Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a Gigantic 14.6” Tablet with Ludicrous Specs; Better Than iPad Pro?

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Samsung has unveiled its latest lineup of premium devices, including foldable smartphones (Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5), smartwatches, and flagship tablets, at this year’s major launch event. Among these new products, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out with its exceptionally large screen, impressive specifications, and a form factor rarely seen in the Android tablet market.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra boasts a 14.6″ 120Hz AMOLED 2X WQXGA+ display with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels, making it larger than many mainstream laptops available today including the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 The screen’s 16:10 aspect ratio supports HDR10+ and is complemented by four AKG tuned speakers that also offer Dolby Atmos surround sound for an immersive media streaming and gaming experience.

While the design and appearance of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra are similar to its predecessor, it now comes with improved durability, making it more resistant to water and dust damage. The tablet is made from Armor Aluminum and holds the distinction of being the only mainstream tablet with official IP68 water and dust resistance. With a sleek profile of 5.5mm and weighing 732g, it is impressively thin and lightweight for its sheer size and build.

Similar to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra supports Samsung’s latest S-Pen, making it an ideal creative tool for artists and graphic designers. The stylus is also IP68 rated for added protection. Additionally, users can enhance the tablet’s functionality further by attaching the Book Cover Keyboard, which provides PC-grade features on the go, including a fully backlit keypad with function keys and a trackpad.

Alongside the tablet’s built-in DeX mode, these accessories can transform the slate into a portable laptop, complete with easy cursor navigation, flexible window resizing, positioning, and Second Screen capabilities.

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and is available in three RAM-ROM configurations: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB. Users can expand the tablet’s internal memory up to 1TB using a microSD card. Battery specs remain unchanged, with an 11,200mAh battery providing long-lasting performance, similar to the Galaxy S8 Ultra.

Running on the latest version of One UI based on Android 13, Samsung promises four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades, along with five years of security updates for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. The tablet features a 13MP+8MP rear camera setup and a 12MP+12MP Ultra Wide front camera system. While it supports BT v5.3, Wi-Fi 6GHz, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and GPS, it lacks NFC support, which may come as a surprise to some.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is available in Graphite and Beige color options, offered in both 5G and Wi-Fi only variants. The Wi-Fi variant with 12GB/512GB configuration is currently available for pre-booking in India at a premium price of Rs. 1,19,999, while the 5G variant with 12GB/512GB configuration costs Rs. 1,33,999.

For those seeking a large multimedia slate, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is an enticing option, perfect for binge-watching OTT content, gaming, and multitasking with its useful accessories. Alternatively, users desiring similar performance on a smaller screen can consider the Galaxy Tab S9+ (12.4″ screen) and the Galaxy Tab S9 (11″ screen) tablets.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Vs Apple iPad Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra presents a formidable competitor to Apple’s iPad Pro. Though we haven’t had the opportunity to directly compare the two devices, it’s evident that Samsung has crafted an enticing product that can rival Apple’s offering. For years, the iPad Pro has been the go-to choice for those seeking a productivity tablet, owing to its superior software experience and overall performance. However, Samsung has stepped up with an excellent alternative that may even surpass the iPad Pro in various aspects.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra boasts a larger and more vibrant display, providing an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it comes with a bigger battery, ensuring extended usage time on a single charge. Notably, Samsung’s Dex support enables a PC-like experience, enhancing productivity and versatility. Furthermore, the tablet’s upgraded cameras contribute to an improved photography and video-capturing experience. Also, the device’s IP68 rating adds durability, making it resistant to water and dust.

If you are deeply invested in the Android ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S9-series is undoubtedly the tablet line worth considering for your needs. Its impressive features and capabilities make it a strong contender against the iPad Pro.

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