Your browser does not support JavaScript!

Comparative Analysis of Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S9 Ultra and Apple iPad Air M1/Pro M4

GOOVER DAILY REPORT 6월 13, 2024
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs. Apple iPad Air M1
  3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs. Apple iPad Pro M4
  4. Key Performance Benchmark Comparisons
  5. User Preferences and Ecosystem Impacts
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report provides a detailed comparative analysis between Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 Ultra models and Apple's iPad Air M1 and iPad Pro M4 models. By examining the key differences in hardware, software, display, accessories, performance, and specific use-case scenarios, the report aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each device. The analysis is based on verified data, enabling readers to make informed decisions based on their individual needs and preferences.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs. Apple iPad Air M1

  • 2-1. Hardware Comparison

  • Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Apple iPad Air M1 share a similar look and feel, with each sporting an aluminum build design featuring rounded edges. However, there are notable differences in their hardware specifications. The Galaxy Tab S8 has an 11-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. It comes with a 12MP front camera, a 13MP dual wide camera, and a 6MP ultrawide rear camera. Samsung includes an S Pen inside the box, which is beneficial for note-taking and drawing. On the other hand, the iPad Air M1 features a slightly smaller 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display with a 60Hz refresh rate and is powered by the M1 chip found in MacBook Air and Pro. It has a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage and a 12MP rear camera. The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are supported but must be purchased separately.

  • 2-2. Software Ecosystem

  • The software ecosystems of these tablets differ significantly, primarily due to their operating systems. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 operates on Android with Samsung’s One UI skin, providing extensive customization options and features such as floating window multitasking, using Tab S8 as a second display for Windows PCs, drag-and-drop functionality, and Samsung DeX for a PC-like interface. The iPad Air M1 runs on iPadOS, integrating seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. Notable features include multitasking with two apps side by side, using the iPad as a second monitor for a MacBook, and as a front camera for video calls. The choice between these operating systems depends heavily on the user's existing ecosystem of devices.

  • 2-3. Display Quality

  • When it comes to display quality, the Galaxy Tab S8 offers a larger 11-inch screen with a higher 120Hz refresh rate and a 2560x1600 resolution. Although it lacks AMOLED technology, the higher refresh rate improves smoothness and responsiveness, particularly for gaming and UI navigation. In contrast, the iPad Air M1 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display with a 2360x1640 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. Despite having a lower refresh rate, the iPad's display offers a slightly higher peak brightness of 485 nits, providing accurate and vibrant visuals. Overall, the 120Hz refresh rate on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 gives it an edge in terms of smoothness.

  • 2-4. Accessories and Expandability

  • In terms of accessories and expandability, both tablets support additional peripherals that enhance user experience. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 comes with an S Pen included for note-taking, doodling, and drawing. There is also an optional keyboard cover sold separately for $139, which adds protection and expands the tablet's functionality to some laptop-like capabilities. The Apple iPad Air M1 supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which are high-quality accessories designed for productivity and creativity. However, these accessories come at an additional cost of $129 and $299, respectively. Both tablets support external devices such as keyboards, mice, and monitors through their USB Type C inputs.

  • 2-5. Performance Metrics

  • Performance-wise, the iPad Air M1 outshines the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 significantly. The Galaxy Tab S8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which is capable of handling a broad range of applications and games efficiently. Nonetheless, the iPad Air M1 utilizes the M1 chip, which is also found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, providing exceptional performance levels above any other tablet in its price range. Benchmark tests, such as GeekBench 6 Multi-Core, reveal that the M1 chip outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 by a wide margin, often performing twice as fast in certain benchmarks. This superior processing power contributes to better longevity and the smooth running of more demanding applications.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs. Apple iPad Pro M4

  • 3-1. Display and Design Features

  • Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 have impressive display and design features. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a massive 14.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,960 x 1,848 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports vivid and natural display modes, achieving up to 878 nits of brightness. On the other hand, the iPad Pro M4 has a slightly smaller 12.9-inch display with a 2,732 x 2,048 pixel resolution. Both tablets are sleek, but the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out with its larger size and high screen-to-body ratio. However, the iPad Pro excels in color accuracy and HDR brightness, reaching up to 1,577 nits.

  • 3-2. Processor and Graphics Performance

  • The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, while the iPad Pro M4 features Apple's M2 chip. In terms of raw performance, benchmarks reveal that the iPad Pro M4 outperforms the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. The iPad Pro’s higher Geekbench and 3DMark scores indicate superior CPU and GPU performance. The iPad Pro scored 1,862 on Geekbench single-core and 8,500 on multi-core tests, compared to the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra's 1,560 and 4,970 respectively. The M2 chip’s efficiency also translates to better gaming performance, with the iPad Pro hitting 151 fps on 3DMark's Wild Life Unlimited test as opposed to the Tab S9 Ultra’s 88 fps.

  • 3-3. Battery Life

  • The battery life of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is decent but is outperformed by the iPad Pro. In continuous web browsing tests at 150 nits of brightness, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra lasted 9 hours and 27 minutes, whereas the iPad Pro lasted over an hour longer. This difference is primarily attributed to the energy efficiency of Apple's M2 chip despite the iPad Pro's smaller display.

  • 3-4. Media Consumption

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra excels in media consumption thanks to its 16:10 aspect ratio and vibrant OLED display. This aspect ratio is particularly suited for video content, providing an immersive experience with minimal black bars during video playback. The display's vibrant colors and excellent contrast make it ideal for watching movies and TV shows. In comparison, the iPad Pro, while delivering excellent color accuracy and brightness, retains a more traditional aspect ratio which is better optimized for productivity tasks.

  • 3-5. Productivity Use Cases

  • Both tablets offer robust productivity features. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s DeX mode provides a desktop-like environment, allowing for multitasking across multiple windows and using keyboard shortcuts. The iPad Pro M4 shines with its Stage Manager and external monitor support, which enable efficient multitasking and extended desktop usage. Additionally, the optional peripherals like the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro and the Book Cover Keyboard for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra enhance productivity by providing a laptop-like typing experience. However, the Magic Keyboard's sturdiness and design give it an edge over Samsung's Book Cover Keyboard, which despite being functional, feels less robust.

4. Key Performance Benchmark Comparisons

  • 4-1. Raw Performance Benchmarks

  • In benchmark results, the Apple iPad Pro M4 consistently outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Popular benchmarking tools such as Geekbench and 3D Mark indicate that the iPad Pro M4 achieves significantly higher scores, showcasing superior raw performance. While these scores suggest the iPad Pro M4 is better equipped for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and complex application usage, it is important to note that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra still performs well for most tasks.

  • 4-2. Boot-up Speed

  • The Apple iPad Pro M4 has a slight edge over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in terms of boot-up speed. Although both devices offer quick start-up times, the iPad Pro M4 consistently boots up faster, which can be particularly beneficial for users who value efficiency and need to start working on tasks without delay. Despite this advantage, the difference in boot-up speed is not substantial enough to be a deciding factor for most users.

  • 4-3. Gaming Performance

  • Gaming performance is an area where the Apple iPad Pro M4 excels. The iPad Pro M4 consistently achieves higher scores in gaming benchmarks, indicating superior capabilities in handling demanding games. Its powerful hardware and optimized software enable smooth performance with impressive graphics and minimal lag. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra remains a capable gaming device, providing a satisfactory experience for casual gaming sessions despite not matching the iPad Pro M4's raw gaming power.

  • 4-4. App Performance

  • Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 demonstrate robust 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. Apps specifically designed for the Android ecosystem may perform better on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, while apps optimized for iOS may offer smoother performance on the Apple iPad Pro M4. Users should consider their frequently used apps and research their performance on each platform.

  • 4-5. Overall Usability

  • Both tablets offer smooth and intuitive navigation experiences. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Pro M4 run their respective latest software updates flawlessly, with user-friendly interfaces that facilitate easy navigation, app launching, and multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features Dex mode, which transforms it into a desktop-like environment to enhance multitasking capabilities. On the other hand, the Apple iPad Pro M4’s Stage Manager and external monitor support provide robust productivity options, making it suitable for professional use.

5. User Preferences and Ecosystem Impacts

  • 5-1. Device Ecosystems

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S9 Ultra and Apple iPad Air M1/Pro M4 both provide robust ecosystems that align with other devices from their respective brands. Samsung’s tablets integrate seamlessly with other Samsung and Windows devices, thanks to features like Samsung DeX and One UI, which offer extensive customization, multitasking abilities, and the use of the tablet as a second display. In contrast, the Apple iPad’s iOS ecosystem excels with highly integrated functionalities such as multitasking with two apps simultaneously, using the iPad as a second monitor for MacBooks, and advanced synchronization with other Apple devices, making it more suitable for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

  • 5-2. Budget Considerations

  • Budget plays a significant role in choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S9 Ultra and the Apple iPad Air M1/Pro M4. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 includes the S Pen, offering value for tasks like note-taking and drawing without additional cost, whereas Apple’s accessories such as the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard must be purchased separately, increasing the overall expenditure. Additionally, Samsung’s tabs offer deals like trade-ins and discounts on accessories, making them more cost-effective in certain scenarios. On the higher end, the iPad Pro configurations can be significantly more expensive, especially when opting for additional storage or cellular capabilities.

  • 5-3. Specific Use Cases

  • Different use cases might determine user preference between these devices. For example, media consumption is enhanced on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with its 16:10 aspect ratio and vibrant display, providing a more immersive experience. On the other hand, the Apple iPad Pro M4 is superior for high-performance tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering, courtesy of its M2 chip and higher benchmark scores. Users focused on productivity may find the Samsung’s DeX mode, which transforms the tablet into a desktop-like experience, extremely beneficial, while Apple’s Stage Manager provides an advanced multitasking environment and external monitor support for a seamless work setup.

  • 5-4. Personal Preference Analysis

  • Personal preference plays an integral role when choosing between these tablets. Those already invested in an existing ecosystem—be it Android or iOS—might gravitate towards the tablets that best integrate with their devices. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S9 Ultra offers significant customization and multitasking capabilities. Conversely, Apple users will benefit from the intuitive synchronization and superior performance of the iPad Air M1/Pro M4. Additional elements such as accessory preferences, like the integration with Apple’s Magic Keyboard or Samsung’s included S Pen, also influence user choices based on their specific needs and preferences.

6. Conclusion

  • The report concludes that both Samsung and Apple offer compelling devices with distinct strengths. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 Ultra excel in display technology and productivity features, while Apple's iPad Air M1 and iPad Pro M4 demonstrate superior performance in raw processing power and ecosystem integration. The choice between these devices will largely depend on individual needs such as media consumption, productivity, budget constraints, and preferred ecosystem. While Samsung provides a seamless Android experience, Apple excels with a more integrated iOS ecosystem. These insights help users make well-informed decisions based on their specific requirements.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 [Product]

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 features a 120Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and Samsung's One UI. It excels in display quality and productivity use cases.

  • 7-2. Apple iPad Air M1 [Product]

  • Apple's iPad Air M1 offers a robust 60Hz display and is powered by the M1 chip, boasting impressive performance within Apple's integrated ecosystem.

  • 7-3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra [Product]

  • The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a 14.6-inch OLED display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. It is designed for media consumption and productivity with features such as the Book Cover Keyboard.

  • 7-4. Apple iPad Pro M4 [Product]

  • Apple's iPad Pro M4 offers superior CPU and graphics performance, excelling in boot-up speed, gaming, and overall raw performance, making it ideal for high-power tasks within a robust iOS ecosystem.

8. Source Documents