Nokia T21 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
The Verdict
Nokia T21 offers exceptional value as an entry-level Android tablet with solid build quality, 10.4-inch IPS display, and reliable 10-hour battery life at just $249. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra dominates as a premium flagship, featuring a stunning 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with 12-16GB RAM, dual camera systems, S Pen support, and IP68 durability. Performance differences are substantial: the Tab S9 Ultra's flagship chipset crushes the T21's Unisoc T612 for multitasking and gaming. Display quality isn't comparable—Samsung's AMOLED screen with 2960x1848 resolution vastly outperforms the T21's 2000x1200 LCD panel. Battery capacity favors Samsung (11200mAh vs 8200mAh), though both deliver adequate daily runtime. Camera systems heavily favor the Tab S9 Ultra with dual rear and dual front cameras. For casual browsing, email, and content consumption, the Nokia T21 is unbeatable. For professionals needing powerful productivity, creative work, and premium features, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is essential.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Nokia T21 if…
- →2K display at $249 is competitive for a branded tablet
- →8200 mAh battery handles a full day of mixed use
- →MicroSD expansion up to 512 GB
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra if…
- →Massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz
- →S Pen included in the box
- →IP68 dust and water resistance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Nokia T21
Pros
- 2K display at $249 is competitive for a branded tablet
- 8200 mAh battery handles a full day of mixed use
- MicroSD expansion up to 512 GB
- Cellular connectivity option available
- Aluminum build feels premium at the budget price
Cons
- Unisoc T612 chip is slow — noticeable lag in apps
- Android 12 with limited update commitment
- 60Hz display feels dated
- 4 GB RAM limits app switching and multitasking
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Pros
- Massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz
- S Pen included in the box
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- MicroSD expansion and dual front cameras
Cons
- Very large form factor is not portable for everyone
- Premium price above $1,199
- Keyboard Book Cover sold separately
- Heavy at 732 g
Full Specifications
| Spec | Nokia T21 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to Android 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 465 g | 732 g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 157.5 x 7.5 mm | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm |
| IP rating | — | IP68 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours browsing | Up to 12 hours video playback, 45W wired charging |
| Capacity | 8200 mAh | 11200 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 8 MP | 13 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 12 MP + 12 MP ultrawide dual selfie |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.4 inches | 14.6 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2000 x 1200 | 2960 x 1848 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Chipset | Unisoc T612 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in tablets, see all Nokia products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Nokia T21 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.