Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 14.6" Graphite 2023

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a massive, beautiful slab built for artists and media lovers. Its 14.6-inch AMOLED screen is best-in-class, and performance is top-notch for everything except gaming. If you can find a good refurbished deal, it's an incredible value, just be prepared for its unwieldy size.

With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 12GB of RAM, this tablet is a top-tier performer, landing in the 97th percentile for CPU in our database. Apps open instantly, split-screening multiple windows feels fluid, and even heavy creative work in apps like Clip Studio Paint is smooth. The GPU is the one real weak spot, sitting at a disappointing 2nd percentile. It's fine for casual games, but don't expect to crank up Genshin Impact to max settings without some stutters. For everything else, it's one of the fastest Android tablets you can buy.

Stacked against the Apple iPad Pro M5, the Tab S9 Ultra wins on sheer screen size and that gorgeous AMOLED panel, but loses on raw GPU power and the more refined iPadOS app ecosystem. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a better pick if you need a full Windows laptop replacement, but its screen can't touch this Samsung. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is a funky alternative with a built-in kickstand, but it doesn't have the same premium feel or processing muscle. For pure Android media and art, the S9 Ultra is the king, but the iPad Pro remains the better all-rounder for most people.

Pricing is a bit of a rollercoaster, with a $184 spread across vendors from $545 to $729. At the low end, especially for a refurbished unit in good shape, this is an incredible amount of tablet for the money. You're getting a best-in-class display and flagship performance for hundreds less than a comparable iPad Pro. Just be smart about where you buy. Newegg currently has the best deal we've seen, but always double-check the return policy on renewed models. If you can snag one near that $545 mark, it's a steal.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is Samsung's biggest, most ridiculous tablet, and we kind of love it for that. The 14.6-inch AMOLED screen is an absolute stunner, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip chews through anything you throw at it, and the IP68 rating means you can sketch by the pool without a panic attack. It's a creative powerhouse that also moonlights as a portable TV. Just know that 'portable' is doing some heavy lifting here. This thing is massive and heavy, and Android on a screen this big still has some awkward moments. But if you want the ultimate canvas for drawing or the best media consumption slab on the market, this is it.

Skip this if you're a serious mobile gamer. The GPU is one of the worst we've seen in this class, and you'll be disappointed. Also look elsewhere if you want a lightweight tablet for reading or travel. At 732 grams, it's a beast to hold for long periods. If you just need a basic media tablet, a cheaper and smaller Galaxy Tab S9 will do the job without the bulk.

Buy this if you're an artist who wants the biggest digital canvas possible or a media junkie who treats tablets like portable movie theaters. The screen is the star here, and the included S Pen makes it a killer creative tool. It's not for everyone. The size makes it a terrible e-reader and a chore to travel with. But for the right person, there's nothing else quite like it.