Apple iPad 9th Gen vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
The Verdict
Apple's iPad 9th Gen offers exceptional value at $329, powered by the capable A13 Bionic chip with strong iPadOS ecosystem integration, though its 10.2-inch 60Hz display and older design feel dated. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10 FE ($449) counters with a larger 10.9-inch 90Hz display, faster Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, expandable storage, and more RAM (6GB vs 3GB), delivering superior multimedia performance and multitasking. Battery life favors Samsung's 13-hour rating over Apple's 10-hour spec. However, Apple's ecosystem, longer software support (iPadOS 17+), and touchscreen responsiveness remain strengths. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing longevity and app quality, the iPad 9th Gen excels. Students or media consumers wanting better specs and screen refresh should choose the Tab S10 FE. Recommendation: iPad 9th Gen for value and reliability; Tab S10 FE for specifications and display quality.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad 9th Gen if…
- →Best budget iPad — unbeatable value at $329
- →A13 Bionic still handles everyday tasks and light gaming well
- →10.2" Retina display is sharp and color-accurate for the price
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE if…
- →S Pen included in the box — no extra cost for stylus input
- →2560x1600 display with 90Hz is smooth for the price
- →Galaxy AI features for note-taking and productivity
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad 9th Gen
Pros
- Best budget iPad — unbeatable value at $329
- A13 Bionic still handles everyday tasks and light gaming well
- 10.2" Retina display is sharp and color-accurate for the price
- Center Stage camera keeps you centered in video calls
- Strong iPadOS app ecosystem with years of software updates
Cons
- Thick bezels and Home button design feels outdated
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Only supports 1st gen Apple Pencil (charges via Lightning)
- 3 GB RAM struggles with demanding multitasking
- Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 are behind modern standards
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
Pros
- S Pen included in the box — no extra cost for stylus input
- 2560x1600 display with 90Hz is smooth for the price
- Galaxy AI features for note-taking and productivity
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for media storage
- Six years of Samsung software updates
Cons
- LCD panel — no AMOLED vibrancy at this price
- Exynos 1580 is adequate but not a powerhouse
- 6 GB RAM feels limited for heavy multitasking
- 90Hz falls behind 120Hz competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad 9th Gen | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 487 g (Wi-Fi) | 523 g |
| Dimensions | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.3 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 13 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) | 8000 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.2 inches | 10.9 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 3 GB | 6 GB |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) | Samsung Exynos 1580 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 8 MP wide |
| Front camera | — | 12 MP ultrawide |
Related Comparisons
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Lenovo Tab P11 (2nd Gen)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Apple iPad Air M2 11"
- Apple iPad 9th Gen vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Apple iPad 9th Gen vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in tablets, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPad 9th Gen or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE.