Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Review: The Budget Android King for Entertainment and Everyday Tasks?

In our household, the quest for the perfect tablet felt like a never-ending saga. We needed a digital chameleon: a device robust enough for the kids’ educational apps and occasional cartoon marathons, sleek enough for my partner to catch up on shows in bed, and capable enough for me to manage emails and browse the web from the comfort of the sofa. The problem? Most devices that promised this level of versatility came with a price tag that made our wallets weep. On the other hand, dipping into the ultra-budget category often meant sacrificing screen quality, sound, and performance, leading to a frustratingly slow and compromised experience. We were caught in the middle, searching for that elusive sweet spot where quality, functionality, and affordability meet. The challenge was finding a device that wouldn’t just be a glorified coaster in six months but a genuine, long-lasting hub for our family’s digital life.

What to Consider Before Buying a Tablet

A tablet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for portable entertainment, light productivity, and connected living. It bridges the gap between the compact screen of a smartphone and the cumbersome nature of a laptop. For families, it’s an educational tool and an entertainment centre. For students, it’s a digital notebook and research portal. For casual users, it’s the perfect window to the web, social media, and streaming services. The primary benefit is having a large, interactive screen in a package you can easily carry from room to room or take on your travels, offering a more immersive experience than a phone for everything from watching movies to video calling relatives.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma we were: needing a versatile device for media consumption, casual gaming, and daily tasks without investing in a high-end, pro-level machine. This includes parents looking for a family-friendly device, students on a budget, or anyone wanting a secondary screen for convenience. However, it might not be suitable for those who rely on power-intensive software, like professional video editors or hardcore gamers who need top-of-the-line graphics and processing power. For those users, a high-end tablet like an iPad Pro or a dedicated laptop would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The screen size dictates the entire experience. An 11-inch display, like that on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet, hits a fantastic middle ground. It’s large enough for comfortable movie watching and split-screen multitasking, yet the device remains relatively lightweight (at 480g) and slim, making it easy to hold for extended periods and pack into a bag without issue.
• Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the numbers; consider how they apply to your usage. 64GB of internal storage is a decent starting point for apps and some media. The real star here is the microSD slot, allowing for expansion up to 1TB, which is a game-changer for storing movies and photos. A mid-range processor paired with 4GB of RAM (the standard for this model) is sufficient for smooth browsing, streaming, and most apps, but be prepared for occasional stutters if you’re pushing heavy multitasking.
• Materials & Durability: A tablet is a tactile device, and its build quality matters. While budget tablets often use plastic, a well-constructed metal chassis, like the one on the Tab A9+, provides a more premium feel and added resilience against the minor bumps and knocks of daily life. It feels solid and reassuring in the hands, a significant step up from flimsy, all-plastic alternatives.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The operating system is the soul of the tablet. Android, combined with Samsung’s One UI, offers immense customisation and a familiar interface for millions. Consider the manufacturer’s commitment to software updates, as these provide new features and crucial security patches that extend the usable lifespan of the device. Samsung has a good track record in this area, even for its more affordable devices.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet stands out in several areas, offering a compelling package for its price point. You can explore its detailed specifications and features 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet

The tablet arrived in a slim, minimalist white box, typical of Samsung’s modern aesthetic. Upon sliding it open, the device itself was the first thing to greet us, nestled securely in a cardboard tray. Our unit, the Grey model, has a sophisticated, understated look with a smooth metal back that feels cool and premium to the touch. At just 480 grams, it felt surprisingly light for an 11-inch device, making it comfortable to hold in one hand. The bezels around the screen are present but reasonably slim, giving it a modern appearance without being so thin that you accidentally trigger the touchscreen. In the box, we found a USB-C to USB-C cable and the usual documentation. It’s important to note that a charging brick is not included, a common trend in electronics today, so you’ll need to have a USB-C compatible power adapter handy. Setting it up was a breeze, especially if you’re already in the Android or Samsung ecosystem. The device guides you through the process, and using Samsung’s Smart Switch, we were able to migrate apps and settings from an older device in minutes. The screen immediately impressed with its bright, vibrant colours, a clear step up from older budget tablets we’ve tested.

Deep Dive: Performance, Display, and Everyday Usability

A tablet’s worth is ultimately measured by how well it performs day-to-day. It can have all the features in the world, but if it’s slow, has a poor screen, or is frustrating to use, it fails its primary purpose. We spent weeks integrating the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet into every facet of our lives—from kitchen counter recipe book to bedside cinema—to see if it truly delivers on its promises. We pushed its multitasking capabilities, tested its endurance with lengthy video sessions, and explored every nook and cranny of its software. Here’s our in-depth breakdown of what it’s really like to live with.

The Display and Audio Experience: An Entertainment Powerhouse on a Budget

The absolute standout feature of this tablet is its screen. The 11-inch LCD panel with a 1920 x 1200 resolution is sharp and clear, but the real magic is 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 noticeable; scrolling through web pages, navigating the interface, and even animations in apps feel significantly smoother and more fluid than on a standard 60Hz screen. It elevates the entire user experience, making the tablet feel more responsive and premium than its price suggests.

Watching videos is a genuine pleasure. Colours are vibrant and well-saturated, and the 16:10 aspect ratio is perfect for movies, minimising the black bars. Brightness, specified at up to 570 nits, is more than adequate for indoor viewing and holds up reasonably well in brightly lit rooms or shaded outdoor areas, though direct sunlight is still a challenge. Complementing the excellent display is an equally impressive audio setup. The quad speakers, two on each side when held in landscape mode, create a genuine stereo field. With Dolby Atmos enabled, the sound is surprisingly spacious and immersive for a thin tablet. While it won’t replace dedicated headphones for audiophiles—and we confirmed one user’s preference for Bluetooth headphones for critical listening—the built-in speakers are loud, clear, and a massive step up from the tinny mono or dual speakers found on many competitors. For casual Netflix binges or sharing YouTube videos with the family, the audio-visual package is simply superb for the cost.

Daily Performance and Multitasking: Can It Keep Up?

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet is powered by a capable mid-range processor (the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695) and 4GB of RAM. For the majority of daily tasks, this combination is perfectly adequate. Browsing with multiple tabs open, streaming full HD video, checking emails, and using social media apps all run smoothly. We found it handled light productivity work with ease, using apps like Google Docs and Sheets without any significant slowdown.

However, the 4GB of RAM is the primary bottleneck. As one user noted, the tablet can sometimes feel “sluggish,” especially when starting up or when you push its multitasking limits. We experienced this when trying to rapidly switch between several heavy apps or when using the split-screen feature with demanding applications. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a reminder that this is not a flagship device. Patience is occasionally required as an app reloads from memory. Gamers should also temper expectations; it will handle popular casual games like Candy Crush or Roblox just fine, but graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact will require lowered settings for playable frame rates. The inclusion of Samsung DeX is a fantastic bonus, allowing you to connect a keyboard and mouse for a desktop-like experience on an external monitor. It’s surprisingly functional for document editing and web browsing, effectively turning the tablet into a lightweight laptop replacement in a pinch, though the performance limitations are more apparent in this mode.

The Samsung Ecosystem and Software Experience

The tablet runs on Android, with Samsung’s One UI layered on top. Ours quickly received an update to Android 14, which is a great sign for future support. One UI is a polished and feature-rich interface that offers a host of useful tools. Multi Window, for instance, is brilliantly implemented, allowing you to run up to three apps on screen at once, which is incredibly useful for productivity. Features like Quick Share make it seamless to send files to other Samsung devices, and App Continuity lets you pick up tasks right where you left off on your Samsung phone. As one user pointed out, there is a fair amount of pre-installed Samsung software, or “bloatware,” but much of it can be disabled or uninstalled if you prefer a cleaner experience.

For families, the built-in Samsung Kids mode is a huge selling point. It creates a safe, sandboxed environment for children with curated apps and content, all protected by a PIN. You can set time limits and monitor activity, providing essential peace of mind. Security is another strong suit, with the defense-grade Samsung Knox platform protecting your data from the hardware level up. The Secure Folder is another excellent feature, creating an encrypted space on the device to store your most sensitive files and apps. This comprehensive suite of software features adds a layer of value and security that is often missing from other budget-friendly tablets, making the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet a particularly smart and secure choice for the whole family.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other buyers reveals a consistent picture, particularly regarding this “Non-UK version.” On the positive side, many users are thrilled with the value proposition. One user, upgrading from a Samsung A7, called the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet “far better,” praising its larger screen, increased storage, and cheaper price. Another highly recommended it, stating, “Way cheaper than everywhere else and does the same thing,” and was impressed with the battery life, which they found only dropped by 25% after an evening of simultaneous video watching and browsing.

However, there is a significant and recurring theme of concern related to the seller and the condition of these non-UK models upon arrival. Multiple users reported receiving boxes with broken seals, missing protective films, and even missing accessories like the USB cable. Several reviewers expressed suspicion that the products were used, returned, or refurbished. More alarmingly, some reported receiving products that were physically damaged or stopped working shortly after the return window closed. These reviews serve as a critical warning: while the device itself is excellent for the price, purchasing this specific international version may carry a risk regarding product integrity and customer support.

How Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Compare to the Competition?

In the crowded tablet market, context is everything. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a fantastic blend of features for its price, but several compelling alternatives might better suit your specific needs.

1. DOOGEE U11 11 Inch 16GB+128GB Gaming Tablet

For the spec-focused buyer, the DOOGEE U11 presents an intriguing alternative. On paper, it outmuscles the Samsung with a massive 16GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, plus a larger 8580mAh battery. It positions itself as a “gaming tablet,” and those raw numbers will certainly appeal to users who want the most power and storage for their money. However, this comes from a lesser-known brand, meaning software support, long-term reliability, and the cohesiveness of the user interface may not match Samsung’s polished ecosystem. This is the choice for the tech-savvy user who prioritizes raw performance and specs over brand recognition and a refined software experience.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet

This is perhaps the most important comparison: the official UK version of the very same tablet. While potentially costing slightly more, this option eliminates the primary risks associated with the non-UK model reviewed here. Purchasing the official UK version ensures you receive a factory-sealed product intended for your region, complete with a 3-year manufacturer’s extended warranty. For buyers who were concerned by the user reviews mentioning opened boxes, potential damage, and support issues, choosing this version is the safest bet. It offers invaluable peace of mind for a modest price difference, making it the smarter purchase for most UK customers.

3. Amazon Renewed Apple iPad 9.7″ 128GB Wi-Fi

For those not tied to the Android ecosystem, a renewed iPad is a formidable competitor. This 2018 model offers 128GB of storage and access to Apple’s pristine iOS, which is renowned for its smoothness, security, and vast library of tablet-optimized apps. While the hardware is older, Apple’s A10 Fusion chip still delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks. The trade-offs are a smaller 9.7-inch screen with a more dated design (larger bezels) and the fact that it’s a refurbished product. This is the ideal choice for someone who prioritizes the Apple software experience and app ecosystem and is comfortable buying a renewed device to get it at a budget-friendly price.

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

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet is a phenomenal device for its price point. It punches well above its weight, delivering a premium media experience thanks to its large, fluid 90Hz screen and immersive quad speakers. The expandable storage, robust security features, and family-friendly software from Samsung make it an incredibly versatile and practical choice for everyday use. It’s the perfect companion for streaming, browsing, and light productivity.

Its primary weakness lies not in the hardware itself, but in the specific “Non-UK version” highlighted here, which carries documented risks from user reports. The performance, while generally good, can also show its limits under heavy load. We wholeheartedly recommend this tablet to families, students, and anyone seeking a high-quality, large-screen entertainment device on a budget. However, we strongly advise potential buyers to opt for the official UK version to ensure a new, sealed product and the security of a proper warranty.

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