Samsung’s Latest Galaxy Tablets: Premium Android Experiences With Missing Pieces for iPad Pro Enthusiasts

Samsung Galaxy A56, A36, and A26: What You Need to No About Storage and Connectivity

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy A series is generating buzz, but key details regarding storage expansion and connectivity are emerging. Leaked specifications indicate significant changes are coming to the lineup in 2025.Here’s a breakdown of what we certainly know:

MicroSD Card Support: Unlike previous models, the Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 will not offer microSD card expansion.This marks a departure from the expandable storage options traditionally found in the A series. The galaxy A26, however, will retain microSD card support.

3.5mm Headphone Jack: Good news for audiophiles! Both the Galaxy A36 and A26 are expected to include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones. The A56 will not include a headphone jack.

Key Takeaways:

Galaxy A56: No microSD card slot, no 3.5mm headphone jack.
Galaxy A36: No microSD card slot, includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Galaxy A26: Includes* both a microSD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

These changes suggest Samsung is streamlining its A-series offerings, possibly focusing on cloud storage solutions and wireless audio for the A56 and A36. Consumers prioritizing expandable storage or wired headphone connectivity should consider the Galaxy A26.

What are the key advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series displays compared to other Android tablets?

Samsung’s Latest Galaxy Tablets: Premium Android Experiences Wiht Missing pieces for iPad Pro Enthusiasts

Display & Design: A Visual Feast, But…

samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra represent the pinnacle of Android tablet design. Boasting Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz, these tablets deliver stunning visuals – vibrant colors, deep blacks, and extraordinary clarity. The S9 Ultra, in particular, with it’s massive 14.6-inch screen, is a content consumption powerhouse.

However, even with the refined aluminum build and IP68 water and dust resistance (a first for Galaxy Tabs!), a key difference emerges when comparing to the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro’s mini-LED displays offer superior contrast ratios and peak brightness,notably noticeable in HDR content. While Samsung’s displays are excellent, they don’t quite reach the same level of visual fidelity. The aspect ratios also differ; the iPad Pro’s 4:3 ratio is often preferred for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing, while Samsung leans towards a wider 16:10 ratio, better suited for video.

performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy – Close, But Not Quite

The Galaxy Tab S9 series is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a customized chipset offering extraordinary performance. Multitasking, gaming (even demanding titles like Genshin Impact), and video editing are handled with ease. This is a significant leap forward from previous Galaxy Tab generations.

yet,Apple’s M2 chip (found in the latest iPad Pro) consistently outperforms the Snapdragon in benchmarks and real-world intensive tasks. Specifically, tasks like 3D rendering and complex video encoding see a noticeable advantage on the iPad Pro. For professional creatives, this performance gap can be a deciding factor.

Here’s a swift comparison:

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy: Excellent for everyday tasks, gaming, and most creative workflows.

Apple M2: Superior performance for demanding professional applications and heavy workloads.

S Pen & Software: Android’s Strengths & Weaknesses

The included S Pen remains a standout feature. Its low latency and precise tracking make it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and navigating the interface. Samsung Notes is a robust submission, and the S Pen’s magnetic attachment and charging are convenient.

Android 13 (with One UI 5.1.1) offers a flexible and customizable experience. Multi-window support is excellent, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously. DeX mode transforms the tablet into a desktop-like environment when connected to an external monitor and keyboard.

However, Android tablet apps still lag behind their iPadOS counterparts in terms of optimization and features. While the situation is improving, many apps are simply scaled-up phone apps, lacking the refined interface and functionality found on iPadOS. This is a persistent issue for Android tablets, and a major draw for iPad Pro users. The lack of truly professional-grade apps, comparable to Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro on iPadOS, is a significant limitation.

Ecosystem & Accessories: Samsung’s Expanding Universe

Samsung has substantially expanded its ecosystem of accessories for the Galaxy Tab S9 series. The Book Cover Keyboard is a cozy and functional typing experience, and the Smart Book Cover offers versatile viewing angles.

Book cover Keyboard: Slim, backlit, and provides a solid typing experience.

Smart Book Cover: Offers multiple viewing angles and protects the tablet.

* Galaxy Fit3: Seamless integration for fitness tracking.

Though, apple’s ecosystem remains more tightly integrated. Features like Global Control (seamlessly using a single keyboard and mouse across multiple Apple devices) and Sidecar (using an iPad as a second display for a Mac) are currently unmatched by Samsung’s offerings.

Camera Capabilities: A Surprisingly Strong Showing

Galaxy Tab S9 series tablets feature impressive camera systems, including 13MP main sensors and ultrawide lenses. While tablets aren’t typically used for serious photography, these cameras are more than capable of capturing decent photos and videos for social media or quick documentation. The 12MP front-facing cameras also deliver excellent video call quality.

Battery Life: All-Day Performance

Battery life on the Galaxy Tab S9 series is solid, typically lasting 8-10 hours of mixed usage. the larger S9+ and S9 ultra models offer even longer battery life thanks to their larger battery capacities. This is comparable to the iPad Pro, even though heavy gaming or video editing will naturally drain the battery faster.

A Recent Issue: Gemini Interference with Shutdown

Recent reports (as of September 6, 2025) indicate a frustrating issue with the Samsung Galaxy S24, were the Gemini AI assistant is interfering with the shutdown process. Users are reporting that pressing the power and volume down buttons consistently launches Gemini instead of presenting the power menu. This issue, while specific to the S24