After using the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 LTE, an 8.7-inch tablet, for two months, I’d like to share my experience.
This device isn’t officially sold in Korea, so I purchased it through a global online marketplace for approximately $120 USD.
I opted for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
My initial impression was positive, but now, after two months, let’s delve into a more detailed review.
Build Quality and Design
Despite being an entry-level tablet, the Galaxy Tab A9 LTE boasts impressive build quality and design.
Compared to the older Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, it feels much more solid and refined. While it’s comparable to the Xiaoxin Pad 2022 in terms of build, the Samsung feels slightly less premium.
Overall, it aligns with the quality of other similarly priced tablets from Chinese ODM manufacturers.
Display and Touch Issues
The most common complaints about the Galaxy Tab A9 are its low resolution, yellowish display, and occasional touch unresponsiveness.
Fortunately, my unit doesn’t suffer from the touch issue.
However, the yellowish tint of the display is noticeable, especially when compared to other tablets.
While it’s less apparent when used in isolation, a side-by-side comparison with the Xiaoxin Pad 2022 highlights the difference.
The lack of display color calibration options in the settings is disappointing.
Performance and Memory
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, the Galaxy Tab A9 LTE handles everyday tasks like web browsing, news reading, and video streaming without any issues. Considering its price point, the performance is commendable.
The 4GB of RAM is sufficient for most tasks, and I haven’t experienced any significant slowdowns, even after disabling the RAM Plus feature.
Camera
I rarely use the camera on a tablet, but the rear camera does a decent job for occasional document scanning, thanks to its autofocus.
The 2MP front-facing camera is adequate for video calls, but it’s nothing to write home about.
The facial recognition unlock feature works well, which is a plus.
Battery and Charging
The 15W charging speed is slow, but it’s manageable for overnight charging.
The battery life is comparable to a smartphone, and using the LTE SIM card tends to drain the battery faster.
Given the 5100mAh battery capacity, similar to modern smartphones, this is understandable.
Portability and LTE Connectivity
The 8-inch size is perfect for portability, and the LTE connectivity significantly enhances its versatility.
The inclusion of various sensors is also a plus.
I plan to use it as a navigation device in my car in the future. Remember that you need to activate a smartphone SIM card, not a tablet SIM card, to utilize the calling and messaging features.
Speakers and Dolby Atmos
While the speakers aren’t as impressive as those on the Xiaoxin Pad 2022, they’re still decent for watching videos.
The Dolby Atmos feature doesn’t make a significant difference, but the overall audio experience is acceptable.
One UI and Software Updates
One UI is a major advantage of Samsung tablets, offering seamless integration with Samsung apps and a sense of security compared to Chinese brands.
However, One UI’s resource-intensive nature makes the tablet feel slightly sluggish, even with similar specs to the Xiaoxin Pad 2022.
The tablet receives quarterly updates, and I’m looking forward to the Android 15 and One UI 7.0 updates later this year.
Samsung’s software support is a major selling point.
Overall Impression
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 LTE is a great value tablet at around $120 USD.
I’m satisfied with its performance and features.
I do wish there was an S Pen-enabled version or a higher-end model with the Exynos 1380 processor for enhanced productivity.
Such a device would significantly broaden its appeal.