Introduction of Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7
In the Saudi Arabia tablet market of 2025, picking up a refurbished device can offer excellent value — especially when you find one that combines portability, productivity and affordability. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 with S Pen is just such a device: modest in specs by today’s high-end standards, but still capable for everyday tasks, note taking, media consumption and more. In this review I’ll examine the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 specs, Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 camera, Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 battery, Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 features, the pricing in Saudi Arabia for refurbished units, and whether this tablet is a smart buy in 2025 — particularly with sustainability in mind via refurbished electronics and reduced e-waste.
What you get — specs & design
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9.7-inch TFT LCD display at 1024 × 768 pixels and about 132 ppi.
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A 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 (or equivalent) processor.
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RAM commonly at 1.5-2 GB and internal storage around 16 GB (expandable via microSD up to 128 GB) in many variants.
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Rear camera: 5 MP; front camera: 2 MP.
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Battery capacity: 6,000 mAh (non-removable) in many listings.
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Weight around 450-490g depending on variant; thin profile (~7.5 mm).
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The S Pen version adds stylus support – giving you dedicated pen input for drawing, note taking and more.
Performance & everyday experience
Given its age and modest hardware, the Galaxy Tab A 9.7 isn’t going to compete with modern flagship tablets — but that’s not the point here. If you’re using it for navigation of apps, reading PDFs, sketching or note taking, media streaming, light browsing or as a second/travel device, it holds up reasonably well.
Because it has only 1.5-2 GB of RAM and a mid-tier processor, multitasking and heavy gaming will be limited. App loading may feel slower than newer devices; some modern apps may demand more resources or newer Android versions. If your usage is moderate and you aren’t chasing ultra-smooth high-fps gaming, this tablet remains quite usable.
In a refurbished context for Saudi Arabia users: if you pick a unit in good condition, with healthy battery and minimal wear, you can expect a decent experience for the price. Make sure to test responsiveness of the S Pen and check that there is no ghost-pen behaviour or display issues.
S Pen & productivity features
One of the standout advantages: the S Pen support. For note-taking, sketching, annotating documents, e-learning, or children’s drawing, the S Pen adds a layer of utility that many tablets lack at this price point. The official specifications indicate Air Command, Smart Select, Screen Write, and other stylus-specific features.
In 2025, being able to use a stylus without spending huge amounts makes this refurbished tablet more compelling for students, professionals needing a digital notebook, or creative users on a budget. The S Pen version might fetch a higher price in the refurbished market, so factor that into your buying decision.
Camera & multimedia
The 5 MP rear and 2 MP front cameras are basic. For casual use — scanning documents, taking lightweight photos or video calls — they suffice. But don’t expect premium picture quality, great low-light performance or advanced camera features. The resolution and sensor are dated compared to modern tablets.
For video streaming, the size and weight make it comfortable; but the display resolution (768×1024) is modest by current standards, so fine detail may appear less crisp than newer tablets. If your needs are largely media consumption (YouTube, Netflix) and you mainly sit back rather than performing photography tasks, it's acceptable.
Battery & longevity
A 6,000 mAh battery sounds decent for the era; in practice you may expect a full day of moderate use. The lighter hardware means less battery drain compared with heavier high-end tablets. That said, because this is a refurbished device now in 2025, battery health is critical. A degraded battery will impact usability. Check the refurbishment seller’s description: ideally the battery should have been tested or replaced if needed.
The removable battery is not a feature here — the battery is non-removable which is a limitation for future servicing. But in refurbished units you should ask for battery health or condition report.
Software & support considerations
Originally shipping with Android 5.0 Lollipop and later some upgrades to Android 7.1 for some models. In 2025, the lack of recent software updates and security patches is a potential concern. The older Android version may limit compatibility with certain modern apps, features or security expectations. If you intend to keep the tablet long-term, this is a trade-off.
In Saudi Arabia, ensure the refurbished unit is unlocked (if it was a 4G variant) and that you verify network bands if you plan to use mobile data. Many users may restrict the device to WiFi only, which is fine for home or travel use.
Refurbished pricing in Saudi Arabia & value proposition
In 2025 the market for refurbished tablets in Saudi Arabia includes global imports, local refurbishers or marketplace listings. While exact price data for this model may vary significantly, given its age and hardware specs, you should expect a lower price bracket (likely considerably lower than new mid-range tablets). The value proposition is: you get S Pen support, a 9.7″ screen and basic tablet functionality for minimal outlay — at the cost of dated specs and older software.
If you can find a unit in excellent condition for a very modest price (say under SAR 400–800, though actual market rates may differ), you’re getting smart savings. But if the price creeps up because of S Pen or “good condition” claims, you should weigh whether spending a bit more for a newer model with better specs and support might give longer life.
Sustainability & e-waste angle
Buying refurbished is not just financially smart but environmentally responsible. Extending the lifespan of electronics reduces the flow into the e-waste stream, conserves resources, and supports circular-economy principles. In Saudi Arabia as elsewhere, rushing to buy new devices increases resource extraction and waste. A refurbished Galaxy Tab A 9.7 means you’re giving a device a second life, lowering environmental impact.
Ensure that the refurbisher you use follows good practices (tested battery, cleaned internals, proper refurbishment standards) so that the device genuinely extends its life rather than becoming waste quickly.
Pros & cons summary
Pros:
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Affordable entry into tablet + stylus territory thanks to S Pen support.
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9.7″ screen size hits a useful middle ground between ultra-compact and large tablets.
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Reputable brand (Samsung) and good refurb-value potential.
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For light tasks, note taking, media consumption and children’s use, quite capable.
Cons:
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Hardware is dated: limited RAM, older processor, low resolution screen by today’s standards.
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Cameras and multimedia performance are modest.
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Software support is lacking (older Android version, security updates likely stopped).
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Battery health concerns on refurbished units; check carefully.
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If you need high-performance, large app multitasking, or long term support, you may outgrow it.
Should you buy it in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
If your requirements are modest, budget is tight, and you want a tablet primarily for reading, streaming, note taking or children’s use — yes, a well-refurbished Galaxy Tab A 9.7 with S Pen can be a smart purchase. It blends power and portability in a cost-effective way.
However, if you anticipate heavy usage, gaming, long-term software support, or using intensive apps, then you might be better advised to invest a bit more in a more modern refurbished tablet (with 4+ GB RAM, newer Android version, higher resolution screen). Evaluate the refurbished listing carefully: condition, battery health, warranty, return policy all matter.
Buying checklist for Saudi Arabia
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Confirm the refurbisher’s warranty / return policy.
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Check battery health (ask if battery was replaced or tested).
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Test S Pen functionality (pressure sensitivity, latency, accuracy).
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Verify screen condition (uniform brightness, no dead pixels or ghosting).
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Confirm that unit is unlocked / suitable for your use (WiFi vs LTE variant).
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Ask about software version, ensure factory reset and no previous accounts locked.
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Compare price against alternatives: if price is too high, may not represent value compared to a newer device.
Final thoughts
If you find a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7 (with S Pen) in good condition at a compelling price in Saudi Arabia, it can be a very smart and economical choice — especially for students, creatives or casual users who don’t need the latest specs. Just make sure you do your homework: test the condition, verify battery health, check stylus functionality and ensure the price reflects its age. With those checks in place, you enjoy a capable device that blends portability and productivity — without breaking the bank or contributing unnecessarily to electronic waste.
FAQs of Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7
Q.1. Is the refurbished Galaxy Tab A 9.7 with S Pen still worth buying in 2025?
Yes — if you have light to moderate usage and want a budget-friendly tablet with stylus support; no if you need high performance or long-term support.
Q.2. What are the main hardware specifications of the Galaxy Tab A 9.7?
9.7-inch 1024×768 TFT display, 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, 1.5-2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage (expandable), 5 MP rear / 2 MP front camera, 6,000 mAh battery.
Q.3. How good is the S Pen support on this tablet?
Quite good for note-taking, sketching and productivity tasks; you get stylus features like Air Command, Screen Write and Smart Select.
Q.4. What should I look out for when buying a refurbished unit in Saudi Arabia?
Battery health, condition of screen and S Pen, seller warranty/return policy, software/factory reset status, price relative to alternatives.
Q.5. Does buying a refurbished tablet help with e-waste and sustainability?
Absolutely — choosing a refurbished device extends its lifespan, reduces demand for new production and helps lower e-waste. Buying a refurbished Galaxy Tab A 9.7 supports that circular-economy principle.
