Galaxy Tab S9: Samsung's three new tablets are waterproof
26.7.2023
Translation: machine translated
The Galaxy Tab S9 - apart from the outdoor model Tab Active - are the first waterproof tablets from Samsung. The three models differ in size and number of cameras.
The Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus and S9 Ultra are IP68 waterproof. This means they are the first tablets from Samsung to survive 30 minutes in 1.5 metres of water without damage. Apart from the explicit outdoor series Tab Active. The manufacturer is also equipping them with larger speakers and positioning them as a PC replacement and digital notepad.
One tablet in three sizes
The larger the Galaxy Tab S9 gets, the thinner it becomes: the Tab S9 is 5.9 millimetres thick. The Plus version is 5.7 millimetres and the Ultra model is 5.5 millimetres. All three have AMOLED displays with the following sizes and resolutions:
- Tab S9: 11 inch, 2560 × 1600 pixels
- Tab S9 Plus: 12.4 inches, 2800 × 1752 pixels
- Tab S9 Ultra: 14.6 inches, 2960 × 1848 pixels
The refresh rate ranges up to 120 Hertz in each case
Samsung uses a modified version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for all three tablets. This is also used in the Galaxy S23 and has a slightly faster clocked performance processor core than the standard version. With 256 or 512 gigabytes of storage space, the tablets have twelve gigabytes of RAM. The Tab S9 with 128 gigabytes only has eight gigabytes of RAM and the terabyte version of the Ultra has a whopping 16 gigabytes.
Source: Jan Johannsen
The tablets' four AKG speakers are said to be 20 per cent larger than their predecessors. This should make them sound better. They still support Dolby Atmos.
Source: Jan Johannsen
The larger the tablet, the more space it has for the battery. This can be seen in the S9 with 8400, 10,090 and 11,200 mAh. Samsung has not yet provided any information on the expected battery life.
Dex Mode and adaptations for large displays
Samsung promises further software improvements and design customisations for the large displays. The manufacturer is particularly focussing on its notes app. In addition, use of the GoodNotes app is free for one year with the purchase of one of the tablets.
Source: Jan Johannsen
The display of two apps next to each other can now be set using drag-and-drop. In "Dex Mode", the tablets with Android 13 can be used like a computer with a desktop. This requires an external keyboard and mouse. Within the Samsung ecosystem, the Tab S9 can be used as a second screen or for Multi Control.
The S Pen on the new tablets has two tips. One is for writing, the other for drawing. To make the surface feel like paper, Samsung offers a cover that adds a second layer over the smooth display. A robust outdoor cover and other cases with and without a keyboard are also available.
Source: Jan Johannsen
Two to four cameras
The camera equipment is another difference between Samsung's three new tablets. The Galaxy Tab S9 has one camera on the front and one on the back. The Tab S9 Plus has an ultra-wide-angle camera on the back. With the Tab S9 Ultra, they add up to a total of four cameras thanks to an additional ultra-wide-angle camera at the front.
Source: Jan Johannsen
Price and availability
The Galaxy Tab S9 are available now. The recommended retail prices increase with the size and storage capacity. The Wi-Fi variants are also cheaper than the models with an LTE modem. The Tab S9 starts at 829 francs or 899 euros. The Tab S9 Plus costs at least 1029 francs or 1119 euros. Samsung wants at least 1229 francs or 1339 euros for the Ultra variant.
Pre-orderers in Switzerland will also receive a Book Cover Keyboard. You can find more information about this in the following article:
Cover photo: Jan Johannsen
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.
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