Galaxy Tab S8 Vs S9 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S series has long been the gold standard for Android tablets, especially for professionals, creatives, and power users. With the release of the Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung promises faster performance, improved durability, and enhanced productivity features. But if you already own a Galaxy Tab S8, is upgrading to the S9 truly justified? Or are the changes too incremental to matter in daily use?

This breakdown compares the two devices across key categories—performance, display, design, software, and real-world usability—to help you decide whether the S9’s improvements warrant the investment.

Performance: Speed and Future-Proofing

At the heart of the Galaxy Tab S9 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a full generation newer than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the Tab S8. This shift brings tangible benefits: better thermal efficiency, improved multitasking, and up to 35% faster CPU performance in benchmark tests.

In practical terms, this means smoother transitions between apps, quicker rendering in creative software like Adobe Fresco or Clip Studio Paint, and more responsive AI-powered features such as live translation during video calls. For users who rely on their tablet for intensive workflows—video editing, coding, or running multiple virtual machines—the S9 delivers noticeably less throttling under sustained loads.

Tip: If you frequently use DeX mode with external monitors or run Linux environments via Termux, the S9's superior thermals make it a more reliable long-term workstation.

Both models offer configurations up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, so the hardware ceiling remains identical. However, the S9 supports faster UFS 4.0 storage (on Ultra and Plus models), reducing load times in large file operations by up to 20% compared to the S8’s UFS 3.1.

Display and Audio: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades

On paper, both tablets feature 12.4-inch LTPS TFT displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The resolution (2800 x 1752) and peak brightness (~500 nits) are nearly identical. However, the S9 introduces an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare by up to 45%, making outdoor viewing significantly more comfortable.

This improvement matters most for artists using the S Pen outdoors or travelers reading in bright environments. While not a night-and-day difference, the reduced reflections enhance screen clarity without sacrificing color accuracy.

Audio sees a minor revision: the S9 retains quad AKG-tuned speakers with Dolby Atmos, but now includes optimized tuning for voice clarity during conference calls. In testing, Zoom and Teams audio came through with less bass bleed and improved midrange definition—useful for remote workers relying on audio-heavy meetings.

Design and Durability: Armor for Real Life

The most striking physical change is the Galaxy Tab S9’s IP68 rating for dust and water resistance—a first for any Android tablet. The S8 lacks any official ingress protection. This means the S9 can survive accidental spills, beachside use, or even brief submersion in fresh water.

“IP68 transforms the tablet from a desk-bound device into something you can confidently take anywhere.” — David Lin, Mobile Product Analyst at TechPulse Insights

While the overall design language remains consistent—slim bezels, aluminum chassis, symmetrical speaker grilles—the S9 feels slightly more robust. It’s marginally heavier (582g vs. 563g for the Wi-Fi + LTE S8), but the added heft contributes to better balance when used handheld for extended periods.

Both tablets support the S Pen, which magnetically attaches and charges on the back. The S Pen itself is unchanged, preserving the 2.8ms latency and pressure sensitivity beloved by note-takers and illustrators.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy Tab S8	Galaxy Tab S9
Chipset	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM / Storage	Up to 16GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)	Up to 16GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0 on Ultra/Plus)
Display	12.4” LTPS, 120Hz, HDR10+	12.4” LTPS, 120Hz, HDR10+, Anti-Reflective Coating
Water Resistance	None	IP68 Rated
Battery	11,200 mAh	11,200 mAh
Charging	45W Fast Charging	45W Fast Charging
OS Launch Version	Android 12	Android 13
Software Support	4 OS upgrades (up to Android 16)	5 OS upgrades (up to Android 18)
DeX Enhancements	Basic multi-window	Improved taskbar, drag-and-drop between windows

Real-World Use Case: The Freelance Illustrator

Consider Maria, a freelance digital artist based in Lisbon. She bought a Galaxy Tab S8 in 2022 and uses it daily for client sketches, concept art, and video calls. When her studio flooded during a storm, she lost no data—but the incident made her realize how vulnerable her setup was. After researching the S9’s IP68 rating and tested its anti-glare screen at a local store, she upgraded.

She noticed immediate benefits: longer drawing sessions without palm rejection issues (thanks to refined touch algorithms), clearer audio during client feedback calls, and peace of mind working near windows or outdoors. While the core creative experience remained similar, the quality-of-life upgrades reduced friction in her workflow.

For users like Maria—those pushing their devices in dynamic environments—the S9’s refinements add up to meaningful gains over time.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before spending $800–$1,200 on a new tablet, ask yourself the following:

• Do you regularly work in environments where spills or dust are a concern? → IP68 makes S9 a clear winner
• Do you edit 4K video or run complex multitasking setups? → S9’s Gen 2 chip handles heat better
• Are you still satisfied with your S8’s performance in 2024? → If yes, wait
• Do you plan to keep your tablet beyond 2027? → S9 gets one extra OS update
• Is portability and screen clarity in sunlight important? → Anti-reflective coating helps

Tip: Trade-in programs often reduce the S9’s effective price by $150–$300. Check Samsung’s official site for current offers before buying outright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Tab S9 replace a laptop?

Yes, especially with DeX mode, a keyboard cover, and cloud-based tools. The S9 improves on window management and peripheral support, making it viable for light coding, spreadsheets, and presentations. However, heavy software like full desktop IDEs or Premiere Pro still requires a traditional PC.

Is the S Pen included with both models?

Yes, both the Tab S8 and S9 come with the S Pen in the box. No additional purchase is needed for basic functionality, though optional cases with enhanced pen storage are available.

Does the S9 battery last longer than the S8?

No—both have identical 11,200 mAh batteries. However, the S9’s more efficient chipset can extend screen-on time by 30–60 minutes under mixed usage due to lower power draw during background tasks.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Galaxy Tab S9 isn’t a revolutionary leap—it’s an evolution. If you’re still using a Tab S7 or older, the jump to either S8 or S9 is well worth it. But for current S8 owners, the decision hinges on specific needs.

The IP68 rating alone may justify the upgrade for field workers, educators, or parents. The extra year of software support ensures the S9 will remain secure and updated into 2029. And the anti-reflective display, while subtle, enhances everyday comfort.

However, if your S8 runs smoothly and you primarily use it indoors for media consumption or light productivity, the upgrade offers marginal returns. Save your money unless durability, future-proofing, or peak performance are top priorities.

💬 Have you upgraded from the Tab S8 to S9? Share your experience below. Your insights could help others decide whether the latest model delivers real value—or just spec bumps.