Better in just about each facet
Besides the chassis and display measurement, the Galaxy Tab S9 seems to be a greater total pill in each conceivable notion in comparison with the Tab S8. This contains the brand new AMOLED show, decrease S Pen latency, and upgraded processor.
ForOLED show with 120Hz refresh rateS Pen latency right down to 2.8msFour years of Android OS updatesSlightly-larger batteryBuilt-in microSD card slotAgainstOnly two colorsMore RAM is just out there with 256GB modelMore costly
Still fairly nice
The Galaxy Tab S8 isn’t any slouch on this planet of Android tablets, and we’re really anticipating Samsung to maintain it round. However, it simply would not match as much as what the Tab S9 has to supply.
ForLess expensiveFour years of Android OS updatesFingerprint scanner on Power buttonBuilt-in microSD card slotAgainstLCD panel appears to be like outdatedS Pen latency is larger (6.2ms vs. 2.8ms)Smaller battery
It’s that point after we strive that will help you resolve whether or not it is price upgrading to a brand new gadget. This time round, we’re looking on the Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Galaxy Tab S8, as Samsung has introduced its refreshed flagship pill lineup.The common Galaxy Tab S8 was overshadowed by the likes of the Tab S8 Plus and Tab S8 Ultra in 2022. But that is not the case with the Galaxy Tab S9, as this may simply find yourself being one of the best Android pill for everybody.Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Galaxy Tab S8: What’s the identical?Why you may belief Android Central
Our knowledgeable reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services so you may select one of the best for you. Find out extra about how we check.(Image credit score: Nick Sutrich)Unlike the Galaxy Tab S9 Plus and Tab S9 Ultra, the “baby” Galaxy Tab S9 solely matches up with its predecessor in just a few methods. The most blatant is that each the Tab S9 and Tab S8 use 11-inch shows, full with a 120Hz variable refresh fee.They are additionally out there with both 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, which may be upgraded courtesy of the built-in microSD card slot. As was the case with the Tab S8, the one means that you would be able to get 12GB of RAM on the Tab S9 is if you happen to go for the 256GB mannequin.There’s additionally not a lot that has modified in the best way of the design, as you will nonetheless be greeted with an ultra-thin slab of aluminum with glass on the entrance. Samsung is even utilizing the identical 13MP rear digital camera from the Tab S8 with the Tab S9, for many who need to use their pill to take footage.Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Galaxy Tab S8: What’s totally different?(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)There are fairly just a few variations throughout the board when evaluating the Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Galaxy Tab S8. The most blatant is the introduction of an AMOLED show, which is an improve from the LCD panel on the Galaxy Tab S8. This feels prefer it was one thing that ought to’ve been out there final yr, however we’re glad to see it now.If you look throughout Samsung’s complete lineup of flagship-tier gadgets in 2023, they’re all now powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip. This goals to supply a slight increase in efficiency whereas additionally being way more environment friendly in comparison with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from final yr. The Tab S9 additionally will get a slight bump in battery life, going from an 8,000mAh cell to an 8,400mAh battery. It stays to be seen whether or not it will really equate to longer battery life, because the AMOLED show will certainly devour extra power than the Tab S8s LCD panel. Perhaps that is the place we’ll see the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy be capable to flex its muscular tissues to eke out extra juice.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategorySamsung Galaxy Tab S9Samsung Galaxy Tab S8Display11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, 60Hz-120Hz), 2560 x 160011-inch TFT LCD (120Hz), 2560 x 1600ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Gen 1Memory8GB or 12GB8GBStorage128GB or 256GB w/ microSD card slot (as much as 1TB)128GB or 256GB w/ microSD card slot (as much as 1TB)Rear Camera 1 (foremost digital camera)13MP AF13MP AF + 6MP UWRear Camera 2 (ultrawide)❌❌Entrance12MP12MPBattery8,400mAh8,000mAhSoundQuad Stereo Speakers w/ AKG tuning, Dolby AtmosQuad Stereo Speakers w/ AKG tuning, Dolby AtmosBiometricsOn-screen fingerprint scannerFingerprint on energy buttonConnectivity5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3WiFi 6E (6GHz), Bluetooth 5.2StylusS Pen included w/ 2.8ms latencyS Pen included w/ 6.2ms latencyWeight498 grams503 gramsDimensions10.01 x 6.53 x 0.23 in9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 inColorsBeige, GraphiteGraphite, Silver, Pink GoldAnother large profit to creating the swap to an AMOLED show on the Tab S9 is the included S Pen. Samsung did not return and attempt to reinvent the wheel right here, however utilizing the S Pen with the Tab S9 now gives a 2.8ms latency. This is a giant leap from the 6.2ms of latency discovered on the Tab S8, which is nice for digital artists or those that identical to writing on their pill display.(Image credit score: Samsung)Something to bear in mind when evaluating the Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Galaxy Tab S8 is the value. Samsung’s newest pill is now $100 costlier for the bottom mannequin, coming in at $799 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This will get bumped as much as $919 for the mannequin with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, however if you happen to handle to get your pre-orders in, you will get a free storage and RAM improve on the $800 worth level.We will not be stunned if Samsung retains the Tab S8 sequence round, and costs have already been slashed. At the time of this writing, the bottom mannequin Tab S8 may be had for $600, whereas the Tab S8+ and Tab S8 Ultra have additionally been discounted.Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs. Galaxy Tab S8: Should you improve?(Image credit score: Samsung)Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung has performed fairly a bit with the Tab S9 to warrant an improve over the Tab S8. The transfer to an AMOLED show is sufficient of a purpose by itself, whereas the improved S Pen latency and new processor are actually simply cherries on high.But if you happen to’re even contemplating making the transfer to the newer mannequin, we suggest doing so sooner slightly than later. Samsung is providing some fairly nice trade-in offers, as you can save $500 when buying and selling in your “old” Tab S8. This knocks the value down to only $300, and Samsung is even together with the aforementioned free storage/RAM improve.
If you are in search of an ultra-portable, but highly effective, Android pill, the Galaxy Tab S9 may simply be excellent. Its 11-inch, 120Hz AMOLED show is gorgeous, and the improved efficiency is effectively definitely worth the improve.
Whether you are seeking to improve or simply desire a new Android pill, the Galaxy Tab S8 remains to be fairly darn good. So good, the truth is, that Samsung’s providing $500 if you happen to commerce within the Tab S8 for the Tab S9.