Samsung has consistently delivered some of the finest Android tablets available, making them a go-to brand for consumers seeking quality and performance. If you’re in the market for a new tablet, comparing Samsung tablets is a smart move to find the perfect device that fits your lifestyle and needs. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab lineup offers a diverse range of options, from flagship powerhouses to budget-friendly slates, ensuring there’s a Samsung tablet for almost everyone.
For most users seeking a balance of features and price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 stands out as an excellent all-around choice. It delivers flagship-level performance, impressive battery life, and a stunning AMOLED display, all for under $1,000. Despite the newer S10 series being available, the absence of a base Galaxy Tab S10 model makes the Tab S9 an even more compelling option, especially considering the Galaxy Tab S10+ starts at a significantly higher price point.
However, if budget is a primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, despite its age, remains a strong contender. Often available for $200 or less, it’s a capable tablet for basic tasks and an ideal option for children or users needing a secondary, affordable device.
At the other end of the spectrum, for users demanding the largest screen and maximum power, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is the ultimate choice. This massive tablet aims to replace your laptop, offering a বিশাল display and robust performance for demanding tasks and multitasking.
Continue reading to delve deeper into a comparison of these top Samsung tablets, exploring their features, test results, and helping you decide which Galaxy Tab is the best fit for you.
Quick Look: Best Samsung Tablets
Here’s a brief overview to quickly Compare Samsung Tablets and identify the best model based on your priorities.
[](Best Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 for overall performance and display quality)
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: Best Overall
The Galaxy Tab S9 excels as the best overall Samsung tablet due to its versatile performance and stunning AMOLED display, suitable for both productivity and entertainment. This premium Android tablet offers a balanced experience that is hard to beat. Read more below.
[](Best Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 for value and affordability)
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7: Best Value
If you’re looking for value, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is an excellent choice. While not the fastest or most visually impressive, it handles everyday tasks efficiently without breaking the bank. Read more below.
[](Best Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra as a laptop replacement with a large screen)
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Best Laptop Replacement
For those who need a tablet as big as a laptop, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is unmatched. Its expansive 14.6-inch screen, powerful performance, and optional accessories make it ideal for on-the-go productivity. Read more below.
A Detailed Comparison: Choosing the Right Samsung Tablet
To provide a comprehensive comparison of Samsung tablets, let’s explore each model in detail, examining their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: The Best All-Around Samsung Tablet
(Image credit: Future)
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: The display is vibrant, sharp, and offers excellent color accuracy, making it a joy for media consumption and creative tasks.
- Impressive Speakers: Enjoy rich and immersive audio, enhancing your entertainment experience.
- Included S Pen Stylus: The bundled stylus adds significant value, perfect for note-taking, drawing, and navigation.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Performance Not Top-Tier: While fast for most tasks, it’s not as powerful as some competing tablets like the latest iPads in demanding applications.
- Average Battery Life: The battery life, while decent, is not exceptional and might require charging by the end of a heavy usage day.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is designed for users who desire a premium Android tablet experience comparable to the iPad Air. It’s a versatile device that excels in both work and play, offering a blend of performance and portability. While it can handle productivity tasks, the Tab S9 truly shines as an entertainment and general-use tablet.
The AMOLED display is a standout feature, bringing vibrant colors and deep blacks that significantly enhance video watching, gaming, and browsing photos. This display technology, previously reserved for Samsung’s most expensive tablets, is now standard on the base Tab S9 model, making it a significant upgrade and a strong competitor to premium iPads.
Performance testing reveals that the Tab S9 is not as fast as the latest iPad Air in benchmark tests. However, in real-world usage, the Galaxy Tab S9 is more than capable for daily tasks, multitasking, and even some demanding applications. With a battery life of around 9 hours in web browsing tests, it should last through a typical workday or school day.
Although not the largest Samsung tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 offers a fantastic balance of size, performance, and display quality. If you are seeking a high-quality Android tablet that will last for years, the Galaxy Tab S9 is a highly recommended option.
Read our full 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 those on a budget
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:
- Excellent Battery Life: Offers exceptional battery performance, lasting over 13 hours on a single charge.
- Facial Recognition: Convenient and secure facial recognition for easy unlocking.
- USB-C Charging: Modern USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Dim Screen: The display can be somewhat dim, especially in bright outdoor conditions.
- Basic Performance: Performance is adequate for basic tasks but can feel slow with demanding apps or multitasking.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is an older model, but it continues to be a compelling value proposition. If you can find it on sale, it represents one of the most affordable ways to get a decent Android tablet experience. Originally positioned to be more affordable than the iPad, the Tab A7 offers even greater savings now as iPad prices have increased.
While it lacks the processing power and speed of more expensive tablets, the Tab A7 prioritizes battery efficiency. Its lower power consumption translates to impressive battery life, exceeding 13 hours in testing. This makes it ideal for extended use on the go without frequent charging.
Despite its limitations in performance and screen brightness, the Galaxy Tab A7 remains a practical and versatile tablet. It’s a great option for children, casual users, or anyone needing a secondary tablet for basic tasks like browsing, video streaming, and reading. Features like facial authentication and access to the Google Play Store enhance its usability.
For users seeking an affordable and reliable Samsung tablet, especially where budget is a primary concern, the Galaxy Tab A7 is a top recommendation.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 review.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: The Best Samsung Tablet for Laptop Replacement
(Image credit: Future)
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
The ultimate tablet for those who need a large screen and laptop-like functionality
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:
- Spectacular 14.6-inch AMOLED Display: The massive, vibrant display offers an unparalleled viewing experience for all types of content.
- Blazing-Fast Performance: Equipped with a powerful processor and ample RAM for demanding tasks and seamless multitasking.
- Included S Pen: Comes with an S Pen stylus, enhancing productivity and creative possibilities right out of the box.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Bulky Size: The large size can make it unwieldy to use as a handheld tablet.
- High Price: Approaches the price of premium laptops and performs less effectively than top-tier iPads in some demanding scenarios.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is designed for users who prioritize screen size above all else. If you envision your tablet as a primary productivity device and potentially a laptop replacement, the Tab S10 Ultra is the standout choice in the Samsung lineup.
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, this model boasts an expansive 14.6-inch OLED display, surpassing even the largest iPad screens. Combined with Samsung’s DeX mode, it offers a desktop-like interface, enhancing its capabilities as a laptop alternative. The generous 12GB of RAM and MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor ensure smooth multitasking and handle demanding applications with ease.
However, the sheer size of the Tab S10 Ultra has its drawbacks. While lighter than most laptops, its dimensions can make handheld use cumbersome, especially for extended periods. To fully leverage its laptop-replacement potential, a detachable keyboard like the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard is almost essential, adding extra cost to an already premium-priced device.
While it might not outperform the iPad Pro M4 in every aspect, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra delivers exceptional performance for an Android tablet and offers one of the largest and most impressive displays in the tablet market. The inclusion of the S Pen further enhances its appeal for creative professionals and users who value stylus input.
Read our Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra review.
Battery Life Comparison Across Samsung Tablets
Battery life is a critical factor for tablet buyers. To help you compare Samsung tablets in this area, here’s a chart summarizing battery test results for the models discussed, along with some popular competitors for context.
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Battery Test Results (Web Browsing via Wi-Fi)
| Tablet | Time (Hours:Minutes) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
As the chart indicates, all Samsung tablets listed offer respectable battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 clearly leads in battery endurance, making it an excellent choice if long battery life is a top priority.
Choosing the Best Samsung Tablet for Your Specific Needs
When deciding which Samsung tablet to buy, consider how you primarily intend to use it.
For general use, such as web browsing, streaming videos, and playing games, any of the tablets listed will perform well. The key is to determine the screen size and feature set that align with your budget and preferences.
If you need a tablet that can function as a laptop replacement, the Galaxy Tab S9 is a strong contender, although its optional keyboard might feel a bit compact for extended typing sessions. For a larger screen and a more dedicated laptop-like experience, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, with its DeX mode, is specifically designed to fill this role, surpassing iPads in desktop-style functionality.
For budget-conscious buyers seeking an affordable tablet for basic tasks, the Galaxy Tab A7 is an excellent choice. While its display and performance are not top-of-the-line, it provides a solid Android tablet experience at a very accessible price point.
Before purchasing, remember to check for Samsung promo codes to potentially save on your new tablet.
Our Testing Methodology for Samsung Tablets
To ensure our Samsung tablet comparisons are reliable and informative, we conduct rigorous testing on every tablet we review.
Our battery test involves continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at a set screen brightness to measure battery life. We also perform display tests to evaluate color accuracy (sRGB) and brightness (nits). Performance benchmarks, like Geekbench, are used to assess CPU performance and processing power.
Furthermore, we evaluate the software experience, including pre-installed apps and access to the Google Play Store, ensuring a genuine Android experience. We also examine parental control features for tablets intended for family use.
Beyond lab tests, we use each tablet extensively in real-world scenarios for several days or weeks. This hands-on evaluation includes assessing design, setup, app performance, multitasking capabilities, and video playback quality on platforms like YouTube. Our detailed reviews provide both objective test data and subjective user experience insights to give you a complete picture of each tablet’s strengths and weaknesses.
For more details on our testing process, please visit our how we test page on Tom’s Guide.
Written by
Written by Alex Wawro
Alex Wawro is a seasoned tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering technology, gaming, and entertainment. As Senior Editor at Tom’s Guide, he leads coverage of Samsung tablets and reviews numerous models annually, bringing extensive expertise to tablet evaluations.
