Apple iPad 9th Gen vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Verdict
Apple's iPad 9th Gen offers exceptional value at $329, featuring the powerful A13 Bionic chip, crisp 10.2-inch Retina display, and access to iPadOS's polished ecosystem. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ commands a $200 premium but delivers a larger 12.4-inch screen with 90Hz refresh rate, superior 20-hour battery life, expandable storage, and more RAM (6-8GB vs 3GB). Performance-wise, the A13 Bionic significantly outpaces the Exynos 1380, ensuring snappier app launches and gaming. However, Samsung's bigger display, faster refresh rate, and practical storage expansion appeal to media consumption and productivity users. iPadOS provides better app optimization and tablet-specific features, while One UI 5.1 offers customization depth. For budget-conscious buyers seeking raw performance and ecosystem consistency, the iPad 9th Gen is the stronger choice. For those prioritizing screen real estate, battery endurance, and flexibility, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ justifies its premium positioning.
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 S9 FE+ if…
- →Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- →S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- →IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
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- Thick bezels and Home button design feels outdated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 S9 FE+
Pros
- Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
- MicroSD card expansion up to 1 TB for extra storage
- 10090 mAh battery provides excellent endurance
Cons
- TFT LCD panel has weaker colors and contrast than AMOLED
- Exynos 1380 is a mid-range chip — struggles with heavy tasks
- 90Hz refresh rate is behind the 120Hz on Galaxy Tab S9
- No AMOLED display at this price point is disappointing
- 627 g is heavy for extended handheld use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad 9th Gen | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 487 g (Wi-Fi) | 627 g |
| Dimensions | 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 8557 mAh (32.4 Wh) | 10090 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.2 inches | 12.4 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 / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Related Comparisons
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 S9 FE+.