Tablets have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. They are portable, versatile, and powerful enough to do most of the things we need to do on a daily basis. When it comes to choosing a tablet, Samsung and Apple are the two most popular brands. In this article, we will compare the latest offerings from both brands, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and the Apple iPad 9th Gen, to determine which one is better.
Overview
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a quick look at the specifications of both tablets.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | Apple iPad 9th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 11-inch Super AMOLED, 2560 x 1600 pixels | 10.2-inch Retina, 2160 x 1620 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 898 | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 8 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | 64/256 GB |
| Rear Camera | 13 MP + 5 MP ultra-wide | 8 MP |
| Front Camera | 8 MP | 12 MP ultra-wide |
| Battery | 10,090 mAh | 32.4 Wh |
| Operating System | Android 12 | iPadOS 15 |
| Weight | 502 g | 487 g |
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that you notice about a tablet is its design and build quality. In terms of design, both tablets have a similar form factor, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a slimmer profile and a more premium look and feel. The Tab S8 is made of metal and glass, while the iPad 9th Gen is made of aluminum. Both tablets are well-built and feel sturdy in your hand.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Display
The display is arguably the most important part of a tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has an 11-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The colors are vibrant, and the contrast is excellent. The iPad 9th Gen has a 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. The display is sharp, and the colors are accurate.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Performance
Performance is another critical factor when it comes to tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 898 processor, while the iPad 9th Gen has an A13 Bionic chip. The Tab S8 has 8 GB of RAM, while the iPad 9th Gen has only 3 GB of RAM. The Tab S8 is faster and more powerful than the iPad 9th Gen, making it better for multitasking and gaming.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Battery Life
Battery life is another essential factor to consider when choosing a tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a 10,090 mAh battery, while the iPad 9th Gen has a 32.4 Wh battery. Both tablets can last a full day with moderate usage.
Winner: Tie
Camera
The camera is not the most critical factor when it comes to tablets, but it’s still worth comparing. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a 13 MP + 5 MP ultra-wide rear camera and an 8 MP front camera. The iPad 9th Gen has an 8 MP rear camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide front camera. Both tablets take decent photos and videos, but the iPad 9th Gen has a better front camera for selfies and video calls.
Winner: Apple iPad 9th Gen
Storage
Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and the Apple iPad 9th Gen come in different storage options. The Tab S8 has 128 GB and 256 GB options, while the iPad 9th Gen has 64 GB and 256 GB options. If you need more storage, the Tab S8 is the better choice.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Operating System
The operating system is an essential factor to consider when choosing a tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 runs on Android 12, while the Apple iPad 9th Gen runs on iPadOS 15. Both operating systems are user-friendly and have their own set of features and benefits.
Winner: Tie
Price
Finally, we come to the price. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is more expensive than the Apple iPad 9th Gen. The Tab S8 starts at $649, while the iPad 9th Gen starts at $329. If you’re on a tight budget, the iPad 9th Gen is the better choice.
Winner: Apple iPad 9th Gen
Conclusion
Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and the Apple iPad 9th Gen are excellent tablets with their own set of features and benefits. If you’re looking for a tablet with a more premium look and feel, a better display, faster performance, and more storage, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and want a tablet with a better front camera, the Apple iPad 9th Gen is the way to go.
FAQs
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 waterproof?
- No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is not waterproof, but it has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Can you use a stylus with the Apple iPad 9th Gen?
- Yes, you can use the Apple Pencil with the iPad 9th Gen.
What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8?
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 can last up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 have a headphone jack?
- No, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 does not have a headphone jack.
Can you make phone calls with the Apple iPad 9th Gen?
- No, the Apple iPad 9th Gen does not have cellular connectivity and cannot make phone calls.