Galaxy Tab A Vs S9 Plus Is The S9 Plus Worth The Extra Money Or Is The Tab A Good Enough

Choosing between Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A and the Galaxy S9 Plus isn’t just about price—it’s about matching device capabilities to your lifestyle. The Tab A offers affordability and basic functionality, while the S9 Plus delivers flagship performance in a compact form. But does that premium experience justify the higher cost? For many users, the answer depends on how they use their devices daily. This detailed comparison breaks down key differences in performance, display, camera, battery life, and software to help you decide which device fits your needs—without overspending.

Performance and Hardware: Power vs Practicality

The Galaxy S9 Plus is built around Samsung’s high-end Exynos 9810 (or Snapdragon 845 in some regions), paired with 6GB of RAM. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and seamless handling of graphically intensive games and productivity tools. Whether editing documents, streaming 4K video, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the S9 Plus performs without hesitation.

In contrast, the Galaxy Tab A typically features a mid-tier processor like the Exynos 7904 or Snapdragon 665, with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. While adequate for web browsing, email, YouTube, and light gaming, it can struggle under heavier loads. Apps may take longer to open, and switching between them isn’t as fluid. For casual users who primarily consume media or use simple apps, this may not matter. But for anyone doing more than passive screen time, the performance gap becomes noticeable.

Tip: If you frequently use navigation, messaging, and music while driving, the S9 Plus’s superior processing power ensures all apps run smoothly at once.

Display Quality and Usability

Screen size and quality significantly impact user experience, especially when reading, watching videos, or working. The Galaxy Tab A usually comes with a 10.5-inch LCD panel at 1920x1200 resolution. It's bright enough for indoor use and decent for media consumption, but colors lack vibrancy, and viewing angles are limited compared to OLED displays.

The S9 Plus, despite its smaller 6.2-inch screen, uses a Dynamic AMOLED display with Quad HD+ resolution (2960x1440). The difference is striking: deeper blacks, richer colors, higher contrast, and better outdoor visibility. Even though the Tab A has a larger physical screen, the S9 Plus delivers a sharper, more immersive visual experience. For photographers, designers, or anyone who values accurate color reproduction, this is a major advantage.

“Display technology matters more than size when it comes to visual fidelity. A smaller, high-quality OLED often outperforms a larger LCD.” — David Lin, Mobile Display Analyst

Camera Capabilities: More Than Just Photos

If you regularly take photos or record videos, the S9 Plus stands far above the Tab A. It features a dual rear camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. Combined with advanced software features like variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and Super Slow-mo video, the S9 Plus captures professional-grade images even in low light.

The Tab A, meanwhile, generally includes an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing shooter. Image quality is acceptable in daylight but degrades quickly in dim conditions. There’s no optical zoom, night mode, or advanced stabilization. For video calls or scanning documents, it suffices—but don’t expect impressive photography.

Beyond photo-taking, cameras play a role in augmented reality apps, barcode scanning, and facial recognition. The S9 Plus supports iris scanning and more reliable face unlock, enhancing both security and convenience.

Design, Portability, and Daily Use

Portability is where the two devices diverge most dramatically. The Tab A weighs around 470g and measures over 25cm tall, making it cumbersome to carry in a bag or hold one-handed. It’s designed more for stationary use—at home, on a desk, or propped up on a table.

The S9 Plus, at 189g and 158mm tall, fits comfortably in pockets and is easy to use on the go. Its IP68 water and dust resistance adds durability, allowing safe use near pools, kitchens, or during travel. The Tab A lacks any official ingress protection, limiting its usability in wet or dusty environments.

For users who move between locations frequently—commuters, parents, students—the S9 Plus wins on practicality. You’re more likely to have it with you when you need it.

Feature	Galaxy Tab A	Galaxy S9 Plus
Processor	Exynos 7904 / Snapdragon 665	Exynos 9810 / Snapdragon 845
RAM	3GB–4GB	6GB
Display	10.5” LCD, 1920x1200	6.2” AMOLED, 2960x1440
Rear Camera	8MP	Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto)
Battery	7,300 mAh	3,500 mAh
Water Resistance	No	IP68 rated
Price Range (used/refurbished)	$120–$180	$200–$280

Real-World Example: Maria’s Decision

Maria, a freelance writer and part-time online tutor, initially considered the Tab A for its lower price and large screen. She planned to use it for reading articles, typing blog posts, and hosting Zoom sessions with students. After testing both devices at a store, she realized the Tab A lagged when switching between her browser, word processor, and video conferencing app. The camera also produced grainy images during virtual classes.

She opted for a refurbished S9 Plus instead. Though slightly more expensive, it handled all her tasks seamlessly. The compact size made it easier to use from her couch or kitchen table, and the superior microphone and speaker clarity improved her teaching experience. Six months later, she says it was one of her best tech investments—proving that sometimes paying more upfront saves frustration later.

When the Tab A Makes Sense

The Tab A isn’t obsolete—it serves a specific audience well. Households looking for a shared device for kids’ entertainment, elderly users needing a simple interface for video calls and news, or budget-conscious buyers wanting a dedicated e-reader or kitchen tablet will find the Tab A perfectly adequate.

It also lasts longer on a single charge due to its larger battery. With moderate use, it can go two days without charging, whereas the S9 Plus typically requires daily top-ups. If uninterrupted battery life is your top priority and performance demands are low, the Tab A holds value.

Tip: Pair the Tab A with a Bluetooth keyboard and stylus to improve productivity without spending extra on a high-end device.

Is the S9 Plus Worth the Extra Money?

For most active users, yes. The S9 Plus delivers a holistic upgrade across every category: speed, display, camera, build quality, and durability. Even though it’s no longer Samsung’s latest model, its hardware remains capable of handling modern apps and services efficiently. Used or refurbished units are widely available at reasonable prices, making it accessible without breaking the bank.

The Tab A saves money upfront but limits flexibility. If your needs evolve—say, you start taking online courses or managing finances on your device—you may outgrow it quickly. The S9 Plus offers longevity and adaptability, reducing the need for frequent upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Tab A replace a laptop?

Only for very basic tasks like browsing, email, and streaming. Without desktop-class browsers or robust multitasking (like true split-screen with resizable windows), it falls short for serious work. An S9 Plus still won’t replace a laptop, but its DeX mode allows a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor.

Does the S9 Plus still receive software updates?

Mainstream Android updates have ended, but it continues to receive occasional security patches through Samsung’s legacy support program. Most popular apps still optimize for its screen size and OS version, so usability remains strong.

Which device is better for kids?

The Tab A is ideal for children due to its larger screen, durable plastic build, and lower replacement cost if dropped. Parental controls and app restrictions work equally well on both devices.

Final Recommendation

Choose the Galaxy Tab A if your usage is limited to media playback, light web surfing, or as a stationary household device. It’s a sensible budget option that gets the basics right. However, if you want a versatile, responsive, and portable device that handles communication, productivity, and creativity with ease, the Galaxy S9 Plus is absolutely worth the additional investment. Its superior hardware, compact design, and enhanced features provide a noticeably better day-to-day experience.

💬 Have you used both devices? Share your experience below. Your insights could help others make a smarter choice.