Galaxy Tab A9+ Review: Specs, Problems & Buying Guide (2025)

Budget tablets age fast, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ fights that with a 90Hz screen and a mid-range chip for about €250. This evaluation covers real-world pros, trade-offs against the pricier Tab S series, and common owner issues.

Announced: October 2023 ·
Display: 11-inch LCD, 90Hz ·
Processor: Snapdragon 695 ·
RAM & Storage: 4/8 GB RAM, 64/128 GB + microSD ·
Battery: 7,040 mAh ·
OS: Android 14, One UI 6.1

Samsung’s own site and major reviewers agree on the core hardware. One key pattern: the Tab A9+ is noticeably lighter (366 g for the 11‑inch model) than many rivals.

How old is a Samsung A9 tablet?

Release date of Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+

• The Galaxy Tab A9+ was announced on October 4, 2023 alongside the smaller Tab A9, according to the Samsung Newsroom.
• Global sales began in November 2023 (Android Authority).

Is the Tab A9 considered old in 2025?

As of mid‑2025, the Tab A9+ is less than two years old. Samsung’s update policy grants two major OS upgrades and four years of security patches for the Tab A series. That means the tablet should receive Android 15 in 2025 and security updates until at least 2027. It is not considered obsolete by Samsung’s standards.

The pattern: if you buy a Tab A9+ today, you are getting a device that is still in its active software lifecycle – not an aging, abandoned slate.

Is the Galaxy Tab A9 any good?

Pros and cons of the Galaxy Tab A9+

Performance and display quality

The Snapdragon 695 is a mid‑range chip that handles web browsing, YouTube, and social media without stutter. On the display, Tech Advisor notes the 90 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling noticeably smoother than the older 60 Hz panels on the Tab A8.

Battery life and charging

With a 7,040 mAh cell, the Tab A9+ offers excellent endurance. BGR calls battery life “one of the tablet’s strongest points.” The catch: the included 15 W charger takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge.

Camera capabilities

The 8 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera are sufficient for video calls and document scanning but lack detail for photography. Samsung’s product page confirms these are standard budget‑tier sensors.

What this means: the Tab A9+ is a solid media‑consumption device, but it is not a productivity or photography tool.

What are common Samsung tablet problems?

Battery drain issues

Some users report faster battery drain after major software updates. This is a known pattern on budget Samsung tablets (Android Authority notes that post‑update battery life can vary).

Charging port problems

According to user forums, the USB‑C port can become loose over time, especially with frequent charging. This is more prevalent on budget models due to lower‑quality connectors.

Screen display glitches

Reportedly, some units exhibit screen flickering or touch latency. BGR’s review unit did not show these issues, but anecdotal reports exist online.

Performance slowdowns over time

Budget tablets often slow down after months of use. The Snapdragon 695 handles everyday tasks well initially, but heavy app caching and limited RAM (4 GB base) can lead to lag.

Software update bugs

Occasional app crashes after One UI updates have been reported. Samsung typically patches these in subsequent security releases.

The trade‑off: you get a low entry price, but some reliability compromises that are common across the entire budget tablet segment.

Which is better, Samsung tablet A or S?

Key differences between Tab A and Tab S series

The Tab S series uses premium hardware – AMOLED displays, flagship chips (Exynos/Snapdragon 8 series), and S Pen support. The Tab A series focuses on affordability with LCD screens and mid‑range processors (Android Authority).

Performance and display comparison

A direct rival is the Tab S9 FE, which costs roughly €200 more. It offers an Exynos 1380 chip, an AMOLED display, and IP68 water resistance. The Tab A9+ trails in every spec comparison except battery capacity (7,040 mAh vs 8,000 mAh on the S9 FE).

The table below highlights the key differences between the two models.

The implication: the Tab A9+ trades advanced features for a lower price, while the S9 FE justifies its premium with better display, stylus, and durability.

Price and value comparison

The Tab A9+ sells for about €250–€300, while the Tab S9 FE starts around €450. For pure media consumption, the A9+ gives you 80 % of the experience for 60 % of the price. For creative work or gaming, the S series is worth the premium.

Who should buy Tab A vs Tab S?

• Tab A9+: budget shoppers, students, children, light media users.
• Tab S9 FE or higher: artists, heavy multitaskers, gamers, anyone needing S Pen support.

The pattern: the Tab A9+ is the sensible choice if your primary use is streaming and browsing; the S series is for those who need serious tablet computing.

Which Samsung will stop working in 2026?

Samsung devices that may lose 3G or VoLTE support in 2026

Older Samsung phones and tablets – like the Galaxy S5, Note 4, and Tab 4 (from 2014) – will lose voice service when 3G networks are shut down. The Tab A9+ is not on that list because it supports 4G VoLTE and 5G on cellular models.

Galaxy Tab A9+ software update policy

Samsung commits to four years of security patches for the Tab A9 series. That means security updates will continue until at least 2027. Major OS updates are promised for two generations – Android 15 is expected in late 2025.

Why this matters: unlike a 2014 tablet that will become a paperweight in 2026, the Tab A9+ is safe for daily use well beyond that date.

“The Galaxy Tab A9+ is an excellent choice for basic media consumption because of the good battery and low price.”

— BGR (tech review site)

“Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Tab A9+ come with up to 8GB of RAM memory and 128GB storage.”

— Samsung official product page (manufacturer)

“The Tab A9+ is recommended for users who want a budget-friendly tablet with a large display and headphone jack.”

— Android Authority (editorial review)

“The Tab A9+ uses quad speakers and is a direct successor to the Tab A8.”

— Tech Advisor (tech advice outlet)

The Galaxy Tab A9+ delivers a larger, smoother screen and better battery life than its predecessor at a price that undercuts the S series by hundreds of euros. For the budget-focused buyer in the US or Europe, the choice is clear: if your tablet use is limited to streaming, web browsing, and video calls, the A9+ provides excellent value. If you need high‑end performance, a stylus, or an OLED display, the extra investment in a Tab S9 FE or higher will pay off over the long run.