Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple — 8/10
The iPad Air 5 wins on performance with its M1 chip versus the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8. The Tab S8 provides a 120Hz display and bundled S Pen while the iPad Air 5 offers better long-term software support. Both models are discontinued with original MSRPs of $699 and $599 respectively.
See the interactive comparison →Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- 120Hz LTPS display for smoother scrolling
- Optional S Pen support included in box
- DeX desktop mode for productivity
Cons
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 runs warmer under load
- Software support ended after 2025
iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple Overview
The iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- M1 chip delivers significantly higher multi-core performance
- Longer software support through 2028+
- Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G cellular
Cons
- 60Hz display only
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 tends to lead in 120Hz LTPS display for smoother scrolling, while the iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple stands out for M1 chip delivers significantly higher multi-core performance.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 if…
- You want 120hz ltps display for smoother scrolling
- You want optional s pen support included in box
- You want dex desktop mode for productivity
Buy the iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple if…
- You want m1 chip delivers significantly higher multi-core performance
- You want longer software support through 2028+
- You want wi-fi 6 and optional 5g cellular
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple. The iPad Air 5 wins on performance with its M1 chip versus the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8. The Tab S8 provides a 120Hz display and bundled S Pen while the iPad Air 5 offers better long-term software support. Both models are discontinued with original MSRPs of $699 and $599 respectively.
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 or iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple?
The iPad Air 5 wins on performance with its M1 chip versus the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8. The Tab S8 provides a 120Hz display and bundled S Pen while the iPad Air 5 offers better long-term software support. Both models are discontinued with original MSRPs of $699 and $599 respectively.
What are the scores for Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 scores 6.5/10 and iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple scores 8/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8?
120Hz LTPS display for smoother scrolling. Optional S Pen support included in box. DeX desktop mode for productivity.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple?
M1 chip delivers significantly higher multi-core performance. Longer software support through 2028+. Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G cellular.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 worth the price?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize Samsung's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
Get notified when prices drop
We'll alert you when Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 or iPad Air 5TH Generation 10 9 Inch M1 Wi Fi Cellular 64GB Purple hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.