The sub-$250 tablet market is heating up, with the Tecno Megapad 11 and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ vying for dominance. Both offer large displays and Android experiences, but diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dives deep into the chipset differences, battery performance, and overall value proposition to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users prioritizing consistent performance and 5G connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is the better choice. While the Tecno Megapad 11 offers a slightly more powerful CPU core configuration, the Snapdragon 695’s efficiency and integrated 5G outweigh this advantage, providing a smoother overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 02 | 2023, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 06 | Available. Released 2023, October 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 257.1 x 168.7 x 7.6 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.30 in) | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 510 g (1.12 lb) | 480 g or 492 g (1.06 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 440 nits | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 8000 mAh | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Vitality Green, Starfall Grey | Graphite, Silver, Navy |
| Models | - | SM-X210, SM-X215, SM-X216B |
| Price | About 200 EUR | $ 199.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Megapad 11
- Potentially higher single-core CPU performance
- Faster 18W wired charging
- More aggressive pricing likely
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Mediatek chipset may exhibit more thermal throttling
- Potentially less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- Integrated 5G connectivity for on-the-go use
- More efficient Snapdragon chipset
- Established Samsung software ecosystem
- Slower 15W wired charging
- Potentially slightly lower single-core CPU performance
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a premium display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, given their price points. The focus here isn't on color accuracy or refresh rates, but on usability. While specific display specs are unavailable, Samsung generally offers better color calibration even on its A-series tablets. The A9+'s display size is likely similar to the Megapad 11, making viewing angles and brightness the key differentiators, where Samsung typically holds an edge.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both will likely feature basic camera setups geared towards video calls and casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume image quality will be comparable. Focusing on the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ISP generally offers better noise reduction and dynamic range, potentially giving the A9+ a slight edge in image processing. The absence of OIS on either device suggests low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
The core battle lies between the Mediatek Helio G99 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G. Both are 6nm chips, but their architectures differ. The Helio G99 features a pair of Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, offering a theoretical performance advantage in single-core tasks compared to the Snapdragon 695’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold cores. However, the Snapdragon 695 benefits from Qualcomm’s optimizations and integrated 5G modem. This translates to more consistent performance under sustained loads and the ability to connect to 5G networks, a significant advantage for on-the-go users. The Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Silver cores, while clocked slightly lower at 1.8 GHz, are more efficient, contributing to better thermal management.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Tecno Megapad 11’s 18W charging is slightly faster than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+'s 15W charging. However, the Snapdragon 695’s superior power efficiency could offset the charging speed difference. The A9+'s 5G modem will consume more power when actively connected, but the overall system efficiency of the Snapdragon 695 should mitigate this. Expect both tablets to deliver a full day of moderate use, but the A9+ may have a slight advantage in longevity during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Megapad 11 if you need maximum CPU performance for light gaming or multitasking within a limited budget and don't require 5G connectivity. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if you prioritize a more balanced experience with reliable performance, the convenience of 5G, and the established Samsung ecosystem. The A9+ is ideal for streaming, browsing, and everyday productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Galaxy Tab A9+ handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low for a smooth experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Helio G99 in the Megapad 11 might offer slightly higher frame rates at the same settings, but thermal throttling could become a factor during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ supports both VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi calling, provided your carrier supports these features. This ensures clear voice calls even in areas with weak cellular signals. The Tecno Megapad 11's lack of 5G also means it won't benefit from the latest VoLTE advancements.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Tecno Megapad 11 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ runs Samsung's One UI, which is known for its feature-rich interface and regular software updates. Tecno's HiOS, found on the Megapad 11, is generally less polished and may receive fewer updates. Samsung's software also offers tighter integration with other Samsung devices and services.
