Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
Special $50 credit thru 8/11 at Samsung
The standard Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It weighs about 5 grams less than the Tab S9+ with 5G model, and it also costs about $150 less. Unless you may foresee needing to often be connected to the internet outside of Wi-Fi range, this should be a better choice.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ with 5G
Unique $50 Samsung credit thru 8/11
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9+ also comes with 5G, though you’ll have to spend $150 more for the feature. The tablet weighs about 5 grams more than the non-5G model, but otherwise has the exact same specifications.
Samsung unveiled its refreshed Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra tablets at itsGalaxy Unpacked 2023event, and there are actually four total tablets in the new lineup. That’s all thanks to a 5G variant for the 12.4-inch Galaxy Tab S9+, which otherwise has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivity. The tablets are listed separately, but is there really that much of a difference besides the wireless capabilities and the price? Let’s compare the two Galaxy Tab S9+ tablets to help you pick thebest Android tablet possible.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ vs. S9+ with 5G: Price, availability, and specs
The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ and Galaxy Tab S9+ with 5G were recently announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023. The standard tablet that relies on Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is expected to start at $1,000 for a model with 256GB of storage, while the 5G model with additional cellular connectivity should start at $1,150 for 256GB of storage.
Prices will climb accordingly if you decide to opt for 512GB of storage in either tablet. you’re able to preorder the tablets now, with an expected launch August 11.
Here’s a look at the specs found in each Galaxy Tab S9+ tablet. Note that the only real differences aside from 5G and LTE connectivity are in the price and in the weight.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ vs. S9+ with 5G: Design and display
The physical difference between these two tablets comes down to the weight. The Galaxy Tab S9+ without 5G weighs 581g, while the Galaxy Tab S9+ with 5G weighs 586g. That’s not a difference that you’re likely going to feel during everyday use, so there’s really no downside if you go with the 5G model. The dimensions are otherwise identical, landing you a tablet that measures 11.23 x 7.3 inches (285.4mm x 185.4mm) and measuring just 0.22 inches (5.7mm) thin.
Both Tab S9+ options have a 12.4-inch AMOLED display with maximum 120Hz refresh rate, set into a body available in Graphite and Beige colors. The front of the tablets has a 12MP ultrawide (UW) camera, as well as 13MP autofocus (AF) and 8MP ultrawide cameras on the back. Four speakers with AKG tuning are the same across all tablets, and Dolby Atmos is on board for some extra effects.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ vs. S9+ with 5G: Performance and connectivity
Both Galaxy Tab S9+ models come with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3; this is best used with apowerful Wi-Fi 6 router, landing you a reliable and fast internet connection. Opting for the Galaxy Tab S9+ with 5G will unlock the additional 5G LTE capabilities for a cellular connection. That gives you internet just about anywhere you go.
At the tablets' helm is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage space. This can be expanded with a microSD card, with a 1TB maximum capacity. Both tablets have a 10,090mAh battery. We called the older Tab S8+ “the only high-end Android tablet you should buy” in our glowingGalaxy Tab S8+ review, and we expect the Tab S9+ to live up to its predecessor with the new CPU and extra storage space.
Which Galaxy Tab S9+ should you choose?
Considering the lack of any major differences aside from cellular connectivity, choosing the right Galaxy Tab S9+ should be a painless experience.
Those who don’t plan on taking their Galaxy Tab S9+ very far beyond the front door shouldn’t really find a need for 5G connectivity. You’ll have an internet connection as long as you’re within Wi-Fi range, and you can always check out agreat VPNif you’re dealing with unsecured Wi-Fi while away from home. Saving that $150 on the non-5G model could go toward expanding your tablet’s storage instead.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ with Wi-Fi connectivity costs $150 less than the 5G model and also weighs about 5 grams less. It should be the right choice for those who keep their tablet at home or who are content jumping to new Wi-Fi hotspots.
Those who love having an internet connection just about everywhere — even when outside of Wi-Fi range — should consider paying the extra $150 for the Galaxy Tab S9+ with 5G. It will come in handy while traveling, and you won’t have to worry about using unsecured or shady Wi-Fi spots while on the go. Keep in mind that paying the $150 for the 5G connectivity is just the start; carrier fees will apply, just the same as with a phone.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ with 5G adds cellular connectivity on top of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth capabilities. It’s the right choice for those who want a reliable connection pretty much anywhere, even outside of Wi-Fi range. The feature costs an extra $150, and you’ll have to pay monthly carrier fees on top of that.
