Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
The Verdict
Both tablets excel in their respective ecosystems, but serve different user priorities. Apple's iPad Pro 12.9" M2 delivers superior performance with its custom silicon, exceptional display quality via Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED technology, and seamless iPadOS integration with Stage Manager multitasking. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra counters with a larger 14.6" Dynamic AMOLED screen, faster 45W charging, expandable storage, and more versatile dual selfie cameras,advantages for media consumption and content creation. The M2 edges ahead in processing power and stylus precision with Apple Pencil hover detection, while Samsung offers better everyday practicality through IP68 water resistance and microSD expansion. At $100 less, the iPad Pro represents superior value for professionals needing raw performance; however, the Tab S9 Ultra justifies its premium for users prioritizing screen real estate and flexibility. Choose iPad Pro for creative workflows; select Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra for multimedia consumption and productivity balance.
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 Ultra if…
- →Massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz
- →S Pen included in the box
- →IP68 dust and water resistance
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 Ultra
Pros
- Massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz
- S Pen included in the box
- IP68 dust and water resistance
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- MicroSD expansion and dual front cameras
Cons
- Very large form factor is not portable for everyone
- Premium price above $1,199
- Keyboard Book Cover sold separately
- Heavy at 732 g
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2022, M2) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to Android 14) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 682 g (Wi-Fi) | 732 g |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm |
| IP rating | — | IP68 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi | Up to 12 hours video playback, 45W wired charging |
| Capacity | 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) | 11200 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 12.9 inches | 14.6 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 | 2960 x 1848 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB (16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB) | 12 GB / 16 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 + 12 MP ultrawide dual selfie |
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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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