The battle between Apple and Samsung rages on. Alongside their new smartphones, the two leading tech companies present the latest in tablet technology.
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Featuring advanced displays, elite performance, and comparable battery life, these companies both make a claim for the best handheld device. We’ve compared the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro to help you decide which is right for you.
Whether you prefer to watch movies, focus on productivity, or work on the most demanding apps, there’s a flagship tablet that fits your needs. Continue reading for everything you should know before making your next purchase.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro: Side-by-Side Comparison
These two tablets from the industry leaders in tech bring totally different aspects to the arena. See the chart below to discover how they match up.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro: What’s the Difference?
Design
Looking at the differences between the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro, just about the only aspect they share is the physical design. Both flagship tablets come with the modern, sleek body we’ve come to expect in a high-quality device. But setting them side by side, it’s easy to see where they diverge.
Apple brought its industry-leading tablet back this year more slender than ever; its largest model measures just 11.0 by 8.5 inches and weighs 24 ounces. The Samsung model dwarfs it, measuring nearly two inches taller.
- UPC: 887276634876Weight: 2.840 lbs
Although it’s surprisingly lighter, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the biggest tablet we’ve seen. This could make it hard to hold for some, but it works expertly for its function. Another critical design variation comes in accessories.
Building a reputation for notetaking and productivity, Samsung included their signature S Pen (modified to accommodate the size of a tablet), which integrates into the back of the device. Comparatively, Apple offers the Pencil 2, but it’s sold separately for a price of $129. This gives the edge to the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra for its extra value.
Display
Samsung poured most of its intentions into the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s screen, and the display is where it all pays off. The flagship android table features a massive 14.6-inch screen with AMOLED lights.
This new technology uses self-illuminating pixels to provide incredibly crisp imagery and practically infinite contrast range. The overly large screen and advanced screen make the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra the best device on the market for watching videos.
This doesn’t mean that the iPad Pro has a poor display; with a 12.9-inch screen and dense pixels per inch, users will have no issues seeing the details in their games or applications. And featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, transitions feel incredibly smooth. Just don’t expect the same clarity with this Apple tablet.
Performance
Where the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra dominates with its advanced display, the iPad Pro decimates with its superior CPU. The Apple M2 chip is so powerful that it’s almost worth using in a laptop.
Its performance outpaces the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 by nearly two times. This makes the iPad Pro perfect for those running heavy apps or playing demanding video games.
Combine that with the device’s massive storage and it’s hard to want any other device. Apple’s newest iPad Pro starts with 128GB options and rises all the way up to 2TB.
- Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide colorM2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide back camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center StageStay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6E
This is over four times the storage of Samsung’s largest tablet, which comes with a maximum of 512GB. Both devices come with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra also offering a 12GB version.
Battery
Apple might have a smaller battery in its tablet, but it performs well. The 10,750mAh lithium-ion battery has a rated lifespan of up to 10 hours, according to the manufacturer. This compares strongly to Samsung’s battery, which is bigger but has more work to do.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra only has an average battery life of up to 9 hours, despite its huge, 11,200 lithium-polymer battery. On the other hand, what’s the battery life worth if the device charges slowly?
Apple’s flagship tablet charges at half the speed. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra supports 45W wired charging and can charge up to 41% in 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the iPad Pro only supports 20W wired charging and can charge the battery up to 20% in 30 minutes.
Price
Bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the table, buyers can find both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and the iPad Pro at their base models for $1,099.99. Any specs more than 128GB of storage and 8GB of memory will cost considerably more, ranging up to 2,199.00 for Apple’s 2TB model.
Users can also get the iPad Pro with cellular capabilities for an additional cost (which is honestly worth the value). When purchasing these tablets, it’s also worth looking at some essential accessories.
When factoring in a case, a keyboard, and a stylus (which is included with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra), expect to spend an extra $300 to $500. If budget is a concern, the Samsung tablet looks marginally more affordable.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra features a 14.6” display with OLED technology, making it one of the most spectacular tablet screens developed.The iPad Pro’s Apple G2 processor is one of the most powerful CPUs in the industry, resulting in nearly twice the speed compared to most other models.Although ith iPad Pro has a more efficient battery life, the device has a slower wired charge than the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.The Samsung tablet comes with the company’s signature S Pen. Apple does not include a stylus with their device.While the iPad Pro has a much higher price cap, some models feature cellular capability. Samsung does not have this feature in its US devices.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro: Which One Is Better?
Pitting the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro doesn’t result in a decisive winner. Both devices come with a large screen, excellent performance, and a day’s worth of battery life. Choosing the right tablet for you depends on how you plan on using it.
With a 14.6-inch screen and a state-of-the-art, OLED display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the ideal tablet for the movie binger. Its integrated S Pen also makes it perfect for those that take notes, and its relatively affordable price range is easier to get behind for just about anyone.
On the other hand, its performance doesn’t hold a candle to the capabilities of the iPad Pro. The tablet’s powerful Apple M2 chip supports even the most aggressive applications.
This makes it the premier option for artists, designers, or anyone that needs the most advanced gadget. It also has cellular capability, which is a big plus for those that plan on streaming away from home.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra vs iPad Pro: Further Reading
Having compared the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs iPad Pro, both devices bring a lot to the table. Whether you prefer to spend hours watching the latest Netflix series or playing the most intense games, these devices have you covered. For more industry-leading tech you should consider purchasing this holiday season, check out the articles below.
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