TechSpan
Our take
Tab S9 is the Android tablet we keep when someone refuses Apple. The screen is the reason. Notes with the S Pen are the second reason. If you already carry a Galaxy phone, copy-paste and nearby share make this feel less like a third island.
It still is not the iPad app library. Creative apps and kids’ catalogs are where that gap shows. For PDF markup, Netflix, and a second screen for a Windows PC, it is a strong buy.
Quick facts
- Best for
- DeX-style work, notes, Samsung ecosystem
- Why we like it
- S Pen included on many listings, bright AMOLED
- Watch-out
- Confirm Wi-Fi vs cellular before you click
- Updated
- August 2026
Pros
- S Pen is part of the pitch
- Great with a Galaxy phone
- Split screen is actually usable
Cons
- Tablet Android apps still lag iPad in some niches
- Cases vary wildly in quality
Verdict
Buy this if you live in Samsung’s world. Buy iPad if your apps already live there.
