Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet Review: The Mid-Range Maverick That Punches Above Its Weight

In the ever-expanding universe of portable tech, finding the perfect tablet often feels like a quest for a mythical creature. We’ve all been there: you need something more substantial than a smartphone for streaming films on a long journey, more versatile than a laptop for casual couch browsing, and powerful enough to handle a bit of work without grinding to a halt. For years, I juggled a clunky old tablet that took an age to load a simple webpage and a work laptop that felt like overkill for reading an e-book. The compromise was frustrating. The market seemed split between ultra-expensive, pro-grade devices and budget options that felt cheap and performed poorly. The challenge was finding that sweet spot: a device with a premium feel, zippy performance, and future-proof connectivity, all without requiring a second mortgage. This is the exact niche the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet aims to fill, and after spending considerable time with it, we can say it largely succeeds.

What to Consider Before Buying a Mid-Range Tablet

A tablet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between portability and productivity. It’s your personal cinema, your digital notebook, your video call hub, and your window to the web. The main benefit of a well-chosen tablet is its sheer versatility. It can transform from an entertainment device for the kids in the back of the car to a serious work tool for reviewing documents and managing emails at a coffee shop. The right tablet simplifies your digital life, consolidating many functions into one sleek, portable package.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily juggle of media consumption, light productivity, and the need to stay connected everywhere. Think of students who need a device for note-taking and research, professionals who require a secondary screen for travel, or families wanting a reliable shared device for entertainment and communication. However, it might not be the best fit for those who are professional digital artists or video editors needing immense processing power and colour-accurate OLED displays; they might consider a pro-grade device. Similarly, if your use is limited to simple e-reading or web browsing at home, a more basic, Wi-Fi-only model could suffice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The screen is your primary interface, and its size dictates the entire experience. An 11-inch display, like the one on the Tab A9+, offers a fantastic balance between immersive viewing and portability. It’s large enough for comfortable split-screen multitasking and enjoyable movie watching, yet the device remains slim and light enough to slip into a backpack without a second thought. Consider the overall build and bezel size, as this affects how comfortable it is to hold.
• Capacity/Performance: This is the engine under the hood. For a modern tablet, we recommend at least 4GB of RAM, but the 8GB found in this model is the new standard for smooth, lag-free multitasking. Internal storage is equally vital; 128GB is a generous starting point for apps, photos, and documents. Crucially, look for expandable storage via a MicroSD card slot, which offers an affordable way to add massive amounts of space (up to 1TB in this case) for your media library.
• Materials & Durability: The materials used in a tablet’s construction directly influence its feel and longevity. A full metal body, as featured on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet, provides a premium, cool-to-the-touch feel that plastic-bodied competitors can’t match. It also adds a degree of rigidity and durability, protecting the internal components from the bumps and knocks of daily life.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The operating system is the soul of the tablet. Android offers immense customisation and a vast app ecosystem. Look for manufacturers that provide a clean user interface and a good track record of providing timely software and security updates. A tablet should be an intuitive device that works for you, not against you, from the moment you turn it on.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet stands out in several areas, particularly with its blend of performance and premium build. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ 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 Tab A9+: First Impressions and Standout Features

Sliding the lid off the minimalist white box of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet reveals the device itself, and the first impression is one of understated class. The Graphite finish is sleek and professional, and the smooth, cool metal body feels far more premium than its price tag might suggest. It’s thin, surprisingly light for its size at just under 500g (the listed item weight includes packaging), and the bezels around the 11-inch screen are pleasingly uniform and slim. It feels solid and well-constructed, with no creaks or flex.

Inside the box, the contents are sparse. You get the tablet, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and some quick-start literature. One thing is immediately and conspicuously absent: a power adapter. This is an industry trend we’re not fond of, and a point echoed by several users. While many of us have spare USB-C chargers, it’s an inconvenience for those who don’t, and it’s something to be aware of before purchasing.

Powering it on for the first time, the 11-inch LCD screen comes to life. The setup process is standard Android fare, made seamless if you’re migrating from another Samsung device. What immediately stands out is the fluidity of the interface, a direct result of the 90Hz refresh rate. Simply swiping through home screens and opening apps feels snappier and more responsive than older 60Hz displays. It’s a subtle but significant quality-of-life improvement that makes the whole device feel faster.

Under the Hood: A Deep Dive into the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G’s Performance

A tablet’s worth is measured not by its spec sheet alone, but by how it performs in the real world. Over several weeks of testing, we pushed the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet through a gauntlet of tasks, from productivity and multitasking to media streaming and light gaming. This is where the device truly revealed its character as a versatile and reliable daily driver.

The Display: A Smooth 90Hz Canvas for Work and Play

The display is where you live on a tablet, and Samsung has made a smart choice here. The 11-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD panel is bright, sharp, and colourful. While it’s not the deep, inky black of an OLED panel found on Samsung’s high-end S-series tablets, it is an excellent screen for this category. Colours are vibrant without being oversaturated, and the resolution is crisp enough for reading text and watching 1080p video content without any noticeable pixelation. We found its brightness to be more than adequate for indoor use and surprisingly capable outdoors, fulfilling the product’s claim of excellent visibility even in sunlight.

However, the standout feature is unquestionably the 90Hz refresh rate. This is a feature typically reserved for more expensive devices, and its inclusion here is a game-changer. The difference is immediately apparent. Scrolling through social media feeds, browsing long articles, and even just navigating the operating system feels incredibly smooth and fluid. It reduces motion blur and makes the entire user experience feel more responsive and polished. Once you’ve experienced a high-refresh-rate display, going back to a standard 60Hz screen feels jarring. For a device geared towards entertainment and robust multitasking, this single feature elevates the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet above many of its competitors.

Power and Multitasking: Juggling Apps Like a Pro

Performance is where many mid-range tablets falter, but the Tab A9+ holds its own remarkably well. The combination of a capable octa-core processor (the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G) and a generous 8GB of RAM ensures that there’s enough horsepower for the vast majority of tasks. In our testing, the device never felt sluggish or bogged down. Apps opened quickly, and we could switch between a dozen browser tabs, a streaming service, and an email client without any significant lag. This experience was validated by users replacing older tablets, one of whom noted it “runs fast and smooth” after upgrading from a device that “just kept freezing and crashing.”

The real test of its multitasking prowess came with Samsung’s DeX mode and the split-screen feature. We were able to comfortably run two apps side-by-side, and even three in a split-view, without the tablet breaking a sweat. Watching a tutorial video on one side of the screen while taking notes on the other, with a messaging app floating on top, was a seamless experience. This level of productivity is fantastic for students and professionals. While it won’t be editing 4K video, it handles complex documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with ease, making it a viable lightweight laptop replacement for many. If you’re looking for a device that can truly handle a demanding workflow on the go, this tablet’s performance is a compelling reason to consider it.

Connectivity Unleashed: The True Freedom of 5G

This is arguably the most significant differentiator for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet. While many tablets in this price range are Wi-Fi only, the inclusion of 5G cellular connectivity transforms it from a home-based device to a truly portable powerhouse. During our tests, we inserted a 5G SIM card, and the experience was liberating. We could stream high-definition video on a train, join a work video call from a park, and download large files in seconds, all without hunting for a reliable Wi-Fi network.

This feature clearly resonates with users. One reviewer shared a brilliant use case: “I put a SIM card in it and it runs fast and smooth I now use my tablet as the WiFi for the whole flat!” This highlights its capability as a powerful mobile hotspot. Another user praised the LTE/5G facility for allowing them to use different SIM cards for affordable international calls, keeping their main phone bill in check. Being unlocked for all carriers provides maximum flexibility. This isn’t just a feature; it’s a fundamental change in how and where you can use your tablet. It untethers you from cafes and airports, making it an indispensable tool for frequent travellers, remote workers, and anyone who needs a reliable internet connection at all times.

The Little Things That Matter (And a Few That Don’t)

Beyond the headline features, the Tab A9+ gets a lot of the smaller details right. The 128GB of internal storage is ample for most, and the ability to add a 1TB microSD card is a massive bonus for media hoarders. The quad-speaker setup, tuned with Dolby Atmos, provides surprisingly rich and immersive audio, making movie-watching a genuine pleasure. The 7,040 mAh battery consistently got us through a full day of mixed use, though heavy gaming or constant 5G usage will drain it faster.

However, there are a couple of important caveats. The cameras—an 8MP rear and 5MP front—are serviceable at best. They are perfectly adequate for video calls and scanning documents, but they won’t be replacing your smartphone camera for taking memorable photos. More importantly, we need to address the stylus situation. The product information states “Stylus Support,” which is technically true. It works with basic, rubber-tipped capacitive styluses. However, one user rightly pointed out that it does *not* work with Samsung’s own S Pen styluses that come with their Galaxy Note or Tab S series. This is a critical distinction. If you are an artist or a heavy note-taker expecting the precision of an active S Pen, this is not the tablet for you. The support is for passive navigation, not creative work. Finally, as mentioned, the lack of an included charger is a definite con that potential buyers must factor in.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the general user consensus. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers expressing pleasant surprise at the value on offer. One user, who was concerned about the “relatively cheap price,” was delighted to find the device “PERFECT. NEW and Works perfectly including the 5G.” They were pleased enough to register it for warranty immediately, calling it a fantastic replacement for an aging, higher-end Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e. This speaks volumes about the quality and performance Samsung has packed into this mid-range offering.

The praise consistently centres on its speed, the usefulness of the 5G/LTE SIM card facility for both internet and calls, and its excellent build quality. However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focused on two key issues. The most common complaint, mentioned in multiple languages, is the missing charger. As one user succinctly put it, “I would have given it 5 stars, but the picture infers that it is supplied with a charger, which is not the case.” The other significant point of friction is the stylus incompatibility, with a user noting their existing Samsung styluses did not work, contrary to their expectations. This feedback is crucial for setting the right expectations for new buyers.

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

The tablet market is fiercely competitive, and while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet carves out a strong identity, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options across different price points.

1. Lenovo Tab M10 (3rd Gen) 10-inch Tablet

The Lenovo Tab M10 is a solid budget-friendly alternative. Its main appeal is its lower price point. However, this comes with compromises. It features a slightly smaller 10-inch display, half the RAM (4GB), and half the internal storage (64GB). It also lacks the 90Hz refresh rate and, most importantly, any cellular connectivity option. This tablet is a good choice for someone whose primary use case is media consumption and light browsing strictly at home or on reliable Wi-Fi networks. If your budget is the primary constraint and you don’t need the performance or on-the-go connectivity of the Tab A9+, the Lenovo is a reasonable option.

2. Apple 10.9-inch iPad 10th Gen 64GB

The 10th generation iPad is arguably the most direct competitor to the Tab A9+. It operates within Apple’s famously polished and secure iPadOS ecosystem, which offers a vast library of tablet-optimized apps. The iPad boasts a fantastic Liquid Retina display and support for the Apple Pencil (1st Gen), making it a superior choice for digital note-taking and drawing. However, this specific model is Wi-Fi only, and for the price, you only get 64GB of non-expandable storage. For those who value the Apple ecosystem and superior creative tools, the iPad is a strong contender, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet wins on storage flexibility, multitasking features, and the sheer freedom of built-in 5G connectivity.

3. Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 256GB

Placing the iPad Pro next to the Tab A9+ is like comparing a family sedan to a Formula 1 car. The iPad Pro is in an entirely different league, aimed squarely at creative professionals and power users. It features Apple’s desktop-class M4 chip, a breathtaking Ultra Retina XDR (OLED) display, and a suite of pro-grade accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro. Its performance is off the charts, but so is its price. This isn’t a direct competitor but rather a benchmark for what’s possible at the highest end of the market. It’s the ultimate choice for professional artists, video editors, and those who demand uncompromising power, but it’s complete overkill for the everyday tasks at which the Tab A9+ excels so efficiently and affordably.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet is a triumph of balance. It masterfully navigates the middle ground, delivering a premium experience without the premium price tag. Its core strengths are undeniable: the 11-inch 90Hz display is a joy to use, the 8GB of RAM provides ample power for demanding multitasking, and the inclusion of 5G connectivity is a true game-changer for portability and productivity.

It’s not without its flaws. The lack of an included charger is an annoying but increasingly common trend, and the misleading “stylus support” (which excludes the S Pen) is a critical point for potential buyers to understand. However, these are manageable issues when weighed against the device’s overall performance and value.

We highly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet for students, travelling professionals, and families looking for a versatile, future-proof device that excels at entertainment, communication, and light work. It offers a taste of the high-end experience at a fraction of the cost, making it one of the smartest buys in the tablet market today.

If you’ve decided the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G 128GB 11″ Tablet is the right fit for your needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.