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| iPad Pro M4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
The dream of "replacing your laptop with a tablet" has never been closer. In 2025, tablets aren't just big phones; they are creative powerhouses. But the market is divided into two distinct kingdoms.
On one side, the iPad Pro (M4), a device so powerful it puts most laptops to shame, featuring Apple's groundbreaking Tandem OLED technology. On the other, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, a 14.6-inch behemoth that redefines multitasking with DeX mode. Which one belongs in your bag?
📺 Display: Tandem OLED vs. Super AMOLED
The iPad Pro M4 introduces "Tandem OLED" (two OLED panels stacked), delivering an eye-searing 1000 nits of full-screen brightness (1600 nits peak). It is the best display we have ever seen on a consumer device, period. Blacks are perfect, and highlights are blinding.
The Tab S9 Ultra is massive. Its 14.6-inch screen is essentially a canvas. While slightly dimmer than the iPad outdoors, the 16:10 aspect ratio makes it far superior for watching movies without massive black bars. It’s a portable cinema.
⚙️ Power & Productivity (DeX Factor)
In raw power, the Apple M4 chip obliterates everything. It renders 4K video and 3D models instantly. However, it is held back by iPadOS. Stage Manager is improving, but it still feels like a mobile OS trying to be a desktop.
The Samsung Tab S9 Ultra is less powerful on paper (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), but it feels more like a "computer" thanks to Samsung DeX. One tap transforms the UI into a Windows-like desktop with floating windows and a taskbar. For multitasking, Samsung wins.
✏️ Apple Pencil Pro vs. S Pen
The Apple Pencil Pro (sold separately for $129) is a marvel of engineering. It features haptic feedback, "barrel roll" for brush rotation, and a squeeze gesture. It feels like a precision surgical tool for digital artists.
The S Pen comes included in the box (Value Win!). It has a softer, rubberized tip that offers more friction on the glass, making it feel more like writing on paper. It charges magnetically on the back and supports Air Actions for remote control.
⚖️ Build & Portability
Apple pulled off magic here. The 13-inch iPad Pro is impossibly thin (5.1mm) and lighter than its predecessor. It feels dense, rigid, and futuristic.
The Tab S9 Ultra is surprisingly thin too (5.5mm), but its sheer footprint makes it unwieldy to hold as a tablet. You almost always need to use it on a desk or with a kickstand. However, it is the only one with an IP68 water resistance rating.
📊 Head-to-Head Spec Sheet
| Specification | iPad Pro 13" (M4) | Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple M4 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Display | 13" Ultra Retina XDR | 14.6" Dynamic AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | ProMotion (120Hz) | 120Hz Adaptive |
| Stylus | Pencil Pro ($129 Extra) | S Pen (Included) |
| Multitasking | Stage Manager | Samsung DeX |
| Waterproof | No | Yes (IP68) |
🔄 Complete Your Tech Ecosystem
A tablet is just one piece of the puzzle. Check out our reviews for the best matching laptops, phones, and headphones:
🏆 The Verdict: Artist vs. Professional
- You are a digital artist or video editor.
- You want the absolute best display on the market.
- You are deeply invested in the Apple Ecosystem.
- You prioritize raw performance longevity.
- You want a laptop replacement (DeX Mode).
- You consume a lot of media (Movies/TV).
- You want the stylus included for free.
- You need a massive canvas for multitasking.