Samsung's newest tablets in 2024

Samsung's current tablet range includes the Galaxy Tab S10 series (released mid-2024), the Galaxy Tab S9 series (still widely available), and the Galaxy Tab A series for budget buyers. The Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 Pro, and Tab S10 are the flagship models with the newest processor and display technology. The Tab S9 series — Ultra, Pro, and standard — remains current and costs less than the S10 line. If you want the absolute latest hardware, the S10 series is what Samsung is pushing; if you want strong performance at a lower price, the S9 models still deliver.

The main differences between generations come down to processor speed, display refresh rate, and camera quality. The S10 series uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version, while the S9 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Both handle everyday tasks, video, and gaming without lag. The S10 displays refresh at 120 Hz on the standard model and up to 144 Hz on the Ultra; the S9 tops out at 120 Hz. For most users, this difference is not noticeable in real use.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Tab S10 series is Samsung's newest (mid-2024), with faster processors and higher refresh rates than the S9, but the S9 remains a solid choice at lower cost.
  • The Tab S10 Ultra has a 14.6-inch screen, the Pro has 11.6 inches, and the standard Tab S10 has 11 inches — pick based on how you plan to use it, not just screen size.
  • All current Samsung tablets support the S Pen stylus, which is included with the Ultra and Pro models but sold separately for the standard Tab S10 and Tab A series.
  • Battery life across the current range is 12 to 14 hours of mixed use; the larger models last slightly longer because they have bigger batteries.
  • The Tab A series costs significantly less than the S series but uses older processors and lower-resolution screens, making it best for basic reading, video, and light work.

Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs. Pro vs. standard — which size to choose

The Tab S10 Ultra has a 14.6-inch screen and weighs 1.3 pounds. It is the closest Samsung makes to a laptop replacement and works well if you plan to use it for document editing, drawing, or watching video for hours at a time. The larger screen means more room for split-screen apps and easier reading of small text. The trade-off is weight and bulk — it does not fit easily into a standard bag.

The Tab S10 Pro has an 11.6-inch screen and weighs 0.73 pounds. This is the middle ground: large enough for comfortable work and media, light enough to carry daily. Most people who buy Samsung tablets choose this size. The standard Tab S10 also has 11 inches but is slightly thinner and lighter, though the screen resolution is lower (2560 × 1600 instead of 2944 × 1856).

If you mostly read, browse, and watch video, the standard Tab S10 is sufficient. If you plan to use the S Pen for note-taking or drawing, or if you edit documents regularly, the Pro is worth the extra cost. The Ultra makes sense only if you have desk space for it or you are replacing a laptop.

Galaxy Tab S9 series — still current and cheaper

The Tab S9 Ultra, Pro, and standard models are still sold by Samsung and most retailers. They use last year's processor and have slightly lower screen refresh rates, but performance is nearly identical to the S10 in everyday use. If you find a Tab S9 at a discount, it is a sensible purchase.

The main reason to choose an S9 over an S10 is price. The S9 Ultra typically costs $200 to $300 less than the S10 Ultra, and the Pro and standard models follow the same pattern. That savings matters if you are on a budget. The S9 will receive software updates for several more years, so longevity is not a concern.

One advantage of the S9 is availability: because Samsung is clearing stock, you may find better deals on the S9 than on the newer S10 in some retailers. Check both before deciding.

Galaxy Tab A series for basic use and lower cost

The Tab A series includes several models at different price points, with the Tab A9 Ultra and Tab A9 Pro being the current versions. These tablets cost $150 to $350, roughly half the price of the S series. They use older processors (MediaTek instead of Snapdragon), have lower screen resolution, and come with less RAM.

The Tab A is built for reading, web browsing, streaming video, and light productivity. It handles these tasks well. It is not designed for heavy gaming, video editing, or running multiple demanding apps at once. The S Pen is sold separately and costs extra, whereas it comes with the S10 Pro and Ultra.

If you want a tablet mainly for reading books, watching shows, or checking email, a Tab A saves you money without sacrificing the core experience. If you plan to use it for work or creative tasks, the S series is the better choice.

Storage, RAM, and connectivity options

The Tab S10 series comes in 256 GB and 512 GB storage options. The Tab S9 also offers these sizes. The Tab A series typically starts at 64 GB or 128 GB. None of these tablets have expandable storage via microSD card, so choose the size you need upfront.

RAM is 12 GB on the Tab S10 standard and Pro, and 16 GB on the Ultra. The Tab S9 has 12 GB across the board. The Tab A has 4 GB to 8 GB depending on the model. More RAM helps when you run many apps at once, but 12 GB is plenty for most users.

All current Samsung tablets come in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + 5G versions. The 5G model costs extra and is useful only if you have a 5G plan and want to use the tablet away from home without a hotspot. For most people, Wi-Fi is sufficient.

Stylus support and what it costs

The S Pen stylus works with all current Samsung tablets. It is included in the box with the Tab S10 Ultra and Pro, and with the Tab S9 Ultra and Pro. On the standard Tab S10, Tab S9, and Tab A series, you must buy the S Pen separately for $80 to $130 depending on the model.

If note-taking or drawing is important to you, factor in the stylus cost when comparing prices. A Tab S10 standard plus S Pen costs more than the Tab S10 Pro, which includes the stylus. The stylus charges wirelessly when attached to the tablet and lasts weeks between charges.

Battery life and charging

Samsung rates battery life at 12 to 14 hours of mixed use across the current range. The Ultra models, with larger batteries, tend toward the higher end. In practice, this means a full day of moderate use without charging. Heavy use (video streaming, gaming) drains the battery faster; light use (reading, email) extends it.

All current models charge via USB-C. The Tab S10 Ultra and Pro support 45-watt charging, which fills the battery in roughly 90 minutes. The standard Tab S10 and Tab S9 models support 25-watt charging, taking 2 to 2.5 hours. The Tab A charges more slowly. None of these tablets come with a charger in the box, so you may need to buy one separately.

Software and how long you will get updates

All Samsung tablets ship with Android 14 (as of late 2024) and Samsung's One UI interface on top. Samsung promises seven years of major Android updates and four years of security updates on the Tab S10 series. The Tab S9 will receive updates for a similar period from its release date. The Tab A gets fewer years of support — typically four to five years of updates.

This means a Tab S10 bought today will receive Android updates through roughly 2031. A Tab S9 will be supported through 2028 or 2029. A Tab A will be supported through 2028 or 2029 as well, depending on the exact model. After the update period ends, the tablet still works, but it stops receiving security patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tab S10 worth buying over the Tab S9?

Only if you want the newest hardware or find the price difference small. The S9 performs nearly identically in everyday use. If the S9 is $200 cheaper, buy the S9. If the S10 is only $50 more, the newer processor and higher refresh rate justify the cost.

Can I use a Samsung tablet as a laptop replacement?

The Tab S10 Ultra comes closest, especially with a keyboard case and S Pen. You can edit documents, manage email, and browse the web. However, Android is not a full operating system like Windows or macOS, so some software you use on a laptop may not be available. It works best as a supplement to a laptop, not a replacement.

Do I need 5G on a tablet?

Only if you use the tablet away from home regularly and have a 5G phone plan that includes tablet data. Most people use tablets at home on Wi-Fi or tether to a phone's hotspot when away. The 5G model costs extra for a feature you may never use.

What is the difference between the Tab S10 and Tab A?

The Tab S10 has a faster processor, higher screen resolution, more RAM, and longer software support. The Tab A costs less and handles basic tasks like reading and video. Choose the Tab S10 for work or creative use; choose the Tab A for casual reading and streaming.

Does the S Pen come with every tablet?

No. It is included with the Tab S10 Ultra and Pro, and the Tab S9 Ultra and Pro. On the standard Tab S10, Tab S9, and all Tab A models, you must buy the S Pen separately. Check the box contents before you buy if the stylus matters to you.