A Comparative Analysis of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus and Tab S9 Plus

During the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled its latest high-end tablets, including the Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. These new tablets boast faster processors, louder speakers, a more durable body, and an improved S Pen. Additionally, they come with a newer version of One UI, enhancing multitasking and productivity. The question arises whether these improvements justify upgrading from a Galaxy Tab S8 series device to the latest models. In this article, we will compare the specifications and features of the Galaxy Tab S9+ with its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S8+.

Galaxy Tab S9+ vs. Galaxy Tab S8+: Display, Speakers, and Durability

The Galaxy Tab S8+ and the Galaxy Tab S9+ share many similarities. Both tablets feature a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with QHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and support for HDR10+. The Galaxy Tab S9+ stands out with its Vision Booster, designed to enhance colors in outdoor conditions. Both devices also sport an in-display fingerprint reader and come bundled with an S Pen that magnetically attaches to the back for charging.

One significant difference lies in the Galaxy Tab S9+’s more rugged design, offering an IP68 dust and water resistance rating. Even the included S Pen is IP68-rated, making the Galaxy Tab S9+ a better choice for those who travel frequently or enjoy beach and poolside activities.

Regarding audio, both tablets boast quad-speaker setups with Dolby Atmos. While the Galaxy Tab S9+ has 20% larger speakers for a more impactful audio experience, the difference may not be substantial enough to warrant an upgrade from the Galaxy Tab S8+. The speakers on the previous model already provide ample loudness for most use cases.

Galaxy Tab S9+ S Pen Improvements

The S Pen on the Galaxy Tab S9+ offers several enhancements compared to its predecessor. It now charges wirelessly regardless of its orientation, while the S Pen on the Galaxy Tab S8+ charges only in one direction. Moreover, the Tab S9+ is compatible with the S Pen Creator Edition, which features a grippy surface and a wider tilt angle for an improved drawing experience.

Galaxy Tab S9+ Performance Advancements

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Tab S9+ with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy processor, a more powerful and power-efficient chip compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the Galaxy Tab S8+. Additionally, the Tab S9+ utilizes a newer vapor chamber system, ensuring better two-way heat dissipation for stable performance under sustained loads such as extended gaming sessions or video editing tasks.

Both tablets feature 12GB of RAM, 256GB/512GB internal storage, and a microSD card slot. The Galaxy Tab S8+ also offers a variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Connectivity options include 5G (cellular models), GPS, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and a USB 3.2 Type-C port. Both tablets support Samsung DeX and Wireless DeX functionality.

Software Updates and Camera Comparison

The Galaxy Tab S8+ was launched with Android 12 and is eligible for four OS updates, up to Android 16. On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab S9+ comes with Android 13-based One UI 5.1.1 out of the box and will receive four OS updates, up to Android 17, along with five years of security updates.

In terms of cameras, both tablets feature a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera and a 13MP rear-facing primary camera capable of recording up to 4K 60fps videos. The Galaxy Tab S9+ has a slightly improved 8MP resolution for its rear ultrawide camera, whereas the Galaxy Tab S8+ features a 6MP resolution.

Galaxy Tab S9+ vs. Galaxy Tab S8+: Making the Decision

For most users, upgrading from the Galaxy Tab S8+ to the Galaxy Tab S9+ may not be necessary unless specific issues arise with the Tab S8+ performance or there is a strong need for an IP68 rating. While the Galaxy Tab S9+ offers slightly better speakers and an enhanced S Pen, these upgrades may not be compelling enough to warrant replacing the previous model. As such, users should carefully consider their specific needs and priorities before making a decision.

In conclusion, both the Galaxy Tab S8+ and Galaxy Tab S9+ are excellent tablets, and the decision to upgrade will depend on individual preferences and requirements. Whether opting for the improved features of the Galaxy Tab S9+ or sticking with the reliable performance of the Galaxy Tab S8+, users can be assured of a high-quality tablet experience from Samsung.

NETWORK

Technology
GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE
5G bands SA/NSA
Speed HSPA, LTE-A (CA), 5G

BODY

Dimensions 285.4 x 185.4 x 5.7 mm (11.24 x 7.30 x 0.22 in)
Weight 586 g (581 g Wi-Fi) (1.29 lb)
Build Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back
SIM Nano-SIM
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro)

DISPLAY

Type Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
Size 12.4 inches, 446.1 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1752 x 2800 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~266 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass

PLATFORM

OS Android 13, One UI 5.1
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1×3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 740

MEMORY

Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
UFS

MAIN CAMERA

Dual 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4″, 1.0µm, AF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps

SELFIE CAMERA

Single 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Features HDR
Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps

SOUND

Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
3.5mm jack No
Tuned by AKG

COMMS

WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFC No
Radio No
USB USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector

FEATURES

Sensors Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Wireless Samsung DeX

BATTERY

Type Li-Po 10090 mAh, non-removable
Charging 45W wired
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