When it comes to tablets, there are only two real contenders: Apple’s iPad lineup and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series. You can be an artist, a student, a professional, or just someone who enjoys binging Netflix in bed, choosing the right tablet matters.
As an iPad enthusiast myself (seriously, sometimes I think I’m just an iPad kid), I’ll admit to a slight bias. But don’t worry—I’m here to give you the most comprehensive, no-nonsense, deep-dive into which tablet truly comes out on top. We’ll compare every iPad to every Samsung tablet, dissecting their performance, displays, software ecosystems, accessories, and more.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
iPad vs. Samsung Tablets: The Verdict
Choosing between an iPad and a Samsung tablet isn’t as simple as it looks. Depending on your needs, one may outshine the other. Here’s how they stack up in key categories:
Best Overall:
iPad Pro – Apple’s Silicon chips provide unbeatable power and longevity.
The iPad Pro, powered by Apple’s M-series chips, delivers desktop-class performance, excellent optimization, and long-term software support. Whether you’re a professional or a casual user, it’s a solid investment.
Best for Artists:
iPad Pro + Apple Pencil 2 – The go-to choice for digital artists thanks to Procreate and superior stylus precision.
If digital drawing or designing is your main focus, nothing beats the iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. Apps like Procreate and Affinity Designer are optimized for iPad, offering unmatched precision and performance. Samsung’s S Pen is good, but it lacks the same ecosystem of professional creative tools.
Best for Productivity:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – DeX Mode offers a true desktop-like experience.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the best choice for those who need multitasking and a laptop-like interface. Samsung DeX Mode allows for windowed apps, better multitasking, and keyboard/mouse support, making it a real productivity machine. Apple’s Stage Manager has improved iPad multitasking, but it’s still not as flexible as DeX.
Best Budget Option:
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ – More affordable than any iPad while still getting the job done.
Not everyone needs a powerhouse tablet. The Galaxy Tab A9+ provides a solid experience at a fraction of the cost of the cheapest iPad. It’s a great option for casual users, students, and anyone who just wants a basic tablet for browsing and media consumption.
Best for Media Consumption:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ – AMOLED displays provide unmatched color vibrancy and deep blacks.
If you want a tablet for Netflix, YouTube, and gaming, Samsung’s AMOLED displays are simply better. The Galaxy Tab S9+ and S9 Ultra deliver rich colors, deeper blacks, and HDR10+ support, making them superior for watching content. iPads have great Liquid Retina and Mini-LED displays, but OLED remains king for true cinematic quality.
Best Longevity & Software Support:
Any iPad – Apple provides software updates for years, ensuring long-term performance.
Apple dominates in long-term software support, providing 5-6 years of major iPadOS updates. Samsung has improved, offering 4 years of updates, but historically, Android tablets don’t age as gracefully. If you want a tablet that stays fast and secure for the longest time, iPad is the clear winner.
iPad vs. Samsung Tablets: Detailed
| Feature | Apple iPads | Samsung Tablets |
| Performance & Power | Custom M-series chips (M1, M2, M4) provide desktop-level performance; optimized for longevity and efficiency. | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers strong performance but lacks the raw power of Apple’s M-series chips. |
| Display Quality | Excellent Liquid Retina displays; Pro models have Mini-LED, but no AMOLED options. | AMOLED displays provide deeper blacks and vibrant colors, especially in the Tab S9 Ultra. |
| Software & Ecosystem | iPadOS offers a polished experience with long-term support (5-6 years); superior app optimization. | Android with One UI allows customization and multitasking, but less optimized for tablets compared to iPadOS. |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard are premium but expensive; unmatched precision for artists. | S Pen included with most models; keyboard covers are cheaper but less premium than Apple’s offerings. |
| Battery Life & Charging | iPads generally last longer on a single charge (10+ hours); slower charging at 20W. | Samsung tablets drain faster due to AMOLED screens; faster charging at 45W. |
| Gaming & Entertainment | Excellent for gaming with high-performance M-series chips; optimized games on iOS. | Great for streaming with stunning AMOLED screens; cloud gaming works well, but native performance lags behind iPads. |
| Price & Value | Dominates the high-end market; premium pricing reflects quality and features. | Better budget options available; often discounted faster than iPads. |
| Overall Winner | iPad Pro for performance and longevity | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra for display quality and budget options |
1. Performance & Power
Apple iPads: Silicon Supremacy
Apple’s custom M-series chips (M1, M2, and now M4 in the iPad Pro) have turned iPads into laptop-level powerhouses. Even the entry-level iPad 10th Gen is rocking an A14 Bionic, which still outperforms a lot of Android tablets. The Pro models? They’re running chips that power MacBooks.
Apple’s software is optimized to extract every ounce of performance from the hardware, ensuring smooth operation even after several years of use. Tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and high-performance gaming run effortlessly.
Samsung Tablets: Still Powerful, But…
The Galaxy Tab S9 series features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (customized for Samsung). This is the fastest Android tablet chip right now, but it still doesn’t match the iPad Pro’s M-series chips in raw power.
Samsung devices run Android, which, while flexible, often results in performance inconsistencies compared to iPadOS. Multitasking is decent, but it lacks the raw efficiency and longevity of Apple’s chips.
Winner: iPad Pro
If you need desktop-class performance on a tablet, the iPad Pro is unbeatable.
2. Display Quality: OLED vs. Mini-LED
iPads: Sharp, But No AMOLED Love
Apple’s displays are phenomenal—the iPad Pros have a 120Hz ProMotion Mini-LED display, and even the basic iPads have excellent Liquid Retina panels. However, Apple only recently introduced OLED displays on select iPads.
Samsung Tablets: OLED Wins
Samsung flexes AMOLED displays across its S9 series, offering deeper blacks, richer contrast, and vibrant colors that make content look incredible. The Tab S9 Ultra boasts a 14.6-inch AMOLED screen, which is essentially a portable 4K TV.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
If you care about OLED beauty, Samsung wins this round.
3. Software & Ecosystem: iPadOS vs. Android
Apple iPads: A Polished, Long-Term Experience
iPadOS is optimized for smooth performance and long software support (5-6 years of updates). The App Store offers superior tablet-optimized apps, making it ideal for professional use.
Samsung Tablets: Flexible and Customizable
Samsung’s One UI on Android allows for more customization and sideloading apps. DeX Mode provides a desktop-like experience, making it more useful for multitasking and productivity.
Winner: iPad for Longevity, Samsung for Customization
If you want a tablet that lasts years with great app support, iPad wins. If you want flexibility and true multitasking, Samsung takes the lead.
4. Accessories & Apple Pencil vs. S Pen
Apple’s Accessories: Premium (But Pricey)
- Apple Pencil 2 / Apple Pencil Pro: Unmatched precision and latency.
- Magic Keyboard: Turns the iPad into a laptop, but it’s expensive.
Samsung’s S Pen & Keyboards: More Value
- S Pen: Comes free with most Tab S models, great drawing experience.
- Keyboard Covers: Cheaper than Apple’s but not as premium.
Winner: iPad for Drawing, Samsung for Value
Artists? Go iPad. Want a great stylus without extra cost? Samsung wins.
5. Battery Life & Charging
- iPads last longer on a single charge (10+ hours).
- Samsung’s tablets drain faster due to high-resolution AMOLED screens.
- Samsung wins in fast charging, supporting 45W vs. Apple’s slow 20W.
Winner: iPads Last Longer, Samsung Charges Faster
6. Gaming & Entertainment
iPads: Console-Like Gaming
With the M-series chips, iPads handle games at ultra settings. Apple Arcade provides console-quality exclusives, and developers optimize games for iOS first.
Samsung Tablets: Great for Streaming
Samsung’s AMOLED screens make movies look stunning. Cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass works well, but native game performance lags behind iPads.
Winner: iPads for Gaming, Samsung for Streaming
7. Price & Value
- iPads dominate the high-end market.
- Samsung has better budget options.
- Samsung often discounts its tablets faster.
Winner: Samsung for Budget, iPad for Premium
Top 3 Best Accessories for Samsung Tablets and iPads
Whether you have a Samsung Galaxy Tab or an iPad, the right accessories can take your tablet experience to the next level. Here are three must-have accessories that improve productivity, functionality, and entertainment for both devices.
1. Present: The Modern Smartphone Docking Station
One of the most innovative tablet accessories, Present transforms your smartphone into a full desktop workstation, making it an excellent companion for both iPads and Samsung tablets.
Why it’s a game-changer:
- Works as a docking station for your tablet or smartphone, giving you a desktop-like experience.
- Helps declutter your workspace while maintaining high productivity.
- Ideal for remote work, presentations, and multi-screen setups.
- Universal compatibility—works with both iPads and Samsung tablets.
If you want a tablet setup that’s as powerful as a full workstation, Present is a must-have accessory.
2. Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case
A great keyboard can turn your tablet into a laptop replacement, and Logitech’s Combo Touch is one of the best keyboard cases for both Samsung and iPad users.
Why it’s a must-have:
- Full keyboard and trackpad support, making typing and navigation easy.
- Backlit keys—great for working in low-light environments.
- Kickstand support—lets you adjust viewing angles.
- More affordable than Apple’s Magic Keyboard or Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard.
If you want to boost your productivity without spending a fortune, this is the best keyboard case for your tablet.
3. Anker 737 Power Bank
A tablet is only as good as its battery life, and Anker’s 737 Power Bank ensures that your iPad or Samsung tablet stays powered up all day.
Why you need this:
- 140W fast charging—quickly charges your tablet, phone, or even a laptop.
- Massive battery capacity (24,000mAh)—enough to charge an iPad 1.5x times or a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2x times.
- USB-C support—works with both iPads and Samsung tablets.
- Compact and travel-friendly—perfect for on-the-go users.
If you hate running out of battery, this power bank is a lifesaver.
Conclusion: Which Tablet Should You Buy?
- If you’re an artist → iPad Pro + Apple Pencil.
- If you want an Android laptop alternative → Samsung Tab S9 Ultra.
- If you want a budget tablet → Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.
- If you want the best tablet, period? → iPad Pro (M4).
At the end of the day, Samsung tablets offer customization, OLED displays, and better value, while iPads dominate in power, longevity, and creative tools. It’s up to you.
But let’s be real… iPads just feel better.
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
