You’re probably wondering if the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ is worth it or whether the Tab S9+ is still a better value. Let’s break it down to help you make an informed decision.
Both tablets are nearly identical in terms of size, with the Tab S10+ being just 1mm thinner and 10g lighter. The most noticeable external difference is the camera module— the Tab S10+ features thicker frames around the camera lenses. Both devices have four AKG-tuned speakers with Dolby Atmos, a USB-C port for charging and accessories, and a microSD card slot. However, while the Tab S9+ supports up to a 1TB microSD card, the Tab S10+ allows for 1.5TB of expandable storage, making it the better choice for those needing more space.
Both tablets also come with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, covering both the tablet itself and the included S Pen.
Both devices sport a 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2800 x 1752, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and 650 nits peak brightness. The Tab S10+, however, introduces an anti-reflective coating, making it a better option for outdoor use or environments with excessive glare. If you highly value visibility in bright settings, the newer model may be worth considering.
Both tablets support multitasking with up to three tiled apps at a time, pop-up windows, and second-screen functionality. Samsung DeX is also available on both models, offering a desktop-like experience with windowed applications, a taskbar, and keyboard/mouse support. Since the design remains unchanged, the book cover keyboard for the Tab S9+ fits the Tab S10+. However, if purchasing a new keyboard, the latest models now feature a dedicated AI button.
Both tablets include an S Pen with low latency, smooth gliding, and Bluetooth-enabled functions for media controls and Air Command features. The writing experience remains excellent, with a soft feel that mimics pen on paper. Additionally, the Tab S10+ brings AI-powered Air Command for instant access to Galaxy AI assistant features.
The front-facing camera on both devices is a 12MP sensor capable of 4K 30fps video recording. Rear camera modules remain unchanged, with a 13MP wide and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. These cameras work well for document scanning and casual photography, but most users will likely rely on their smartphones for high-quality images.
Both tablets pack a 10,090mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under normal use. However, extensive gaming sessions may drain the battery faster. Both devices support 45W fast charging, with no noticeable difference in charging times between them.
This year, Samsung has opted for the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ instead of a Snapdragon processor. Benchmarks show a slight improvement in single-core performance and a more significant boost in multi-core and GPU performance. In daily use, both tablets feel equally fast and responsive. However, the Tab S10+ holds an advantage in future-proofing, thanks to its extra processing power, ensuring smoother performance in demanding applications and games over time.
For gaming, both tablets handle PUBG, Genshin Impact, and other resource-heavy games without issue. With games becoming increasingly demanding, having additional processing power in the Tab S10+ may prove beneficial down the line.
Samsung has promised four years of updates for the Tab S9+ from its release date, while the Tab S10+ gets seven years of updates, making it a much better long-term investment. Both tablets support the latest Galaxy AI features, though the Tab S10+ adds two exclusive ones:
Both tablets offer configurations with 256GB and 512GB of internal storage, paired with 12GB of RAM. Typically, the Tab S9+ can be found at a lower price, making it a better deal for budget-conscious buyers.
If you already own the Tab S9+, upgrading may not be necessary unless you find an excellent trade-in deal. However, if you’re buying a tablet for the first time, the decision comes down to whether you value the Tab S10+’s improvements: a less reflective display, better long-term performance, exclusive AI features, and significantly longer software support. If these enhancements justify the price difference, the Tab S10+ is the better buy.
As I always say, buy it nice or buy it twice. Good luck, and see you soon!
