The Android tablet space is heating up, with Google and Amazon recently releasing new tablets. Now, alongside unveiling the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Watch 6, and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, Samsung is ushering in a new family of Galaxy Tablets.

Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9 Ultra all keep a similar design language from the previous Galaxy Tab S8 family but spice things up with a waterproof build, better sound, and an amazing display at every price point.

Better yet, I had the chance to briefly check them out at Galaxy Unpacked in Seoul and I am sharing my first impressions and how to preorder ahead.

The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website.

The Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+, and Tab S9 Ultra Release Date and How to Preorder Now

Just as Samsung kicked off preorders for the two foldables and the watches, the technology giant has already opened up preorders for its trio of tablets. The Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9 Ultra are ready for preorder.

There is, of course, a deal to be had. If you preorder the entry-level Galaxy Tab S9+ with 256GB of storage, you’ll automatically get an upgrade to 512GB at no extra charge. Similarly, the base Tab S9 Ultra becomes a 512GB version. You can save 50% on the Book Cover Keyboard Slim for the Tab S9 family and score $40 off Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as well.

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 in Beige or Graphite (11-inches), $799 at Samsung
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ in Beige or Graphite (12.4-inches), $1,149 at Samsung
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in Beige or Graphite (14.6-inches), $1,199 at Samsung

Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+, and Tab S9 Ultra First Impressions

In terms of looks, Samsung is keeping within what the Galaxy Tab’s have looked like for a while. The Tab S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra all sport aluminum build with brushed matte finishes in either Beige or Graphite. It’s also Samsung’s proprietary “Armor Alluminum” which should protect these tablets from showing scrapes or scuffs.

Like an iPad Air or iPad Pro can hold the Apple Pencil on the side, Samsung’s S-Pen has a dedicated spot on the rear for charging and keeping track of the stylus. New for this generation of the Galaxy Tab is the ability to place it in any orientation and still get it charged. You can also magnetically attach the S-Pen to the sides of the Tab S9, but it won’t charge.

One big difference and advantage over the iPad is that Samsung includes the S-Pen at no additional charge, and it’s waterproof. Why the extra resistance for Samsung’s stylus that fits for note taking, drawing, and naivgating the interface? Well, it’s to match all the tablets with the same water resistance, so you can more confidently bring the Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus, and S9 Ultra near the pool or any body of water. And since you’re wondering, the iPad doesn’t carry any protection against water.

Regarding things to do on a tablet, browsing the web and taking in content like TV shows, movies, or YouTube videos almost always ranks near the top, and Samsung makes excellent displays. All of the Galaxy Tab S9s now sport Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens with a refresh rate that scales up to 120Hz. That means content will look exceptionally sharp with colors that can pop with vibrancy alongside stark contrast points. It could be the ultimate tablet to take in content on, especially with quad speakers that support Dolby Atmos for immersive audio.

You also get your pick on size with the Tab S9 at 11-inches, the Tab S9 Plus at 12.4-inches, and the Tab S9 Ultra at 14.6-inches. It would be an understatement to call the latter a big tablet, but luckily all of them are fairly lightweight and thin.

Samsung’s also packed in a ton of power into each of these, and from my hands-on testing, you can easily run multiple apps and swiftly navigate Android 13 with Samsung’s custom One UI on top. Like the Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5, the Tab S9s are Samsung’s most powerful, with the same AP Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy inside. You can also use any of these tablets in conjunction with other Samsung devices. With Multi Control, you can use the trackpad and keyboard from a Galaxy Book and move it over to a nearby Galaxy phone or Tab.

As a whole, it’s not a full redesign but rather a re-leveling of Samsung’s premium Galaxy Tab family. All of the Tab S9s will provide plenty of power and finally—yes, finally—deliver a vibrant, crisp visual experience that matches the price-tag. If you’re in the market for a premium Android tablet and want

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.