Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The Verdict
Apple's iPad Pro 12.9" M2 delivers exceptional performance and display quality with its Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED screen, 120Hz ProMotion, and powerful M2 chip,ideal for creative professionals. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 counters with a lighter design (498g vs 682g), superior battery longevity (11 hours vs 10), expandable storage, faster 45W charging, and IP68 water resistance at a $300 price advantage. Display-wise, iPad Pro's XDR technology excels for HDR content and color accuracy, while Tab S9's Dynamic AMOLED impresses with vibrant colors and contrast. Performance heavily favors iPad Pro's M2 for demanding apps and video editing. Galaxy Tab S9 offers better everyday practicality: lighter portability, longer real-world battery, and microSD expansion. Both support styluses excellently. Choose iPad Pro if professional-grade performance and display fidelity matter most; select Galaxy Tab S9 for balanced features, durability, and value-conscious buyers.
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 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 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 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 12.9" (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 | 682 g (Wi-Fi) | 498 g |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 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 | 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) | 8400 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 12.9 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 | 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 |
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.
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