Samsung Tab A9+ 5G 11" X216 2021, SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G, 8GB, 128GB, Silver

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G is a mid-range Android tablet with a bright 11-inch 90Hz display, 8GB of RAM, and excellent battery life. It's great for streaming, browsing, and everyday use, but the weak GPU makes it a poor choice for gaming. The 5G connectivity is a standout feature, though SIM compatibility issues with some carriers are worth checking before you buy.

The Snapdragon 695 5G is a 6nm octa-core chip that lands in the 64th percentile for CPU performance in our database. That's about average for tablets overall, but it's more than enough for streaming video, social media, and light gaming. The 8GB of RAM helps keep apps in memory, so switching between a browser, YouTube, and a notes app feels responsive rather than frustrating.

The GPU is where things get rough. The Mali G52 MP2 sits in the 2nd percentile, which means this is one of the weakest graphics setups we've seen in a modern tablet. Casual games like Candy Crush or Among Us will run fine, but anything demanding like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile will struggle. If gaming matters to you, look elsewhere.

The 90Hz display makes everyday navigation feel snappy, even if the underlying TFT LCD panel is only in the 43rd percentile for screen quality. Colors are decent but not vibrant, and brightness is adequate for indoor use. Outdoors in direct sunlight, you'll be squinting.

Against the Apple iPad Pro M5, this tablet isn't even in the same conversation. The iPad Pro has a vastly superior display, processor, and app ecosystem, but it costs several times more. If you're comparing them, you're probably not the target audience for the Tab A9+.

The Xiaomi Pad 7 is a more interesting comparison. It offers a better display and faster storage for a similar price, though you lose the 5G connectivity and Samsung's software polish. The Lenovo Idea Tab Plus is another strong alternative, especially if you want better speakers and a more productivity-focused experience.

Where the Tab A9+ 5G wins is connectivity. The 96th percentile connectivity score means it's one of the best tablets on the market for staying connected on the go. If you need cellular data without tethering to your phone, this is a compelling option.

The Samsung Tab A9+ 5G delivers solid value if you're not gaming. You get a big 90Hz screen, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and 5G for a price that undercuts most premium tablets. The battery life alone makes it a great pick for streaming marathons or long flights. But the weak GPU and eMMC storage mean you're making real compromises. If you can live without 5G, the Wi-Fi-only version saves you money. And if you need more power, the Xiaomi Pad 7 or Lenovo Idea Tab Plus offer better performance for not much more cash.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G is a mid-range Android tablet that tries to punch above its weight with an 11-inch 90Hz display, 8GB of RAM, and 5G connectivity. It's aimed at families, students, and anyone who wants a big screen for streaming, browsing, and light productivity without paying iPad money. The 128GB storage model we tested sits in that sweet spot where you're getting more than the bare minimum but not flagship specs.

Samsung packed a Snapdragon 695 5G chip in here, which is a solid mid-tier processor for everyday tasks. The 7040mAh battery promises all-day use, and the quad speakers with Dolby Atmos are a nice touch for a tablet in this price range. But the eMMC storage and TFT LCD panel remind you this is a budget-conscious device, not a premium one.

Is the Samsung Tab A9+ 5G good for everyday use? For streaming, web browsing, and casual apps, yes. It handles those tasks without breaking a sweat. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smoother than you'd expect at this price point. Just don't expect it to replace a laptop for serious work.

Skip the Samsung Tab A9+ 5G if you're a gamer, a creative professional, or anyone who needs serious processing power. The GPU is genuinely bad, and the eMMC storage will slow down app installs and file transfers. If you want to edit photos or videos, look at the Xiaomi Pad 7 or an iPad instead. Also skip it if you're on a carrier with known SIM compatibility issues, since the international model has no warranty support in the US and repair delays are a common complaint. For productivity-focused users, the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus offers a better keyboard experience and faster storage for a similar price.

Should you buy the Samsung Tab A9+ 5G? If you want a reliable, long-lasting tablet for streaming, browsing, and light productivity with the bonus of 5G connectivity, yes. The 8GB of RAM and 90Hz display make it feel more premium than its price suggests, and the battery life is genuinely impressive.

But if you plan to play games, edit photos, or do anything graphics-intensive, this tablet will frustrate you. The GPU is a real weak spot, and the eMMC storage means app installs and file transfers feel sluggish. For those use cases, spend a bit more on a Xiaomi Pad 7 or save up for an iPad.

For families, students, and casual users, the Tab A9+ 5G is a solid buy. Just make sure your carrier's SIM works before you commit, and factor in buying a USB-C charger since Samsung doesn't include one.