The cure for Android FOMO? Samsung Tab S9

Whether you’re an Android adept, Samsung collector or you’re fully in the Apple ecosystem, should you have FOMO for the new Samsung Tab S9?

First impressions

“The build quality is impressive” was my very first impression. Samsung has chosen an all-aluminium backside. I am testing the light version because the graphite one is too boring in my eyes. The more interesting-looking light model has a beige/champaign colour we’ve also seen on other Samsung devices. The unboxing experience was superb. Overall a very premium start.

The screen

I am testing the Samsung S9+ which is the mid-size model with a 12.4″ screen. The smaller S9 has an 11″ screen and the largest S9+ Ultra has a whopping 14.6″ glass estate. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens are heavily vibrant like we’re used to from Samsung. They’re pretty vivid when tested in bright daylight the screens performed better than expected. I did notice that the Tab is less touch-sensitive and precise compared to its competition. When locked it takes almost 2 full seconds before the device recognizes touch and awakes. If you’ve got larger hands and/or thicker fingers you also have to be pretty precise when selecting things. This was especially noticeable when selecting YouTube controls or smaller buttons. The display utilizes a 60 – 120Hz adaptive refresh rate which feels natural during use. The screens have a ratio of 16:10 which makes it feel somewhat narrow compared to their Apple counterparts which use a 4:3 ratio. You notice this especially when taking notes for example. Samsung clearly favoured video consumption in this screen ratio, the narrower screen ratio is way less noticeable on the largest Ultra model.

The software

When you run apps in full-screen the taskbar offers a great way to switch between apps and make multi-tasking possible. You can also summon the taskbar by long-pressing the bottom of your screen. When you use the on-screen navigation buttons instead of swipe gestures the buttons are placed on the right side of the taskbar. In everyday use, I experienced this as an unpractical location for these controls. You are far better off just adjusting to the swipe gestures.

Does it fit within an Apple ecosystem?

I can be short on this; YES! I’ve collected pretty much the whole range of Apple devices over the years except for maybe the overhead earphones and VR devices. But lately, I find myself encountering FOMO (fear of missing out) I wanted to incorporate an Android device into my life. Just to run some apps that are favoured on the platform. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 works out perfectly, as it turns out the iPad is the easiest device to replace in an ecosystem. Here’s why;

• Note-taking isn’t eco-system dependant when the correct apps are used
• The Pen is included in the price
• I’ve never used a tablet for screen-casting
• Video consumption works great
• Now when I’m trying out Android apps I’m using a nice large screen
• Device size sits nicely between the normal iPad and the larger Pro model
• I can still stream music to my audio system
• You can increase the storage with SD cards (perfect for when travelling)
• The Tab S9+ is dustproof and waterproof (IP68-rated)

Final advice

I’ve grown to really appreciate the Tab S9, it is the perfect Android device for people who are otherwise in the Apple eco-system. My conclusion is a strong buying advice however with one final caveat; I would save up for the biggest model. The largest version has a majestical experience to it. You brain is telling you an tablet this size and weight should not be possible it is truly unique in the market. It’s also takes away that final hesitation away; than you really do own the best tablet in available today.