Why the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is Still a Great iPad Pro Alternative in 2025

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is a great iPad Pro alternative, or at least for those who prefer Android. First, the Tab S9 features an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, comparable to the iPad Pro’s Ultra Retina XDR displays, which also run at 120Hz with ProMotion.

What sets the Tab S9 apart is that it includes the S Pen in the box, with low-latency performance for note-taking and sketching, similar to how the iPad Pro pairs with the Apple Pencil (sold separately). This makes them both strong contenders for artists, students, or professionals who need precision input.

Then there’s productivity. The Tab S9 runs Android with Samsung’s DeX mode, which transforms it into a desktop-like experience, letting you use it with a keyboard and mouse for a laptop-style workflow. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a custom-tuned version of the chip that’s also found in high-end Android phones.

Build-wise, it’s got an Armor Aluminum frame, lighter and tougher than standard aluminum, weighing in at 498g (Wi-Fi model). Its IP68 rating means the tablet can handle a dunk in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes—pretty rare for similar devices. The dimensions are 165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9mm, so it’s slim and easy to hold.

There are no devices like the Galaxy Tab S9 on the market today. A true disrupter in its category, it is the first of its kind to deliver experiences that users love most about tablets in one complete premium design. The Galaxy Tab S9 series empowers users to take their big ideas and bring them to life, completely effortlessly,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

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