Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE vs iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 is the better tablet due to its powerful Apple M5 chip, high-quality display, and long-lasting battery life. However, it is more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. According to CNET, the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 has a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a battery life of up to 8 hours (per CNET battery test).
See the interactive comparison →Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Large and vibrant display
- Long-lasting battery life
- S Pen support
Cons
- No headphone jack
- No water resistance
iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 Overview
The iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Powerful Apple M5 chip
- High-quality display
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- No headphone jack
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tends to lead in Large and vibrant display, while the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 stands out for Powerful Apple M5 chip.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if…
- You want large and vibrant display
- You want long-lasting battery life
- You want s pen support
Buy the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 if…
- You want powerful apple m5 chip
- You want high-quality display
- You want long-lasting battery life
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5. The iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 is the better tablet due to its powerful Apple M5 chip, high-quality display, and long-lasting battery life. However, it is more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. According to CNET, the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 has a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Samsung
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE or iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5?
The iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 is the better tablet due to its powerful Apple M5 chip, high-quality display, and long-lasting battery life. However, it is more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE. According to CNET, the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 has a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a battery life of up to 8 hours (per CNET battery test).
What are the scores for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE scores 7.5/10 and iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE?
Large and vibrant display. Long-lasting battery life. S Pen support.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5?
Powerful Apple M5 chip. High-quality display. Long-lasting battery life.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE worth the price?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 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 S9 FE or iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M5 hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.