Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet Review: The New King of Budget Entertainment?

In our connected world, the search for the perfect digital companion often feels like a compromise. For years, I’ve been looking for a device that could serve as a portable cinema for my evening unwinds, a digital comic book reader for lazy Sunday mornings, and a capable productivity tool for dashing off emails or managing spreadsheets on the go. The problem? Premium tablets offer this experience but come with a wallet-clenching price tag, while budget options often mean sacrificing screen quality, performance, or both. It’s a frustrating gap in the market. Leaving this problem unsolved meant juggling a small smartphone for quick tasks, a clunky laptop for work, and often forgoing the immersive media experience I craved. The dream was a single, affordable device that didn’t feel like a collection of compromises, but a cohesive and enjoyable tool for daily life.

What to Consider Before Buying a Budget Tablet

A tablet is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between the portability of a smartphone and the functionality of a laptop. It serves as a central hub for entertainment, a window for creativity, a textbook for students, and a communication device for families. The main benefits are its large, touch-friendly display which makes watching videos, reading, and browsing the web a far more comfortable and immersive experience. It simplifies tasks that can feel cramped on a phone, from video calling to light document editing, offering a versatile platform for both consumption and creation without the bulk of a full computer.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma I described: students who need a note-taking and research device, families wanting a shared tablet for entertainment and learning, or professionals seeking a lightweight secondary screen for travel. It’s for the avid reader, the movie lover, and the casual gamer. However, it might not be suitable for those who require high-end processing power for professional video editing, intensive 3D graphic design, or competitive gaming. These power users would be better served by looking at pro-grade tablets or dedicated laptops that command a much higher price.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical size of the tablet dictates its usability. An 11-inch screen, like the one on this device, hits a sweet spot, providing ample real estate for split-screen multitasking and cinematic video playback while remaining portable enough to carry in a backpack. Consider how and where you’ll use it most—a larger screen is great for home use, while a smaller one might be better for commuting.
• Capacity/Performance: The processor and RAM are the engine of the tablet. For smooth day-to-day use, look for a capable mid-range processor and at least 4GB of RAM. Storage is also key; 64GB is a decent starting point, but ensure there’s a microSD card slot for expansion, allowing you to cheaply add space for movies, photos, and apps.
• Materials & Durability: Build quality often separates budget tablets from their premium counterparts. A metal chassis, even on an affordable device, provides a sense of durability and a more premium feel compared to all-plastic designs. It helps with heat dissipation and can better withstand the minor bumps and knocks of daily use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The operating system is the soul of the tablet. Android offers immense customisation and access to the vast Google Play Store. Look for manufacturers that provide a clean user interface and a good track record of software updates, as this ensures long-term security and usability.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi 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 Galaxy: First Impressions and Key Features

Pulling the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet from its minimalist packaging, the first thing we noticed was its surprising build quality. For a device positioned in the budget category, the cool touch of its metal frame feels reassuringly solid and premium. At just 480 grams and 6.9mm thick, it’s sleek and lightweight, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The graphite finish is understated and elegant, resisting fingerprints better than glossy alternatives.

Inside the box, the contents are sparse: the tablet itself, a USB-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool (for models with cellular connectivity). Notably, there’s no power adapter included, a common trend that users should be aware of. Powering it on reveals the large 11-inch display, which is bright and welcoming. The setup process is standard for any Android device, especially seamless if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem; a simple QR code scan from your phone can transfer settings and accounts. This ease of setup was echoed by several users who found it “quick and easy,” a testament to Samsung’s refined software experience.

Performance In-Depth: A Closer Look at the Galaxy Tab A9+

A tablet’s worth is measured not by a single specification, but by how its components work together to create a seamless user experience. We pushed the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet through a gauntlet of real-world tests, from binge-watching HD content to juggling work applications, to see if it truly delivers on its promise of premium features at an accessible price.

The Display: Smooth Scrolling and Vibrant Views

The screen is where you interact with a tablet, and it’s here that the Tab A9+ immediately punches above its weight. The 11-inch LCD panel has a resolution of 1920 x 1200, which is sharp and clear for everything from reading text to viewing photos. Colours are vibrant and viewing angles are solid, making it great for sharing the screen. However, the standout feature, and one that is almost unheard of at this price point, is its 90Hz refresh rate. This is a game-changer. Scrolling through web pages, navigating menus, and browsing social media feeds feels incredibly fluid and responsive, creating a perception of speed that permeates the entire user experience. It makes 60Hz displays on competing budget tablets feel instantly choppy and outdated. We found this smoothness particularly beneficial when reading digital comics, as one user noted, calling it a “fantastic bit of kit” with a “great screen resolution bright, quick” display. Whether we were streaming a fast-paced action movie or just casually browsing, the 90Hz screen provided a consistently delightful and premium-feeling experience that truly sets this tablet apart from the crowd.

Everyday Powerhouse: The Snapdragon Engine

Under the hood, our testing revealed the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet is powered by the capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset. This is a significant step up from processors typically found in this segment. In practical terms, this means the tablet handles daily tasks with confidence and poise. Apps open quickly, and switching between a browser with multiple tabs, a music streaming service, and a social media app presented no significant lag. We could run two apps side-by-side in split-screen mode without the system grinding to a halt. While the 4GB of RAM on this 64GB model is adequate for this kind of light multitasking, heavy users who keep dozens of apps open might find it a limiting factor and may want to consider the higher-spec 8GB RAM version. For casual gaming, the Snapdragon 695 performs admirably, running popular titles like *Asphalt 9* and *Call of Duty: Mobile* on medium settings smoothly. For the target audience—users focused on media, browsing, and light productivity—this processor provides more than enough power, ensuring the device remains fast and responsive for years to come. This aligns with user feedback describing the tablet as “fast” and a “solid tablet at a great price.”

An Immersive Sound and Multimedia Experience

Samsung didn’t just focus on the screen; they delivered an equally impressive audio experience. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet is equipped with a quad-speaker system—two on each side when held in landscape mode—tuned with Dolby Atmos. The result is astonishing. The sound is loud, clear, and has a surprising amount of spatial separation and depth for a thin tablet. Watching movies, we were treated to an immersive soundscape that made the experience far more engaging than what typical mono or dual-speaker tablets can offer. Dialogue was crisp, and explosions had a satisfying, if not room-shaking, punch. This audio prowess makes the tablet an exceptional media consumption device. We found ourselves reaching for it over our laptops for watching shows and listening to podcasts. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is another welcome feature, offering flexibility for users who prefer wired audio without needing a dongle. This focus on a complete multimedia package is a huge selling point and reinforces its status as an entertainment champion. If you’re looking for a device to be your personal portable cinema, the outstanding audio-visual capabilities of this tablet are hard to beat.

Software and Productivity with Samsung DeX

Running on Android 13 (with a swift update to Android 14 available), the software experience is clean and feature-rich, courtesy of Samsung’s One UI. It’s intuitive for long-time Android users and easy for newcomers to pick up. However, the secret weapon in the Tab A9+’s arsenal is Samsung DeX. With a single tap, DeX transforms the standard Android interface into a desktop-like environment, complete with a taskbar, resizable windows, and right-click functionality. When paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, the tablet becomes a surprisingly capable productivity machine. We wrote emails, managed file folders, and worked on documents in a multi-window layout that felt remarkably similar to a traditional computer. One user mentioned using it daily for “administration,” and DeX is precisely what makes this feasible. This feature dramatically expands the tablet’s versatility, turning it from a simple content consumption device into a viable laptop replacement for light work, studying, and travel. It’s an incredible value-add that competitors in this price range simply do not offer.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user sentiment largely mirrors our own positive findings, with most praising the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet for its excellent value. Many users are “overjoyed with it,” highlighting the “great screen resolution,” its “quick” performance, and the superb audio as key strengths. One buyer stated they were “very pleased with this device,” reinforcing the general satisfaction with its core capabilities.

However, a significant and recurring theme in negative feedback revolves around units sold by third-party sellers. Several users reported receiving tablets intended for other regions, such as the Middle East, which caused setup issues as they couldn’t select the UK as their country. This also led to warnings from Samsung that the “warranty isn’t valid in the UK.” Another troubling issue was the state of the packaging, with multiple reports of broken seals or boxes crudely resealed with tape, leading to suspicions that the products were not new. While these issues are related to the seller rather than a flaw in the product itself, they are a critical consideration for any potential buyer.

How Does the Galaxy Tab A9+ Compare to the Competition?

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet carves out a strong niche, it exists in a competitive market. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. Apple iPad 11-inch Wi-Fi 128GB

The Apple iPad is the undisputed market leader for a reason. It offers a more powerful A16 chip, a superior app ecosystem specifically optimised for tablets, and the seamless integration of the Apple ecosystem. For users who need higher performance for creative work, more demanding games, or are already invested in Apple products, the iPad is the superior choice. However, this performance comes at a significantly higher price. The Galaxy Tab A9+ counters with a more affordable entry point, expandable storage via microSD, and the productivity flexibility of Samsung DeX, making it a better value proposition for those focused on media consumption and light work on a budget.

2. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet

This alternative targets a completely different user. The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is built from the ground up for children. It comes with a durable, kid-proof case, a 2-year worry-free guarantee, and robust parental controls. Its main draw is the curated Amazon Kids+ subscription, offering a wealth of age-appropriate books, games, and videos in a safe environment. While it’s excellent for families with young children, its performance, screen quality, and heavily modified version of Android (with no access to the Google Play Store) make it far less versatile for a general adult user. The Galaxy Tab A9+ is a much more capable and flexible all-around tablet for the whole family.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet 64GB Graphite

This alternative appears to be the official UK version of the very same tablet under review. The key difference here is peace of mind. Given the user reports of receiving non-UK models with warranty and setup issues from some sellers, purchasing the explicitly designated “UK Version” is the safest bet. It guarantees you will receive a device intended for your region, with a valid UK warranty and hassle-free setup. While the price may sometimes be slightly higher, the assurance it provides is likely worth the small premium for many buyers to avoid the potential headaches highlighted in user reviews.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Worth Your Money?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet is a triumph in the budget tablet category. It redefines what users should expect from an affordable device, delivering a feature set that was, until now, reserved for mid-range and premium models. The combination of a large, fluid 90Hz display, an immersive quad-speaker Dolby Atmos system, and the powerful Snapdragon 695 processor creates an outstanding package for media consumption. Add in the productivity boost from Samsung DeX and a premium metal build, and you have a tablet that is incredibly versatile and a joy to use.

Its only real weaknesses are the mediocre cameras and the base model’s 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient but not generous. The most significant caveat, however, is to be mindful of the seller to ensure you receive a genuine UK model with a valid warranty. For students, families, and anyone seeking a high-quality entertainment and light productivity tablet without a hefty price tag, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is our top recommendation. It doesn’t just perform well for its price; it offers an experience that genuinely delights.

If you’ve decided the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11″ 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.