DIGITAL LIFE
Can today’s high-performing tablets replace the need for laptops? After spending two weeks with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, here is our take.
Design matters
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra boasts a 14.6-inch screen with a sleek profile of just 5.5mm. Yet, it is not designed for one-handed use for prolonged periods as it weighs 732g. The power and volume buttons, a USB-C port (also the charging port), and a quad-speaker system can be found along the tablet’s frame. At the back of the tablet, you will find two cameras and the area where the S pen will magnetically dock and charge. If you are worried about losing the pen, you can consider getting the additional Book Cover Keyboard, which includes a bubble to secure the S pen for extra protection.
Performance and battery life
Whether gaming or using it for day-to-day tasks, the Tab S9 Ultra excels, delivering the smooth and responsive performance expected from a high-performance Android tablet. It can also effortlessly handle demanding tasks such as editing large images in Adobe Lightroom without lagging.
With a huge 11,200mAh battery, the Tab S9 Ultra can last a full working day if you use it for regular tasks, like checking emails, working on documents, spreadsheets or presentation decks, and web browsing. It charges at 45 watts through a compatible charger sold separately and takes around two hours for a full charge.
To buy or not to?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a magnificent beast, and you can use it with the Book Cover Keyboard for a laptop-like experience. It is worth getting if you are a fan of a huge screen and plan to use it extensively, or at least beyond watching videos and scrolling through social media.