Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 — 8.5/10
iPad Pro 11 M4 wins on raw speed, display brightness and software support per Notebookcheck and Geekbench tests. Galaxy Tab S9 counters with included S Pen, IP68 rating and cheaper entry price. Choose M4 if you need Mac-level app performance; pick Tab S9 for Android flexibility and water resistance.
See the interactive comparison →Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- DeX desktop mode with full windowed apps
- IP68 dust/water resistance
- S Pen included with low latency
Cons
- Only 4 years of OS updates promised
- LCD backlight on S9+ model shows bloom in HDR
Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 Overview
The Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- M4 delivers 1.5x faster GPU than M2 iPad Pro (per Geekbench 6)
- Ultra-thin 5.1 mm body with 1.51 lb weight
- 7 years of iPadOS updates confirmed
Cons
- Apple Pencil Pro costs extra
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tends to lead in DeX desktop mode with full windowed apps, while the Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 stands out for M4 delivers 1.5x faster GPU than M2 iPad Pro (per Geekbench 6).
Who Should Buy What
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 if…
- You want dex desktop mode with full windowed apps
- You want ip68 dust/water resistance
- You want s pen included with low latency
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 if…
- You want m4 delivers 1.5x faster gpu than m2 ipad pro (per geekbench 6)
- You want ultra-thin 5.1 mm body with 1.51 lb weight
- You want 7 years of ipados updates confirmed
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4. iPad Pro 11 M4 wins on raw speed, display brightness and software support per Notebookcheck and Geekbench tests. Galaxy Tab S9 counters with included S Pen, IP68 rating and cheaper entry price. Choose M4 if you need Mac-level app performance; pick Tab S9 for Android flexibility and water resistance.
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 or Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4?
iPad Pro 11 M4 wins on raw speed, display brightness and software support per Notebookcheck and Geekbench tests. Galaxy Tab S9 counters with included S Pen, IP68 rating and cheaper entry price. Choose M4 if you need Mac-level app performance; pick Tab S9 for Android flexibility and water resistance.
What are the scores for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 scores 7/10 and Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9?
DeX desktop mode with full windowed apps. IP68 dust/water resistance. S Pen included with low latency.
What are the main advantages of the Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4?
M4 delivers 1.5x faster GPU than M2 iPad Pro (per Geekbench 6). Ultra-thin 5.1 mm body with 1.51 lb weight. 7 years of iPadOS updates confirmed.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 worth the price?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 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.
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We'll alert you when Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 or Apple iPad Pro 11 Inch M4 hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.