Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Apple's iPad Air M3 delivers premium performance with its M3 chip, offering significantly faster processing for demanding apps, video editing, and gaming compared to Samsung's mid-range Snapdragon 695. Display quality favors Apple with its Liquid Retina IPS panel and sharper 2360x1640 resolution, though Samsung's 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling. Camera capabilities strongly advantage the iPad Air M3, featuring a 12MP rear camera with 4K video and ultrawide front lens versus Samsung's modest 8MP/5MP setup. Battery life is comparable at around 10 hours, but Apple's larger capacity and efficiency mean real-world performance advantage. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ excels in value, costing $379 less with expandable storage and faster 15W charging. iPadOS 18 offers superior tablet optimization versus Android 13, while stylus support (M3 only) matters for creative work. iPad Air M3 is the clear choice for professionals and power users seeking performance and ecosystem integration. Budget-conscious buyers should consider Samsung only for basic browsing and media consumption.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 18 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 462 g (Wi-Fi) / 469 g (cellular) | 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 Wi-Fi browsing | 15W fast charging |
| Capacity | 7526 mAh | 7040 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 4K video | 8 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide with Center Stage | 5 MP |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | LCD |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C (USB 3.2) | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch
Pros
- M3 chip delivers desktop-class CPU and GPU performance
- Apple Intelligence AI features supported
- Thin 6.1 mm chassis with premium aluminum build
- Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
- Available in 1 TB storage configuration
Cons
- No ProMotion — still 60Hz refresh rate
- No OLED or mini-LED display
- Accessories (Pencil, keyboard) add significant cost
- No headphone jack
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
Related Comparisons
Explore more in tablets, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPad Air M3 11-inch or the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+.

