📝 Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110) Review: Your Essential Compact Budget Tablet
The tablet market is constantly evolving, but the demand for an affordable, reliable, and compact device for everyday use remains high. Samsung aims to meet this need with the Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110). This review focuses on the 64GB storage, 4GB RAM, WiFi-Only model, an International Version often bundled with a 15W wall charger, presented in the sleek Gray finish. Positioned as a strong contender in the budget segment, the Tab A9 is designed for consumers who prioritize media consumption, casual browsing, and portability without breaking the bank.
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| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110) Review: Your Essential Compact Budget Tablet |
🛠️ Design and Build: Premium Feel on a Budget
The first thing you notice about the Galaxy Tab A9 is its compact size and solid construction. Unlike some budget competitors, Samsung has opted for a mostly metal back panel, giving the 8.7-inch tablet a surprisingly premium and sturdy feel. At just 8.0mm thin and weighing around 332g, it is incredibly comfortable for one-handed use, making it an excellent companion for reading, watching videos in bed, or carrying in a small bag.
The Gray color is subtle and professional, easily blending into any environment. The physical ports include a modern USB Type-C 2.0 port and, refreshingly, a 3.5mm headphone jack. The inclusion of a dedicated MicroSD card slot is a huge plus, allowing users to expand the 64GB internal storage by up to 1TB, alleviating any concerns about running out of space for movies and photos.
🖥️ Display: Fit for Entertainment, But with Caveats
The Galaxy Tab A9 features an 8.7-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 1340 x 800 pixels (WXGA+).
| Feature | Specification |
| Size | 8.7 inches (220.5mm) |
| Resolution | 1340 x 800 (WXGA+) |
| Technology | TFT LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
For a budget tablet, the display is bright and vibrant enough for casual viewing, especially indoors. However, the resolution results in a lower pixel density (around 179 ppi). This means that while video streaming at up to 1080p is generally good, keen eyes might notice a slight lack of sharpness when reading small text or browsing high-resolution images.
The standard 60Hz refresh rate is a noticeable compromise. Users accustomed to the 90Hz or 120Hz screens of higher-end devices will find scrolling and animations less fluid. Despite these limitations, for a device primarily intended for budget-conscious users and light media consumption, the screen performs adequately.
🚀 Performance: The MediaTek Helio G99 Advantage
Under the hood, the Tab A9 is powered by the capable MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) Octa-core processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. This combination is the tablet’s key strength in the budget category.
Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm)
RAM: 4GB
Storage (ROM): 64GB (Expandable up to 1TB via MicroSD)
The Helio G99 delivers smooth and snappy performance for everyday tasks. Web browsing, navigating the One UI interface, and switching between a few applications is generally lag-free. It even handles popular, less-demanding games well. The 4GB of RAM is sufficient for light multitasking, though heavy users or those who keep numerous apps open simultaneously might experience occasional slowdowns—for them, the 8GB variant might be a better choice.
Crucially, the performance is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, making the user experience far more enjoyable and reliable.
🔋 Battery and Charging: Standard Endurance
The tablet is equipped with a 5,100 mAh battery. While this capacity is reasonable for an 8.7-inch device, the endurance is often reported as average. It can comfortably last a full day of light to moderate use, such as a few hours of streaming, reading, and light gaming.
Charging is handled via the USB-C port, supporting a maximum of 15W wired charging. The included 15W wall charger in this International Bundle is a definite bonus, as many manufacturers no longer include the adapter in the box. However, 15W is quite slow by modern standards, meaning a full recharge will take a few hours. This is a point to consider if you frequently need quick top-ups.
🎤 Cameras, Audio, and Software
Cameras
The cameras are purely functional. You get an 8MP Autofocus rear camera and a 2MP front camera. They are fine for scanning documents or a quick video call, but pictures lack detail and struggle in low light. This is standard for budget tablets, where the camera is not a priority feature.
Audio
A highlight of the Tab A9 is its dual stereo speakers. They provide a decent, loud, and clear audio experience, which is great for media consumption and surprisingly superior to many competing budget tablets.
Software
The Tab A9 runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI overlay out of the box (upgradable to newer versions). Samsung's commitment to software updates is a major advantage here; the tablet is slated to receive at least two major Android OS updates, which provides longevity unmatched by many rivals in this price bracket. One UI is intuitive and clean, offering useful features like Quick Share for easy file transfer with other Galaxy devices.
👍 Conclusion: The Best Entry-Level Android Tablet?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110) with 64GB/4GB RAM is a formidable package in the budget tablet segment. It shines as a portable media consumption device and a reliable companion for light tasks.
What We Loved:
Premium Build: Mostly metal body offers a surprisingly high-quality feel.
Strong Performance: The MediaTek Helio G99 ensures smooth operation for a budget device.
Expandable Storage: Dedicated MicroSD slot allows for vast media libraries.
Software Longevity: Samsung's commitment to multiple Android updates adds significant value.
Audio Quality: Good dual stereo speakers for a great viewing experience.
What Could Be Better:
Display Resolution & Refresh Rate: The low-resolution, 60Hz TFT screen is the most notable trade-off.
Slow Charging: 15W charging is dated and time-consuming.
Basic Cameras: Not suitable for quality photography.
The Verdict:
If you are looking for an affordable, well-built, and highly portable 8-inch Android tablet for streaming, casual gaming, browsing, and reading, the Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110) is arguably the best value option currently available. Its solid performance and guaranteed software support easily elevate it above most of its direct competitors. It’s an essential, no-frills entry point into the Samsung ecosystem.