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Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Updated Apr 2026tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
$699
7.6/10
VS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
$1,200
8.8/10
Winner

The Verdict

Samsung's 11-inch Tab S8 and 14.6-inch Tab S9 Ultra serve different needs at vastly different price points. The Tab S8 offers solid value with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 120Hz LTPS LCD display, and 8000 mAh battery lasting up to 15 hours. Storage expands to 256GB, and the 503g weight keeps it portable. However, the Tab S9 Ultra ($1199.99) justifies its $501 premium with a superior 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 2960 x 1848 resolution, delivering richer colors and deeper blacks than the Tab S8's LCD panel. The newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 16GB RAM, and IP68 water/dust rating provide meaningfully better durability and performance. The 11200 mAh battery with 45W fast charging and dual front cameras (12MP + 12MP ultrawide) cater to content creators and professionals. The Tab S8 excels for students, casual users, and those prioritizing portability and budget consciousness. The Tab S9 Ultra targets creative professionals and media enthusiasts willing to invest in screen quality and processing power. Choose the Tab S8 if you value affordability and lighter weight; select the Tab S9 Ultra if you need professional-grade display quality and performance for creative work.

ValueTab S8
BatteryS9 Ultra
DisplayS9 Ultra
SoftwareS9 Ultra
PerformanceS9 Ultra

Who Should Buy

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 if…

  • S Pen included with 120Hz display makes note-taking excellent
  • Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 power as the pricier S8+ and Ultra
  • Compact 11" size balances portability and screen real estate

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

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Value
8.2
7.5
Battery
8.1
8.4
Display
7.2
9.3
Software
7.5
8.5
Performance
7.8
8.9

Pros & Cons

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

Pros

  • S Pen included with 120Hz display makes note-taking excellent
  • Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 power as the pricier S8+ and Ultra
  • Compact 11" size balances portability and screen real estate
  • MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB
  • Samsung DeX and multi-window for productivity

Cons

  • LCD panel — lacks the AMOLED vibrancy of the S8+ and Ultra
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can run warm during gaming
  • $699 is steep for an LCD tablet
  • Only 8 GB RAM on all configurations

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

SpecSamsung Galaxy Tab S8Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
SoftwareAndroid 12 (One UI 4.1, upgradable to One UI 6+)Android 13 with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to Android 14)
Body
Weight503 g (Wi-Fi)732 g
Dimensions253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm
IP ratingIP68
Battery
Battery lifeUp to 15 hours video playbackUp to 12 hours video playback, 45W wired charging
Capacity8000 mAh11200 mAh
Display
Size11 inches14.6 inches
TypeLTPS TFT LCDDynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+
Resolution2560 x 16002960 x 1848
Refresh rate120Hz120Hz
Storage
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
Expandable storage
Processor
RAM8 GB12 GB / 16 GB LPDDR5X
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Octa-core, Adreno 730)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Connectivity
USBUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
Cellular
Stylus Support
Cameras
Rear13 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide
Front camera12 MP + 12 MP ultrawide dual selfie

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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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