Looking for an honest Apple iPad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra comparison in 2026? We scored both tablets on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple iPad comes out ahead 55/100 to 39/100 — a 16-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the Apple iPad pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPad undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra by 286% ($284.99 vs $1,099), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPad clearly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in the tablets category, especially in value ($284.99 vs $1099), scoring 55 vs 39. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple iPad is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPad over Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPadW | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 11" | — |
| Display Type | IPS | — |
| Resolution | 2360x1640 | — |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | — |
| Chipset | Apple M2 | — |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
Buy Apple iPad if…
Buy the Apple iPad if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra if…
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple iPad clearly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in the tablets category, especially in value ($284.99 vs $1099), scoring 55 vs 39. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple iPad is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple iPad scores higher overall (80 vs 92).
Apple iPad is cheaper at $284.99 vs $1099 for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Buy the Apple iPad if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a larger battery (11,200mAh vs 7,660mAh for the Apple iPad), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPad is lighter at 477g vs 732g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the tabletscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Camera | 12MP | — |
| Front Camera | 12MP | — |
| Battery | 7660mAh | 11200mAh✓ |
| OS | iPadOS 18 | — |
| Keyboard Support | true | — |
| Cellular | false | — |
| Weight | 477g✓ | 732g |
| Price | 284.99$✓ | 1099$ |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), which helps with multitasking.