If you’re in the market for an Android tablet that delivers premium features and performance, Samsung should be at the top of your list. Samsung has consistently produced some of the best Android tablets available, offering a wide range of devices to cater to different needs and budgets. With so many options available, comparing samsung tablets can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Samsung Galaxy tablet lineup and find the perfect device for you.
In our expert opinion, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 stands out as the best overall Samsung tablet for most users. It strikes an excellent balance of performance, battery life, and a stunning AMOLED display, all at a competitive price point. However, Samsung’s range extends beyond just flagship models. For those seeking exceptional value, the Galaxy Tab A7, despite its age, remains a solid and affordable option for everyday tasks.
And for users who demand the ultimate in screen size and power, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra reigns supreme. This massive tablet is designed to be a true laptop replacement, offering a vast display and robust performance for demanding users.
Continue reading to explore our detailed comparison of the best Samsung tablets currently available. We’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each model, helping you make an informed decision and choose the Samsung tablet that best fits your individual requirements.
Quick Look: Best Samsung Tablets Compared
Here’s a brief overview of the top Samsung tablets we recommend based on our in-depth testing and analysis:
[](Best Overall Samsung Tablet)1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9: The best overall Samsung tablet, offering a versatile blend of performance, a vibrant AMOLED display, and excellent features for both productivity and entertainment. Learn More
[](Best Value Samsung Tablet)2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7: The best value Samsung tablet, providing a capable and budget-friendly option for basic tasks and media consumption. Learn More
[](Best Laptop Replacement Samsung Tablet)3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: The best Samsung tablet for laptop replacement, boasting a massive 14.6-inch display and powerful performance for demanding users and multitasking. Learn More
The Best Samsung Tablets You Can Buy Today: Detailed Comparison
To help you choose the right device from the extensive Samsung lineup, we’ve conducted thorough testing and analysis of their latest tablets. Let’s dive into a more detailed comparison of each of our top picks.
Best Overall Samsung Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
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1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The Best All-Around Samsung Tablet
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 emerges as the best overall Samsung tablet due to its exceptional versatility and premium features without an exorbitant price tag. It’s designed to seamlessly transition between work and play, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users. The inclusion of a vibrant AMOLED display, typically reserved for higher-end models, elevates the viewing experience significantly, making everything from streaming videos to browsing photos a visual delight.
The Galaxy Tab S9 is positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s iPad Air, aiming to deliver a similar level of premium experience within the Android ecosystem. While benchmark tests might indicate that the latest iPad Air holds a slight edge in raw processing power, the Galaxy Tab S9 remains incredibly responsive and capable for everyday tasks, demanding applications, and even gaming. Its performance is more than sufficient for smooth multitasking, running productivity apps, and enjoying graphically rich games.
Battery life is another strong point for the Galaxy Tab S9. In our rigorous battery testing, it lasted for a respectable 9 hours on a single charge. This means you can confidently use it throughout a full workday or school day without needing to constantly worry about power outlets. The included S Pen stylus further enhances its versatility, making it easy to take notes, sketch, and navigate the interface with precision.
While it might not boast the largest screen size in the Samsung tablet family (that title belongs to the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra), the 11-inch display of the Tab S9 strikes a perfect balance between portability and screen real estate. It’s comfortable to hold and carry around, yet large enough for comfortable viewing and productive work. If you are seeking a premium Android tablet that excels in all key areas, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is a top recommendation that will provide years of reliable performance and enjoyment.
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 for vibrant visuals
- Excellent speakers for immersive audio
- Included S Pen stylus adds value and functionality
Reasons to Avoid:
- Performance slightly behind newer, more expensive iPads
- Battery life is decent but not class-leading
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 review.
Best Value Samsung Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
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2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
The Best Samsung Tablet for Budget-Conscious Buyers
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The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, while an older model, continues to be a standout choice for those seeking exceptional value in a Samsung tablet. Its age is actually a benefit in this case, as it can often be found at significantly discounted prices, making it one of the most affordable ways to experience the Android tablet ecosystem. Originally positioned to undercut the iPad in price, the Galaxy Tab A7 now offers even greater savings, especially as iPad prices have generally increased over time.
While it’s important to acknowledge that the Galaxy Tab A7 won’t compete with flagship tablets in terms of raw speed or cutting-edge features, it still delivers a surprisingly capable experience for everyday tasks. Its performance is perfectly adequate for browsing the web, checking emails, streaming videos, and light gaming. The trade-off for its more modest performance is excellent battery life. In our tests, the Galaxy Tab A7 impressively lasted over 13 hours on a full charge, making it a fantastic companion for long trips or extended use away from power outlets.
The Galaxy Tab A7 is particularly well-suited for families and younger users. Its affordability makes it less of a financial risk if it gets damaged, and it’s robust enough for typical household use. Features like facial recognition add a touch of convenience, and full access to the Google Play Store ensures compatibility with a vast library of apps and games.
Although our reviewers noted that the screen could be brighter and the performance snappier, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 remains a highly practical and versatile tablet, especially considering its price point. It provides a genuine Android experience in a slim, portable design that’s easy to carry and use on the go. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Samsung tablet for basic tasks and media consumption, the Galaxy Tab A7 is an excellent choice.
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 for extended use
- Convenient facial recognition feature
- Modern USB-C charging port
Reasons to Avoid:
- Screen brightness could be better
- Performance is adequate but not high-end
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 review.
Best Laptop Replacement Samsung Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
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3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
The Ultimate Samsung Tablet for Power Users and Multitasking
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For users who demand the absolute largest screen and top-tier performance in a Samsung tablet, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is the undisputed champion. This is the tablet to choose if you envision using your device as a primary work tool, a multimedia powerhouse, or even a laptop replacement. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, the Tab S10 Ultra takes the concept of a large-screen tablet to the extreme with its massive 14.6-inch OLED display.
The expansive 14.6-inch OLED display is truly the centerpiece of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. It provides an immersive viewing experience for movies, games, and creative work, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredible detail. Paired with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, the Tab S10 Ultra delivers blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks, seamless multitasking, and smooth gaming. If you are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem and require a tablet with laptop-like capabilities, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is designed to seamlessly integrate into your workflow.
However, the sheer size of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra also presents some trade-offs. While its slim and light design (for its size) is impressive, the 14.6-inch form factor can feel cumbersome for handheld use as a traditional tablet. Using it comfortably on the go might require a bag or backpack to carry it around. Furthermore, to truly unlock its laptop replacement potential, you’ll likely want to invest in the optional Samsung Book Cover Keyboard, which adds an extra cost to an already premium device.
While it may not outperform the latest iPad Pro M4 in every benchmark, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra stands as a top-performing Android tablet with one of the largest and most beautiful displays in its class. The included S Pen stylus is a welcome addition, enabling creative tasks and precise navigation right out of the box. If you prioritize screen size and performance above all else and are looking for a no-compromise Samsung tablet, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is the ultimate choice.
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 for stunning visuals
- Exceptional performance for demanding tasks
- Included S Pen stylus enhances productivity and creativity
Reasons to Avoid:
- Large size can be awkward for tablet-style use
- Price is comparable to high-end iPads but with slightly lower performance
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra review.
Samsung Tablet Battery Life Compared
Battery life is a critical factor for many tablet buyers. To help you compare samsung tablets based on longevity, we’ve compiled our battery test results for each model, alongside some popular competitors, including iPads, for context. As you can see, Samsung tablets generally perform very well in battery life tests, often exceeding the endurance of comparable devices.
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Battery Test Results (Time in minutes:seconds)
| Tablet Model | Time (min:secs) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 clearly stands out as the battery life champion in this comparison. If battery longevity is your top priority, the Tab A7 is an excellent choice.
Choosing the Right Samsung Tablet for Your Needs
Selecting the best samsung tablet for you depends largely on your intended usage.
For general use, such as web browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming, any of the tablets on this list will perform admirably. The key is to determine your preferred screen size, desired features, and budget.
If you’re looking for a tablet that can double as a laptop, the Galaxy Tab S9 is a strong contender, although its optional Book Cover keyboard might feel a bit cramped for extended typing sessions. For a true laptop replacement experience, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, with its massive screen and DeX mode (Samsung’s desktop-like interface), is explicitly designed to fill that role, offering greater laptop-like functionality than many iPads.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Galaxy Tab A7 remains an outstanding option. While its LCD screen might not be as visually impressive as AMOLED panels, and its performance is more basic, it’s still a highly capable and affordable tablet for everyday tasks.
Before making your final decision, be sure to check our Samsung promo codes page for potential discounts and deals.
How We Test Samsung Tablets
At Tom’s Guide, we employ rigorous testing procedures to evaluate every tablet we review, ensuring our recommendations are based on real-world performance data and objective analysis.
Our battery life test involves continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at a standardized screen brightness level to measure how long a tablet lasts on a full charge. We also conduct display testing to assess color accuracy (sRGB output) and maximum brightness. Performance benchmarks, such as Geekbench, are used to quantify CPU performance and overall processing power.
Beyond technical tests, we also evaluate the user experience. We examine pre-installed apps, app store access (verifying a full Android experience), and the quality of Samsung’s own apps. For tablets with parental controls, we test their effectiveness to identify any potential loopholes.
Finally, we use each tablet extensively for days or weeks in real-world scenarios, mimicking how a typical user would interact with the device. This includes evaluating the design, setup process, app performance, multitasking capabilities, and video playback quality. Our detailed reviews combine hands-on experiences with hard testing data to provide a comprehensive comparison of each tablet’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you make informed buying decisions.
For more details on our testing methodology, please visit our how we test page on Tom’s Guide.
