Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet Review: The Budget Android Contender You Can’t Ignore

In the vast sea of portable electronics, finding a tablet that hits the sweet spot between performance and price feels like a quest for a hidden treasure. We’ve all been there. You need a device that’s more immersive than a phone for watching movies on the sofa, more convenient than a laptop for browsing in bed, and capable enough to handle your favourite games or manage daily tasks. The problem is, the market is flooded with two extremes: ultra-expensive flagship models that feel like overkill for casual use, and dirt-cheap tablets that stutter, lag, and ultimately frustrate you with their sluggish performance and flimsy plastic builds. The frustration of a choppy video stream or an app that takes an eternity to load can quickly turn a moment of relaxation into one of annoyance. This is the gap the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet aims to fill—a device promising a premium feel and reliable performance without demanding a premium price.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Android Tablet

A tablet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for portable entertainment, light productivity, and staying connected. It’s your personal cinema, your digital library, your gaming console, and your window to the web, all wrapped up in one sleek package. The primary benefit lies in its versatility—it bridges the gap between the portability of a smartphone and the functionality of a laptop, providing a large-screen experience that’s comfortable to hold and easy to carry. For students, it’s a note-taking powerhouse; for families, it’s a shared entertainment hub; and for travellers, it’s an indispensable companion for long journeys.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone looking for a secondary device for media consumption, web browsing, social media, and casual gaming. This includes students who need a portable research tool, parents seeking an affordable and durable tablet for their children, or anyone who wants a reliable couch companion for the evenings. However, it might not be the right fit for those who require high-end performance for tasks like professional video editing, graphic design, or running resource-intensive applications. For those users, a high-performance model like an iPad Pro or a Galaxy Tab S-series would be a more suitable, albeit much more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical size of a tablet dictates its portability and viewing experience. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet features an 8.7-inch screen, which we find is the perfect compromise between a comfortable viewing area and one-handed usability. Its slim 8mm profile and light weight of just 329 grams make it incredibly easy to slip into a bag or hold for extended periods without fatigue.
• Capacity/Performance: The engine of the tablet determines how smoothly it runs. The combination of a MediaTek MT8781 processor and 4GB of RAM in this device is engineered for solid everyday performance. While 64GB of internal storage is decent for apps and essential files, the real game-changer is the ability to expand it with a microSD card up to 1TB, ensuring you never run out of space for movies, photos, and documents.
• Materials & Durability: Build quality is often the first corner cut on budget devices. Samsung has thankfully bucked this trend, equipping the Tab A9 with a sleek, smooth metal body. This not only gives it a premium look and feel that belies its price point but also adds a significant degree of sturdiness compared to the plastic shells common in this category.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good tablet should be intuitive from the moment you turn it on. Running on Android with Samsung’s One UI, the Tab A9 offers a familiar, user-friendly experience packed with useful features like Secure Folder for your private data and Quick Share for easy file transfers. Long-term software support from Samsung also means you’ll receive security updates to keep the device safe and running smoothly.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the current offers here.

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9: Sleek, Solid, and Surprisingly Premium

Our first impression upon receiving the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet was one of understated quality. The packaging is typical Samsung—clean, minimal, and secure. Inside the box, you find the tablet itself, a USB-C data cable, a SIM ejection pin (for the microSD card slot), and a quick start guide. It’s important to note, as is common with many modern devices, a charging brick is not included, so you’ll need to have a USB-C power adapter handy.

Lifting the tablet out of the box, the immediate takeaway is its build quality. The cool, smooth touch of the graphite-coloured metal body feels fantastic in the hand. It has a reassuring heft without being heavy, and the construction is completely solid, with no creaks or flex. At just 8mm thick, it’s remarkably slim and feels much more expensive than it is. Compared to older budget tablets we’ve tested, which often feel hollow and plasticky, the Tab A9 is in a different league entirely. It’s clear that Samsung didn’t skimp on the design and materials, delivering a device that looks and feels like a miniature version of its high-end Tab S siblings.

A Closer Look: Performance, Display, and Everyday Usability

A tablet’s true worth is only revealed after spending significant time with it, pushing it through a gauntlet of daily tasks, from the mundane to the demanding. We put the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet through its paces for over a week, using it as our primary device for media, browsing, and light work. This deep dive covers our findings on its real-world performance, display quality, and the nuances of using it day-in and day-out.

The “Non-UK Version” Conundrum: A Gamble Worth Taking?

Let’s address the most significant point of contention first: this is a “Non-UK version.” User reports range from seamless setup to frustrating region-lock issues. Some buyers noted their device was locked to Middle Eastern or South African regions, and one user reported an extremely concerning case of receiving a pre-activated device. This is a legitimate risk that comes with the significant cost savings. In our own testing, we received a unit clearly intended for another market. Upon first boot, we were presented with a different language and region selection. However, we were able to easily switch the language to English and proceed with setup without any functional limitations within the UK. Our experience mirrors that of several users who found that, after the initial setup step, the tablet “works just like a so called UK one.”

So, is the discount worth the potential hassle? For the tech-savvy user comfortable with navigating initial setup menus, the savings can be substantial, making this an incredible bargain. However, for those who want a plug-and-play experience or are buying this as a gift, the risk of encountering a region-lock or a more serious issue like a pre-activated unit might be too great. Our advice is to purchase from a reputable seller and be prepared to perform a factory reset or contact support if you run into trouble. For many, the gamble pays off handsomely, delivering a high-quality device for a fraction of the typical retail price.

Everyday Performance: More Than Just a Media Player

Under the hood, the MediaTek MT8781 processor paired with 4GB of RAM provides a surprisingly zippy experience. We were genuinely impressed with how the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet handled our daily routine. Swiping through the Android interface is smooth, apps open promptly, and browsing with half a dozen tabs in Chrome is fluid. We even pushed it with Samsung’s split-screen multitasking, running YouTube on one side and taking notes on the other, and it held up admirably with only minor stutters. This level of performance is more than enough for the target audience.

For gaming, we confirmed what one user happily reported: “It runs the games I like to play perfectly.” We tested a range of titles, from simple puzzle games to more demanding ones like *Asphalt 9: Legends*. While it won’t run graphically intensive games at the highest settings, it provided a stable and enjoyable experience on medium settings. The 64GB of onboard storage is adequate to start, but the real star here is the microSD card slot. Adding a 256GB card gave us a massive library for offline movies, music, and games, making this a perfect travel companion. This tablet proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a device that is a surprisingly capable performer for its price tag.

Display and Audio: An Immersive (with Caveats) Experience

The 8.7-inch LCD screen, with its 1340 x 800 resolution, is the area where the budget nature of the tablet is most apparent. It’s not a Full HD panel, and if you look closely, you can discern individual pixels. That said, for general use, it’s perfectly fine. Colours are vibrant, brightness is sufficient for indoor use, and as one user noted, the “screen clarity” is good for the price. We watched hours of content on YouTube and Netflix, and the experience was enjoyable. The compact size makes it feel personal and immersive in a way larger tablets don’t.

However, we were able to replicate the issue one user reported where Prime Video content was displayed in a smaller window. This appears to be an app-specific issue related to how it handles the tablet’s particular aspect ratio and resolution, rather than a fault of the display itself. On the audio front, the built-in speakers get the job done for dialogue-heavy content or casual listening. But we have to agree with the feedback that the “volume could be louder for media.” When watching an action movie, the sound felt a bit thin and lacked punch. Thankfully, Samsung has included a 3.5mm headphone jack—a welcome feature that is becoming increasingly rare—allowing you to easily connect wired headphones for a much richer and more private audio experience.

Battery Life and Software: All-Day Power and Samsung’s Ecosystem

A portable device is only as good as its battery life, and the 5100mAh cell in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet delivers. Our testing backs up the user who claimed the “battery lasts all day.” On a typical day involving a few hours of video streaming, an hour of gaming, constant web browsing, and checking emails, we consistently ended the day with 20-30% battery remaining. For lighter use, you could easily stretch this to two days. This reliable endurance means you can take it out for the day without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet.

The software experience is another strong point. Samsung’s One UI is a polished and feature-rich version of Android. It’s intuitive to navigate and comes with valuable additions. We found Quick Share to be incredibly useful for instantly sending photos and files to our Samsung phone. The Secure Folder provides a hardware-level encrypted space to store sensitive apps and files, adding a layer of security not always found on budget devices. The Privacy Dashboard is also a great tool, giving you a clear overview of which apps are accessing your camera, microphone, and location. This cohesive software package elevates the user experience beyond what you’d expect from a standard budget tablet.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at feedback from a range of buyers, a clear picture emerges. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users frequently praising the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet for its exceptional value. Many, like the reviewer who stated it’s “wicked! It’s fast and quality all round!!!”, were stunned by the performance and premium build they received for such a low price, especially with the Non-UK version. The device’s ability to handle games and movies smoothly while offering all-day battery life is a recurring theme.

However, the cautionary tales are just as important. The “Non-UK version” is the primary source of negative experiences. Several users reported initial setup difficulties due to region-locking, with one frustrated buyer stating it was great “if you live on the other side of the world.” The most alarming report came from a user whose device arrived pre-signed in with a foreign account, raising serious security and authenticity concerns. Milder criticisms, such as the quiet speakers and the specific app issue with Prime Video’s screen size, were also noted, confirming our own findings and highlighting the minor trade-offs made to achieve this price point.

How Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Stack Up Against Alternatives?

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet is a strong contender in its own right, it’s crucial to see how it compares to other options on the market. We’ve selected three key alternatives to help you decide if the Tab A9 is truly the best fit for your needs.

1. Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 256GB Wi-Fi

Comparing the Tab A9 to the iPad Pro is like comparing a reliable family car to a Formula 1 race car. The iPad Pro is in an entirely different universe of performance, features, and price. Powered by Apple’s new M4 chip and boasting a breathtaking Ultra Retina XDR display, it’s designed for creative professionals, power users, and those who want the absolute best tablet experience money can buy. It’s a true laptop replacement for many. The Tab A9, by contrast, is a companion device for entertainment and light tasks. You would choose the iPad Pro for professional illustration, 4K video editing, and running desktop-class applications. You choose the Tab A9 for watching Netflix, browsing the web, and playing casual games without spending a fortune.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet

The Galaxy Tab A9+ is the Tab A9’s bigger, more capable sibling. The most significant upgrades are its larger 11-inch display, which also features a higher Full HD+ resolution and a smoother 90Hz refresh rate. It also packs a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which will offer a noticeable boost in multitasking and gaming performance. This specific model is also a “Non-UK version,” meaning it offers these significant upgrades while potentially carrying the same setup risks as the standard A9. This is the perfect alternative for someone who loves the value proposition of the Tab A9 but wants a larger, sharper, and smoother screen for a more cinematic media experience.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite

This alternative is physically identical to the one above—it’s the same Galaxy Tab A9+ with its superior 11-inch, 90Hz screen and faster processor. The crucial difference is that this is the official UK version. Choosing this model eliminates the gamble of the “Non-UK” variants. You are guaranteed seamless setup, full UK compatibility, and the peace of mind that comes with a local manufacturer warranty. Naturally, this assurance comes at a higher price. This is the ideal choice for buyers who want the enhanced features of the Tab A9+ but are not willing to risk the potential setup hassles or warranty concerns of an imported model.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet Right for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet is a triumph in the budget tablet category. It masterfully balances cost with quality, delivering a premium metal build, reliable day-to-day performance, and excellent battery life that far exceed expectations for its price point. It’s a device that feels good to hold and is a pleasure to use for media consumption, browsing, and casual gaming.

Its weaknesses are transparent and directly tied to its affordability: the screen isn’t Full HD, the speakers are merely adequate, and the “Non-UK version” introduces a small but real risk of setup complications. However, for those willing to navigate that initial setup, the value is simply unbeatable. We wholeheartedly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet to students, families, or anyone seeking a dependable and delightful secondary tablet that won’t break the bank. It proves that a great tablet experience can be accessible to everyone.

If you’ve decided the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.