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The best Samsung tablets: Expert tested
We get it, not everyone wants an iPad. For Android devotees, Samsung makes arguably the best Android devices, especially when it comes to tablets.
Also: The best tablets you can buy
Samsung tablets range from large and powerful to small and perfect for streaming -- it all depends on how you'll use the tablet. Samsung's newest tablet lineup is the Galaxy Tab S9 series, but the company still sells older models and series, so unlike Apple, you have more than just four tablets to choose from.
We've tested and compared the top Samsung tablets on the market, and our top pick is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra thanks to its large size, ultra-responsive S Pen, and its ability to act as a replacement for your laptop. Read on to see how other Samsung tablets compare and what model you might want based on your needs.
The best Samsung tablets of 2024
- Improved Dynamic AMOLED display
- IP68 water and dust resistant
- Ultra responsive S Pen
- Not the most portable tablet
- Occasional app crashes
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Graphite and beige | Cameras: Rear: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, Front: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Weight: 1.6lb | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches | Connections: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth 5.3 | Battery: 11,200mAh
If you're looking for an Samsung tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the best. The Tab S9 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, runs on the Android 13 operating system, and Samsung's S Pen stylus is included in the box.
The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet, the combination of which should be enough for most. Plus, new for this generation is IP68 water and dust resistant, that neither the iPad nor any premium tablet on the market is certified for.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: This tablet can truly replace your laptop
ZDNET's Maria Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and said, that while it looks and feels the same as last year, the upgrades give it a definitive edge over the competition. She also described the tablet as "The perfect device for a professional that seeks the power of a laptop and the flexibility of a tablet."
One thing to note: With an Android tablet of this size, you're most likely looking at it as a laptop replacement. That means you'll want to pick up the $350 Book Cover Keyboard. Once connected, you'll be able to use Samsung DeX on the S9 Ultra, effectively turning the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time.
- Stunning display
- S Pen in box
- Many of the same features as S9 Ultra and S9+
- Missing apps
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tech specs: Display: 11-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2560 x 1600 display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor | Storage: 128GB, 256GB (expandable with microSD) | Memory: 8GB, 12GB | Colors: Graphite and beige | Cameras: Front: 12MP UW, Rear: 13MP | Weight: 1.10 lb | Dimensions: 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.23 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi | Battery: 8,400mAh
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the third new Samsung tablet. The Tab S9 comes with 8GB or 12GB of memory and starts at 128GB of storage which can be expanded by up to 1TB thanks to microSD card support. Inside the Tab S9 is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
The 11-inch LCD display is compact enough to make the tablet portable. The tablet's high resolution also ensures display clarity, so you'll be happy watching your favorite shows or gaming on it.
ZDNET contributor, Matthew Miller also tested this base Tab S9 model, saying it was an enjoyable experience.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 review
"If you are going to primarily use the tablet without a keyboard, with one app on the display most of the time, and in portrait orientation, then the Tab S9 is your best option," he wrote.
Included in the box with the S9 is an S Pen that you can use to write or draw in your favorite apps, just like you can with the Samsung Galaxy Note lineup.
- Affordable
- Expandable storage
- Good battery life
- Display could be better
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tech specs: Display: 10.9-inch, 90Hz refresh rate, TFT LCD, 1200 x 800 display | Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (S5E8835) | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Memory: 6 or 8 GB | Colors: Gray, silver, mint, and lavender | Cameras: Front: 12MP ultra-wide, Rear: 8MP | Weight: 1.15 lb | Dimensions: 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi 6 or 5G + Wi-Fi 6 , Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: 8,000mAh
Samsung recently launched two new FE tablets with the same internal components and two display/battery capacity options. The smaller Tab S9 FE is available for $450 and offers a lot in a sleek package. The high-powered tablet comes with an S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating to make it a good choice for first-time tablet owners.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. Color options include gray, silver, mint, and lavender. In addition, the FE series remains a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned dual speakers. Video calling is well supported with a front 12MP ultra-wide camera and a rear 8MP camera to help you capture documents.
Review: No new iPads? This big-screen Samsung tablet could be your winner instead
ZDNET contributor Max Buondonno went hands-on with the Tab S9 FE and said that it's "great for getting work done on the go and watching movies while you're traveling," noting that the battery life was solid.
"[Battery] standby is surprisingly great; I left this tablet unattended all night at 100 percent and it only dropped to 96 percent by the next morning," Buondonno wrote. "It's reminiscent of the kind of endurance you can get from an iPad Air."
- Expandable storage
- Low price point
- Long-lasting battery
- Performance could be better
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tech specs: Display: 8.7-inch, 1340x800 display | Processor: MediaTek MT8768N, Octa-core, PowerVR GE8320 | Storage: 32GB, 64GB, microSD up to 1TB | Memory: 3GB | Colors: Grey and silver | Cameras: 2MP front and 8MP AF rear | Weight: 0.81lbs | Dimensions: 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches | Connections: Bluetooth v5.0 and Wi-Fi | Battery: 5,100mAh
Samsung's tablet lineup spans all aspects of price, capability, and screen size, and the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a small tablet that combines affordability and usefulness. The 8.7-inch screen features a 1340x800 display, making it a small tablet worthy of streaming, working, and more.
The lightweight design and small display make it portable enough to take anywhere, especially if you're using it to entertain kids with educational apps. Plus, the Tab A7 Lite has a metal frame for some added ruggedness.
You can expand your storage beyond the 32 or 65GB allotted. The tablet allows up to 1TB of expandable storage, which is twice as much as the previous model.
- Affordable
- Expandable storage
- Excellent battery life
- Sluggish performance
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 tech specs: Display: 10.5-inch, 1920 x 1200 display | Processor: Octa Core Unisoc T618 | Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TB | Memory: 3 or 4 GB | Colors: Dark grey, pink gold, and silver | Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front camera | Weight: 1.12lbs | Dimensions: 9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 inches | Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0 | Battery: 7,040mAh
If you're looking for an entry-level tablet that can hold its own against higher-end models, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is a solid option at just $230. While it won't blow you away with overall performance, it can run your favorite apps, handle light gaming, and stream movies and shows.
It has a 5,100mAh battery, 32GB of included storage, microSD support of up to 512GB, and a quad-core processor.
Again, you will not be overly impressed with this model, but it's more than capable of entertaining your kids and acting as a e-reader. Plus, you can check your email and stream your favorite Netflix series on the display.
What is the best Samsung tablet?
Our pick for the best Samsung tablet is the Samsung Galaxy S9 Ultra since its large and stunning display is extremely capable and impressive, allowing it to act as a laptop replacement.
Samsung tablet | Price | Display | Storage |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | $1,320 | 14.6 inches | 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | $800 | 11 inches | 128GB, 256GB, microSD up to 1TB |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | $450 | 10.9 inches | 128GB or 256GB |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | $160 | 8.7 inches | 32GB, 64GB, microSD up to 1TB |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 | $230 | 10.5 inches | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TB |
*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.
Which Samsung tablet is right for you?
It really depends on what size tablet you're looking for, what features are most important to you, and how much money you're willing to spend. Below, we've broken down the best Samsung tablets to help make your decision easier.
Choose this Samsung tablet... | If you want... |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | The best overall option. It can work as a laptop replacement thanks to its large screen and powerful performance. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | A Samsung tablet with excellent value for performance and price. It has many of the same features as the S9 Ultra and S9+ without the higher pricetags. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE | A mid-range Samsung tablet with a 10.9-inch display. It also comes in unique color options like mint and lavender. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite | A small, lightweight Samsung tablet. Its portable enough to take with you anywhere, thanks to its 8.7-inch display and its light weight of less than a pound. |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 | An affordable Samsung tablet. You can expect expandable storage at a low price of $230. |
How did we choose these Samsung tablets?
We know there are many Samsung tablets to choose from, so we used our own hands-on experiences with these tablets paired with research to find the top choices. ZDNET combed through reviews (both good and bad) and noted the top-rated tablets for different categories and needs. Ultimately, it came down to the following factors when making our top picks:
- Features: Not all Samsung tablets are created equal. Some are better for kids, others are simply for entertainment purposes, and then there's the one's that can act as a laptop for working professionals and students. We considered a variety of use-cases to match virtually every need.
- Price points: Tablets are an expensive piece of tech, especially if you're planning on investing in compatible accessories. We included Samsung tablets at different price points so there is something for every budget.
- Battery life: Whether you're using your tablet for work or play (or both), you'll want it to last the duration of your task. Tablets that had substantial battery lives ultimately made our top picks.
What is the difference between Samsung A and S tablets?
The Galaxy Tab S series is ideal for users who need power, such as creators or professionals. The tablets in this series have larger screens and more processing power.
In comparison, the Galaxy Tab A series comes at a lower price point with smaller screens for those who need a simple tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.
Is a tablet better than a laptop?
It depends on what you plan to use your device for. For example, digital artists usually prefer tablets over laptops since they're easier to draw on with a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies.
However, if you want to create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, a laptop is better suited than a tablet.
Are there alternative Samsung tablets worth considering?
Samsung currently has 11 tablets on its website (not to mention older models that you can purchase at other retailers), so there are plenty of other options if our top five don't meet your needs. Here are a few alternative Samsung tablets also worth a glance: