Your browser does not support JavaScript!

Comparison of High-End Tablets: Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. Apple iPad

GOOVER DAILY REPORT June 15, 2024
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Performance Comparison
  3. Display and Media Consumption
  4. Productivity and Additional Features
  5. User Preferences and Final Considerations
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report provides an in-depth comparison between two high-end tablets: the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4. Focusing on key aspects such as performance, display quality, software, and productivity features, the report aims to guide consumers in making informed choices. Key findings reveal that the Apple iPad Pro M4 excels in boot-up speed and gaming performance, supported by higher raw performance benchmarks. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out in media consumption due to its wider 16:10 aspect ratio display and multi-tasking capabilities enabled by Dex mode. Both devices offer robust app performance, though their effectiveness can vary based on whether the app is optimized for Android or iOS. Additional features like biometric security and stylus experience were also evaluated, showing nuanced strengths for each tablet.

2. Performance Comparison

  • 2-1. Boot-Up Speed

  • In terms of boot-up speed, the Apple iPad Pro M4 has a slight advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Both devices offer quick start-up times, but the iPad Pro M4 consistently boots up faster. This edge in speed can particularly benefit users who value efficiency and need to start their tasks without delay. However, the difference in boot-up speed is not significant enough to be a deciding factor for most users.

  • 2-2. Gaming Benchmarks

  • In gaming performance, the Apple iPad Pro M4 generally outshines the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. The iPad Pro M4 consistently achieves higher scores in gaming benchmarks, indicating superior capabilities in handling demanding games. Its powerful hardware and optimized software allow it to run high-end games smoothly, with impressive graphics and minimal lag. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, though very capable, does not match the iPad Pro M4 in terms of raw gaming performance but can still provide a satisfactory gaming experience for most users.

  • 2-3. App Performance

  • Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 demonstrate robust capabilities in app performance. Basic apps load quickly on both devices, ensuring a seamless experience for everyday tasks. However, some apps are better optimized for one platform over the other. For instance, apps tailored for the Android ecosystem may perform better on the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, while apps optimized for iOS may see smoother performance on the iPad Pro M4. Users should consider the apps they frequently use and research their performance on each platform before making a decision.

  • 2-4. Raw Performance Benchmarks

  • When analyzing raw performance benchmarks, the Apple iPad Pro M4 consistently outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. In popular benchmarking tools like Geekbench and 3D Mark, the iPad Pro M4 achieves significantly higher scores. These benchmarks suggest that the iPad Pro M4 is better equipped for handling demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, or running complex applications. However, it is important to note that while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra may have lower benchmark scores, it still performs well for most tasks and offers a balanced user experience. The difference in benchmark scores may not be a significant factor unless users regularly engage in highly demanding activities requiring the best performance.

3. Display and Media Consumption

  • 3-1. Display Quality

  • Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 excel in display quality with their high refresh rate screens. Specifically, both tablets feature 120Hz displays, which ensure smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing the user experience. However, there are distinct variations in their aspect ratios: the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra uses a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it highly suitable for media consumption by providing a more immersive experience. In contrast, the iPad Pro M4 follows a traditional aspect ratio that is more aligned with productivity tasks.

  • 3-2. Aspect Ratio for Media Consumption

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra's 16:10 aspect ratio provides a wider screen, which is ideal for watching videos and movies. This aspect ratio minimizes black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, enhancing the immersive experience for media consumption. On the other hand, the Apple iPad Pro M4 maintains a more traditional aspect ratio, optimized for productivity tasks rather than media. For media consumption, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra's wider aspect ratio offers a better viewing experience.

  • 3-3. Multitasking and Dex Mode

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features Dex mode, which significantly enhances its multitasking capabilities by transforming the tablet into a desktop-like environment. This allows users to use multiple windows simultaneously, drag and drop files, and utilize keyboard shortcuts, thereby boosting productivity. While the Apple iPad Pro M4 doesn't have a similar mode, it includes features such as Stage Manager and external monitor support, which offer robust options for productivity and multitasking, albeit in a different way. Overall, Dex mode provides a unique advantage for users looking to enhance their multitasking experience.

4. Productivity and Additional Features

  • 4-1. Biometric Features

  • Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 offer advanced biometric features for secure and convenient device unlocking. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra provides two options: face recognition and a fingerprint sensor. These biometric methods allow you to quickly and securely access your tablet without the need for traditional passwords. On the other hand, the iPad Pro M4 relies solely on Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition technology. While Face ID is slightly slower when the tablet is in portrait mode, it remains highly secure and user-friendly. Specifically, Samsung offers both face recognition and a fingerprint sensor, while Apple uses Face ID facial recognition technology.

  • 4-2. Software and Operating Systems

  • Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 run their respective latest software updates flawlessly. Whether you are using Android on the Samsung tablet or iOS on the iPad, you can expect a smooth and responsive navigation experience. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra utilizes Android with Samsung's One UI, which offers great customization features like floating window multi-tasking, using the tablet as a second display for Windows PCs, and Samsung DeX for a PC-like user interface. The iPad Pro M4 operates on iOS, known for its smooth operation, optimized apps, and integrated ecosystem. Apple’s iOS features Stage Manager and external monitor support, enhancing multitasking and productivity.

  • 4-3. Stylus Experience

  • For professional creative work on a tablet, both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 provide excellent stylus experiences. Samsung includes the S Pen in the box with the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, offering pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, palm rejection, and minimal latency, enhancing note-taking and drawing experiences. Apple’s iPad Pro M4 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, which has similar features but must be purchased separately. Some users prefer the quieter and smoother feel of the Samsung S Pen over the Apple Pencil 2’s louder taps, and the necessity for an additional purchase may influence some consumers' choices.

5. User Preferences and Final Considerations

  • 5-1. Customization vs. Polished Experience

  • The comparison between Samsung Galaxy Tab and Apple iPad reveals a clear distinction in user experience based on customization versus polished performance. The Samsung Galaxy Tab, running on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offers extensive customization features. Users can benefit from floating window multi-tasking, drag-and-drop functionality for images and files, and Samsung DeX, which provides a PC-like user interface. On the other hand, the iPad, running on iPadOS, is recognized for its smooth operating experience. The Apple operating system is highly optimized for tablets, making it more reliable and providing a better-optimized application performance. This distinction makes the Samsung Galaxy Tab a preferable choice for users seeking freedom and customizability, while the Apple iPad remains the go-to option for users desiring a polished and seamless experience.

  • 5-2. Media vs. Productivity Needs

  • When it comes to choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Apple iPad for media consumption versus productivity tasks, each tablet has distinct strengths. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, featuring a 14.6-inch AMOLED display with 2,960 x 1,848 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, is engineered to provide a superior media consumption experience. Its larger screen and bundled S Pen enhance its functionality for note-taking and drawing. With the Samsung DeX mode, it transforms into a productivity powerhouse, enabling a PC-like user experience. Conversely, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9, equipped with the powerful M2 chip and Liquid Retina XDR display, excels in productivity tasks. The combination of the M2 chip’s performance and the highly optimized iPadOS makes it ideal for creative professionals such as illustrators, animators, and video editors. Additionally, accessories like the Apple Pencil (sold separately) enhance its productivity capabilities.

  • 5-3. Platform-Specific App Performance

  • The performance of platform-specific applications is a critical consideration for users selecting between Samsung Galaxy Tab and Apple iPad. Apple's App Store offers a highly polished experience with a vast selection of apps optimized specifically for tablet use. This level of optimization ensures that apps run smoothly and take full advantage of the iPad’s hardware capabilities. In contrast, Google Play Store on Samsung tablets provides a more diverse range of applications with greater freedom and variety. However, this comes with the challenge of less consistency, as not all apps are optimized for tablet use, leading to potential performance issues. Additionally, the performance disparities between the processors—Apple’s M2 chip in the iPad and the Qualcomm Snapdragon in the Samsung Galaxy Tab—highlight the iPad's superior computational power, particularly beneficial for high-performance apps.

6. Conclusion

  • The detailed comparison highlights important considerations for prospective buyers of high-end tablets. Users will find the Apple iPad Pro M4 particularly advantageous for tasks requiring high performance, such as gaming, video editing, and running complex applications. Its superior boot-up speed and robust benchmark scores make it ideal for users prioritizing speed and power. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra excels in enhancing media consumption and multitasking, attributed to its wider aspect ratio and Dex mode. This makes it a preferable choice for users who need versatile multitasking capabilities and immersive media experiences. However, both devices have clear strengths and potential limitations, with the iPad focusing on a polished user experience and the Galaxy Tab offering extensive customization options. Future prospects include potential improvements in app optimization on both platforms and advancements in hardware capabilities. Practical recommendations suggest that consumers align their choice with specific needs, such as customization, media consumption, productivity, or polished performance, to leverage the best features of each tablet.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra [Product]

  • A high-end tablet by Samsung known for its superior media consumption experience and enhanced multitasking capabilities with Dex mode. It offers features such as a wider aspect ratio screen and strong performance metrics in several key areas.

  • 7-2. Apple iPad Pro M4 [Product]

  • A premium tablet by Apple that excels in raw performance, gaming benchmarks, and polished user experiences. The iPad Pro M4 offers superior boot-up speed and productivity features, catering to users seeking speed and power.

8. Source Documents