The choice between iPad vs. Android tablets is not an easy one. Tablets have become a necessary requirement for many different professional fields. The best Android tablets and iPads have over the years stood out as the top contenders for the best tablet title.
The two tablet types seem similar but are very different in their functionality and design. For example, iPads have an iOS system, while Android tablets have an Android operating system.
iPads are only manufactured by Apple Inc., while Android tablets can be made by Samsung, Lenovo, or many other different brands.
iPad vs. Android Tablet: Pros and Cons
Each of the two types of tablets has its share of pros and cons depending on how you use it. We will discuss each of them in depth in this comparison article.
Pros
- iPads work seamlessly with Apple services and devices like AirDrop and iCloud.
- They are optimized for high premium level performance.
- Regularly updated operating system and applications
- Many modern security features like Touch ID and Face ID are on new models.
- Large screen size with high brightness and high quality resolution
- Powerful processing power and large RAM
Many storage space sizes.
Cons
- Non-expandable storage and RAM with a MicroSD card
- Expensive price range
- Accessories like an Apple Pencil are bought separately.
- No universally compatible Apple Pencil You must be sure whether to buy Apple Pencil 1 or 2, depending on your tablet type and version.
Android Tablet Pros
Pros
- More affordably priced than iPads
- Expandable storage space and RAM in most versions
- Flexible Google Play application ecosystem
- Comes with many free accessories, like the S Pen on Samsung tablets.
Cons
- Many versions can be confusing.
- Inconsistent OS updates
- Easily affected by malware
- Lower-level performance compared to iPads
Screens not as bright as iPads
iPad vs. Android Tablet: Which one should you choose?
In this section, we will breakdown the different uses of both iPads and Android tablets, who they are best used by, and why. We will also discuss the most recent upgrades on each brand of tablet. At the end, we will have a conclusion on which one is better than the other.
iPad Tablets
iPads are powerful premium-level devices with powerful specifications and features. Whether you are a professional artist, architect, animator, or just a business owner who needs a management tool for your work, iPads will provide the perfect environment for either of the tasks.
Different applications like Procreate, Illustrator, or Photoshop make it possible to draw on iPads. They can also be used comfortably by both beginner and professional-level users.
Android Tablets
Android tablets can also be used for different professional tasks. You can use them for note-taking, drawing, gaming, or video editing. The OLED screen on Android tablets used to be considered the best display for different tasks.
Apple has developed their own version of the OLED display to better compete with Android tablets. They produced the Apple iPad Pro 13 with an M4 Chip processor and the Apple iPad Pro 11 with an M4 Chip as well in 2024.
Both have features similar to the old iPad Pro 12.9 inch but have a new OLED screen instead of the older liquid Retina display.
Accessories and compatibility
Android based tablets provide more free accessories than iPads. They offer Pens, screen protectors and sometimes even tablet keyboards. You will have to buy any accessory separately for iPads making them overall expensive. If you use multiple Apple products, iPads are the best because of their seamless integration with other Apple products.
Compatibility across the many Android devices will vary from one brand to another. For example Samsung tablets will display better compatibility compared to Lenovo. Quality and functionality will equally vary.
User experience and interface
iPads feature a better display with many applications optimized for large displays. Android features less applications that are optimized for big screens. Still on the view, iPads feature more customization options that make for a great user experience. For example iPads customizable screen modes such as the split-screen and keyboard options.
Android also offers some customizations like the home and split screens, but the cluttered display screen is not very user friendly. The clutter makes basic go to applications hard to find. iOS features a minimal approach to the applications view which I find to be way better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is better between an Android tablet and an iPad?
iPads are considered by many people as the better device due to their seamless connectivity with other Apple devices. It also packs more processing power and will not lag when used with different complex applications. Android tablets are cheaper and come with many free accessories. They also work perfectly with Plays Store applications to provide a wide range of applications and gaming choices.
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Denis is a Graphic Designer with over 8 years experience. He can design logos, convert existing logos to vector format and print ready files. He enjoys designing fliers, banners, labels, social media graphics and posters. He spends most of his time creating digital art and vectors for different clients when not writing for this blog.