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The short answer: For most people, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra wins on value and versatility with its included S Pen, larger display, and expandable storage, while the iPad Pro 12.9 wins on raw performance and app ecosystem. If you prioritize productivity and customization, choose the Tab S9 Ultra; if you need the best creative apps and seamless Apple ecosystem, choose the iPad Pro.
Both tablets have stunning displays, but they take different approaches. The Tab S9 Ultra rocks a 14.6-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. It’s slightly larger than the iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display, which offers impressive brightness (up to 1600 nits for HDR) and local dimming for excellent contrast.
In real-world use, the AMOLED on the Tab S9 Ultra is more immersive for media consumption and gaming, while the iPad’s mini-LED is brighter for HDR content and outdoor use. The Tab S9 Ultra is also thinner and lighter (732g vs 682g for the iPad), but it has a larger footprint due to the bigger screen.
Design-wise, the iPad Pro features a premium aluminum unibody, while the Tab S9 Ultra has an aluminum frame with a softer-touch back. Both feel premium, but the iPad’s flat edges give it a more industrial look. The Tab S9 Ultra’s display has a notch for the front cameras, which some find distracting, but it houses dual cameras for better video calls.
The iPad Pro 12.9 is powered by Apple’s M2 chip, which is overkill for most tasks, handling 8K video editing and complex 3D modeling with ease. The Tab S9 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a flagship Android chip that performs admirably for gaming and productivity, but it trails the M2 in sustained performance and raw benchmarks.
Software is a bigger differentiator. iPadOS 17 is optimized for the M2, with features like Stage Manager and full desktop-class apps. But iPadOS still has limitations, like file management and external display support. Android 14 on the Tab S9 Ultra offers more flexibility, including true multitasking with pop-up windows and a desktop-like DeX mode. If you need a laptop replacement, DeX is a game changer, whereas iPadOS is more polished but restrictive.
For gaming, both are excellent, but the iPad has a larger library of console-quality games. For productivity, the Tab S9 Ultra’s multi-window support is more intuitive, but the iPad Pro has better productivity apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.
The Tab S9 Ultra includes the S Pen in the box, while the Apple Pencil 2 costs an extra $129. The S Pen attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet and charges wirelessly, just like the Apple Pencil. However, the S Pen has a lower latency (2.8ms vs 9ms) and offers more customization with its button and air gestures.
The Apple Pencil is still the gold standard for drawing, with palm rejection and tilt support that feel natural. But the S Pen is no slouch, and for note-taking, it’s arguably better because of the built-in handwriting-to-text conversion in Samsung Notes.
Keyboard cases: Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard is included with the Tab S9 Ultra, while Apple’s Magic Keyboard costs $349. Samsung’s keyboard has a trackpad and function row, but it’s not backlit. Apple’s Magic Keyboard is more premium with a scissor mechanism and a floating design, but it’s heavy. If you’re on a budget, the Tab S9 Ultra is the clear winner.
The Tab S9 Ultra packs a 11,200mAh battery, while the iPad Pro has a 10,758mAh battery. In real-world mixed usage, both last around 10 to 12 hours, depending on screen brightness and tasks. However, the Tab S9 Ultra supports 45W fast charging, while the iPad Pro maxes out at 20W. That means the Tab S9 Ultra can charge from 0 to 100% in about 1.5 hours, while the iPad takes nearly 2.5 hours.
Both support wireless charging, but the Tab S9 Ultra has a unique feature: it can charge your Galaxy Buds or phone wirelessly via PowerShare, which the iPad cannot.
The Tab S9 Ultra has a dual front camera setup (12MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide) with auto-framing, which is great for video calls. The iPad Pro has a single 12MP FaceTime camera but adds a LiDAR scanner on the back for AR. For most users, the front cameras matter more, and Samsung wins here.
Audio: Both have quad speakers, but the Tab S9 Ultra’s speakers are tuned by AKG and support Dolby Atmos, producing a wider soundstage. The iPad Pro’s speakers are also excellent, but the Tab S9 Ultra gets louder without distortion.
The Tab S9 Ultra starts at $1,199 for 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, while the iPad Pro 12.9 starts at $1,099 for 8GB RAM and 128GB. But when you factor in the included S Pen ($129 value) and the fact that Samsung often bundles a free keyboard, the Tab S9 Ultra is a better value. Additionally, the Tab S9 Ultra has expandable storage via microSD, which the iPad lacks.
If you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, etc.) or you need the best creative apps, the iPad Pro is worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the Tab S9 Ultra offers more for less. Check out our Expert Pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Leads Best 2026 Android Tablets for more options.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra good for drawing? Yes, the S Pen has low latency and pressure sensitivity, but some artists prefer the Apple Pencil’s ecosystem of drawing apps like Procreate. Samsung’s own apps are decent, but the iPad Pro has a slight edge for professional artists.
Which tablet is better for watching movies? The Tab S9 Ultra’s larger AMOLED display is more immersive, especially in dark scenes. The iPad Pro’s mini-LED is brighter for HDR, but the AMOLED’s contrast makes movies pop.
Can the Tab S9 Ultra replace a laptop? With DeX mode and a keyboard, yes, for most productivity tasks. The iPad Pro can also, but iPadOS’s multitasking is less flexible. If you need Windows-specific software, neither is a true replacement.
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Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product mentioned on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, any ranking referenced here is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review.