Galaxy Tab S9 vs S11: Why S9 is the Smarter Buy

Samsung just dropped the Galaxy Tab S11 series at its latest Unpacked event, and while the new tablets bring some welcome refinements, they might not be the game-changing upgrade everyone hoped for. The Tab S11 and S11 Ultra add an improved S Pen and a slimmer, more compact design. Look closer and you may find there is not enough here to justify spending at least $800 just a year after buying a Tab S10. Here is why the Galaxy Tab S9 might actually be the smarter buy right now.

What’s actually new with the Galaxy Tab S11?

Let’s break down what Samsung is offering with the Tab S11 series. The headline, the Galaxy Tab S11 may skip Snapdragon, but the Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ still outruns the Tab S9’s aging chip. This 3 nm SoC boosts performance for AI tasks and heavier apps. Samsung also shaved size and weight, the Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra arrive in smaller, lighter chassis than their predecessors. Nice bit of engineering.

The display sees a lift too. The 11-inch AMOLED panel now peaks at 1,600 nits, a bump over the Tab S9’s more modest output. Translation, you can actually read an article on a sunny patio or watch HDR clips without squinting. The S Pen got a redesign as well, with a hexagonal body and a tweaked tip for better grip and writing angles.

Now the part that gives upgrade shoppers pause. Specs are largely the same, with only minor gains across the board. You still get an AMOLED screen with the same resolution and similar storage options on the Tab S11 and S11 Ultra. No extra pixels, no big storage shakeup. And for power users, the S Pen on Tab S11 drops Bluetooth, so no remote camera shutter, no presentation clicker, no quick media controls from the couch. Ouch.

Why the Galaxy Tab S9 makes more sense right now

Short version, the Galaxy Tab S9 is on sale with a hefty $200 discount. The 256 GB Tab S9 Ultra is $200 off, landing just under $800.

The kicker, Walmart’s deal is straight up, no hoops. Compare that with Samsung’s trade in requirements for Tab S11 and you save immediately, no boxing up old gear, no waiting on an appraisal that might come in low.

The Tab S9 still hits the right notes. Its 14.6 inch AMOLED, 2960 x 1848 resolution, HDR, and 16:10 aspect ratio make movies and multitasking look fantastic. Plus, there is an S Pen in the box, and this one keeps full Bluetooth. You can click the shutter for group photos, advance slides without walking back to the laptop, or skip tracks from across the room.

PRO TIP: That $200 savings can cover a premium keyboard case, an extended warranty, or a big microSD card. More practical value than chasing tiny year over year tweaks.

Performance that still delivers

Do not let the “older” tag fool you. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 12 GB RAM handle demanding tasks and games with ease. The new MediaTek chip in Tab S11 is faster on paper, sure. Day to day, the difference feels like excellent versus slightly more excellent.

In real world use, the gap fades. Edit 4K clips, keep a dozen apps open, sketch with layers, the Tab S9 stays smooth and responsive. No drama, no stutters.

Battery life holds up too. There is a big 11,200 mAh battery that can browse for up to 10 hours or stream for up to 7.5 on a charge. That covers a cross country flight, a full workday, or a weekend Netflix binge.

The screen remains a highlight. The Tab S9’s panel is very bright with reduced glare, so it stays readable outdoors and in bright rooms. The Tab S11 can spike higher, but the S9 is already bright enough for real life, from kitchen lights to window seats.

The smart money move

Stack it all up and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a lot of value at $200 off. You are getting around 90 percent of Tab S11’s capability at a lower price. The core experience, AMOLED eye candy, steady performance, premium build, barely changes between generations.

The Tab S9 still benefits from Samsung’s long software runway, including Galaxy AI features delivered through updates. You get Samsung DeX for a desktop style workspace, robust multitasking, and smooth tie ins with other Galaxy devices. The big software perks that make these tablets useful are not tied to a single year’s hardware.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is still a flagship Galaxy tablet with great performance, good battery life, and a lovely AMOLED screen for under $1,000. Software-support eligibility varies; Samsung offers up to seven years for select 2024+ flagships — Tab S9 launched earlier and is documented as receiving four major Android updates, which keeps it current well into the 2030s.

Unless you truly need the newest processor for specific AI workflows or the slightly thinner frame solves a real problem for you, the Tab S9 is the sweet spot. Save $200, keep nearly the same experience, and spend the difference where it matters.

Your wallet will thank you

The Galaxy Tab S11 series is the shiny new toy, but the Tab S9 is the better deal right now. Similar core experience, the same premium feel, and real savings. Your productivity will not tank, your shows will still look gorgeous, and your budget will breathe.

The Tab S11’s upgrades, while nice, do not add up to a must buy when you can get comparable performance and features for less. In a year of incremental updates, the smart move is often the previous model. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra remains a powerhouse and, at this price, it is an easy recommendation.

PRO TIP: Ready to pounce, check current stock since Walmart’s discount can be time sensitive. The Tab S9 Ultra at $799 is one of the best premium tablet values available right now.