Looking for an honest Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen 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 2021 iPad 9th Gen comes out ahead 50/100 to 39/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra by 511% ($179.99 vs $1,099), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen edges out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in the tablets category, especially in value ($179.99 vs $1099), scoring 50 vs 39. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen over Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple 2021 iPad 9th GenW | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.2" | — |
| Display Type | Retina IPS | — |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 pixels | — |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | — |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic | — |
| RAM | 3GB |
Buy Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if…
Buy the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen 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 2021 iPad 9th Gen edges out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in the tablets category, especially in value ($179.99 vs $1099), scoring 50 vs 39. If you want the better overall tablets, Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen scores higher overall (75 vs 92).
Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is cheaper at $179.99 vs $1099 for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra.
Buy the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a larger battery (11,200mAh vs 8,557mAh for the Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple 2021 iPad 9th Gen is lighter at 487g vs 732g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the tabletscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 64GB | 256GB✓ |
| Camera | 12MP | — |
| Front Camera | 12MP | — |
| Battery | 8557mAh | 11200mAh✓ |
| OS | iPadOS 15 | — |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil (1st generation) | — |
| Keyboard Support | Smart Keyboard | — |
| Cellular | Wi-Fi only | — |
| Weight | 487g✓ | 732g |
| Price | 179.99$✓ | 1099$ |
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has more RAM (12GB vs 3GB), which helps with multitasking.