In the world of high-end tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and iPad Pro M2 (12.9″) are major contenders. Featuring elegant designs and advanced performance, both devices offer a superior experience. In this article, we’ll compare the design, layout and display of these two flagship tablets to help you make an informed choice.
Design and concept:
Both tablets sport designs typical of modern flagships, with metal monocoques, flat sides and fronts almost entirely covered by thin bezels. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is slightly thinner, while the iPad Pro M2 is a little lighter. Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the iPad Pro have limited color options. The Tab S9 Ultra is only available in beige and graphite, while the iPad Pro is offered in space gray and silver.
Both devices feature a four-speaker setup with symmetrical placement on the sides and USB-C ports at the bottom. However, one important note is that these devices feel a little naked without a keyboard case, due to their size, especially the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the iPad Pro are well-built and pleasant to the touch. However, only the Tab S9 Ultra is IP68-certified for water and dust resistance, which is not the case for the iPad Pro. The S Pen stylus also benefits from the same IP68 classification as the Tab S9 Ultra. This makes the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra a better choice for durability and outdoor use.
Both devices can be paired with detachable keyboards. The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro and the Keyboard Book Cover Case for the Tab S9 Ultra are additional accessories that can be purchased separately. They are very useful for those who use their tablet as their main device.
Screen and display:
The Tab S9 Ultra’s 14.6-inch screen with a 16:10 ratio is wider than the iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch screen with a 3:2 ratio. What’s more, the bezels surrounding Samsung’s tablet are thinner than those on the iPad Pro. However, the difference in actual display space between the two devices isn’t huge, unless you’re watching widescreen videos or using multiple apps at the same time. Most application user interfaces don’t take full advantage of this extra display space.
In terms of display technology, the Tab S9 Ultra’s OLED screen is technically superior to the iPad Pro’s MiniLED. Although the OLED panel offers a wider color gamut and the ability to display pure blacks, under normal conditions of use, the difference may not be very noticeable. If you’re not a regular user of content with dark scenes, you may not notice a significant difference between the two screens.
Performance:
In terms of overall performance for social media and media consumption, the two tablets stand out. The iPad Pro is slightly easier to hold in one hand due to its more compact size, while the Tab S9 Ultra offers an immersive experience when reading Instagram thanks to its full-size screen.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for Galaxy, delivering high-end performance. Although it doesn’t match the power of the Apple M2 chip found in the iPad Pro, the Snapdragon chip delivers smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. Benchmark tests have shown high scores, outperforming many other Android devices.
Multitasking and productivity:
If you’re a multitasking enthusiast, the Tab S9 Ultra proves to be a more suitable choice thanks to its better management of simultaneous tasks. For example, you can check your e-mails while keeping an eye on Twitter, or use a small WhatsApp window while browsing Instagram Reels. On the other hand, the iPad Pro also has good multitasking capabilities, but some unique features like Picture-in-Picture mode might be missing.
Gaming performance:
Both tablets offer outstanding gaming performance, with the ability to run games at the highest settings. While the iPad Pro features the powerful M2 chip, the Tab S9 Ultra isn’t outdone by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for Galaxy, which offers high-end performance.
Video editing:
For video editing users, the iPad Pro with its Final Cut Pro software offers an impressive, almost breathtaking editing experience. However, the Tab S9 Ultra also offers a leading video editor for Android, LumaFusion, although export times can be longer compared to the iPad Pro.
S Pen
Samsung recently released its new Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which is being compared to the iPad Pro. One of the notable differences between the two tablets is that the S Pen stylus is supplied with the Tab S9 Ultra, whereas the Apple Pencil must be purchased separately for the iPad Pro. What’s more, the S Pen can act as a remote control for the tablet, allowing users to control items such as the camera shutter and PowerPoint presentations. By contrast, the Apple Pencil is primarily a tool for tapping the screen with a fine point, although it does offer some useful features for drawing.
Camera duel
When it comes to cameras, the iPad Pro M2 excels. The device boasts an impressive rear camera, with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens. These cameras offer advanced features such as Smart HDR 4, 5x digital zoom and optical zoom. Users can capture high-quality photos and videos with high precision and wide dynamic range.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra also offers a solid camera setup, with a 13MP main camera and a 5MP ultra-wide camera. Features such as optical image stabilization and 4K video recording enable users to capture precious moments with sharpness and clarity.
Verdict:
Overall, both tablets offer solid performance and advanced camera capabilities. If you’re looking for an Android tablet with a powerful processor and interesting features, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a loyal Apple user or need the power of the M2 chip for intensive tasks, the iPad Pro M2 will be your best choice. Whatever you decide, these two tablets will provide you with a top-of-the-range experience, whether for work or leisure.
See also:
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