iPad Air 5th Gen VS Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

• 

  xuqi on 29/07/2023 - 11:48

  +7

  Regarding product support and future software updates, Apple wins hands-down every single time.

  • 

    anthtan72 on 29/07/2023 - 13:48

    I agree! I want to give Samsung a chance but even though the Air is near 2 years older than the S9, I reckon it’ll still outlast. The M1, despite being nearly 2 years old, is still dominating mobile performance being second to its predecessor.

• 

  beebul on 29/07/2023 - 12:33

  +3

  I'm a Samsung /Android /Windows person but I just got the iPad Air 5 on Prime Day and love it for both productivity and video audio stuff. I just use a wireless Mac keyboard and the apple pencil and the smart folio case.

  You already know your way around IOS so you won't have that learning curve that I have..

  Also I think the hardware is excellent.

  • 

    anthtan72 on 29/07/2023 - 13:49

    How do you feel about multi-functionality? As I don’t have a laptop, the Dex feature on Samsung seems to be much more attractive than stage manager on iPad.

    • 

      beebul on 29/07/2023 - 14:13

      +1

      Well the iPad can be plugged into a TV or monitor with a USB C adapter.

      I have Dex on my phone but don't use it much.. When you are logged into most accounts all your stuff gets pulled through anyway… Like Microsoft/ Google, etc.

      I've been using Office, github coding in the browser, some other apps and found the iPad nice and snappy.

      There are some frustrations I have with IPadOS (not too keen on how icons work on the home screens and I wish I had the control that Android gives you - damn I would like to be able to install Dolphin emulator without jumping through all those hoops!) but on the whole I'm not regretting the purchase… (that could just be the novelty of having new gear though as I like to muck around with new stuff.)

      Taking the whole lot to a tech conference in Melbourne next week so that will be a test for remote working, note-taking, productivity.. etc.

      • 

        beebul on 29/07/2023 - 18:42

        +1

        Having said all that, I have a work Dell Windows laptop and I couldn't do my job without it. So it depends on your specific needs.

• 

  Jimothy Wongingtons on 29/07/2023 - 12:35

  +2

  If you’re in iphone camp , could argue iPad as the synergy is better with features such as hand-off Eg safari handover is pretty neat

• 

  scrimshaw on 29/07/2023 - 12:44

  +4

  The iPad software (and the apps built for it) is typically more polished. Software wise the iPad OS is better than Android.

  However one reason I keep going with Samsung tablets (I have owned 4 generations of Samsung tablets now) is because of the MicroSD card slot. That feature is a non-negotiable for me and is the one thing that's kept me from switching to iPad.

  • 

    jamesorion on 29/07/2023 - 12:57

    +2

    I feel the opposite. The iPad Air and Pros have really nice hardware but iPadOS is too limited in functionality and it's frustrating to use if you are used to Android. The main advantages over the Galaxy Tabs to me are the ability to use Procreate and the aspect ratio on the bigger sizes.

  • 

    anthtan72 on 29/07/2023 - 13:51

    +1

    Agreed, but as I don’t game that much or store a lot of content, I think 256 GB should be fine. But having that flexibility of expandable storage up to 1 tb is such a good feature.

• 

  Axelstrife on 29/07/2023 - 15:00

  60hz
  The rest of the specs mean nothing if the screen feels ancient with every swipe.

  The main need for this device is for media consumption and light productivity such as emails, web browsing and the occasional document reading.

  The Tab S9's new Amoled display which is also 120hz is perfect for this combined with the tab s9's better form factor makes watching youtube, movies/TV shows or tiktok will be larger on the tab s9 with less black bars.

  Both tablets can obviously do the rest of what you listed.

  Question to you OP, Do you intend on using the device till it's not possible to anymore?

  • 

    anthtan72 on 30/07/2023 - 02:54

    The screen being amoled with 120 hz does make the s9 a better media device. And fair call about the screen holding back the rest of the device if it is sluggish.

    And yes, I tend to run down my devices until it’s absolutely a pain to use - I’ve had great experiences with old iPads (iPad 3, iPad mini) which is why I’m considering the Air. That said, if I get the s9 day 1, I should be able to use it for a minimum of 4-5 years before Samsung abandons it.

    • 

      Axelstrife on 30/07/2023 - 11:20

      +1

      Im not sure if this is an option for you but if you are a member or know someone who is then Costco have the iPad pro 11" 128gb for $1319 which will last longer with it's newer M2 chip and it's 120hz display means it wont feel like ancient.

    • 

      scrimshaw on 30/07/2023 - 12:36

      +1

      Just an FYI both Samsungs and iPads retain trade-in value pretty well, it could be better for you to trade in your device for discounts for newer hardware than to use your device till it dies.

      Samsung runs a trade-in program that is quite generous and will accept both used Samsung and iDevices and many people use it in conjunction with Samsung promo codes (newsletter and loyalty codes). For e.g my Galaxy S21 Ultra would have been $1200 but after stacking codes and trading in an older phone I got it down to just $630.

      Apple's trade in program is pretty stingy and will only accept Apple devices.

• 

  gee-man on 30/07/2023 - 09:29

  +1

  Specs are meaningful to some degree, but the main thing that will make you love or hate it is the user experience.

  It’s like when people get caught up in the 0–60 times for small n/a four-cylinder cars. In the end it’s not what’s important.

  All of my gear is Apple these days, not because it’s necessarily the fastest or best or refreshiest, but because for me, it just works, and it all works well together.

  Ignoring the specs, what would you rather hold in your hand every day?

• 

  rbrtsluk on 30/07/2023 - 09:54

  Just look back on how long Apple have been building operating systems then take a look at google. Personally googles systems give me a headache

• 

  Essem on 30/07/2023 - 18:50

  +2

  I started off with iPhone but switched to Samsung due to ability to buy lowest memory and insert sd card for extra memory (and keep a spare battery while that lasted). First tablet was iPad then iPad Air. Switched to Samsung tablet to be complementary to phone but didn’t ever find it easier to use than iPad so switched back to iPad now on Air5. No regrets. Tether phone to iPad for data. Spotify, Evernote, Bitwarden, Bitdefender, Drive, Google photos etc sync across both.

• 

  ForkSnorter on 31/07/2023 - 07:39

  +1

  I'd choose iPad (Air or Pro), for a number of reasons, one of which is the new FreeForm app. With the Apple Pencil 2, it's phenomenal for note-taking, mindmapping, brainstorming, simple designing, drawing, all in one. Nothing comparable as far as I know.

• 

  anthtan72 on 31/07/2023 - 08:55

  +2

  Thanks all for commenting and for your input. I actually went ahead and managed to snag an iPad Pro 11inch 4th gen with 128 gb for $1196.05. Given my needs, I don’t forsee any need for further storage and since it’s mostly for media consumption, the better display and audio was what ultimately won me over.

  Price beat with David jones using this https://www.davidjones.com/product/apple-ipad-pro-11-inch-4t…

  Seems to be that stock is low for iPads, especially the iPad Air, with only online really having any available. Had to click and collect. I suspect that David Jones will be running out of stock soon as well, so anyone on the look out for an iPad should make use of the price @ OW soon!