How to choose the best Samsung tablet for you?
How to choose a tablet that’s right for you?
In between a laptop and a smartphone, tablets are the perfect portable computer that lets you do more on the go without hulking a heavy laptop around. Whether you want a tablet for everyday use, completing work tasks, playing games or unleashing your creative impulses, there’s a Samsung tablet for you. But how do you pick which one?
There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to deciding which tablet model to buy. In this guide, we’ve outlined what features to look for in across the Samsung tablet range.
How do I decide what tablet to buy?
Choosing the right tablet for you depends very much on what you’re going to use it for. Key things to consider when deciding which tablet to buy are screen size, storage space, battery life and connectivity, as these factors will be affected by what you want to use it for. We have listed all the key components and features to look for when comparing different tablet models to help you decide the best tablet for you.
What tablet size should I choose?
Like smartphones, laptops or TVs, tablet screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner and expressed in inches. Small, compact tablets are usually between 5-8 inches, while medium sized tablets are between 8-11 inches.
The best tablets for movie watching or working on are usually ones with larger screens. If this is what you are looking for, tablets with screen sizes above 11 inches are recommended. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ has a stunning 12.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, making video streaming not only immersive but crystal clear. While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with its extra large 14.6 inch screen delivers a truly cinematic experience, perfect for losing yourself in action-packed games and bingeable series.
What is a good screen resolution for a tablet?
In addition to screen size, you also need to consider tablet displays and screen resolution. The key thing to remember is the higher the tablet resolution, the sharper what’s showing on the screen will be. If you’re planning on using your new tablet for video streaming, gaming or drawing, it is worth choosing a model with a 1920 x 1200 screen resolution or higher. For example, the Galaxy Tab S9 has a resolution of 2560 x 1600, while the Galaxy Tab S9+ has a screen resolution of 2800 x 1752. But it’s the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra that tops them all, making sure you never miss a single detail on screen with an impressive resolution of 2960 x 1848.
One thing to keep in mind is that higher screen resolutions require more powerful processors, which can affect battery life. When comparing tablets with high screen resolutions, it’s important to look for ones with a powerful battery to avoid constant charging. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 has an impressive 7,040mAh battery and 15W Fast Charging*. The Galaxy Tab S9 series also packs a punch with batteries ranging from 8,400mAh in the Galaxy Tab S9 to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s powerful 11,200mAh battery** making it the top Samsung tablet for battery life. What’s more with Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W)*** in all Samsung Tab S9 tablets, you can get back to full charge in no time.
- * Typical value based on testing under third-party lab conditions
- ** Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity is X,XXXmAh on Galaxy Tab S9. Rated minimum capacity is 9,800mAh for Galaxy Tab S9+ and the rated minimum capacity is 10,880mAh for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
- *** Super Fast Charging 2.0 available with a 45W charger (sold separately)
- * Typical value based on testing under third-party lab conditions
- ** Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity is X,XXXmAh on Galaxy Tab S9. Rated minimum capacity is 9,800mAh for Galaxy Tab S9+ and the rated minimum capacity is 10,880mAh for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
- *** Super Fast Charging 2.0 available with a 45W charger (sold separately)
How much storage do I need for a tablet?
How much storage you need on your tablet depends on what you’re going to be using it for. For everyday tasks like checking emails, scrolling through Instagram and streaming videos, mid-range tablets should have enough storage to meet your needs.
For gamers and digital creators, however, more storage capacity will be needed. Some mobile games can take up more than 1GB, and so can creative apps like Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Lightroom, and Sketchbook. If you are an avid gamer, you should look for at least 256GB for storage space or tablets with expandable storage. The Galaxy Tab S9+ can comfortably support storage-intensive apps with up to 512GB storage and the option of adding up to 1TB with a microSD. If you’re still craving for more, look no further than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with up to a whopping 1TB storage and 16GB RAM. Plus, you can add up to 1TB with a Micro SD card* for ultimate storage space, so you can rest assured that the latest Galaxy tablets are able to take on whatever you throw at them.
*MicroSD card sold separately
*MicroSD card sold separately
-
Storage Options
-
External
Memory Support
- Storage Options : 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
-
External
Memory Support : MicroSD (Up to 1TB)
Connectivity: Do I need 5G on my tablet?
Considering whether to go for a tablet with WiFi, 4G and 5G connectivity is another tough decision. WiFi-only tablets allow you to connect to the internet through a WiFi connection, making them ideal for use at home, work or university. If you ever need to connect quickly, you can also use your phone data via a mobile hotspot connection.
However, if you love watching your favourite shows while waiting for the train or reading your favourite book on the way to work, a tablet model with 4G or even better 5G connectivity is perfect for you. Your tablet will have its own data contract to let you do whatever you want, wherever you want, without digging into your mobile data plan. While 4G tablets are suitably fast, 5G is around 100 times faster than 4G, meaning you can enjoy hyperfast connections with faster downloads, quicker uploads and fewer delays. As well as offering 4G models, the Samsung tablet range has plenty of 5G tablets to choose from, including the latest Galaxy Tab S10 and Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Find out more about the fifth generation of connectivity in our What is 5G and do I need it? article here.
What is the best battery life for a tablet?
The average battery life of most tablets is around 3 to 10 hours. To make the most of your tablet’s portability, you should look for models that can last a full day without needing to recharge. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 with its impressive 8,400mAh battery* will give you plenty of time for a streaming marathon. Even better with the Galaxy Tab S9+’s 10,090mAh battery* and the Tab S9 Ultra’s 11,200mAh battery* that will easily keep going as long as you do. All three Galaxy Tab S9 models also support Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W), so even when you’re out of charge you can power up quickly**.
- * Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity is X,XXXmAh on Galaxy Tab S9. Rated minimum capacity is 9,800mAh for Galaxy Tab S9+ and the rated minimum capacity is 10,880mAh for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
- ** Super Fast Charging 2.0 available with a 45W charger (sold separately)
- * Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity is X,XXXmAh on Galaxy Tab S9. Rated minimum capacity is 9,800mAh for Galaxy Tab S9+ and the rated minimum capacity is 10,880mAh for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
- ** Super Fast Charging 2.0 available with a 45W charger (sold separately)
-
Battery Capacity (mAh, Typical)
What features should I look for in a tablet?
As well as those listed above, it’s worth looking at what extra innovative features a tablet comes with. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 range all come with an S Pen stylus included as standard, as well as Fingerprint Scanner and Face Recognition functionality.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tablets also come with an impressive array of cameras, including the 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera and 13MP Main Camera. Not to mention their Quad Speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos for stunning sound.
Tablets with pens.
Which is the best Samsung tablet for you?
The Samsung tablet range offers plenty of options for you to choose from, with a wide range of stunning features to meet your needs so it can be difficult to know which Samsung tablet is best for you. From large tablets with immersive screens to powerful batteries and seamless refresh rates, the Galaxy Tab range has something for everyone.
Samsung Tablets Range
- Galaxy Tab S10 series
- Galaxy Tab S9 series
- Galaxy Tab A8
- Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
What is the best tablet for everyday use?
When it comes to choosing a tablet for simple, everyday tasks the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 is the best tablet for you. This affordable tablet has a medium sized 10.5 inch, wide display which is perfect for browsing social media, checking emails and watching videos. The Octa-Core processor with up to 4GB RAM and 128GB memory gives you plenty of storage and power for all your needs, plus you can add up to 1TB of additional storage with a Micro SD card*. The long-lasting 7,040mAh battery is also more than enough to get you through the day, especially with 15W Fast Charging that will let you power up very quickly.
*MicroSD card sold separately
What is the best tablet for movie watching?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ is a perfect tablet if you’re looking for a tablet to enjoy your favourite films or series. Whether you’re catching up on a show on route to the office, or in bed with a cup of coffee, you’ll want a tablet that feels like a QLED TV in your backpack. A large tablet screen is obviously an essential feature for watching TV shows and films, so opt for a model with a display that’s above 11 inches. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ has an impressive 12.4 inch screen, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s extra large 14.6 inch screen offers a truly immersive, cinematic viewing experience - perfect for watching content on the go. Their Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays will also bring each action scene to life with vibrant colours and the deepest blacks.
*MicroSD card sold separately
What is the best tablet for drawing?
Samsung tablets are made with creatives in mind. The Galaxy Tab S9+ and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s large screens allow you to see your digital art in perfect detail. All Galaxy Tab S9 tablets come with Clip Studio Paint pre-installed, so you can start creating sketches and graphic masterpieces from the get go. You can even use your Samsung smartphone* as the artist palette while using your entire Tab S9 screen as your canvas. Plus, with the S Pen included as standard, you’ll have more versatility to write, draw and paint with a stylus that follows every precise move.
*Selected Galaxy smartphones only.
What is the best tablet for gaming?
Similar to the best tablets for artists, when it comes to choosing the best tablet for gaming there are essential features to look out for. For one, a large screen will let you enjoy your games to their fullest. The Galaxy Tab S9+ and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s immersive 12.4 and 14.6 inch screens will bring you right into the action. Their Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays also render each detail in crystal clear clarity with rich and vibrant colours.
When it comes to gaming tablets you’ll also need to look out for models that have the processing power to keep up with fast-action games. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tablets all have super-powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 processors. While their ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate allows them to keep up with each player’s rapid movements easily for seamless gameplay, giving you a competitive edge over your opponents. Even better with up to 256GB storage in the Galaxy Tab S9, 512GB in the Tab S9+ and up to a whopping 1TB storage in the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, you’ll have more than enough space to store your favourite games.
What’s the best tablet for productivity?
When looking for a tablet for work or to boost your productivity, you’ll want a model that makes tasks easier. A large screen will help you view all the details so you never miss a thing. The stunning Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with its large display is perfect for working on key documents or attending virtual meetings. Plus, with Multi Window it’s easy to multitask effortlessly by running up to three apps on screen at once. All the Galaxy Tab S9 tablets come with the S Pen as standard, so you can even make notes using our iconic stylus on Samsung Notes while attending a video call.
If you work on the go, staying connected is important. With 5G connectivity, the Galaxy Tab S9 tablets let you enjoy a hyperfast connection which is 100 times faster than 4G. Plus, with Google Duo video calling, an Ultra Wide camera that adapts to who’s on the call and 3 microphone technology, each video call will feel life-like with pitch-perfect clarity. You can take your productivity to the next level by pairing your tablet with a tablet keyboard to take notes while on a call.
If you are still unsure which tablet is right for you, visit our ‘what is the best tablet for work guide’ for more information.
What is the latest Samsung tablet?
Samsung’s latest range of tablets is the Galaxy Tab S10 series, which includes the epic Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. These premium tablets were released in September 2024 and are the successors to the highly acclaimed Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 range.
You can find out more about the S9 range in our ’Introducing the Galaxy Tab S9 series’ guide.
Is it worth getting a tablet?
Visit Samsung Tablets Comparison to help you choose the best Samsung tablet for you.
Most common questions
Explore answers to frequent queries below.
