Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
The Verdict
Both tablets excel in their respective ecosystems, but serve different user priorities. The iPad Pro 12.9 features a superior Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with exceptional peak brightness and color accuracy, making it ideal for creative professionals and media consumption. Its M2 chip provides raw performance advantages, though the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 handles most tasks admirably. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8+ counters with a lighter 567g frame (versus 682g), thinner 5.7mm profile, and AMOLED technology delivering perfect blacks and vibrant colors that many prefer aesthetically. Battery life favors Samsung at up to 13 hours video playback versus Apple's 10 hours. Storage expansion via microSD card is exclusive to Samsung, offering practical flexibility the iPad lacks. Apple's ecosystem integration, iPadOS refinement for tablets, and superior stylus experience through Apple Pencil give it the edge for productivity. Samsung delivers better portability, expandable storage, and value at $200 less. Choose the iPad Pro if you prioritize creative work, display tech, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Select the Galaxy Tab S8+ if lighter weight, expandability, and Android flexibility matter more to your workflow.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) if…
- →Mini-LED display with 2596 dimming zones delivers stunning HDR contrast
- →M2 chip handles desktop-class apps and heavy creative workflows
- →Thunderbolt port enables pro external displays and fast storage
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ if…
- →12.4" Super AMOLED display with vivid colors and deep blacks
- →S Pen included for notes, drawing, and navigation
- →MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for massive media libraries
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)
Pros
- Mini-LED display with 2596 dimming zones delivers stunning HDR contrast
- M2 chip handles desktop-class apps and heavy creative workflows
- Thunderbolt port enables pro external displays and fast storage
- 120Hz ProMotion for ultra-smooth scrolling and Apple Pencil tracking
- LiDAR scanner for AR and precision photography
Cons
- Extremely expensive starting at $1,099 before accessories
- iPadOS still limits true desktop multitasking despite Stage Manager
- Heavy at 682 g — noticeable during extended handheld use
- Base model only 128 GB with no expandable storage
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
Pros
- 12.4" Super AMOLED display with vivid colors and deep blacks
- S Pen included for notes, drawing, and navigation
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB for massive media libraries
- In-display fingerprint sensor for seamless unlocking
- Samsung DeX for desktop-mode productivity
Cons
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 throttles under heavy sustained workloads
- Android tablet apps remain inconsistent compared to iPadOS
- $899 starting price competes with laptops
- No headphone jack on this model
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 12 (One UI 4.1, upgradable to One UI 6+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 682 g (Wi-Fi) | 567 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 13 hours video playback |
| Capacity | 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) | 10090 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 12.9 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 | 2800 x 1752 |
| 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 |
| Chipset | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Octa-core, Adreno 730) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| 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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