Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
The Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is the cheaper of the two at $159 versus $800, a difference of about $641. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 stands out for incredibly affordable at $159 for a samsung tablet, while Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is praised for ip68 water and dust resistance for a tablet. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 if…
- →Incredibly affordable at $159 for a Samsung tablet
- →Compact 8.7-inch size is perfect for kids and casual use
- →MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for media storage
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 if…
- →IP68 water and dust resistance for a tablet
- →S Pen included in the box
- →Dimensity 9400+ delivers flagship performance
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $159 for a Samsung tablet
- Compact 8.7-inch size is perfect for kids and casual use
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for media storage
- Light at 337 g — easy to hold with one hand
- Samsung's software update commitment extends to budget tablets
Cons
- Low 1340x800 resolution — text looks fuzzy up close
- 4 GB RAM limits multitasking capabilities
- 2MP front camera is poor for video calls
- 60Hz LCD display feels dated
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Pros
- IP68 water and dust resistance for a tablet
- S Pen included in the box
- Dimensity 9400+ delivers flagship performance
- MicroSD expansion up to 2TB
- Slim 5.5mm profile
Cons
- Starting price of $800 is steep for 11-inch tablet
- 13MP rear camera is basic for the price
- No HDMI or Thunderbolt port
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) | Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 337 g | 469 g |
| Dimensions | 211.0 x 124.7 x 8.0 mm | 253.8 x 165.3 x 5.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 9 hours video playback | Up to 17 hours video |
| Capacity | 5100 mAh | 8400 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 8 MP wide | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Front camera | 2 MP | 12 MP, f/2.4, ultrawide |
| Display | ||
| Size | 8.7 inches | 11.0 inches |
| Type | TFT LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 1340 x 800 | 1600 x 2560 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 | MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E (tri-band) |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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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.
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