Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 11" X218 Graphite 2024

The Galaxy Tab A9+ X218 has 96th percentile connectivity with 5G support on basically every carrier, plus 8GB of RAM and a decent 7040mAh battery. But the GPU is in the 2nd percentile, making it one of the worst tablets for gaming we've tracked. It's a solid choice for streaming and browsing on the go, but a poor fit for graphics-heavy tasks.

The Snapdragon 695 5G is a solid workhorse. It's built on a 6nm process and handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. In our database, it ranks in the 64th percentile for CPU performance, which means it's above average but not going to blow anyone away. The 8GB of RAM helps a lot here. That's 66th percentile territory, and it means you can keep a bunch of apps open without constant reloads.

But the GPU is where this tablet falls apart. The Mali G52 MP2 is in the 2nd percentile of all GPUs we track. For context, that means 98% of tablets in our database have better graphics performance. Light gaming like Candy Crush or 2D titles will run fine, but anything with real 3D graphics is going to struggle. Don't expect to play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at anything above low settings, and even then you'll see frame drops. The 90Hz display helps with smooth scrolling, but the GPU can't push demanding content at that refresh rate.

Against the iPad Pro M5, this thing isn't even in the same conversation. The iPad's GPU and CPU are in a completely different league, and the screen quality is night and day. But the iPad costs several times more. The Xiaomi Pad 7 is a more interesting comparison. It offers better overall performance and a nicer display for a similar price point, though you lose the 5G connectivity that makes the Tab A9+ stand out. The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is another strong alternative if you want better build quality and a more premium experience, but again, no cellular option in most configurations. The Vekfulpc T60 Pro is cheaper but has even weaker specs across the board. If 5G connectivity is your top priority, the Tab A9+ wins. If you care about performance or display quality, look elsewhere.

This is a renewed international model, so pricing varies depending on where you find it. The value proposition is tricky. You're getting 8GB of RAM, 5G connectivity, and a decent battery in a package that undercuts flagship tablets significantly. But you're also getting eMMC storage, a weak GPU, and no warranty on the international version. For basic productivity, streaming, and web browsing, it's a reasonable deal if you can find it under $200. Above that, you're paying for connectivity you might not need.

The Galaxy Tab A9+ X218 is a weird mix. You get 8GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 695 5G, which puts it in the top third of our database for memory and processing. But then Samsung pairs that with a GPU that lands in the 2nd percentile. That's not a typo. The Mali G52 MP2 is one of the weakest graphics chips we've tracked, and it drags down what could have been a solid mid-range tablet.

The 11-inch LCD with 90Hz refresh is fine for scrolling and video, but the screen quality sits in the bottom half of our rankings. Battery life is decent at 7040mAh, landing in the upper-middle of the pack. The real story here is connectivity. This thing is 96th percentile for connectivity, with 5G support across a huge range of bands and full GSM/CDMA compatibility. If you need a tablet that works on basically any carrier anywhere, this is one of the best options we've seen.

Skip this if you plan to do any serious gaming or graphics work. The 2nd percentile GPU is one of the weakest we've tracked, and it will frustrate you within minutes of launching anything demanding. Also skip it if you care about display quality. The screen sits at 43rd percentile, which is below average for an 11-inch tablet. And if you don't need 5G connectivity, you're paying for a feature you won't use. The eMMC storage is another reason to look elsewhere if you transfer large files regularly. For the same money, the Xiaomi Pad 7 offers better performance and a nicer screen, just without the cellular option.

The Galaxy Tab A9+ X218 is a connectivity monster trapped in a budget tablet body. The 96th percentile connectivity ranking is genuinely impressive, and the 8GB of RAM plus Snapdragon 695 make it perfectly usable for everyday tasks. But the 2nd percentile GPU is a dealbreaker for anyone who wants to game or do anything graphics-intensive. The eMMC storage and mediocre screen don't help either. If you need a 5G tablet for travel, streaming, and light productivity, this works. If you want a tablet for gaming or creative work, keep looking.