Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
The Verdict
Apple's iPad Air 5th Gen delivers superior performance with its M1 chip, offering snappier app launches and smoother multitasking compared to the Galaxy Tab S7 FE's Snapdragon 778G processor. Samsung counters with a larger 12.4-inch display versus Apple's 10.9-inch screen, plus expandable storage and longer advertised battery life (13 vs 10 hours). Build quality favors Apple with a lighter frame and premium Liquid Retina display, though Samsung's TFT panel provides decent color at a lower price point. Software preference matters here: iPadOS 17 offers superior tablet optimization and M1 app ecosystem, while One UI provides more customization for Android users. For creative professionals and power users prioritizing performance, the iPad Air 5 is the stronger choice despite its premium pricing. Budget-conscious consumers wanting screen real estate may prefer the Galaxy Tab S7 FE.
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 S7 FE if…
- →Large 12.4-inch display is great for productivity and media
- →S Pen included in the box for note-taking and drawing
- →10090 mAh battery provides excellent all-day endurance
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 S7 FE
Pros
- Large 12.4-inch display is great for productivity and media
- S Pen included in the box for note-taking and drawing
- 10090 mAh battery provides excellent all-day endurance
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for additional storage
- Samsung DeX support for desktop-like multitasking
Cons
- 60Hz TFT LCD feels sluggish compared to 120Hz AMOLED tablets
- 4 GB base RAM is restrictive for multitasking
- Snapdragon 778G is mid-range — not ideal for heavy tasks
- No AMOLED display despite premium pricing
- Software updates are reaching end of support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 5th Gen (M1) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 15 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 11 (One UI 3.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 461 g (Wi-Fi) | 608 g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 mm | 284.8 x 185 x 6.3 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 13 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) | 10090 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | 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 Air 5th Gen (M1) or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE.