iPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab — Which Tablet Should You Buy?
The tablet market has essentially two serious players: Apple's iPad line and Samsung's Galaxy Tab series. Both make excellent products. But they're optimised for different use cases, different ecosystems, and different types of buyers.
This guide gives you the honest comparison — so you can choose the right one, not just the most marketed one.
The Short Version
| iPad | Samsung Galaxy Tab | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Creative work, education, Apple ecosystem | Android flexibility, media, productivity |
| OS | iPadOS (Apple) | Android (Google) |
| App quality | Best-in-class tablet apps | Good, improving |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil | S Pen (included on Tab S) |
| Price (refurb) | Higher | More accessible |
| Customisation | Limited | High |
iPad Range Explained
iPad (Standard) — Best Value iPad
The base iPad is Apple's entry point — and it's genuinely capable. It runs the same apps as the Pro, works with an Apple Pencil (1st gen), and is the most affordable way into the iPad ecosystem.
- 10.2" or 10.9" display (depends on generation)
- A13 or A14 Bionic chip
- Works with Apple Pencil 1st gen and Smart Keyboard
- Good for: students, casual use, reading, browsing, video calls
- Refurbished from: £180–£280
iPad Air — The Sweet Spot
The iPad Air is the most popular iPad for a reason. It has the Pro's design and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2nd gen and Magic Keyboard, at a noticeably lower price.
- 10.9" Liquid Retina display
- M1 or M2 chip (iPad Air 5th gen onwards)
- USB-C charging
- Apple Pencil 2nd gen compatible
- Good for: professionals, students, creative use, all-round tablet
- Refurbished from: £350–£550
iPad Pro — Maximum Power
The iPad Pro is designed for professionals who need maximum performance — video editors, artists, architects. It has the M-series chip, miniLED or OLED display, Thunderbolt connectivity, and Face ID.
- 11" or 12.9" display
- M1/M2/M4 chip (depending on generation)
- Thunderbolt / USB 4
- ProMotion 120Hz display
- Good for: creative professionals, developers, power users
- Refurbished from: £550–£900
iPad Mini — Small but Capable
The iPad Mini 6 is the most portable iPad — small enough to hold one-handed and put in a jacket pocket. It has the A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13 Pro) and USB-C.
- 8.3" Liquid Retina display
- A15 Bionic chip
- Apple Pencil 2nd gen compatible
- Good for: reading, note-taking, travel, one-handed use
- Refurbished from: £300–£450
Samsung Galaxy Tab Range Explained
Galaxy Tab A-Series — Entry Level
Samsung's A-series targets the budget end of the tablet market — primarily aimed at students, children's educational use, and media consumption.
- 10.5" display
- Mid-range processor
- Affordable entry point to Android tablets
- Refurbished from: £80–£150
Galaxy Tab S-Series — Premium Android
The Tab S-series is Samsung's flagship tablet range and the only Android tablets that genuinely compete with the iPad Pro. The S Pen is included (not a paid extra), DeX mode turns it into a desktop, and the displays are exceptional.
- Tab S7 / S8: 11" or 12.4" AMOLED, S Pen included, DeX mode. Refurb: £350–£600
- Tab S9: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, IP68, 120Hz. Refurb: £500–£750
- Tab S9 Ultra: 14.6" display, two front cameras. Refurb: £700–£1,000
Head-to-Head: iPad Air vs Galaxy Tab S8
| Feature | iPad Air (M1) | Galaxy Tab S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.9" Liquid Retina IPS | 11" AMOLED 120Hz |
| Chip | Apple M1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil 2nd gen (extra cost) | S Pen included |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard (extra cost) | Book Cover Keyboard (extra cost) |
| Desktop mode | Stage Manager (limited) | DeX (proper desktop) |
| App ecosystem | Best tablet apps (iPad-optimised) | Android — more flexible |
| Software updates | 5–6 years iPadOS | 4 years Android |
| Refurb price | £350–£550 | £350–£550 |
What Is Samsung DeX?
DeX is one of Samsung's most compelling differentiators. Connect the Galaxy Tab S to a monitor and keyboard, and it transforms into a full desktop experience — with windowed apps, a proper taskbar, and desktop-style multitasking. For people who want their tablet to replace a laptop, DeX is serious.
iPadOS Stage Manager offers something similar, but DeX is generally considered more complete and usable as a desktop replacement.
The Stylus Advantage — Samsung Wins on Value
The Apple Pencil 2nd gen costs £119. You have to buy it separately.
The Samsung S Pen is included in the box with every Galaxy Tab S tablet.
For buyers who want a stylus for note-taking, drawing, or signing documents — this is a meaningful cost difference.
App Ecosystem — iPad Wins Here
There's no getting around it: iPad has better tablet-optimised apps. Procreate (the gold standard for digital art) is iPad-only. Many creative apps — LumaFusion (video editing), Affinity Designer, Notability — are iPad-first, Android second.
If you're a creative professional or student who relies on specific apps, check that the apps you need are available and well-reviewed on Android before choosing the Galaxy Tab.
Which Should You Buy?
| Your Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Already use iPhone / Mac | iPad Air or iPad |
| Already use Android / Samsung phone | Galaxy Tab S8 or S9 |
| Digital art, Procreate, creative apps | iPad Air or iPad Pro |
| Want S Pen included, not extra cost | Galaxy Tab S |
| Desktop-replacement use case | Galaxy Tab S (DeX) |
| Best all-round tablet under £350 | iPad (base) or Tab S7 |
| Portable reading and notes | iPad Mini 6 |
| Maximum performance, video editing | iPad Pro M1/M2 |
