Comparing the M4 iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Introduction

• Both tablets are top contenders for 2024
• Each has unique use cases
• Comparison includes design, materials, accessories, performance, and value

Design and Materials

• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

  • Largest tablet, takes up a lot of desk space
  • Uncomfortable for one-handed use
  • Thick (5.5 mm vs. 5.1 mm of iPad Pro)
  • Weighs more (133g heavier)
  • Weight distribution issues, top-heavy
  • IP68 water and dust resistant
  • Supports micro SD cards
  • Comes in gray or beige

• iPad Pro

  • Slightly smaller and thinner, comfortable to hold
  • Silver and Space Gray color options

Display

• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

  • 14.6-inch display
  • Lower brightness, less suitable for outdoor use
  • Better aspect ratio (16:10) for watching movies
  • Colors less vibrant in some scenarios but adjustable
  • Thinner bezels (5 mm) but has a notch

• iPad Pro

  • 13-inch display
  • Brighter, better for outdoor use
  • Less reflectivity
  • Nano-texture option available
  • Slightly sharper display
  • No option to adjust color modes
  • Thicker bezels (8 mm), no notch

Keyboard

• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

  • Separate keyboard and adjustable kickstand
  • Rubber top, only black option
  • Heavier with keyboard attached

• iPad Pro

  • Magnetic attachment, easier to detach
  • More travel on keys, force trackpad
  • Comes with USB-C port
  • Metal top, available in black and white
  • Lighter with keyboard attached

Pencil

• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

  • S Pen included
  • Charges on the back
  • No battery needed for basic functions
  • Preferred for note-taking
  • Pro S Pen available but less functional

• iPad Pro

  • Apple Pencil costs extra
  • Charges magnetically on the side
  • Better for artists, more features like brush rotation, haptic feedback
  • Supports professional apps like Procreate

Cameras

• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

  • Better main camera, ultra-wide module
  • Dual front-facing cameras

• iPad Pro

  • Superior flash, LiDAR module
  • Records in ProRes
  • Supports Face ID

Speakers

• iPad Pro expected to have better sound but Tab S9 Ultra is very close in quality

Software Experience

• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

  • Supports three apps side-by-side and multiple floating windows
  • Adjustable transparency
  • Issues with mobile layout in some apps

• iPad Pro

  • Stage Manager for multitasking
  • Multiple instances of the same app
  • Better app support, including professional-grade apps
  • Not as powerful as macOS for file management

Performance

• iPad Pro has a significant lead with M4 chip, faster in many benchmarks
• Thunderbolt port on iPad Pro offers higher data transfer speeds

Value

• iPad Pro starts at $1300, additional costs for Apple Pencil and keyboard
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at $1200 and is often on sale
• iPad Pro viewed as closer to being a laptop replacement

Conclusion

• Best for Laptop Replacement: iPad Pro
• Best for Note-Taking: Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
• Best for Watching Movies: Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in dark rooms
• Best for Graphic Design: iPad Air with Apple Pencil Pro for better value
• Alternatives: Refurbished M1/M2 iPad Pro, Samsung Tab S9 Plus