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Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Updated Apr 2026tablets
Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)
$1,099
8.6/10
VS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
$1,099
8.5/10

The Verdict

Both tablets excel at their $1099 price point but serve different priorities. Apple's iPad Pro 12.9" features the M2 chip with impressive computational performance, a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display (2732 x 2048 pixels), and top-tier build quality at 682g. Its 10-hour battery life suits productivity workflows, while iPadOS 16+ remains unmatched for creative professionals using apps like Procreate. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra counters with a larger 14.6-inch Super AMOLED screen (2960 x 1848 pixels), superior 14-hour battery endurance, and more RAM options (up to 16GB). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor delivers solid gaming and multitasking, though it trails the M2 in overall performance. Samsung provides microSD card expansion (iPad doesn't), appealing to content creators. The Galaxy Tab weighs 44g more despite being thinner. iPad Pro dominates creative work, video editing, and sustained performance tasks. Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra wins on screen real estate, battery longevity, and flexibility with expandable storage. Both support styluses and offer Wi-Fi 6E. Your choice depends on software preference and use case: choose iPad Pro for professional creative work or choose Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra for media consumption and expandability.

Still deciding? Tell the Advisor what you need →
ValueS8 Ultra
BatteryS8 Ultra
Display(2022, M2)
Software(2022, M2)
Performance(2022, M2)

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 Ultra if…

  • →Massive 14.6" Super AMOLED screen is unmatched for media and multitasking
  • →S Pen included in the box with low 2.8 ms latency
  • →Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like experience

Category Scores

Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Value
8.2
8.4
Battery
8.0
8.8
Display
9.2
9.1
Software
9.0
8.3
Performance
9.3
8.7

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 Ultra

Pros

  • Massive 14.6" Super AMOLED screen is unmatched for media and multitasking
  • S Pen included in the box with low 2.8 ms latency
  • Samsung DeX provides a desktop-like experience
  • Up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage for power users
  • 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and pen input

Cons

  • Extremely large and heavy at 726 g — not pocketable
  • Display notch is distracting on a tablet this premium
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs warm under sustained loads
  • Android tablet app ecosystem still trails iPadOS
  • $1,099+ is laptop territory pricing

Full Specifications

SpecApple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2)Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
SoftwareiPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+)Android 12 (One UI 4.1, upgradable to One UI 6+)
Body
Weight682 g (Wi-Fi)726 g (Wi-Fi)
Dimensions280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm
Battery
Battery lifeUp to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-FiUp to 14 hours video playback
Capacity10758 mAh (40.88 Wh)11200 mAh
Display
Size12.9 inches14.6 inches
TypeLiquid Retina XDR mini-LEDSuper AMOLED
Resolution2732 x 20482960 x 1848
Refresh rate120Hz ProMotion120Hz
Storage
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Expandable storage
Processor
RAM8 GB (16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB)8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB
ChipsetApple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Octa-core, Adreno 730)
Connectivity
USBThunderbolt / USB 4USB-C 3.2
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
Cellular
Stylus Support

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Related Comparisons

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.

Explore more in tablets, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.