Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the cheaper of the two at $699 versus $1,299, a difference of about $600. The Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) stands out for largest ipad pro with tandem oled at 13 inches, while Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is praised for s pen included with 120hz display makes note-taking excellent. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) if…
- →Largest iPad Pro with tandem OLED at 13 inches
- →M5 chip for desktop-class performance
- →Apple Pencil Pro + Magic Keyboard support
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 if…
- →S Pen included with 120Hz display makes note-taking excellent
- →Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 power as the pricier S8+ and Ultra
- →Compact 11" size balances portability and screen real estate
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- Largest iPad Pro with tandem OLED at 13 inches
- M5 chip for desktop-class performance
- Apple Pencil Pro + Magic Keyboard support
- Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt
Cons
- $1299 starting price
- 579g is heavy for a tablet
- iPadOS still limits pro workflows vs macOS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Pros
- S Pen included with 120Hz display makes note-taking excellent
- Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 power as the pricier S8+ and Ultra
- Compact 11" size balances portability and screen real estate
- MicroSD expansion up to 1 TB
- Samsung DeX and multi-window for productivity
Cons
- LCD panel — lacks the AMOLED vibrancy of the S8+ and Ultra
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can run warm during gaming
- $699 is steep for an LCD tablet
- Only 8 GB RAM on all configurations
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 19 | Android 12 (One UI 4.1, upgradable to One UI 6+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 579 g | 503 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| Capacity | — | 8000 mAh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.0 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED | LTPS TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (Octa-core, Adreno 730) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) | 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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