The sub-$250 tablet market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and Motorola Moto Tab G70 represent compelling options for budget-conscious consumers. While both aim to deliver an accessible Android tablet experience, they diverge in key areas, particularly in their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a modest performance advantage and potentially better efficiency compared to the Motorola Moto Tab G70’s 12nm Helio G90T, making it a more future-proof option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, October 05 | 2022, January 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 05 | Available. Released 2022, January 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 211 x 124.7 x 8 mm (8.31 x 4.91 x 0.31 in) | 258.4 x 163 x 7.5 mm (10.17 x 6.42 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 332 g or 333 g (11.71 oz) | 500 g (1.10 lb) |
| | - | Water repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Navy | Modernist Teal, Blue |
| Models | SM-X110, SM-X115 | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 380 EUR |
| SAR | 0.48 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
- More efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- Potential for longer software support from Samsung
- Slower 15W charging
- Battery capacity not specified
Motorola Moto Tab G70
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Potentially better battery life due to charging convenience
- Competitive price point
- Less efficient 12nm Helio G90T chipset
- Older chipset architecture
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Motorola provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the core performance difference lies within. We can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels typical of this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on cost reduction. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget tablets, prioritizing viewing angles over professional-grade color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are positioned as budget devices, and image quality will reflect that. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but we can anticipate basic sensors suitable for casual snapshots and video calls. Focusing on the chipset, the G99’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced, potentially resulting in slightly better image processing, but the difference will be minimal. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is expected on both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture than the Motorola Moto Tab G70’s Helio G90T (12nm). While both utilize an octa-core configuration with 2x Cortex-A76 and 6x Cortex-A55 cores, the G99’s smaller fabrication node translates to improved power efficiency and potentially higher sustained performance under load. The G99’s CPU clocks slightly higher at 2.2 GHz versus the G90T’s 2.05 GHz, further contributing to a performance edge. The G99’s GPU is also more capable, offering a smoother experience in graphically demanding tasks. The Tab A9 will likely exhibit less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Motorola Moto Tab G70’s 20W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9’s 15W charging. This means the G70 will recharge considerably faster, a crucial benefit for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day. While a larger battery capacity on the Tab A9 could offset the slower charging, the G90T’s less efficient 12nm process suggests it may require more frequent charging regardless.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience and potentially longer software support, benefiting from Samsung’s established ecosystem. Buy the Motorola Moto Tab G70 if faster charging is a critical requirement and you frequently need to top up your battery quickly, as its 20W charging surpasses the Tab A9’s 15W.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Galaxy Tab A9 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The G99’s improved efficiency over the G90T will help mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, but it’s not a flagship-level gaming processor.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Motorola Moto Tab G70 with the 20W charger?
Without knowing the battery capacity, it’s difficult to provide an exact time. However, 20W charging should bring the Moto Tab G70 from 0% to 100% in approximately 2-3 hours, significantly faster than the Galaxy Tab A9’s 15W charging.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, Samsung tablets in this price range typically include a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This is a crucial feature for users who plan to store a large amount of media or files on their tablet.
❓ Which tablet is better for video streaming and media consumption?
Both tablets are suitable for video streaming. The slightly more efficient Helio G99 in the Galaxy Tab A9 might translate to marginally longer battery life during video playback, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. The choice comes down to prioritizing faster charging (Moto Tab G70) or potentially better long-term performance (Galaxy Tab A9).
