Looking for an honest Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular 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 Air 2 WiFi Cellular comes out ahead 50/100 to 39/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra by 1274% ($79.99 vs $1,099), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular edges out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in the tablets category, especially in value ($79.99 vs $1099), scoring 50 vs 39. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular over Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra means trading these off.
Apple
$80
Scores are relative within the tabletscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi CellularW | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 9.7" | — |
| Display Type | Retina | — |
| Resolution | 2048 x 1536 pixels | — |
| Chipset | Apple A8X | — |
| RAM | 2GB | 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 16GB | 256GB✓ |
| Camera | 8MP | — |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | — |
| Battery | 7340mAh | 11200mAh✓ |
| OS | iOS 12 | — |
| Stylus | No | — |
| Keyboard Support | Smart Keyboard | — |
| Cellular | Optional Cellular, Wi-Fi only | — |
| Weight | 437g✓ | 732g |
| Price | 79.99$✓ | 1099$ |
Buy Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular if…
Buy the Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular 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 Air 2 WiFi Cellular edges out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in the tablets category, especially in value ($79.99 vs $1099), scoring 50 vs 39. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular scores higher overall (50 vs 92).
Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular is cheaper at $79.99 vs $1099 for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Buy the Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular 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 7,340mAh for the Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi Cellular is lighter at 437g vs 732g.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has more RAM (12GB vs 2GB), which helps with multitasking.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 31, 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.