The Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9 Ultra are Samsung's first-ever non-rugged tablets to boast water resistance, and it's a pretty big deal. Not necessarily because you'd want to go for a swim with your tablet, but because an IP rating offers peace of mind, knowing that if you leave your tablet on the table and accidentally spill a glass of water, there's not going to be any damage done to the device. But here's something that might make you think twice.
See, although the Galaxy Tab S9 series has an IP68 dust and water-resistance rating, the optional keyboard accessories do not. In other words, if you pair your Galaxy Tab S9 with a Book Cover Keyboard, you may still have to be extra careful about leaving your tablet on the table, your kitchen counter, or in other places where accidental water spills may occur.
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Don't damage your $139-$350 keyboard attachment
In addition to lacking water resistance, remember that an IP rating concerns both dust and water ingress. Therefore, without an IP rating, Samsung's Book Cover Keyboards don't have dust resistance either, which means you might want to avoid taking your typing accessory to the beach.
All in all, even though your Galaxy Tab S9 should have no issues surviving water spills, quick dunks in freshwater, or dusty/sandy environments, you should always keep in mind that the keyboard accessories don't have the same luxury. They lack an IP rating, and if you damage your Book Cover, you might be throwing up to $350 down the drain.
Samsung is selling the Galaxy Book Tab S9, Tab S9+, and Tab S9 Ultra Book Cover Slim for $139, $159, and $199, respectively. Meanwhile, the standard (non-Slim) Book Cover Keyboard for the Tab S9+ costs $229, and you can get the Tab S9 Ultra keyboard attachment for $349.
As of this writing, the tablets themselves are available for pre-order for two more days, after which they'll start shipping to early adopters and hit the shelves in most markets worldwide.
