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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs. Apple iPad Pro M2: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The tablet market has two dominant players vying for the top spot – Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Apple’s iPad Pro powered by the M2 chip. These flagship tablets represent the pinnacle of technology from Android and iOS. But which one comes out on top in 2023? We compare the designs, displays, performance, accessories, and more.

Pricing and Design

The base models with 256GB of storage are identically priced at $1,100. However, the Tab S9 Ultra includes microSD expansion while iPad storage upgrades are pricey.

Despite having a massive 14.6″ display, the Tab S9 Ultra is only slightly heavier than the 12.9″ iPad Pro. It feels lighter due to the larger size and thinner profile. The Galaxy Tab is also IP68 water resistant, a first for a Samsung tablet.

The iPad Pro’s Face ID is more seamless than the Tab’s in-display fingerprint scanner. Both tablets have USB-C ports, but only the iPad has Thunderbolt support.

Design Differences

  • Tab S9 Ultra is much larger at 14.6″ but thinner
  • Tab S9 is IP68 water resistant, iPad Pro is not
  • iPad has Face ID, Tab uses in-display fingerprint
  • Both have USB-C, but only iPad has Thunderbolt

Display and Speakers

The Tab S9 Ultra’s Super AMOLED screen is brighter on HDR content despite lower rated nits. But the iPad Pro’s mini-LED screen has better dark level blacks.

For speakers, the iPad Pro produces richer mids and deeper bass for better overall sound. However, the Tab S9 Ultra’s giant screen makes videos more immersive.

Display and Audio Comparison

  • Tab S9 brighter on HDR, iPad black levels superior
  • iPad Pro has better, more balanced sound
  • Tab S9 Ultra more cinematic for video

Performance and Accessories

Both tablets support stylus input, but the S Pen is included free with the Tab S9 Ultra. iPad Pro owners must pay $129 extra for the Apple Pencil.

In benchmarks, the M2 iPad Pro’s CPU and GPU outpace the Tab S9 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 by a wide margin. However, the Tab S9 Ultra has microSD expandability.

For keyboard covers, both cost $349. Samsung’s solution includes the full DeX desktop environment. But iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard case has a superior typing experience.

Speed and Accessories

  • M2 iPad Pro much faster CPU and GPU
  • Tab S9 Ultra has microSD card slot
  • Keyboard cases both expensive, both excellent

Cameras and Battery Life

The iPad Pro technically has higher resolution rear cameras. But the Tab S9 Ultra’s photos appear sharper and more detailed. For video calls, the Tab’s dual-lens front camera with landscape orientation is superior.

Battery life favors the iPad Pro at around 8 hours versus 6.5 hours for the Tab S9 Ultra. The Galaxy Tab’s larger screen and less efficient OS account for this difference.

Photos, Video Calls, and Battery

  • Tab S9 Ultra takes better quality photos
  • Tab S9 Ultra better for video calls
  • iPad Pro battery lasts about 1.5 hrs longer

Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra beats the iPad Pro in several areas like the display, expandable storage, included S Pen, and useful DeX desktop mode.

However, the iPad Pro’s more powerful performance, iPadOS app optimization, and battery life still appeal to many users. The ideal tablet depends on your priorities. But for versatility, the Tab S9 Ultra gets the edge in 2023.


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