Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs. Apple iPad Pro M4: Speed Test Showdown

Are you torn between Samsung’s latest Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Apple’s iPad Pro M4? Let’s dive into a detailed speed test comparison to see which tablet really stands out.

Key Takeaways

iPad Pro M4 boots up faster than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Samsung excels in face recognition and biometric unlocks.
Both tablets offer fluid day-to-day navigation with 120Hz displays.
The iPad Pro M4 outperforms in benchmarks, especially in gaming graphics.
Samsung’s wider aspect ratio is better for media consumption.

Boot-Up Speed

Let’s start with the basics. When both tablets are powered on simultaneously, the iPad Pro M4 consistently boots up faster than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.

Biometrics and Unlocking

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Face Recognition: Fast and efficient, particularly in landscape mode.
Fingerprint Sensor: Quick and reliable, even with the screen off.

Apple iPad Pro M4

Face ID: Slightly slower, especially in portrait mode, requiring a swipe to unlock.

Display and Navigation

Refresh Rates

Both tablets feature 120Hz displays, ensuring smooth navigation and a premium viewing experience.

Day-to-Day Use

Despite the iPad Pro M4’s M4 chip being theoretically faster, everyday navigation and app usage feel equally snappy on both devices.

App Launch Speed

Here’s a quick rundown of how each tablet performed in launching various apps:

App	Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra	Apple iPad Pro M4
Calendar	Slower	Faster
Clock	Equal	Equal
Weather	Faster	Slower
Instagram	Better optimized	Less optimized
eBay	Faster	Slower
Subway Surfers	Faster	Slower

Media Consumption

For watching movies and videos, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s 16:10 aspect ratio provides a more immersive experience with fewer black bars compared to the iPad Pro M4.

Gaming Performance

In gaming, the iPad Pro M4 shines. Benchmark tests like 3D Mark and Geekbench 6 show the iPad Pro M4 offering nearly double the frame rates compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. This translates to smoother graphics and better performance in graphics-intensive games.

Productivity and Multitasking

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

Samsung DeX: Excellent for productivity, offering a desktop-like experience with multiple window support.
RAM Management: Handles multitasking efficiently with 12GB of RAM.

Apple iPad Pro M4

Stage Manager: Smooth animations and efficient multitasking, though with a less desktop-like feel than DeX.
RAM Options: Available with up to 16GB of RAM for intensive tasks.

Benchmark Results

Geekbench 6

iPad Pro M4: Significantly higher scores in both single-core and multi-core tests.
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Competent but falls behind the iPad Pro M4.

3D Mark Wildlife Extreme

iPad Pro M4: Superior frame rates, ideal for high-end gaming.
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Good performance but not as smooth as the iPad.

Final Thoughts

Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 are powerhouses in their own right. The iPad Pro M4 leads in raw performance and gaming capabilities, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers a superior media consumption experience and robust multitasking features with Samsung DeX.

Which Should You Choose?

For Gamers and Performance Enthusiasts: Go with the iPad Pro M4. Its faster chip and better optimization for games make it the clear winner.
For Media Consumption and Productivity: The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is your best bet with its wider screen and versatile DeX mode.

Which one will you choose? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!

This comprehensive comparison aims to help you make an informed decision, balancing both technical prowess and practical usage scenarios.