With all of the options currently available, finding a new tablet can be quite overwhelming. In addition to the brand, you also need to decide what size works well and why.
Although tablets are all fairly conveniently sized, a few inches can make a big difference.
In this guide, we will break down the best 9-inch tablets on today’s market. That range is a great size if you want something portable that has a little bit of heft to it.
Every model you’ll find below all makes the cut due to their size, performance, and value.
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Who Should Get This
A 9-inch tablet is a good option for anyone looking to get a device that sits right in the middle of the other available sizes. It’s not too big and not too small.
As such, the tablets you’ll find here are portable and easy to see. Being in the middle-size range means that these are typically more affordable too. That means they offer great value when it comes to price vs. performance.
If you’re looking for an option on either end of the size spectrum, whether that’s very large or very small, you probably won’t want a 9-inch tablet. Since the tablets you’ll see here sit in that middle ground, they aren’t considered extra-large or mini.
Best 9-inch Tablets: Our Picks
Here are our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each tablet so you get to know its pros and cons.
1. Apple 9.7” iPad
A top option in the 9-inch tablet range is the Apple 9.7” iPad. The iPad is one of the original tablets and the device has continued to get better over the years.
This 9-inch option was originally offered a few years back, so it’s not the latest model, but it still packs plenty of speed, power, and amazing capabilities that you will surely love.
The 9.7-inch multi-touch Retina Display offers a resolution of 2048 X 1536 to give you crisp and brilliant colors. Beyond that, the A10 Fusion SoC processor offers plenty of speed and power even for more complex tasks.
With additional features like an 8-hour battery life and both front and rear cameras, this tablet has a lot to offer.
Pros:
- Trusted brand
- Excellent resolution
- Fast processor
- Good battery life
- Front and rear cameras
Cons:
- 9.7-inch option is not the latest model
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6”
The Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6 is another great 9-inch table, and one of the best available in the size range. This is a portable, lightweight option that offers a bright and clear 9.6-inch display with a 1280 X 800 resolution.
It features a 12-hour battery life and storage capacity that can be expanded up to 128 GB. It also comes with dual cameras to allow you to capture great photos or video chat with ease.
Pair it with the Samsung + app for some great additional features.
Pros:
- 12-hour battery life
- Expanded memory up to 128 GB available
- 1280 X 800 resolution
- Dual cameras
- Good customer support when paired with Samsung + app
Cons:
- Expanded memory card sold separately
- Advertised battery life based on streaming – might decrease under different use
3. Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9”
An affordable and still very functional option is the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9”. This stands out thanks to its clear screen and 339ppi/2560 X 1600 display.
That combination allows for excellent streaming and gaming. It will also give you high-quality images at all times. This comes equipped with a fast and powerful 2.4Ghz processor, dual cameras, and it’s extremely lightweight.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Excellent resolution
- Fast 2.4Ghz processor
- Dual cameras
Cons:
- Max storage of 64 GB
- Not the most durable option
Choosing a 9-inch Tablet: Things to Consider
Size
If you’re specifically looking for a 9-inch tablet, size is important. The typical range for tablets is anywhere from 7 to 13 inches. A 9-inch option falls right in the middle of that.
As such, the options you’ll find here will be large enough to easily see everything on the screen, while still small enough to be portable and easy to take with you wherever you go.
Battery Life
It’s also important to consider battery life. Tablets tend to last much longer than laptops, which is why so many people prefer them for work and relaxation.
However, not every tablet has the same battery life. Always look for longer-lasting models that you won’t have to constantly worry about plugging in. I would suggest getting an option with at least an 8-hour battery life, but longer is usually better.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is something else to take into account when looking at a 9-inch tablet. Depending on your needs, you may want quite a bit of memory. That’s especially true if you plan on storing a lot of apps, videos, images, or other files on your tablet.
However, if you don’t need as much space and you want to mainly use your device to browse the web, you can get a cheaper device to help save a bit of money.
Additional Features
You should also be on the lookout for any additional features that you might want in your tablet. Traits like a camera, cellular capabilities, processor speed, memory, and processor speed are all worth taking into account. You don’t need all of the latest and greatest features, but they are certainly nice to have.
Useful Tips & Resources
A tablet is often only as useful as the apps you install on the device. You might already have a handful of your favorite apps that you will install on a new tablet, but with so many thousands of other options available, it can be hard to figure out other good choices.
Take a look at these apps for the Samsung Galaxy to help you narrow down the search.
And these for the iPad:
Final Words
If you’re looking for a 9-inch tablet, the above options are some of the best on the market. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but one might be better suited for your needs. If this is your first tablet, 9-inch is a great size to start with.
Do you have a favorite 9-inch tablet that didn’t make the list? What makes it great? Let us know in the comments below.
