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Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs. iPad Pro 2022: The best Pick

Comparing the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Vs. iPad Pro 12.9 inch 2022, will help you choose a perfect high end tablet for your work. Despite their different operating systems and functionality, the two tablets have some similarities as well.

For example, they were both produced in 2022, feature a large screen size and detachable keyboards and stylus pens.

They are similar but still very different. The iPad Pro has a liquid retina screen display at 12.9 inches and 2732 x 2048 pixels resolution XDR display. It has 16 GB of RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB of storage options.  

Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra has a Super AMOLED display at 14.6 inches size with 2960 x 1848 pixels resolution. It features 8/12/16 GB RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB storage space options. You can use an external Micro SD to boost the space to 1 TB. If you are not sure the difference between iPads and Android tablets, check out our previous posts.

Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs. iPad Pro Specs

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Tab S8 UltraiPad Pro 12.9-inch
Dimensions326.4 x 208.5 x 5.58 mm280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm
Screen Size14.6 inches (Super AMOLED)12.9 inches (IPS)
Resolution2960 x 1848 pixels2732 x 2048 pixels
Color Accuracy101% sRGB (natural mode), 157.8% sRGB (vivid mode)112% sRGB
Display Refresh Rate120 Hz120 Hz
Brightness500 nits1000 nits (1600 nits peak brightness)
StylusSamsung S Pen (Included)Apple Pencil 2nd Gen (Included in the box)
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 1Apple M2 Processor
RAM8/12/16 GB8/16 GB
Storage Options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
Expandable SD CardYes, MicroSD (Up to 1 TB)No
Operating SystemAndroidiOS
SecurityFingerprint (in-display)Face ID
Rear Camera13 MP & 6 MP12 MP & 10 MP (Lidar Scanner)
Front Camera12 MP & 12 MP Ultrawide12 MP
Stereo SpeakersStereo with 4 speakersStereo with 4 speakers
ConnectionStereoWiFi + Cellular (optional)
ColorsGraphiteSilver, Space Grey
Check PriceCheck Price

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Apple iPad Pro 2022

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs. iPad Pro 2022 Body and Build

Whether you need a tablet for drawing or note taking, portability and battery life are important considerations. A tablet with a slim and sleek metallic design that is not too heavy will be preferred over a heavier one.

Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro come with a large surface area to accommodate the large screen area for a good user experience.

The iPad Pro comes in with an overall 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm size, while the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is slightly larger with 326.4 x 208.5 x 5.58 mm. With less than a KG in weight and 5.9 mm thickness, both tablets are easy to carry around and easily fit in a backpack.

Apple iPad Pro is lighter at 682 grams while the Samsung S8 Ultra weighs 725 grams. You will not notice the weight difference.

For durability both tablets have a metallic back with slim bezels around the large screen size. These make them durable and modern looking.

The iPad Pro comes in 2 color variations: Silver and Space Grey, while the Samsung S8 Ultra is in a rich graphite color.

iPad Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Display and Resolution

The iPad Pro has a n overall better display. It comes with a smaller screen than the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra at 12.9 inches, compared to 14.6 inches on the Android Tablet.

Although larger, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is not able to match up to the iPad Pro resolution and display, with the iPad Pro displaying a better and more colorful and rich image display.

This is because of the iPad aspect ratio and unique Liquid Retina display technology not present on the Samsung tablet. 

Additionally, the iPad boasts of larger brightness levels at up to 1000 nits to 1600 nits maximum compared to 500 nits on Samsung. This means that the iPad will perform far better in low and high light conditions compared to Samsung.

Overall, the iPad has a better screen with a 2732 x 2048 pixels resolution and 112% sRGB color accuracy compared to Samsung’s 157.8% sRGB color accuracy and 2960 x 1848 pixels resolution.

If you like playing games on your tablet, both screens feature a 120 Hz refresh rate that is good for gaming, so you can go with either. However, processing power and storage will set 1 tablet apart from the other, as discussed below.

iPad Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Power and performance

Both the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra and the iPad Pro 12.9 inch are premium-level tablets. They pack enough power to easily replace your laptop as your go-to workstation for your professional work.

Both are great. The iPad Pro, however, proves to be better with more powerful features compared to the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra.

First, the iPad Pro has a more powerful M2 processor compared to Samsung’s older and slower Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. However, Samsung has a wider RAM and storage variety with 8, 12, and 16 GB RAM options compared to the iPad’s 8 and 16 GB only.

Additionally, Samsung comes with 3 storage sizes: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB that are expandable using an SD card (microSD). Up to 1 TB. The iPad is not expandable but comes with size options from 128 GB up to 2 TB. You can choose between 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB options.

Stylus Pen; Samsung S Pen vs. Apple Pencil 2

Samsung S Pen is free on purchase and comes with 10 free nibs. It is also compatible with many Samsung tablets like the Samsung S6 Lite

The stylus pen is the same as the Wacom Pro Pen 2 and is ideal for digital art with high pen resolution and pen pressure sensitivity. The iPad Pro works with the Apple Pencil 2.

iPads do not have a free stylus included. You will have to buy it separately. Additionally, Apple Pencil 1 is not compatible, so make sure you choose the exact correct Pencil to avoid issues.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs. iPad Pro Cameras and Speakers

Just like many other tablets, both these tablets have a large space inside that allows space for high-quality speakers for your movie streaming and music.

Both tablets feature a high-quality stereo sound system with 4 high-quality speakers. iPads have a good camera system with 12 MP and 10 MP rear cameras and a 12 MP front camera.

Samsung has a slightly better front camera system with 12 MP and 12 MP Ultrawide but a poor rear camera in comparison with 13 MP and 6 MP rear cameras. 

Why choose Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra instead of iPad Pro

  1. Customization and Flexibility
  2. AMOLED Display
  3. Affordability
  4. Stylus Pen availability
  5. Storage space upgradability

Customization and Flexibility

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra features a PC computer like operating system on the tablet. Samsung DeX mode will allow you to use your tablet like a traditional tablet. You will be able to open multiple windows and multitask on your device. iPad Pros on the other hand lack an easy desktop mode. You will get a more immersive user experience when using the S8 Ultra compared to the iPad Pro.

Stylus Pens and Affordability

Overall Samsung Tablets are cheaper than iPad tablets. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with a Samsung S Pen that is ideal for drawing, digital art and note taking. The Pen comes for free with up to 10 nibs on purchase. It is compatible with other Samsung tablets like the Galaxy S6 Lite.

iPad Pro is compatible with Apple Pencil 2. However, it does not come with a free Pencil. You must buy it separately adding to the overall iPad Price. You need to be careful because Apple Pencil 1 and 2 can not be used interchangeably.

AMOLED Display

Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has a large 14.6-inch screen with Super AMOLED display technology. OLED technology provides better color vibrancy with better blacks and white contrast compared to the Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro. OLED screens are better for creative work and streaming tasks.

Storage space upgradability

iPad Pros features a wide range of sizes, that is 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB. These sizes are not upgradable. This means that to upgrade you must buy a larger size iPad. Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra features fewer sizes. However, it is upgradable using a Micro SD slot to 1 TB size.

Related: Best iPad Cases you can buy