Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is the cheaper of the two at $529 versus $999, a difference of about $470. 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 S9 FE+ is praised for large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media. 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 S9 FE+ if…
- →Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- →S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- →IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
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 S9 FE+
Pros
- Large 12.4-inch display is great for multitasking and media
- S Pen included in the box at no extra cost
- IP68 water and dust resistance — rare for mid-range tablets
- MicroSD card expansion up to 1 TB for extra storage
- 10090 mAh battery provides excellent endurance
Cons
- TFT LCD panel has weaker colors and contrast than AMOLED
- Exynos 1380 is a mid-range chip — struggles with heavy tasks
- 90Hz refresh rate is behind the 120Hz on Galaxy Tab S9
- No AMOLED display at this price point is disappointing
- 627 g is heavy for extended handheld use
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 19 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 444 g | 627 g |
| Dimensions | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.1 mm | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Capacity | — | 10090 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11.0 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Type | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2420 x 1668 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 90Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| 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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