Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is the cheaper of the two at $159 versus $999, a difference of about $840. The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) stands out for m5 chip with 3.5x ai performance vs m4, while Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 is praised for incredibly affordable at $159 for a samsung tablet. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) if…
- →M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- →Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- →Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 if…
- →Incredibly affordable at $159 for a Samsung tablet
- →Compact 8.7-inch size is perfect for kids and casual use
- →MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for media storage
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 connectivity
Cons
- Starting at $999 is expensive
- Still 5.1mm thin limits thermal headroom
- No headphone jack
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $159 for a Samsung tablet
- Compact 8.7-inch size is perfect for kids and casual use
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for media storage
- Light at 337 g — easy to hold with one hand
- Samsung's software update commitment extends to budget tablets
Cons
- Low 1340x800 resolution — text looks fuzzy up close
- 4 GB RAM limits multitasking capabilities
- 2MP front camera is poor for video calls
- 60Hz LCD display feels dated
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 19 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 444 g | 337 g |
| Dimensions | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.1 mm | 211.0 x 124.7 x 8.0 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 9 hours video playback |
| Capacity | — | 5100 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR | 8 MP wide |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage | 2 MP |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11.0 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Type | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2420 x 1668 | 1340 x 800 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 4 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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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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