Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra - OMG, SURPASSING THE S23 ULTRA

Naveen Thakur

10 Apr, 2023

The Tablet That Stole the Flagship Spotlight

When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, the tech world couldn’t help but say “OMG!” Not because tablets don’t impress—but because this one arguably surpasses Samsung’s own smartphone crown jewel: the Galaxy S23 Ultra. That’s a bold claim, but after weeks of real-world use, spec comparison, and user reviews, there’s strong reason to believe it.

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is no ordinary tablet. It’s a 14.6-inch monster designed for professionals, gamers, creators, and anyone who wants laptop-grade power with Android flexibility. But can it really outshine the mighty Galaxy S23 Ultra?

Let’s break it all down.

Design & Display: The Showstopper Factor

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Display: 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2960x1848 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+
Body: Armor Aluminum frame, IP68 water/dust resistant
Weight: 732g
Thickness: 5.5mm (ultra-slim)

Samsung went all out with the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s display. It’s massive, stunning, and designed to deliver the best visual experience on any Android device—yes, even better than the S23 Ultra.

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3088x1440 resolution, 120Hz, HDR10+
Body: Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Weight: 234g
Thickness: 8.9mm

While the S23 Ultra has a higher PPI due to its smaller size, the immersiveness of the Tab S9 Ultra’s display is next level. Watching Netflix, editing 4K videos, or even just reading emails on it feels luxurious and cinematic.

Verdict: For immersive media, multitasking, and productivity—the Tab S9 Ultra wins.

Performance: Snapdragon Power Showdown

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, meaning performance is at the absolute peak.

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM: 12GB / 16GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (expandable via microSD)
Cooling: Vapor chamber cooling system
Battery: 11,200mAh with 45W fast charging

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM: 8GB / 12GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (no SD card slot)
Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging

The Tab S9 Ultra not only matches the S23 Ultra in raw power but beats it in RAM, thermal management, battery capacity, and storage expandability.

Verdict: For long creative sessions or multitasking workflows, the Tab S9 Ultra is a beast.

S Pen Experience: Built for Precision

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

S Pen included in the box (Bluetooth-enabled)
IP68-rated S Pen
Ultra-low latency, magnetic attachment
Notes, drawing, editing, and even 3D modeling feel intuitive

Galaxy S23 Ultra

S Pen built into the phone
Great for quick notes and basic productivity
Not as comfortable for extended use due to smaller screen

If you’re someone who uses the S Pen often, the larger canvas of the Tab S9 Ultra makes it the better choice. Artists, illustrators, architects, and students are going to love it.

Verdict: S Pen functionality feels more purpose-built and powerful on the Tab S9 Ultra.

Software Experience: One UI 6.x on Steroids

Both devices run One UI 6.x based on Android 14/15 (depending on updates). However, Samsung optimized the Tab S9 Ultra with tablet-specific features, including:

DeX Mode: Full desktop-like experience with resizable windows
Multi-window: Run up to 3 apps simultaneously
Taskbar & drag-drop: Feels like a hybrid between Android and ChromeOS
Good Lock modules for deeper customization

The S23 Ultra offers a fantastic One UI experience but lacks the versatility of large-screen features like taskbar and full DeX capabilities without an external display.

Verdict: Productivity is simply better on the Tab S9 Ultra.

Camera Comparison: The S23 Ultra Still Reigns

Here’s where the Galaxy S23 Ultra reclaims its crown.

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Main: 200MP (wide)
Telephoto: 10MP (10x optical zoom)
Secondary Telephoto: 10MP (3x optical)
Ultrawide: 12MP
Selfie: 12MP

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Main: 13MP (wide)
Ultrawide: 8MP
Front: Dual 12MP (ultrawide + wide)

While the Tab S9 Ultra takes great video calls and good daylight shots, it’s not a photography tool like the S23 Ultra. That phone remains unmatched in the camera department with its versatile quad-lens system and AI-powered processing.

Verdict: For photography lovers, the S23 Ultra is king.

Battery Life & Charging

Even though the Tab S9 Ultra has a much larger battery, it also powers a massive screen. Battery life is excellent overall, lasting:

Up to 14 hours on video playback
10–12 hours on heavy productivity tasks

The S23 Ultra, meanwhile, gives 1.5 days on average use, which is great for a phone.

Verdict: Battery life is great on both, but the Tab S9 Ultra lasts longer when used like a laptop.

Price Comparison: Value Beyond Phones?

Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts around ₹1,08,999 ($1,199)
Galaxy S23 Ultra starts around ₹1,24,999 ($1,199)

This might surprise you—they cost the same, but the Tab S9 Ultra gives:

Bigger display
More RAM (in base variant)
S Pen in the box
microSD expansion
Laptop-like productivity

Verdict: For creators, students, and pros, the Tab S9 Ultra offers more value than the S23 Ultra.

Who Should Buy the Tab S9 Ultra Over the S23 Ultra?

You should choose the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra if you:

Work on the go with documents, emails, or creative apps
Need a digital notebook with S Pen
Edit photos/videos or multitask heavily
Prefer watching content on a big, cinematic screen
Want a laptop alternative without switching to Windows/macOS

Choose the S23 Ultra if you:

Need a compact device that fits in your pocket
Prioritize mobile photography
Want all-in-one performance with top-tier camera hardware
Don’t need a tablet and want phone+S Pen combo

Final Verdict: OMG, It Does Surpass the S23 Ultra (In Many Ways)

Samsung has outdone itself. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is not just a tablet—it’s an Android-powered laptop replacement, a canvas for creatives, and a premium productivity tool.

While the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still the best Android phone you can buy, the Tab S9 Ultra steals the spotlight with:

✅ Better multitasking
✅ Larger display
✅ Bigger battery
✅ S Pen creativity
✅ Productivity features
✅ Expandable storage

So yes—OMG, the Tab S9 Ultra does surpass the S23 Ultra in areas that matter to creators and professionals.

FAQs

Q1: Can the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra replace my laptop?
Yes, with DeX mode, keyboard cover, and productivity apps, it can replace basic to mid-level laptop use.

Q2: Is it good for gaming?
Absolutely! The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with vapor chamber cooling delivers lag-free gaming on a massive screen.

Q3: Does it support 5G?
Yes, select models support 5G and Wi-Fi 6E for blazing-fast connectivity.

Q4: Is it better than an iPad Pro?
Depends on your needs. If you love Android, multitasking, and S Pen, the Tab S9 Ultra is better suited than an iPad Pro.

For more Samsung insights, updates, and hidden features, don’t forget to check our site Ask Anything.