Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite Review: The Budget Entertainment King?

For weeks, I’d been on the hunt for a new household tablet. The old one, a relic from years past, had become frustratingly slow, its battery life measured in minutes rather than hours. My needs were simple yet specific: I wanted a device with a large, vibrant screen for watching movies on the sofa, capable speakers that didn’t sound tinny, and enough performance to handle web browsing, emails, and some light gaming for the kids without stuttering. Crucially, I didn’t want to spend a fortune. The premium market is filled with incredible devices that cost as much as a laptop, but that felt like overkill for our needs. The challenge was finding that sweet spot—a tablet that felt premium without the premium price tag, a device that could serve as a reliable entertainment hub for the whole family. This search for an affordable, high-quality media machine is what led me to take a very close look at the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite.

What to Consider Before Buying a Tablet

A tablet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for modern digital life. It’s a portable cinema for long journeys, a digital canvas for creative minds, a convenient portal for staying connected with loved ones, and a versatile work-from-anywhere tool. The main benefit lies in its perfect middle-ground positioning: larger and more immersive than a smartphone for media and productivity, yet more portable and touch-friendly than a traditional laptop. For families, it can be a shared resource for education and entertainment. For students, it’s a lightweight note-taker and research tool. For professionals, it’s a secondary screen and presentation device. The right tablet seamlessly integrates into your daily routine, enhancing both your leisure and your productivity.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common dilemma of wanting a large-screen experience without the complexity or cost of a high-end device. This includes students, families looking for a shared device, or individuals who primarily use a tablet for streaming video, reading, and casual web browsing. However, it might not be suitable for those who require intensive processing power, such as professional graphic designers, video editors, or hardcore gamers who need top-of-the-line GPUs. These power users would be better served by looking at pro-level alternatives like Samsung’s own Galaxy Tab S series or an Apple iPad Pro, which are designed for heavy-duty creative and professional workloads.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The physical size of a tablet dictates its user experience. An 11-inch screen, like the one on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, offers an expansive, cinematic viewing area perfect for movies and split-screen multitasking. However, consider its weight (480g) and dimensions; while slim, it’s a two-handed device and will require a larger bag for transport compared to a smaller 8-inch tablet.
• Capacity/Performance: The processor, RAM, and storage are the engine of your tablet. The Snapdragon processor and 4GB of RAM in this model are built for smooth everyday tasks. While 64GB of internal storage might feel limiting after installing a few large apps and downloading media, the inclusion of a microSD card slot for up to 1TB of expansion is a game-changing feature for this price point.
• Materials & Durability: A tablet’s build quality affects both its aesthetic appeal and its lifespan. Cheaper tablets often use plastic, which can feel flimsy and scratch easily. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite features a sleek metal body, giving it a surprisingly premium feel and added resilience against the bumps and knocks of daily use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The operating system is your primary interface. Android is famously flexible and customizable, and Samsung’s One UI adds a layer of user-friendly features. For long-term care, look for manufacturer support. The included 3-year extended manufacturer warranty on this UK version is a significant advantage, offering peace of mind that is rare in this product category.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite stands out in several areas, particularly for its build quality and media features at an accessible price. You can explore its detailed specifications and current offers here.

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite 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+: First Impressions and Key Features

The arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite was met with anticipation. Sliding off the sleeve of the clean, minimalist Samsung box revealed the tablet nestled securely inside. My first impression upon lifting it out was one of surprising quality. The cool touch of the Graphite-coloured metal backplate felt solid and substantial in my hands, far more premium than the plastic bodies that often dominate this price bracket. At just 6.9mm thick and weighing 480 grams, it felt sleek and well-balanced, substantial without being overly heavy.

Inside the box, the contents are sparse, a common trend in modern electronics. Alongside the tablet itself, there’s a SIM ejector tool (for the microSD card slot) and a USB-C to USB-C cable. The immediate omission I noted, which was later confirmed by many user experiences, is the lack of a charging adapter. This is a critical point to be aware of; you will need to have your own USB-C power brick. Powering it on for the first time, the 11-inch screen came to life. The setup process was standard for any Android device, made even easier by Samsung’s Smart Switch feature to transfer data from an old device. The bezels around the screen are reasonably slim and uniform, giving it a modern look and feel. Right from the start, the device felt responsive and ready to perform.

A Deep Dive into the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Performance

A tablet’s worth is proven not in its spec sheet, but in day-to-day use. Over several weeks, we put the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite through its paces, using it as our primary device for entertainment, light productivity, and casual browsing. From family movie nights to managing emails on the go, it became an integral part of our routine, revealing both its impressive strengths and its understandable limitations.

The Display and Audio Experience: An Entertainment Powerhouse

This is where the Tab A9+ truly shines and punches well above its weight. The 11-inch LCD screen, with its 1920 x 1200 resolution, is the star of the show. While it’s not a super-high-end OLED panel, we found it to be bright, crisp, and vibrant. With a maximum brightness of 570 nits, it was perfectly usable in a brightly lit room or even outdoors in the shade, something cheaper tablets often struggle with. Colours were accurate, and text was sharp, making it great for both watching videos and reading articles. The 16:10 aspect ratio is a fantastic choice for media consumption, reducing the black bars when watching most modern films and TV shows.

However, the real surprise was the audio. The product description boasts of an “enveloping 3D sound experience,” and frankly, we were skeptical. But the quad-speaker setup is genuinely brilliant. As one user noted, when you hold the tablet in landscape mode, you get true stereo separation with two speakers on each side. The sound is loud, clear, and has a surprising amount of depth and clarity. Watching action sequences in movies felt immersive, with sound effects panning effectively from left to right. For a device in this price range, the audio quality is not just good; it’s exceptional. It completely elevates the experience of watching Netflix or YouTube, eliminating the need for headphones in most casual viewing situations.

Everyday Performance and Multitasking Muscle

Powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon SM6375 processor and 4GB of RAM, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite is a capable daily driver. We experienced no noticeable lag or stutter when navigating the Android operating system, launching apps, or browsing the web with multiple tabs open. It feels snappy and responsive for all the core tasks you’d expect a tablet to handle. Social media apps, email clients, and streaming services all run flawlessly.

One of Samsung’s standout software features is its multitasking capability, and we found it to be genuinely useful. The Split Screen function allows you to run up to three apps simultaneously. This proved incredibly practical; I could have a recipe video playing on one side of the screen while my shopping list was open on the other, or I could take notes in Samsung Notes while referencing a webpage. It’s a productivity feature typically reserved for more expensive devices, and its inclusion here adds significant value. While the 4GB of RAM means it’s not an absolute multitasking monster for power users, it handles these three-app splits remarkably well for everyday scenarios. For light gaming, it’s also perfectly adequate. It handles popular titles like Roblox and Minecraft smoothly, making it a great option for kids and casual gamers.

Storage, Battery Life, and Connectivity

The 64GB of built-in storage is perhaps the tablet’s most notable compromise. In 2023, this can feel restrictive. After the operating system and pre-installed apps, you’re left with closer to 45-50GB. This is why the microSD card slot is not just a feature; it’s a necessity. The ability to add up to a 1TB card is the device’s saving grace, allowing you to cheaply expand your storage for photos, videos, and apps, making the initial 64GB a non-issue for media hoarders. We highly recommend factoring in the small cost of a microSD card with your purchase.

The 7,040mAh battery provided solid, if not spectacular, longevity. In our testing with mixed usage—streaming video, browsing, and some gaming—we consistently got a full day of use before needing to recharge. With lighter use, it could easily stretch into a second day. This aligns with feedback from users who praised its “good battery life.” However, it’s crucial to address the charging situation. The box contains a USB-C to USB-C cable but no power brick. This is an environmental move by many manufacturers, but as several user reviews pointed out, it can be frustrating if you don’t have a spare USB-C adapter. Using a standard 15W charger, it took a few hours to fully recharge the large battery. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome sight for those who prefer wired audio, and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity were consistently strong and reliable during our testing.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the core features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite is largely echoed by the wider community of buyers, though not without some important caveats. Many users express sheer delight with the device’s value proposition. One happy customer declared it, “THE BEST TABLET I HAVE EVER PURCHASED,” praising its speed and battery life. Another highlighted the standout audio, saying, “the sound is amazing, this has 4 speakers… amazing quality.” This sentiment reinforces our finding that the media experience is a key strength.

However, a recurring and significant point of frustration is the contents of the box. Numerous reviews, like one which stated it was “Very poor,” express disappointment over the lack of a charging plug, noting that the supplied USB-C to USB-C cable is useless for charging without a compatible adapter. Beyond this, there are isolated but notable reports of quality control issues on delivery, with some users receiving units that appeared to be refurbished, had cosmetic damage like dents, or were locked enterprise models. While our review unit was pristine, this feedback serves as a crucial reminder for any potential buyer to thoroughly inspect their device upon arrival and purchase from a reputable source.

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

In the crowded tablet market, context is everything. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite offers incredible value, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against key rivals in different price brackets and ecosystems.

1. Apple 10.9-inch iPad 64GB Silver (10th gen)

The 10th generation iPad is the most direct competitor from Apple’s camp. It offers the famously smooth and polished iPadOS experience, which has a more robust ecosystem of tablet-optimized apps compared to Android. The A14 Bionic chip provides superior processing power, making it better for more demanding games and creative applications. However, the iPad comes at a higher price point, has a standard 60Hz display, and, most critically, lacks expandable storage. For users already invested in the Apple ecosystem or those who prioritize raw performance and app quality over all else, the iPad is a compelling choice. For those focused on media consumption and value, the Tab A9+’s superior quad-speaker system and microSD slot give it a strong edge.

2. Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 Tablet

Placing the iPad Pro next to the Tab A9+ is a lesson in market segmentation. The iPad Pro is not a competitor; it’s an aspirational goal. With its groundbreaking M4 chip, stunning Ultra Retina XDR display, and professional-grade features, it’s a full-fledged laptop replacement aimed at artists, designers, and power users. Its performance, display quality, and price are in a completely different universe. This comparison serves to highlight what the Tab A9+ is not: it’s not a professional creative tool. It is, however, an excellent entertainment device for a fraction of the cost, making it the far more practical choice for the vast majority of users.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ WiFi 64GB Tablet (Non-UK version)

This is perhaps the most interesting comparison, as it’s the same hardware. The “Non-UK version” is often available online for a slightly lower price, which can be tempting. However, the key differentiator is the warranty. The UK version we reviewed comes standard with an extended 3-year manufacturer warranty, which is automatically registered. This is a massive piece of added value and long-term security. For the small difference in price, we believe the peace of mind offered by the extended warranty makes the official UK version the unequivocally smarter purchase, protecting your investment for years to come.

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

After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite is a phenomenal value proposition. It masterfully delivers on the features that matter most for a home entertainment device. The large, bright 11-inch screen and the absolutely fantastic quad-speaker system create a media experience that is genuinely best-in-class for this price. Add to that a premium metal build, the invaluable option to expand storage, and the security of a 3-year warranty (on the UK model), and you have a clear winner.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The lack of an included charging adapter is an annoyance you need to plan for, and the base 64GB of storage makes a microSD card an almost essential purchase. Power users will want more RAM and a faster processor. But for its target audience—families, students, and anyone looking for a high-quality, large-screen tablet for streaming, browsing, and light productivity without breaking the bank—it’s an outstanding choice. It hits the perfect sweet spot between affordability and a premium user experience.

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