Samsung stands out as a premier choice if you’re in the market for an exceptional Android tablet. Recognized for producing some of the best Android tablets available, Samsung offers a range of devices to suit various needs and budgets. Having rigorously tested numerous models, we’ve compiled a guide to help you Compare Samsung Tablets and pinpoint the perfect Galaxy Tab for you.
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 emerges as the top recommendation. This flagship tablet delivers impressive performance, commendable battery life, and a stunning AMOLED display, all at a competitive price point under $1,000.
However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Galaxy Tab A7 remains a solid choice. Despite its age, it continues to be a capable tablet for everyday tasks and can often be found for $200 or less.
At the high end, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra caters to users who demand the largest and most powerful Android tablet experience, ideal for those aiming to replace a laptop.
Continue reading to explore our detailed comparison of the best Samsung tablets currently available, based on our thorough hands-on testing and expert reviews.
Quick Samsung Tablet Comparison
Here’s a concise comparison of the top Samsung tablets, based on our in-depth evaluations:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Best Overall Samsung Tablet
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The Galaxy Tab S9 excels as the best overall Samsung tablet due to its versatility, seamlessly transitioning between work and entertainment. Its AMOLED screen offers a visually stunning experience. For a premium Android tablet that delivers on all fronts, the Galaxy Tab S9 is an unmatched choice. Explore the full review below.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7: Best Value Samsung Tablet
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is an older model, it still provides excellent value. It’s perfectly adequate for basic tasks and is a cost-effective option. Discover more in the detailed review.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Best Samsung Tablet for Laptop Replacement
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
The expansive Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is designed for users who need a tablet as large as a laptop. This 14.6-inch device is the largest tablet we’ve tested, offering the speed, accessories, and screen real estate for productive work on the go. Learn more in the full review.
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Written by Alex Wawro
Alex Wawro is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering technology, gaming, and entertainment. He leads the computing department at Tom’s Guide, overseeing tablet coverage and conducting numerous tablet reviews annually.
Detailed Samsung Tablet Comparison: Top Models in Focus
Tom’s Guide’s commitment to providing reliable reviews stems from our rigorous testing and analysis of products. Our writers and editors dedicate countless hours to evaluating products, services, and apps to ensure we recommend only the best options for you. Learn more about our testing, analysis, and rating methodologies.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: The Best Overall Samsung Tablet
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1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The best all-around Samsung tablet
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Display: 11-inch (2560 x 1600) Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
- Storage: 128GB
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Ports: USB-C, microSD
- Dimensions: 10.01 x 6.51 x 0.25 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
Reasons to Buy:
- Stunning AMOLED screen
- Exceptional speakers
- Included S Pen stylus adds great value
Reasons to Avoid:
- Performance slightly behind newer, more affordable iPads
- Battery life is average
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is designed for users seeking an Android tablet that rivals the iPad Air in quality and performance. While capable of handling work tasks, the Galaxy Tab S9 truly excels as a versatile device for enhancing both productivity and entertainment.
We consider it the best Samsung tablet for most users because it balances premium features with a reasonable price. The inclusion of an AMOLED display, previously reserved for Samsung’s top-tier tablets, in the standard model is a significant upgrade. This display elevates the viewing experience, making the Tab S9 a strong competitor against premium iPads without the premium price tag.
In performance benchmarks, the Tab S9 may not surpass the latest iPad Air, but it’s important to note that it remains exceptionally fast for everyday use. Our battery testing showed a solid 9 hours of life on a single charge, ensuring it lasts through a full workday or school day.
Although not the largest in Samsung’s tablet lineup (the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra holds that title), the Galaxy Tab S9 is an outstanding all-around tablet that effectively competes with Apple’s iPad. If you’re looking for a high-quality premium Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 is a worthwhile investment that will remain relevant for years.
Read our comprehensive Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 review.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7: The Best Value Samsung Tablet
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2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
The best Samsung tablet for budget-conscious buyers
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- CPU: Qualcomm SM6115
- Display: 10.4-inch, 2000×1200-pixel
- Storage: 32GB
- Memory: 3GB
- Ports: USB-C, microSD
- Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional battery life
- Convenient facial recognition
- USB-C charging
Reasons to Avoid:
- Screen brightness could be better
- Performance is not top-tier
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, while an older model, continues to offer remarkable value, especially when found on sale. Originally designed to be a more affordable alternative to the iPad, it now provides even greater savings as iPad prices have increased.
While it may not match the speed or processing power of newer tablets, the Galaxy Tab A7 still delivers satisfactory performance for its price. Its lower power consumption translates to excellent battery life, lasting over 13 hours in our tests.
Although it’s less powerful than current models, the Tab A7 remains an excellent choice for basic tasks and is particularly suitable as a gift for younger users. It includes user-friendly features like facial authentication and full access to the Google Play Store.
Our reviewers noted that the screen could be brighter and the performance faster, but it remains a highly functional tablet that provides a pure Android experience. Its sleek design and portability make it our top recommendation for those seeking an affordable Samsung tablet.
Read our in-depth Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 review.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: The Best Samsung Tablet for Laptop-Level Productivity
(Image credit: Future)
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+
- Camera Resolution: 12MP FF + Ultrawide (front), 13MP AF + 8MP UW (rear)
- Display: 14.6-inch 3K (2960 x 1848 pixels) Dynamic AMOLED
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Ports: 1x USB-C, microSD
- Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches
- Weight: 1.58 pounds
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Reasons to Buy:
- Magnificent 14.6-inch AMOLED display for superior visuals
- Rapid performance
- Included S Pen stylus enhances functionality
Reasons to Avoid:
- Large size can be unwieldy for tablet use
- Price approaches iPad Pro M4 but with less performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is designed for users who require the largest possible screen in a tablet format.
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, this model boasts a stunning 14.6-inch OLED display, a remarkably thin design, and powerful performance driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. If you are invested in the Samsung ecosystem and need a tablet capable of near-laptop functionality, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is an excellent choice.
However, this top-tier tablet isn’t without its drawbacks. While it can function as a laptop with the optional Samsung Book Cover Keyboard, this accessory adds a significant $200 to the overall cost. Despite being light at 1.58 pounds, its large size can make it less convenient compared to smaller tablets.
Nonetheless, for those prioritizing screen size above all else, the Tab S10 Ultra is unmatched in the Android tablet market. While it doesn’t outperform or offer the same battery efficiency as the iPad Pro M4 (see our Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs iPad Pro M4 comparison), it delivers top-tier performance for an Android tablet and features one of the most expansive and beautiful displays available. Additionally, Samsung includes an S Pen stylus, enhancing its utility for creative and note-taking tasks right out of the box.
Explore our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra review.
Battery Life Comparison of Samsung Tablets
Battery performance is a crucial factor for many tablet buyers. To help you compare Samsung tablets in terms of battery life, we’ve compiled our test results into an easy-to-read chart.
We’ve also included results from several popular competing tablets, including iPads, to provide a broader perspective on how Samsung tablets stack up against the competition. As the data shows, Samsung tablets generally perform very well in battery tests.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Battery Test Results (in hours:minutes)
| Tablet Model | Time (hrs:mins) |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | 9:06 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra | 9:22 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 | 13:13 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | 12:52 |
| Lenovo Tab Extreme | 9:28 |
| Apple iPad Air | 10:09 |
| Apple iPad Pro | 10:37 |
Among the Samsung tablets tested, the Galaxy Tab A7 clearly leads in battery life, making it an excellent choice if longevity is a primary concern.
Choosing the Right Samsung Tablet: Key Considerations
When selecting the best Samsung tablet for your needs, start by considering your primary uses.
For basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and gaming, any tablet in this comparison will suffice. The decision then comes down to preferred screen size, desired features, and budget. Carefully compare Samsung tablet prices and specifications to align with your requirements.
If you need a tablet that can serve as a laptop replacement, the Galaxy Tab S9 is a strong contender, although its optional Book Cover keyboard might feel somewhat compact for extensive typing. For a larger screen and more robust laptop-like experience, and if budget is less of a concern, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is specifically engineered for laptop replacement. Samsung’s DeX mode further enhances its capability as a workstation, surpassing even iPads in desktop-like functionality.
For users seeking an affordable tablet that performs well for everyday tasks, the Galaxy Tab A7 is an excellent choice. While its LCD screen may not offer the visual richness of AMOLED for video watching, and its performance can be slower when multitasking heavily, it’s a dependable, budget-friendly, and lightweight option.
Before purchasing, be sure to check our Samsung promo codes page for potential discounts. Comparing Samsung tablet deals can help you secure the best possible price.
Our Testing Methodology for Samsung Tablets
At Tom’s Guide, we rigorously test every tablet to assess its performance against manufacturer claims and against competing tablets.
Our battery life test involves continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi at a standardized screen brightness to measure how long a tablet lasts on a full charge. We also conduct display tests to evaluate color accuracy (sRGB output) and brightness. Performance benchmarks, including Geekbench, are used to quantify processing power and speed.
For Android tablets, we evaluate the user experience, focusing on the availability of the full Google Play Store and the quality of pre-installed apps. Samsung generally provides full access to Google Play, alongside its own app store, and its proprietary apps are typically well-integrated, especially for users within the Samsung ecosystem. We also examine parental control features for effectiveness and any potential loopholes.
Beyond standardized tests, we use each tablet extensively for several weeks, mirroring typical user scenarios. This includes evaluating design, setup, app performance, and multitasking capabilities. We stream videos on services like YouTube to subjectively assess display quality beyond numerical measurements. Our detailed reviews integrate both objective test data and subjective user experience to provide a comprehensive comparison, aiding consumers in making informed decisions.
For more details on our testing procedures, please visit our how we test page on Tom’s Guide.
