Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Review: Age, Specs & Verdict 2025

If you’re shopping for a budget tablet that won’t weigh down your bag, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 keeps popping up for good reason: at just 8.7 inches, it’s one of the few genuinely compact Android tablets released in recent years. This guide cuts through the marketing to tell you how old it really is, whether it holds up in 2025, and exactly how it stacks up against the bigger Tab A9+ and the premium Tab S series.

Release year: 2023 ·
Screen size: 8.7 inches ·
Storage options: 64GB / 128GB ·
RAM: Up to 8GB ·
Processor speed: 2.2GHz ·
Operating system: Android (One UI)

Six specs tell the Tab A9’s story, and one pattern stands out: Samsung packed the essentials into a small frame but cut corners on resolution to hit the price point.

How old is the Samsung Tab A9?

Release date of Samsung Galaxy Tab A9

• Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab A9 series in October 2023, including the Tab A9 and Tab A9+. (Samsung Newsroom, the company’s official announcement channel)

Age of the device in 2025

• As of mid-2025, the Tab A9 is roughly a year and a half to two years old — still well within Samsung’s typical update window.
• Older Samsung Galaxy phones may stop working in 2026 in some markets due to network shutdowns, but affected models are typically 5+ years old. The Tab A9 (2023) is not included in those discontinuations.

The implication: a two-year-old Tab A9 in 2025 is a safe buy for everyday use, but not a long-term investment the way a Tab S would be.

Is the Samsung Tab A9 any good?

Performance and multitasking

• The 2.2GHz processor handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and video streaming smoothly.
• Up to 8GB RAM supports reasonable multitasking for a budget tablet. Consumer Reports found the Tab A9+ acceptable for everyday tasks, and the Tab A9 is on the same processor class. (Consumer Reports, an established product testing organization)

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Display quality

• The 8.7 inch, 1340 x 800 resolution panel is the most frequently criticised aspect. Reviewers note that text and images can look less sharp compared to competing tablets. (Back Market compare page, a refurbished electronics marketplace)
• Both Tab A9 and A9+ support 90 Hz refresh rates in many markets, but this does not eliminate the A9’s lower pixel density complaint.

Battery life

• Samsung rates it for up to 14 hours of video playback. Real-world endurance under mixed use varies.

Storage and expandability

• Comes in 64GB or 128GB variants, with microSD support up to 1TB.

What is the difference between the Samsung Tab A9 and the A9+?

Three specs separate them, and one pattern dominates: screen size drives every other difference.

Screen size comparison

• The Tab A9 screen is 8.7 inches; the A9+ is 11.0 inches. (Samsung product page, official specs for the Galaxy Tab A9+)
• The A9+ display is noticeably sharper because of its higher resolution and larger screen. (Consumer Reports, independent product testing body)

Performance differences

• The A9+ runs a Qualcomm octa-core processor in tested units, while the A9 uses a 2.2GHz chip.
• Consumer Reports found the A9+ slower than most in boot/loading time, suggesting neither model is fast.

Price difference

• The A9+ typically costs €50-€100 more depending on region and retailer.

The pattern: the A9+ gives you a bigger, sharper screen for split-screen work and media. The A9 is for portability. Choose based on where you intend to use it, not on specs alone.

Which is better, Samsung tablet A or S?

Target audience for Tab A vs Tab S

• Tab S is Samsung’s premium line: higher performance, more advanced displays, S Pen support, and longer software support.
• Tab A is the budget, value-oriented series. The Tab A9 sits at the very bottom of the lineup.

Key feature differences

• Tab S models use AMOLED screens; the Tab A9 uses an LCD panel.
• Tab S processors are flagship-grade (usually Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-series or Samsung Exynos 9-series); the Tab A9 uses a budget chip.
• S Pen is included in most Tab S models; the Tab A9 does not support a stylus.

Price range differences

• A Tab S9 FE starts around €450-€500; a Tab A9 costs roughly €150-€200.

The trade-off: Tab S is a laptop replacement for creative professionals. Tab A is a consumption device for casual users. Don’t overspend if you just need a second screen for Netflix.

Which Samsung will stop working in 2026?

Samsung models phased out in 2026

• Samsung has announced that older Galaxy phones — particularly models from 2016-2018 — may lose cellular connectivity in some markets in 2026 as 2G and 3G networks are shut down.
• Devices affected are typically those that rely on 3G for voice calls and have no VoLTE support.

Tab A9’s status

• The Tab A9 (2023) supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi. It is not among the models flagged for 2026 disconnection.
• No evidence suggests the Tab A9 will lose functionality in 2026 or the near future.

Why this matters: if you’re buying a used Tab A9 for a child or as a backup device, you don’t need to worry about sudden obsolescence. The same cannot be said for a Galaxy S7 or S8 tablet bought cheaply on the secondhand market.

Quotes from experts

“The all-new Galaxy Tab A9 brings a large, clear display, immersive sound and a sleek design.”

— Samsung Ireland (official product page phrasing), describing the Tab A9’s positioning at launch

“Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9 is a compact and competent budget tablet.”

— Tech Advisor (editorial product review), summarising their tested assessment

“Common Galaxy Tab problems include screen flickering, slow charging, and apps crashing after updates.”

— iFixit (repair guide resource), noting typical issues across the Galaxy Tab A series

The pattern across these sources: Samsung markets the A9 as compact and stylish, reviewers call it competent but not fast, and repair guides confirm it shares the same common problems as other budget Samsung tablets.

Frequently asked questions