In this article we will compare the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs iPad Pro 13. Both tablets came out in 2024 and represented the best of the Android and iOS ecosystems of tablets.
However, after the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 series release, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has since been dethroned by the upgraded Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.
Despite the upgrade, the new Samsung tablet has only undergone subtle changes that some creators can do without. We have done a detailed comparison of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, so feel free to check it out.
The iPad Pro 13 M4 still stands as the best iPad so far with no signs of an upgrade yet. When checking how it compares to the S9 Ultra, we have considered the display, stylus pen, storage space, other accessories like the Magic Keyboard, and the app ecosystem.
From our research, we found the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra impressive, versatile, and offering great value for your money. It has a large display size, a free S Pen, and expandable storage space using a microSD slot.
The iPad Pro M4 stands out with a new and improved display performance that eradicates screen reflectiveness. It still offers a large app ecosystem on the App Store to counter Samsung’s Google Play. The iPad Pro has an enhanced set of productivity tools, such as a redesigned Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
Both devices excel in sound quality and battery life. It is important to note that the choice of one over the other depends on your platform preference. With that in mind, we can now try to compare and see which one is better.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Review
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, released in July, remains a powerhouse in the tablet market.
- Screen: AMOLED 2X screen, 14.6 inches
- Resolution: 2960×1848 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10 ratio
- Brightness: 1,750 nits
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
- RAM: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB
- Pen: S Pen available
- Camera: 13 MP Rear and Front
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Operating System: Android 13
Body and Build
The Galaxy S9 Ultra may seem too big and bulky, but it only weighs 732 g, which is manageable with a slim 5.5 mm thickness. It is made of durable metallic aluminum unibody, which makes it firm and sturdy.
Aluminum covers the whole backside, while the full front side is covered by a full screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass from scratches and damage.
To ensure durability, the Galaxy S9 Ultra is dust- and water-resistant up to 1.5 m drating. r 30 minutes thanks to its IP68 Rating.These body details ensure the tablet maintains a premium build and durability.
Its ultra-thin and lightweight design houses quad speakers that get impressively loud, offering a rich sound profile perfect for immersive experiences.
Screen and Display
For the display, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a large 14.6-inch OLED display with a unique 16:10 aspect ratio. This large view and high 2960×1848 pixel resolution make it a good device for streaming and watching movies.
It has a high peak brightness at 1,750 nits, which outshines most similarly priced devices. One downside, however, is that the HDR handling occasionally washes out contrasts.
The inclusion of the S Pen in the box adds significant value, with many features such as precise latency and integrated stylus management.
OS and Storage Space
Like other Samsung tablets, it has an Android-based One UI with DeX mode that allows a desktop-like interface as per your preference. This makes it a versatile device, whether you want to type or use it for reading.
You have flexible and expandable storage space, thanks to a microSD slot of up to 1 TB. The battery life is reliable, ensuring dependable performance for up to 10 hours depending on usage.
Unfortunately, the keyboard case is not ergonomically designed, and the lack of a trackpad detracts from the overall productivity appeal of the tablet.
iPad Pro 13 M4 Review
- Screen size: 13 inches
- Display: Ultra Retina XDR
- Resolution: 2752 x 2064 pixels
- Brightness: 1,600 nits
- Processor: Apple M4
- RAM: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Storage: 256 GB to 2 TB, non-expandable
- Weight: 1.28 pounds
- Rear Camera: 12 MP Wide
- Front Camera: 12 MP Ultra Wide
- Four speakers
- Four studio-quality microphones
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Connectivity: USB-C (Thunderbolt or USB 4), Wi-Fi 6E
- Security: Face ID
On the other hand, the 13-inch iPad Pro M4 debuts Apple’s first OLED iPad, delivering superb display quality with a 4:3 aspect ratio optimized for various workflows.
While slightly smaller and with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, it excels in managing reflections, especially with the optional nano-texture coating.
Its quad speakers offer balanced and fuller sound, enhancing music and content playback. Paired with the new Magic Keyboard featuring an improved trackpad, the typing experience is seamless and versatile.
The Apple Pencil Pro, while sold separately, integrates perfectly into the Apple ecosystem, offering a premium drawing and writing experience.
With iPadOS, it provides an unmatched app ecosystem and superior design optimization for professional use, though its multitasking capabilities via Stage Manager fall short of Samsung’s DeX.
Despite the lack of expandable storage, the iPad Pro offers configurations up to 2TB and cutting-edge M4 chip performance for demanding tasks.
Conclusion
In comparing the two, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra wins in display size, versatility, and value, offering a larger screen, a stylus included, and expandable storage at a lower cost.
The iPad Pro 13 M4 edges out in display quality under reflective conditions, app ecosystem, and overall productivity, largely due to the improved Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil.
For sound, both are excellent, with the iPad Pro slightly more suited for audio nuances like music. When it comes to battery life, the Tab S9 Ultra’s superior standby time gives it a marginal lead.
Ultimately, platform preference plays a pivotal role: iOS enthusiasts will lean toward the iPad Pro, while those seeking value and flexibility might opt for the Tab S9 Ultra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one should you buy betweeen Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and iPad Pro 13?
If you are on a budget, prefer an Android system, larger display, expandable storage or want a free stylus then the choose the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. However, if you are not tight on budget, and prefer the best performance, a large app ecosystem, anda higher resolution and HDR content support, then the iPad Pro is for you.
