pro. IP68 water resistance is unique among premium tablets — usable poolside and in rain. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up.
Value for Money
It isn't flawless. Android tablet app ecosystem less optimised than iPadOS for tablet-specific apps. DeX is capable but less mature than macOS for serious productivity. Samsung's software update commitment shorter than Apple's iPad longevity. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the premium Android tablet with AMOLED 120Hz, included S Pen and unique IP68 water resistance. DeX mode adds desktop productivity. iPad Air M2's iPadOS app ecosystem... Look elsewhere if you're among Those wanting the best tablet app ecosystem — iPadOS apps are more tablet-optimised.
Final Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the premium Android tablet with AMOLED 120Hz, included S Pen and unique IP68 water resistance. DeX mode adds desktop productivity. iPad Air M2's iPadOS app ecosystem is more tablet-optimised — Galaxy Tab S9 wins for Android users who want the best Android tablet display and the S Pen included rather than sold separately.
Check Price on Amazon ↗FAQ
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet worth the money?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the premium Android tablet with AMOLED 120Hz, included S Pen and unique IP68 water resistance. DeX mode adds desktop productivity. iPad Air M2's iPadOS app ecosystem is more tablet-optimised — Galaxy Tab S9 wins for Android users who want the best Android tablet display and the S Pen included rather than sold separately. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the premium Android tablet with AMOLED 120Hz, included S Pen and unique IP68 water resistance. DeX mode adds desktop produc
Who should NOT buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet?
Those wanting the best tablet app ecosystem — iPadOS apps are more tablet-optimised.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
Alternatives to Consider
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
9.3/10M2 chip, 11" Liquid Retina, Apple Pencil Pro, 10hr battery, Magic Keyboard. The versatile iPad.
Check Price ↗
Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2
9.3/10M2 chip, 13" Liquid Retina, 12MP front camera, Apple Pencil Pro. Best iPad for most people.
Check Price ↗
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ 12.4-inch
9.1/10Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, IP68, S Pen included. Android's best tablet.
Check Price ↗Or see full comparisons: vs Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max, vs Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro, vs Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)