Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The Verdict
Samsung's flagship Ultra targets power users with its massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor paired with up to 16GB RAM. Battery life reaches 14 hours on video playback, and the 11200mAh capacity supports extended sessions. However, the Tab S9 offers better real-world value at $799.99 versus $1099.00. Its 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen delivers vibrant colors in a more portable 498g frame, while the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy actually outperforms the Gen 1 in efficiency and gaming. The Tab S9 includes a 45W fast charger (faster than Ultra's typical 45W), IP68 dust and water resistance, and dual ultra-wide cameras. Both tablets run current One UI software, support the S Pen stylus, and feature Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The Ultra's extra screen real estate justifies its premium for content creation and multitasking, but the Tab S9 delivers nearly identical performance in a lighter, more durable package at 27% less cost. Choose the Ultra only if you specifically need the enormous display for creative work or extensive media consumption.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra if…
- →Massive 14.6" Super AMOLED screen is unmatched for media and multitasking
- →S Pen included in the box with low 2.8 ms latency
- →Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like experience
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 if…
- →Compact 11-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED with IP68 rating
- →S Pen bundled in the box
- →Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Pros
- Massive 14.6" Super AMOLED screen is unmatched for media and multitasking
- S Pen included in the box with low 2.8 ms latency
- Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like experience
- Up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage for power users
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and pen input
Cons
- Extremely large and heavy at 726 g — not pocketable
- Display notch is distracting on a tablet this premium
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs warm under sustained loads
- Android tablet app ecosystem still trails iPadOS
- $1,099+ is laptop territory pricing
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Pros
- Compact 11-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED with IP68 rating
- S Pen bundled in the box
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- MicroSD card slot for storage expansion
- Samsung DeX desktop mode support
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Keyboard accessory sold separately
- Smaller battery than Tab S9+/Ultra
- Moderate real-world battery life under heavy use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 (One UI 4.1, upgradable to One UI 6+) | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to Android 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 726 g (Wi-Fi) | 498 g |
| Dimensions | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm | 254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm |
| IP rating | — | IP68 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 hours video playback | Up to 11 hours video playback, 45W wired charging |
| Capacity | 11200 mAh | 8400 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.6 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1848 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB LPDDR5X |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Octa-core, Adreno 730) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 13 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide |
| Front camera | — | 12 MP ultrawide |
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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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