Samsung's current tablet lineup and what's new

Samsung releases new tablets in stages throughout the year, so "newest" depends on when you're reading this. As of early 2024, Samsung's main current models are the Galaxy Tab S9 series (released in 2023) and the Galaxy Tab A series (updated regularly with budget-friendly options). The Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9+, and Tab S9 are the premium line; the Tab A14 and Tab A10 are the entry-level choices. Samsung also makes the Tab S9 FE, a mid-range tablet positioned between these two tiers.

Each new generation typically adds faster processors, better cameras, and improved displays compared to the previous year's model. The newest Tab S series tablets use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which handles multitasking and gaming without lag. Older models in the Tab A line use less powerful but still capable processors—fine for browsing, email, and video watching, but slower for demanding apps.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung's newest premium tablets (Tab S9 series) have 120Hz displays, stylus support, and high-end processors, while the Tab A series offers basic tablet functions at lower prices.
  • The Tab S9 Ultra has the largest screen at 14.6 inches; the Tab S9+ is 12.4 inches; the standard Tab S9 is 11 inches—choose based on whether you want portability or screen real estate.
  • All current Samsung tablets run Android with Samsung's One UI interface, so the experience is similar across models; the difference is speed and screen quality.
  • Storage options vary by model, but most come in 128GB or 256GB versions, and you cannot add more storage with a memory card on the Tab S series.
  • If you already own an older Samsung tablet, the newest models are worth upgrading to only if you use demanding apps, edit video, or want a significantly better screen.

Screen size and display quality differences

Samsung's newest tablets come in three sizes in the premium line. The Tab S9 Ultra is 14.6 inches—nearly the size of a laptop—and best for people who want to replace a computer for creative work or watching video. The Tab S9+ is 12.4 inches, a middle ground between portability and screen space. The standard Tab S9 is 11 inches, small enough to hold comfortably but large enough for real work.

All three use AMOLED displays, which means blacks are truly black (the pixels turn off completely) and colors are vivid. The refresh rate is 120Hz on all three, meaning the screen updates 120 times per second—you notice this when scrolling; it feels smooth rather than choppy. The Tab A series uses LCD screens instead, which are dimmer and less colorful but still clear for everyday use. If you spend hours reading or watching video, the Tab S9 screen is noticeably better. If you check email and browse occasionally, the Tab A screen is fine.

Processing power and what it means for everyday use

The Tab S9 series uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Samsung's fastest mobile processor. This handles multiple apps open at once, video editing, and demanding games without stuttering. The Tab A series uses older Snapdragon processors (the exact model varies by which Tab A you're looking at) that are slower but still adequate for email, web browsing, social media, and streaming video.

The real difference shows up when you multitask heavily or use specialized apps. If you're a graphic designer, video editor, or serious gamer, the Tab S9 is noticeably faster. If you're checking email, reading news, and watching Netflix, you won't feel the difference between a Tab S9 and a Tab A. The Tab S9 FE sits in the middle—faster than the Tab A but slower than the full Tab S9, and priced accordingly.

Stylus support and Samsung DeX

The Tab S9 series includes the S Pen stylus, which lets you write, draw, and take notes directly on the screen. The stylus is pressure-sensitive, so it responds to how hard you press, making it useful for digital art and handwriting-to-text apps. The Tab A series does not include a stylus and does not support one—if you need to write or draw on a tablet, you need a Tab S model.

Samsung DeX is a feature on the Tab S9 that turns the tablet into a desktop-like interface when you connect it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You get a taskbar, resizable windows, and a file manager—it works like a computer. The Tab A does not support DeX. If you're thinking of using a tablet as a laptop replacement, the Tab S9 with DeX is closer to that goal, though it's still not a full computer.

Camera quality and video recording

The Tab S9 Ultra has a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. The Tab S9+ and Tab S9 have 13-megapixel rear and 12-megapixel front cameras. The Tab A series has lower-resolution cameras—typically 8 megapixels rear and 5 megapixels front. For video calls and casual photos, the Tab A cameras are adequate. For video recording or if you use your tablet to photograph documents, the Tab S9 cameras are sharper and capture more detail.

Neither line is designed for serious photography—phones are better at that. But if you video conference regularly or want to record yourself teaching or presenting, the Tab S9 front camera is noticeably clearer.

Battery life and charging

The Tab S9 Ultra has a 11,200 mAh battery and typically lasts 12 to 14 hours of mixed use (web browsing, video, email). The Tab S9+ has an 8,000 mAh battery lasting around 10 to 12 hours. The standard Tab S9 has a 7,045 mAh battery lasting 8 to 10 hours. The Tab A series batteries vary by model but generally last 8 to 10 hours. All current Samsung tablets charge via USB-C, and the Tab S9 series supports faster charging than the Tab A.

In practice, most people charge their tablet overnight, so the difference between 10 and 14 hours matters less than you might think. If you travel frequently and need to go multiple days without charging, the Tab S9 Ultra is the only model that reliably lasts two full days of moderate use.

Storage and whether you can expand it

The Tab S9 series comes in 128GB or 256GB versions. There is no microSD card slot, so you cannot add storage later—choose the size you need upfront. If you plan to store video files, photos, or large apps, 256GB is safer. If you mostly stream and use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud), 128GB is enough.

The Tab A series also comes in 128GB or 256GB, and some models include a microSD card slot, which lets you add up to 1TB of additional storage. This is a real advantage if you store a lot of files locally. Check the specific Tab A model you're considering—not all of them have this slot.

Price and when to upgrade from an older tablet

The Tab S9 Ultra costs around $1,100 to $1,200 depending on storage. The Tab S9+ is around $800 to $900. The standard Tab S9 is around $600 to $700. The Tab A14 is around $300 to $350. The Tab A10 is around $150 to $200. Prices vary by retailer and drop when newer models are announced.

If you own a Tab S8 or Tab S9 from the previous generation, upgrading to the newest Tab S9 is not necessary unless you use demanding apps or want the larger screen. The performance jump is modest. If you own a Tab A from two or more years ago, a new Tab A is a reasonable upgrade—the processor is faster and the screen is better. If you own a very old tablet (five or more years old), any new model will feel significantly faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a stylus on the Tab A tablets?

No. The Tab A series does not support stylus input. If you need to write, draw, or take handwritten notes on a tablet, you need a Tab S model. Third-party styluses designed for generic Android tablets may work, but Samsung does not support them and they will not have pressure sensitivity.

Which tablet should I buy if I just want to watch video and browse the web?

A Tab A is sufficient and costs less. The Tab S9 has a better screen, but if you're not doing creative work or gaming, you won't notice the difference enough to justify the extra cost. The Tab A14 or Tab A10 will handle streaming and web browsing smoothly.

Do the newest Samsung tablets work with a keyboard case?

Yes. All Samsung tablets work with third-party Bluetooth keyboards and keyboard cases. The Tab S9 series also works with Samsung's official Book Cover Keyboard, which includes a trackpad and makes the tablet feel more like a laptop. The Tab A works with cheaper third-party keyboard cases.

Is the difference between 128GB and 256GB storage worth the extra cost?

It depends on how you use the tablet. If you store videos, photos, or large apps locally, 256GB is safer and lasts longer before you run out of space. If you use cloud storage for files and mostly stream video, 128GB is enough. On the Tab S9, you cannot add storage later, so choose based on your actual needs.

Can I use a Samsung tablet as a laptop replacement?

Partially. The Tab S9 with a keyboard case and DeX mode gets closest to a laptop experience, but it still has limitations—some software only runs on Windows or macOS, and file management is less flexible. For email, web browsing, document editing, and video calls, a tablet works. For specialized software or heavy multitasking, a laptop is better.