Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Keyboard Review: Slim vs Book Cover

[@percival23]

Oh look ...a review in which somebody actually did thier home work. Well done.

[@AndroidDigest]

Thank you very much :)

[@JezzyCrazyTV]

❤😂

[@potatochalbro]

You're right, many reviewers don't do reviews well but you're providing a lot of valuable information and comparison with previous versions, thanks!

[@AndroidDigest]

Trying my best, thanks!

[@samnite3]

I did a lot of research before going with the S9 Ultra tablet and book cover case during the preorder pricing phase and your channel did an excellent job covering my main questions and concerns as a first-time buyer for an expensive tablet. I have been pleased with the experience so far.

[@AndroidDigest]

Awesome, thank you so much for checking my channel out! Really appreciate the love!

[@anders95]

I totally agree on the magic keyboard. One thing I really love about the keyboard cover is the kickstand, perfect when I watch content on my tablet and I can detach the keyboard.

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah, I need something detachable for me!

[@tobiasnilsson9390]

Really awesome review! Really like that you highlight differences between models and older models! Best review for several years!

[@AndroidDigest]

Thank you so much, means a lot!

[@sincitysteve2009]

I have the Tab S9 Ultra. I use the Samsung Trio 500 portable keyboard and my tablet is in a Spigen Armor Pro case... Works for me. I usually have the tablet propped up and I prefer the keyboard either in my lap or a farther distance from the tab. I'm one that prefers the the case and the keyboard separate. I had an S8+ previously and hardly ever used the Samsung case keyboard I purchased before. I use a Logi Pebble BT mouse also. A little extra bulk but got a mouse, keyboard and case for less than $100. No complaints but I just can't justify $350 even after spending the $ for the Tab S9 Ultra with 1TB

[@AndroidDigest]

I hear you! Nothing wrong with using a portable keyboard. You could always get a nicer keyboard like a logitech mx keys mini too if you ever decide to. It's a good choice.

[@boxfullofneutral8514]

I use the same but find the keyboard or Bluetooth can't keep up

[@ItsMido84]

Thank you for giving ALL the needed information directly and clearly. You're awesome. Subscribed.

[@AndroidDigest]

Thank you so much! Appreciated

[@vickideshazo5764]

This was exactly the type of review I was looking for. Thank you!

[@AndroidDigest]

Very glad to help! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@JackSimmers]

Slim keyboard came as a bundle with my tablet and for my use it’s perfect as the pen does the job great… Anything substantial I just crack out the cheap Bluetooth mouse

[@AndroidDigest]

It's not a bad keyboard, it's really not, not as flexible with positions, but when it's free, it does allow the tab to stay thin, it gets the job done, and like you said, you can always use that Bluetooth mouse.

[@Flux-73]

I Like Book Cover Case Cuz It Has Kickstand And Mouse Pad And S-Pen Holder❤

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah, I like it too!

[@kencoleman8929]

Just got my S9 Ultra, and this is exactly the information I was looking for! Went with the keyboard/track pad cover for the reasons you mentioned. Best Buy had it for $262, so that took some of the sting out. Thanks, happy holidays to you, sir!

[@FilippoCastana-ne5pm]

Hey, After all this time do you feel Happy with your keyboard? Is It the Samsung keyboard? I Need to buy One but I'm not sure wich. Thanks

[@CsTruth]

just got this in beige and notice you're using beige as well Looks amazing!

[@arcanekand]

in the uk the Slim keyboard case is included with the tablet go thats something to consider

[@AndroidDigest]

It's a good keyboard overall. So if you get it free that's a big factor

[@hfk1001]

Great video, thanks for going into detail: I got the slim keyboard for free with my order, for some reason but, after watching your video, based upon my use-case, I'll but the bookcase cover. My S9 Ultra will be replacing my Surface pro 8 with a MS Keyboard with UAG case, and the Keyboard case. I was really confused initially though, because you said several times that the keyboard cover wasn't detachable, once while you demonstrated removing the case from the tablet. What you actually meant was that the keyboard wasn't detachable from the case, I suppose, like my SP8 keyboard? Thanks again.

[@williamhutsch851]

the reason why the s9 ultra keyboard wouldnt work with the s8 ultra tablet is because the firmware of the s9 ultra allows backwards compatibility with previous models. However the s8 ultra is lacking the required firmware for the s9 ultra keyboard. its just like a playstation 3 being able to play playstation 2 disks. But if you put a playstation 3 disk into a playstation 2, the disk wont be read by the machine.

[@AndroidDigest]

Good explanation

[@mm.ri.9209]

It is great that you talk also about the accessories! I found last year's keyboards also really flimsy... Are the magnets stronger this year? 🙂

[@AndroidDigest]

Absolutely. Much stronger. Like a lot stronger

[@mm.ri.9209]

Thank you for the answer!! ☀️

[@JezzyCrazyTV]

Thank you for this video, it helped alot ❤❤❤

[@AndroidDigest]

Glad to help. Ask any questions in the comments and I'll try to respond. I don't always find my way back to Old common threads, but I'm pretty good about responding to every new thread/ comment at least once

[@fishnsteve]

I got an amazing deal from Samsung, $1,299 for S9 Ultra 5G 512GB with free keyboard with trackpad.

[@AndroidDigest]

Awesome, hope you enjoy it!

[@fishnsteve]

@AndroidDigest enjoy the summer? 😰

[@JezzyCrazyTV]

​@@fishnstevedude he said enjoy the thing you bought

[@BrandonCabjuan]

Great comparison video! Apple's magic keyboard works through 2 or 3 iterations of their iPad Pros, but Samsung only made it to where the keyboard only worked for one year, lol. Kinda bummed, and they are promoting this effort to be green, lol. What are you doing Sammy 😩

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks so much! I'm trying!

[@gazziesukor4859]

For me i end up buying a Spigen Rugged Armor Pro for $44 and a nice keytravel bluetooth keyboard and a bluetooth mouse for $100. I basically use it as a "laptop" at home and as a "tablet" when outside. Just to add, at least the Spigen cover protects the sides whereas the Samsung cover has no protection at all!!

[@AndroidDigest]

That's a great combo

[@_Digitalguy]

Great content, as usual. Where I live the s9 ultra keyboard is already discounted at $210 in third party stores

[@AndroidDigest]

That's great to hear!

[@phillippugh2161]

Great detailed review as usual

[@AndroidDigest]

Thank you so much! Means a lot!

[@slyguy1798]

This review is SPECTACULAR well played chum

[@AndroidDigest]

Thank you, seriously, this means a lot!

[@slyguy1798]

All good bro, keep up the fantastic work, love from London boss

[@AndroidDigest]

Love London. Visited there a few years ago. Would love to go back one day. Enjoy it over there

[@vickiealcorn5767]

Great review 👏

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks so much

[@dontlikesoccer]

keyboard cover definitely adds to the user experience, really enjoy mine on the s8 ultra, double sided taped and aluminum sheet to add to the stiffness and no longer have issues with the accidental clicking. But man does the keyboard have its quirks. The track pad registers as touch input it seems. When i try to do CAD with onshape(desktop version on my browser) it doesnt recognize the track pad which is pretty annoying. And the usual missed inputs and deselecting of text boxes. Not sure if the hardware is the limiting factor, but if samsung ironed out those small quirks, the user experience would be a 10/10. If you dont depend apps that require windows of course. Anyway good video, exactly what i was looking for, a comparison with the last gen.

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah the keyboard is a lot more rigid. It's more sturdy as a whole. So a lot of things are improved even if it's only minor improvements overall

[@Tony-qj4wo]

Thank you . Honest, good, and everything yo7 want to know

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks so much, this means a ton! comments like this.

[@solsagan]

A question that I have, not sure if I've seen it answered somewhere... Does the "hinge" of the slim cover allow for the keyboard to be flipped to the back of the tablet? So that you could use the tablet flat on a surface without having to remove the cover?

[@drsahirissa9237]

I have same question?

[@AndroidDigest]

No. The way it's connected to the keyboard is very firm. No way you could flip that around. I didn't test it but I'd be shocked with my experience with it.

[@BaezLife]

With expendable memory, would you consider the 256 gb and get a 1 tb sd card?

[@robertcolpitts4534]

That's what I bought. The 1 Tb MicroSD card was about $50. Super cheap upgrade. A superb tablet. You will like it. 😎

[@AndroidDigest]

I would, yes. Why not? Most people will not have 200GB of apps. You can put all the important stuff on your main storage to work fast, and put extra movies and other things on your sd card, or downloaded media.

[@Taz368]

The book cover costs 25% of the tablet's RRP which is ridiculous. Not to mention no edge protection and it will be useless once you upgrade in the future. As already mentioned the best solution is a good protective case + bluetooth keyboard and a mouse. Personally I went with a Spigen rugged case (protective but very heavy 😢) + nuphy air 75 v2 + Logitech M650 L

[@dhyatt1080]

They offered the slim version for $100 during pre-order so I picked it up. It's not great but really haven't used it much yet. I am thinking to go with a cover, mouse and keyboard.

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah, not bad for the price if it's discounted.

[@MiguelRodriguez-my3dg]

I got the slim keyboard for free with my purchase of s9 ultra

[@trainerdeleon]

I bought a nicer cover and 2 screen tempered glass screen protectors from Amazon for about $47! Samsung is charging $200 - $400 for their cover and keyboard. People polease, thats ridiculously expensive for what it is.

[@drsahirissa9237]

Please what is the type of cover that you bought from amazon ?

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah, Samsung's cases and covers are crazy!

[@read...]

You deserve more ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AndroidDigest]

Hey, thanks! That's amazing, appreciate the comment

[@Destructor8031]

I just ordered the book cover with 50% off!

[@jktan78]

Great video. Just missing one thing. What's the weight difference between the 2?

[@AndroidDigest]

The slim keyboard is definitely lighter. No trackpad. Plus the kickstand is different. But I don't have an exact weight for you.

[@shikharsingh1674]

I only want to use the case on my tab s9+ for its kickstand! Which cover to go for - The Book Cover Keyboard or The Smart Book Cover

[@AndroidDigest]

You should try getting the outdoor cover. It has an incredible kickstand and it's a lot cheaper and you won't have to buy the keyboard if you don't want it. You can also carry around the tablet by holding the kickstand since it's not a magnetic thing, the kickstand can actually hold the tablet while you carry on the outdoor cover

[@tommartin9731]

Comprehensive. Thanks

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks!

[@mrmiralg]

I couldn't bring myself to pay more for the full keyboard. With my s8 ultra + full keyboard, I found myself not using my touchpad at all. I'm planning on trying out the s9 ultra + slim keyboard. If I like it more than the s8 ultra, I'll hold onto it. If not, I'll send it back! Thanks for this great info - this is the exact video I was looking for. It's annoying that the keyboards won't work with new models.

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks so much! I'm glad to help

[@brucewayne5921]

Is anyone having issues with this keyboard randomly disconnecting and re-connection mid-typing? It is beyond frustrating, seems to happen more on some apps than other.

[@Ilovenewphones]

The only thing I disagree with you on is the magic keyboard from an Apple I think it is the greatest keyboard ever made for a tablet! I wish so bad somebody made one for the tab S9 ultra or even the plus. I do not like the keyboard that detaches on the Samsung. It also makes a smaller footprint the way the magic keyboard cover works. But besides that I really love your channel you have some awesome reviews to keep it up!

[@AndroidDigest]

That makes sense. I get it's a great keyboard. But if I always wanted to have a keyboard attached, I would just buy a laptop at that point. The ability to have a kickstand at all times is such a crucial thing for me. But I get both sides of it, I get there are reasons to always have a keyboard attached. And I get you can technically take it off and put another case on it, that's just a lot of work to do every single time. So we can disagree and that's all good. Still appreciate you and the love for my channel

[@brandonrogers917]

I was able to pick up the trackpad cover for $150 on ebay in absolutely perfect condition. No way in hell would I pay over $300 for this.

[@AndroidDigest]

Exactly. Not bad if you get it on ebay.

[@ngochuynh6998]

Can you fold it in other direction to use the pen without removing the cover

[@AndroidDigest]

To be honest I'm not sure why you'd want to. Yes you can, but why not just disconnect it at the bottom? And place it next to you? It will bend the case a little less which may help with durability long term anyway.

[@TheVickieyshady]

To price but if you dig you can find some good deals i got mine for 250 and i love it

[@subramaniamrajamohan1319]

good review friend

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks so much!

[@jazman1583]

I use the book keyboard cover and I have to admit it feels wobbly when I write on it. If you press the keys it feels like there's a hole underneath them. Do you habe the same experience or is it just me?

[@AndroidDigest]

Hopefully some more people can comment for you. I don't think I'm experiencing that.

[@percival23]

Is it true that when the $350 book cover is attached ...the tablet wont be in tablet mode until you detached it?

[@AndroidDigest]

You can technically change that in the settings, you can have it open dex automatically, or you can change it not to open automatically. and stay in tablet mode.

[@alexwu3258]

Just get the tab s9 ultra keyboard with backlight and trackpad. It good than the slim one.

[@AndroidDigest]

I agree! It's pretty good

[@alexwu3258]

@@AndroidDigest i bought the trackpad keyboard cover. While waiting for the slim keyboard free gift from samsung. End up now got both😅

[@inaho98]

I know it is 9 months after, but at least for me, the keyboard for the ultra comes with the tablet

[@AndroidDigest]

Right, that makes a difference for those who got it free

[@Mr2pint]

Samsung have been following Apples lead when it comes to pricing lately - the keyboard cover is $ 550 where I live, I bought the tablets for $ 450 after trade in and discounts 🤣

[@AndroidDigest]

I agree, the keyboards are very expensive, following apple

[@octs609]

hello, I was just wondering are the keyboard cases full sized in terms of keys in comparison to other laptops. Please let me know.

[@AndroidDigest]

On the ultra. It's pretty close to full

[@balhazer]

All tour links are down!.

[@AndroidDigest]

I just tried them right now. They are working.

[@MistaZipps]

Important question if you can help answer it, can they slim keyboard be used on a lap? My biggest issue with the full-sized keyboard with the track pad when i had the S8 Ultra is that it's too floppy and not stable enough for regular lap use. My thought is that the slim keyboard has enough surface area on the bottom. That the weight distribution might be better for this.. Would be awesome to know your thoughts!

[@AndroidDigest]

It's better on the lap. Better weight distribution, yes. Is it great? Still not perfect. I will say the S9 Ultra is less floppy on the lap because the book cover keyboard is more stable than last year. But if you do want the slim keyboard, yes, I will say that having it fully attached can make it a little better, BUT you only get that one angle.

[@MistaZipps]

@@AndroidDigest perfect answer!! Thanks so much. Great review.

[@MIX-VIDEO]

Do the S9 ultra book cover keyboard slim fit S8 ultra?

[@AndroidDigest]

Gotta watch the video lol. The answer is no though.

[@stomil]

Is there slim keyboard for tab S8 ultra? I couldn't find it.

[@AndroidDigest]

No there's not.

[@netking6940]

can you let us know if there are any thirdparty keyboards which are compatible

[@AndroidDigest]

The third party keyboards that are compatible all use Bluetooth. None of them use the pins at the bottom. So yes, you can buy any Bluetooth keyboard in. It will work just fine

[@emerydvn]

Can I ask, is the one position only on the slim keyboar cover, a problem for video calls? Is the angle of the keyboard okay?

[@AndroidDigest]

I think the angle is fine, as long as it's on a desk or something.

[@Dieter1971]

Thanks for pointing out that the Slim does NOT have a backlight.

[@AndroidDigest]

Absolutely! Glad to help

[@samcurmudgeon]

And in hindsight, by pre-ordering the S9 Ultra buyers got $100 off the slim cover keyboard - and for $100 it has been a bargain (who needs the touch pad when cursors are wonky in Android and you have a touch screen and S-Pen right in hand's reach).

[@AndroidDigest]

For sure!

[@NATHBUDDYBENJI]

how do you type the Euro sign on the slim keyboard pls?

[@AndroidDigest]

Not sure, but hopefully someone can help you. May have to Google it

[@Gott666666]

Do anyone know if the normal book cover from the s8 ultra can fit the s9 ultra? Or is there the same problem with the cam's... I don't want to buy this heavy smart book cover is more than 200g more... Thanks for answering!

[@AndroidDigest]

You're going to have the same issues unfortunately. The cameras are smaller on the S8 Ultra. And the opening is just big enough for those cameras. It wouldn't fit the cameras on the S9 Ultra.

[@Gott666666]

@@AndroidDigest its a shame... but thank you anyways!!🙏

[@raisedservices9540]

I bought the slim book cover and returned it 3 days later my that thing pissed me off here’s why. So firstly no backlit keys and for £200 they’re taking the piss not including that, secondly no option to adjust the angle or even just use it as a tablet the angle I expected but the fact I could not use it as a tablet BIG NOOOOOPE from me but the thing that made blood boil was when I was trying to watch Netflix in bed and the tablet would shift pulling the back of the case down dropping my S pen and doing god knows what to my apps like restarting shows et cetra. Sayonara slim book cover can’t say anything about the experience was good coughed up the extra £139 for the $350 overpriced keyboard one and my is it a thing of beauty in comparison trust me just pay the extra it's a universal difference, detachable keyboard, backlit keys and trackpack is worth the difference more so because it makes the experience 10x more enjoyable that's not an exaggeration.

[@AndroidDigest]

Yeah. That's pretty terrible! I'm glad you had a better experience with a regular keyboard

[@raisedservices9540]

@@AndroidDigest they're both overpriced that's not a secret but the slim just seems pointless from my experience if you're willing to spend $200 might as well just cough up the extra $150 for the much nicer smooth and superior experience. Plus you can't use things like the privacy screen or the paper screen with the slim it's extremely limiting. However if you get the slim free with tablet purchase or discounted to $100 then it's actually somewhat worth it but I wouldn't advise anyone to ever spend $200/£200 on it! In conclusion if you get the slim free with purchase or heavily discounted 50%+ then yeah it's worth it sure but if you're paying MSRP/$200 don't scam yourself and get the $350 model instead which also can't actually be discounted currently so there's that.

[@JasonAdank]

Samsung doesnt even sell the $350 keyboard cover anymore. Your only option is the slim book cover.

[@AndroidDigest]

Best buy still has it for sale. It's even in stock at some stores. Just sold out in the Samsung store maybe for now

[@Dr.sergiosemperfi]

Good video

[@AndroidDigest]

Thanks so much

[@nossy232323]

Glad Samsung gave the Slim Keyb Cover for free when pre ordering the Tab S9+.

[@shikharsingh1674]

I didn't got it

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

Stop being so easily manipulated by the word "free". 🤣🤣🤣 It's NOT free. YOU PAID FOR IT.

[@nossy232323]

@@PSYCHOV3N0M I also paid for 200 euro discount and free charger!

[@AndroidDigest]

Don't let these comments get to you. There are plenty of times when you pay full retail price without getting a keyboard. So it's nice that you got a keyboard with it. Hope you enjoy it

[@nossy232323]

@@AndroidDigest Yes, I am pretty happy with my purchase!

[@StrategicSavant-c3w]

WHY DID THEY MAKE A KEYBOARD WITH NO MOUSE

[@itsaboutmat]

To use with a separate mouse, course

[@AndroidDigest]

You can buy a keyboard with a mouse if you want. Or buy a bluetooth mouse on the side. They have both options for you.

[@scharelbrown9027]

Hopefully they will have 5g for the ultra tablet soon in the states

[@AndroidDigest]

Hopefully! A lot of people want it!

[@pinnybro]

Is there really no 5G variant of the S9 ultra in the US?? I wonder why that is, Australia has them even and we're usually last to everything.

[@iyerviking]

Overpriced crap. Giving it a miss

[@AndroidDigest]

The keyboards can be a little overpriced.

[@iyerviking]

Great detailed review though - thank you!@@AndroidDigest

[@clmorgan7]

Both keyboard covers suck. Samsung needs a magic like keyboard.

[@AndroidDigest]

I just don't like how it's not "detachable". I love the detachable nature. I just wish they had a little more travel.

[@adnaragmail]

Great review! I have been looking for this exact information. Recently bought an s8 ultra due to the huge black friday discount, unfortunately i did not think about the accessories, apparently samsung no longer sells the keyboard case on their website its out of stock and 3rd party sellers are sketchy and does not offer warranty.. i was thinking if i buy an s9 accessories and can i use it for the s8. Does the s9 ultra slim keyboard works with s8 ultra?

[@AndroidDigest]

It does not. You'll have to maybe look on eBay or Amazon

[@dcn.patrickouellette_ne4po]

My solution while I wait for a good price on the S9 Ultra keyboard is to use the back from the Smart Book Cover with my S8 Ultra keyboard. Thanks for a thorough review.

[@AndroidDigest]

Absolutely, thank you!