Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
The Verdict
Apple's iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) delivers flagship tablet performance with its M2 chip, stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display featuring 120Hz ProMotion, and 10-hour battery life. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers exceptional value at half the price, featuring a 12.4-inch TFT LCD display, longer claimed battery life (20 hours video playback), expandable storage, and the capable Exynos 1380 processor. While the iPad Pro dominates in display quality, raw performance, and premium build, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ provides practical functionality for everyday tasks, media consumption, and productivity at a significantly lower price point. For professional creative work and demanding applications, the iPad Pro is superior. For budget-conscious users seeking a capable large-screen tablet for content consumption and light productivity, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ represents outstanding value. Choose the iPad Pro if you need maximum performance and display excellence; select the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if budget and battery endurance matter most.
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 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
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 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 12.9" (2022, M2) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 682 g (Wi-Fi) | 627 g |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 20 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 | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 90Hz |
| 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) | 6 GB / 8 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | 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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