Galaxy Tab S8 Versus iPad Pro: Which Tablet is Better?

Apple fans have long suggested that Samsung’s various Galaxy Tabs exist in the shadows of the iPad. Until now, anyway. That’s because even die-hard Apple fans are struggling to argue with the brand-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s offering.

Bigger than even Apple’s largest 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the massive 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a sight to behold. And despite being considerably bigger, the newer Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is no pricier. With that, the two flagship tablets cost the same at $1,099.

It’s a lot of money; there are no two ways about that. However, with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra now snapping at the iPad Pro’s heels, there’s never been a better choice available for those seeking a huge top-tier tablet. So, is the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra better than the iPad Pro? Let’s find out.

The all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra gets a 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 2960 x 1848 resolution and 240ppi pixel density. Meanwhile, the comparable iPad gets Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and a pixel density of 264ppi.

Both have 120Hz refresh and 240Hz touch sampling rates. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra then has a 16:10 aspect ratio versus the iPad Pro’s 10:7 setup. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s larger display certainly looks impressive. But beyond that, both flagship tablets have excellent screens that are otherwise hard to tell apart.

When it comes to software and performance, both tablets operate on their respective manufacturer’s latest operating systems. Hardware-wise, the iPad Pro uses Apple’s proprietary M1 processor, while the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra gets Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile platform. Largely comparable, benchmark testing puts the M1 just ahead of the newest Snapdragon solution, but not by much.

Somewhere that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra does fall down slightly is in terms of storage capacity. Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB guises, storage can also be upgraded to 1TB with a separate MicroSD.

By contrast, the iPad Pro from Apple boasts five options, all of which are built-in. These are 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and—crucially—2TB – a frankly massive amount of storage for a tablet, and something not available in any configuration with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

Available RAM ranges from 8GB to 16GB on both devices. However, only the iPad’s two most expensive 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB of RAM, which may be a crucial consideration where budget is important.

In terms of camera provisions, there are more similarities between the 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro. Although the Samsung tablet gets an additional ultra-wide front camera, both offer various solutions topping out at 12MP on the iPad and 13MP on the flagship Galaxy model.

Where the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra shines, though, is when it comes to video. While Apple’s iPad Pro is limited to 4K at up to 60fps, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will record in glorious 8K at the same frame rate.

The larger Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra arguably requires a bigger battery, and it gets one, although not by much. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra’s 11,200mAh solution is barely 10 percent bigger than the iPad Pro’s, but it’s bigger all the same.

The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will also charge faster, at up to 45 watts over USB-C. That’s versus the comparatively meager 18 watts possible with the Apple iPad Pro.

The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra includes a free S Pen stylus, too, whereas the Apple Pencil for the iPad Pro is sold separately. Keyboards are available for the pair as well in the shape of the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard and Apple Magic Keyboard, among others. These are great for using both the Galaxy Tab and the iPad as a laptop replacement.

Finally, and when it comes to color options, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is available in Samsung’s standard Graphite finish only. Apple iPad Pro buyers, on the other hand, can pick between either Silver or Space Gray.

Aside from their high cost, there’s little to find fault with in either tablet. While Apple fans will no doubt continue to stick with the iPad, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra from Samsung is a very respectable Android-powered alternative.

At the end of the day, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is truly impressive, especially in terms of size. Yet, it’s less portable as a result, which mustn’t be overlooked given the intended nature of tablet computers.

Elsewhere, its video-capturing abilities are superior to those of the iPad Pro. Still, it’s the Apple product that enjoys a better spec when it comes to storage. Its proprietary chip also makes it a touch faster overall.

While both start at just under $1,100, upgrading aspects of either tablet quickly starts to have a bearing on the cost. As such, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra tops out at $1,399. The comparable 12.9-inch iPad Pro, however, tops out at a dollar shy of $2,400 with additional add ons.

In the end, whether Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is better than the Apple iPad Pro will likely come down to personal preference. If bigger is better, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has the edge, especially with its included S Pen stylus and being a newer model than the 12-month-old iPad Pro.

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Upsie offers two- and three-year policies for new, used and refurbished tablets. Find out more at upsie.com/tablet-warranty. Or find out what other electronics they can protect on their all warranties page.