Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
The Verdict
Apple's iPad Air 5th Gen commands a significant price premium at $599 versus Samsung's Galaxy Tab A9+ at $219.99, and the performance gap justifies much of that difference. The iPad Air features Apple's M1 chip with 8GB RAM, delivering flagship-level performance for creative work, gaming, and multitasking that the Snapdragon 695 simply cannot match. Display quality heavily favors Apple: the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina LCD offers 2360x1640 resolution at 60Hz with superior color accuracy, while Samsung's 11-inch panel maxes out at 1920x1200 and 90Hz refresh rate, appearing dimmer and less vibrant. Battery life is comparable at roughly 10 hours, though Samsung claims 15W fast charging versus Apple's slower charging speeds. Storage proves more flexible on Samsung with microSD expansion and base 64GB options, whereas Apple locks you into 64GB or 256GB with no expansion. Stylus support favors iPad Air for digital artists and note-takers. For budget-conscious users seeking basic browsing and media consumption, the Galaxy Tab A9+ delivers solid value at under $220. However, if you need genuine performance for creative apps, productivity tasks, or want a device that will remain responsive for 5-7 years, the iPad Air 5th Gen's M1 chipset and superior display justify the investment.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) if…
- →M1 chip delivers laptop-class performance at a mid-range price
- →Same sleek design as iPad Pro 11" with flat edges
- →Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic charging
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if…
- →Affordable price under $220
- →Smooth 90Hz 11-inch display
- →Quad Dolby Atmos speakers
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1)
Pros
- M1 chip delivers laptop-class performance at a mid-range price
- Same sleek design as iPad Pro 11" with flat edges
- Apple Pencil 2 support with magnetic charging
- Center Stage keeps you in frame during video calls
- 5G cellular option for on-the-go productivity
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated next to 120Hz ProMotion on Pro models
- Only 64 GB and 256 GB options — no 128 GB middle ground
- No Face ID — uses Touch ID in the power button
- No headphone jack or expandable storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Pros
- Affordable price under $220
- Smooth 90Hz 11-inch display
- Quad Dolby Atmos speakers
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB
- Long Samsung software support window
Cons
- No S Pen support
- Plastic build feels basic
- Only Wi-Fi 5
- Modest Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Slow 15W charging
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) | 480 g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | 15W fast charging |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | 7040 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | LCD |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 8 MP |
| Front camera | — | 5 MP |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
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 Air 5th Gen (M1) or the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.