2024 iPad Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: A Premium Tablet Showdown

The premium tablet market is dominated by two contenders, the just-announced 2024 13-inch Apple iPad Pro and the 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Both are high-end tablets, offering different features and benefits.

iPadOS or Android: Which OS is better?

The biggest difference between the 2024 13-inch Apple iPad Pro and the 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is their operating systems. The iPad runs Apple's iPadOS 17, offering a vast ecosystem of compatible equipment, apps, and services. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra runs Android 13, offering its own robust array of compatible accessories, apps, and services.

2024 13" Apple iPad Pro: At a glance

• Display size: 13-inches
• Display resolution: 2,752 x 2,064 pixels
• Processor: Apple M4
• Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Average battery life: Up to 10 hours
• Operating system: iPadOS 17 (or later)
• Dimensions: 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 inches
• Weight: 1.28 pounds
• Port: USB Type-C
• Stylus: Apple Pencil Pro (Optional)
• Price range: $1,299 to $2,599 (plus accessories)

The 2024 13-inch iPad Pro offers Apple's redesigned CPU, GPU, and NPU, an advanced front- and rear-facing camera setup, a four-speaker sound system, and more. It is recommended for a wide range of users, including graphic designers, videographers, content creators, musicians, college students, and everyday users who need extra processing power and a larger display for multitasking.

2024 13-inch iPad Pro: Configuration options and prices

The 13-inch iPad Pro is available in different configurations ranging from 256GB to 2TB, with Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + cellular options. Prices range from $1,299 to $2,599, with optional accessories such as the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Magic Keyboard.

14.6" Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: At a glance

• Display size: 14.6-inch touchscreen
• Display resolution: 2,960 x 1,848 pixels
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
• Average battery life: Up to 16 hours
• Operating system: Android 13
• Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches
• Weight: 1.61 pounds
• Port: USB Type-C
• Stylus included: Samsung S Pen
• Price range: $1,050 to $1,400

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra features a fast and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a high-resolution 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x touchscreen display, and an average battery life of up to 16 hours. It also offers a microSD memory card slot that supports cards up to 1TB, and comes with the Samsung S Pen stylus included.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Configuration options and prices

With configurations ranging from 256GB to 1TB, the top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a starting price of $1,400. It is available in different Wi-Fi 6E configurations, with optional accessories such as the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro wireless earbuds.

Which is better, the iPad Pro or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra?

Choosing between the 2024 Apple 13-inch iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra depends on the other equipment you're already using. If you're heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Pro may be the better choice. However, if you're an Android user and require higher-end processing power, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a strong option.