Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
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.
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
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
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 503 g (Wi-Fi) | 732 g |
| Dimensions | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm |
| IP rating | — | IP68 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours video playback | Up to 12 hours video playback, 45W wired charging |
| Capacity | 8000 mAh | 11200 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11 inches | 14.6 inches |
| Type | LTPS TFT LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2960 x 1848 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB / 16 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 + 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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