Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet 11” 64GB Android Tablet, Big Screen, Quad Speakers, Upgraded Chipset, Multi Window Display, Slim, Light, Durable Design, US Version, 2024, Graphite

A thoughtfully capable budget tablet that gets the essentials right

I’ve been using the Galaxy Tab A9+ as my couch companion and travel reader, and it nails the basics better than I expected for an entry-level price. It’s slim, light, and feels sturdier than most affordable Android slates, with zero creaks and a reassuringly rigid chassis. There’s no luxury flourish here—no glass back, no pen silo—but the fundamentals are sound: an 11-inch 90Hz display, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, expandable storage, and Samsung’s helpful software extras that actually make day-to-day use easier.

Design and build

The Tab A9+ is impressively easy to hold for an 11-inch device. The weight distribution keeps hand fatigue down when reading or streaming, and the matte finish does a good job resisting fingerprints. Buttons have a clean click, the USB-C port feels firm, and the microSD tray sits flush. It’s the kind of “throw it in a bag without worry” tablet that suits families, students, or anyone who wants a reliable screen without babying it.

A few quality-of-life touches stand out:
- Dual mics pick up voice clearly on calls and video chats.
- The haptics are minimal (typical for this tier), but tap-to-wake and face unlock make quick checks simple.
- There’s no fingerprint reader; if you rely on biometric security, plan on PIN/face unlock.

Display and audio

The 11-inch 1920 x 1200 LCD panel refreshes at 90Hz, and that higher refresh rate is the secret sauce. Scrolling feels smoother, system animations are more fluid, and drawing or note-taking (with a generic capacitive stylus) benefits from the added responsiveness. Color is lively without oversaturation, and text looks crisp at typical reading distances.

A couple of caveats:
- It tops out around 480 nits, which is fine indoors but only passable in bright outdoor light.
- Black levels and contrast aren’t OLED-deep, so night scenes don’t have that inky pop.

The pleasant surprise is audio. The quad speakers are loud, fuller than expected, and Dolby Atmos adds a wider stage. Dialogue is intelligible even at low volume, and there’s enough presence for casual music or YouTube without reaching for earbuds. It’s the best sound I’ve heard on a tablet at this price.

Performance

Powered by a modern midrange Snapdragon-class processor, the Tab A9+ handles the daily grind with ease: web browsing, split-screen notes, office docs, social apps, and streaming all feel smooth. The 90Hz panel keeps the interface snappy, and app switching is quicker than I anticipated.

For buyers, configuration matters:
- 4GB/64GB is workable for light use, but you’ll hit limits if you keep many apps in memory.
- The 8GB/128GB configuration is the sweet spot. Multitasking is noticeably smoother and less prone to app reloads.

Gaming is squarely “mid.” Casual and midweight titles run well at medium settings; heavier games are playable with dials turned down. If you’re chasing top graphics at high frame rates, this isn’t the device—but for the price bracket, the blend of efficiency and responsiveness lands in a good place.

Software and features

Samsung’s One UI on a tablet is mature and practical. Standouts include:
- Multi Window and pop-up views: Split the screen two or three ways, drag-and-drop text or images between apps, and keep floating windows handy for calculators or chats.
- Quick Share: Seamlessly push photos and files to nearby devices. It’s a simple, reliable way to move content without digging through cloud links.
- Smart View casting: One tap to throw your video on a Samsung TV and keep the tablet free for controls or second-screen tasks.
- Call and text continuity: If you use a Samsung phone, you can take calls and reply to SMS on the tablet when they’re on the same network and signed into the same account. It’s genuinely useful at a desk.
- Samsung Kids: A walled garden of age-appropriate content and controls, with solid parental management.

Small touches add up: system-wide dark mode, good windowing controls, and a “Protect battery” option that caps charge to preserve battery health if you tend to leave the tablet plugged in.

Battery life and charging

Battery life depends heavily on your habits. With mixed use—Wi‑Fi browsing, reading, YouTube, light games, and 90Hz on—I comfortably make it through a day. Lowering the refresh rate to 60Hz and nudging brightness down extends that to a couple of days of intermittent use. Extended gaming or long video calls drain it faster, as expected.

Charging is on the slower side with basic adapters. A higher-output USB‑C PD charger shortens the wait, but don’t expect flagship charging speeds. Practical tips:
- Use a good USB‑C PD charger and cable for best results.
- If you mostly use the tablet plugged in (bedside or on a stand), enable Protect battery in settings to cap the maximum charge and help longevity.
- Consider setting the display to 60Hz if battery life matters more than animation smoothness.

Cameras

The cameras are competent for scanning documents and video calling, and that’s about the right expectation for a tablet at this level. Photos are usable in good light but soft when zoomed; low light gets noisy fast. The front camera is centered in landscape, which is ideal for calls, and the mics do a solid job suppressing keyboard clatter. If photography matters, use your phone.

Storage, expansion, and accessories

You get either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, and the microSD slot is the safety valve for media. It happily reads large cards (up to 1TB), making it easy to keep videos, comics, and offline playlists local. As on most Samsung tablets, microSD is best for files and media; don’t expect it to behave like extra internal storage for app installs.

There’s no bundled charger in the box. I’d budget for:
- A USB‑C PD charger and braided USB‑C cable
- A protective case (a folio stand is handy for typing and streaming)
- A screen protector if you’re sharing it with kids
- A capacitive stylus if you like to sketch or jot quick notes (just note there’s no pressure-sensitive digitizer here)

Who it’s for

• Students and casual users who want a larger screen for reading, streaming, and notes without overspending
• Families who need a durable tablet with a good kids mode and easy device-to-device sharing
• Travelers who value microSD expansion for offline media
• Android users in the Samsung ecosystem who will benefit from continuity features

Who should look elsewhere:
- Mobile creators who need a high-end pen experience, color-accurate OLED, or pro apps
- Competitive gamers chasing max settings and high frame rates
- Anyone who needs fast wired charging and top-tier cameras in a tablet

The bottom line

The Galaxy Tab A9+ finds the right balance for an affordable Android tablet. The 11-inch 90Hz screen and surprisingly robust quad speakers elevate everyday use, the midrange processor keeps things responsive, and Samsung’s software—multi-window, casting, quick sharing, and kid-friendly tools—adds real value. The trade-offs are predictable for the price: middling cameras, charging that’s merely adequate, and a base configuration that can feel constrained. Opting for the 8GB/128GB model and adding a microSD card makes a meaningful difference.

Recommendation: I recommend the Galaxy Tab A9+ to anyone who wants a reliable, comfortable big-screen tablet for streaming, reading, casual gaming, and light productivity without overspending. It’s a strong everyday device, especially if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem. If your priorities include pro-grade pen input, OLED visuals, or top-tier performance, step up to a higher tier—but for most people’s daily tasks, the Tab A9+ is the smarter, more economical choice.