Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The Verdict
Both tablets deliver excellent performance at the $799 price point, but they cater to different user priorities. Apple's iPad Pro 11" leverages the M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, delivering superior raw performance for demanding apps and creative software. Its Liquid Retina display refreshes at 120Hz with excellent color accuracy, while storage scales up to 2TB. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 counters with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen offering superior contrast and deeper blacks, paired with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that handles everyday tasks flawlessly. The Tab S9 edges ahead in battery capacity (8400 mAh vs 7538 mAh), adds IP68 water resistance, includes dual rear cameras (13MP + 8MP), and supports expandable storage via microSD. iPadOS offers tighter app optimization for the M2, while Android 13 with One UI provides greater customization. The iPad Pro wins for professional creative work and gaming performance, while the Galaxy Tab S9 suits multimedia consumption and offers better practicality with water resistance and expandability. Choose the iPad Pro if you need desktop-class performance; pick the Tab S9 if you value balanced features, durability, and storage flexibility.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2) if…
- →Same M2 power as the 12.9" in a more portable form factor
- →120Hz ProMotion display is buttery smooth for drawing and scrolling
- →Thunderbolt connectivity for pro workflows and external displays
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 if…
- →Compact 11-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED with IP68 rating
- →S Pen bundled in the box
- →Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2)
Pros
- Same M2 power as the 12.9" in a more portable form factor
- 120Hz ProMotion display is buttery smooth for drawing and scrolling
- Thunderbolt connectivity for pro workflows and external displays
- Face ID is fast and reliable for secure unlocking
- Lighter at 466 g — comfortable for extended handheld use
Cons
- LCD panel lacks the mini-LED contrast of the 12.9" model
- Still $799 before keyboard and pencil accessories
- iPadOS multitasking remains limited compared to macOS
- 128 GB base storage fills quickly with pro apps and media
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Pros
- Compact 11-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED with IP68 rating
- S Pen bundled in the box
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- MicroSD card slot for storage expansion
- Samsung DeX desktop mode support
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Keyboard accessory sold separately
- Smaller battery than Tab S9+/Ultra
- Moderate real-world battery life under heavy use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to Android 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 466 g (Wi-Fi) | 498 g |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm | 254.3 x 165.8 x 5.9 mm |
| IP rating | — | IP68 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 11 hours video playback, 45W wired charging |
| Capacity | 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh) | 8400 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2388 x 1668 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB (16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB) | 8 GB / 12 GB LPDDR5X |
| Chipset | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 13 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide |
| Front camera | — | 12 MP ultrawide |
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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.
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