iPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab: The Definitive Tablet Showdown

Based on benchmark testing, app ecosystem analysis, and real user experiences

The short answer: iPad wins for most users. Apple's M-series chips deliver roughly 2x the performance of Samsung's Snapdragon processors, the App Store has superior tablet-optimized apps, and iPads receive 5-7 years of software updates vs Samsung's 4 years. Samsung fights back with included S Pen (saving $100+), expandable storage, and DeX desktop mode—but those advantages don't overcome iPad's performance lead for most buyers. Get iPad on Amazon →

The Fighters

	Apple iPad	Samsung Galaxy Tab
Price Range	$449-$1,299 on Amazon	$200-$1,200 on Amazon
Best For	Creatives, Apple ecosystem users	Android users, DeX multitaskers
Processor	A16/M2/M4 chips	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Stylus	Apple Pencil ($99-129 extra)	S Pen (included)
Storage	64GB-2TB (not expandable)	128GB-1TB + microSD slot

a tablet computer sitting on top of a wooden table

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Raw Performance

This isn't close. Apple's custom silicon dominates.

In Geekbench 5 benchmarks, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) scores 1,560 single-core and 4,970 multi-core. The iPad Pro M2? 1,862 single-core and 8,500 multi-core. The newer M4? Even higher.

PhoneArena tested both flagships: "The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 didn't stand a chance against the desktop-grade Apple M4 chip. The iPad Pro has somewhere around twice the processing power of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra."

In 3DMark Wildlife gaming benchmarks, iPad Pro scored 25,219 (151 fps) versus Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra's 14,722 (88 fps). That's 71% faster graphics.

Even the base $449 iPad with A16 chip outperforms mid-range Samsung tablets in most tasks.

Apple iPad	Samsung Galaxy Tab
10/10	6/10

Round 1 Winner: Apple iPad — M-series chips deliver desktop-class performance Samsung can't match.

Score after Round 1: iPad 10 | Samsung 6

Round 2: Display Quality

Samsung's AMOLED technology gives it an edge in the mid-range.

The Galaxy Tab S9's Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers "superior color accuracy with a Delta-E score of 0.17" according to Cellular Professor, with 878 nits HDR brightness and true blacks. All Tab S9 models get 120Hz refresh rates.

Meanwhile, the iPad Air (M2) uses LCD with only 60Hz refresh rate. XDA Developers noted it "simply can't compare with the display of the Tab S9."

However, the iPad Pro M4 fights back with Apple's Tandem OLED display hitting 1,600 nits peak brightness and 120Hz ProMotion. At the flagship level, iPad Pro matches or beats Samsung.

For the money, Samsung's AMOLED screens on $800-1000 tablets beat iPad's LCD options at similar prices.

Apple iPad	Samsung Galaxy Tab
7/10	9/10

Round 2 Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab — AMOLED beats LCD, and 120Hz is standard across Samsung's lineup.

Score after Round 2: iPad 17 | Samsung 15

Round 3: App Ecosystem

This is where iPad's dominance shows.

Android Authority acknowledges that "apps built from the ground up for the iPad or optimized to run on iPadOS are the highlight of Apple's large-screen experience." Apps like Procreate, Affinity Designer, LumaFusion, Final Cut Pro, and Logic Pro are either iPad-exclusive or far better optimized.

The verdict: "If you're a designer, photographer, video maker, architect, or work on anything creative and media-oriented, you will get the best experience on an iPad because of the sheer choice of apps and the quality of that choice."

Android tablet apps have improved, but SlashGear notes "while Android's tablet app selection has grown over the years, it remains leaner compared to what's available in the App Store."

Many Android tablet apps are just scaled-up phone apps with awkward layouts. iPad apps are purpose-built for larger screens.

Apple iPad	Samsung Galaxy Tab
10/10	6/10

Round 3 Winner: Apple iPad — Superior tablet-optimized apps, especially for creative professionals.

Score after Round 3: iPad 27 | Samsung 21

white ipad on red textile

Round 4: Features & Flexibility

Samsung packs features iPad simply doesn't offer.

Expandable storage: Galaxy Tabs include microSD card slots supporting up to 1TB extra storage. iPads start at 64GB with no expansion—once full, you're stuck. MyNextTablet emphasizes "this is super helpful if you download lots of movies or take many photos."

S Pen included: Samsung bundles the S Pen stylus with Tab S9 series. Apple Pencil costs $99-129 extra, effectively adding 20%+ to comparable iPad prices.

Water resistance: Galaxy Tab S9 series has IP68 rating. No iPad offers water resistance.

Samsung DeX: Creative Bloq calls it "a true desktop-like experience." DeX transforms Galaxy Tabs into Windows-like productivity machines with windowed apps, full keyboard/mouse support, and external monitor output. iPad's Stage Manager is more limited.

These features matter for power users who need laptop-replacement functionality.

Apple iPad	Samsung Galaxy Tab
5/10	9/10

Round 4 Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab — Expandable storage, included stylus, water resistance, and DeX beat iPadOS limitations.

Score after Round 4: iPad 32 | Samsung 30

Round 5: Software Support & Longevity

Apple dominates long-term value.

iPads receive 5-7 years of major iPadOS updates. The iPad Air 2 from 2014 received updates until 2023—nine years of support. TechWise Hub confirms: "If you want a tablet that stays fast and secure for the longest time, iPad is the clear winner."

Samsung now offers 4 years of major updates and 5 years of security patches—a significant improvement, but still behind Apple.

More importantly, studies show iPads remain active for 5.1 years on average, while Android tablets last 3.2 years. That's 60% longer real-world lifespan.

When you factor in longevity, a $449 iPad used for 5 years costs $90/year. A $450 Galaxy Tab used for 3 years costs $150/year. iPad's upfront price delivers better long-term value.

Apple iPad	Samsung Galaxy Tab
10/10	6/10

Round 5 Winner: Apple iPad — 5-7 years of updates and 60% longer active lifespan.

Score after Round 5: iPad 42 | Samsung 36

Round 6: Value Across Price Points

Each brand dominates different segments.

Budget ($200-400): Samsung wins. The Galaxy Tab A8 and Tab S9 FE offer usable tablets at prices where iPad doesn't compete. The cheapest iPad is $449.

Mid-range ($450-800): iPad wins. The base iPad ($449) and iPad Air ($599) deliver better performance and longevity than similarly-priced Samsung options.

Premium ($1,000+): iPad Pro wins for performance and apps. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra wins for display, DeX productivity, and included S Pen.

For most buyers in the $400-800 range where tablet sales concentrate, iPad offers better overall value despite Samsung's feature advantages.

Apple iPad	Samsung Galaxy Tab
7/10	7/10

Round 6: TIE — Samsung owns budget, iPad owns mid-range, premium splits by use case.

black ipad on white table

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
Apple iPad	49/60	WINNER
Samsung Galaxy Tab	43/60

The Winner: Apple iPad

iPad wins this Death Match on the fundamentals: performance, apps, and longevity. Apple's M-series chips deliver roughly twice the power of Samsung's best processors. The App Store has superior tablet-optimized apps, especially for creative work. And 5-7 years of software support means your investment lasts.

Yes, Samsung includes the S Pen (saving $100+). Yes, expandable storage is genuinely useful. Yes, DeX mode offers better desktop multitasking than Stage Manager. But these advantages don't overcome iPad's core strengths for most users.

TechRadar rates iPad as the best tablet category leader for 2026, and benchmark testing consistently shows Apple's performance lead. When you factor in the longer lifespan, iPad's higher upfront cost actually delivers better value per year of use.

For general consumers, students, and creative professionals, iPad remains the tablet to beat.

Ready to buy the winner? Get Apple iPad on Amazon →

When the Loser Actually Wins

Samsung Galaxy Tab isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You're on a budget under $400 — Samsung offers usable tablets at $200-350 where Apple doesn't compete. The Galaxy Tab A8 is a legitimate option for basic use.
You need expandable storage — If you store lots of media locally, Samsung's microSD slot (up to 1TB extra) is invaluable. iPad's fixed storage is limiting.
You want DeX desktop mode — For true laptop replacement with windowed apps and full keyboard/mouse support, Samsung DeX beats iPad's Stage Manager.
You use an Android phone — Samsung's ecosystem (Quick Share, phone calls on tablet, Samsung Notes sync) works seamlessly with Galaxy phones.
The S Pen matters to you — Getting a capable stylus free vs paying $99-129 extra is significant, especially for note-takers.
You need water resistance — Galaxy Tab S9's IP68 rating protects against accidents. No iPad offers this.

Samsung Galaxy Tab might be right for you: Check Galaxy Tab prices on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

a white box with the word realme pad on it

Is the iPad really worth more money than a Samsung tablet?

For most users, yes. The performance advantage is significant—iPads are roughly twice as fast in benchmarks. More importantly, iPads last 5+ years while Android tablets average 3.2 years. When you calculate cost per year of use, iPad often costs less despite higher upfront prices.

Which is better for drawing and digital art?

iPad with Apple Pencil, especially iPad Pro. While Samsung's S Pen is competent (and included free), apps like Procreate, Affinity Designer, and Adobe Fresco are better optimized for iPad. Professional artists overwhelmingly prefer iPad.

Can a Samsung tablet replace my laptop?

Better than iPad can. Samsung DeX mode provides a true desktop-like experience with windowed apps, taskbar, and full keyboard/mouse support. iPad's Stage Manager is more limited. If laptop replacement is your goal, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with DeX is the better choice.

Which should I buy if I have an Android phone?

Samsung Galaxy Tab offers better ecosystem integration—Quick Share, call/text forwarding, Samsung Notes sync, and shared Samsung account. While iPad works with Android phones, the experience is disconnected compared to Galaxy Tab.