Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs Apple iPad Pro 13 M4: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 — 8.5/10
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 wins on performance with M4 chip benchmarks 40% higher multi-core than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (per Geekbench 6) and superior tandem OLED brightness of 1000 nits versus 600 nits on Tab S9 (per RTINGS). Tab S9 provides better value for basic use with IP68 rating and expandable storage but trails in longevity with shorter update support. iPad Pro excels for pro workflows while Tab S9 suits casual Android users.
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
- 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 600 nits peak brightness (per RTINGS)
- IP68 dust and water resistance rating
- DeX desktop mode for productivity workflows
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking compared to newer tablets
- No official OS updates beyond Android 15
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 Overview
The Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Tandem OLED display with 1000 nits full-screen brightness (per Apple specs)
- M4 chip delivers up to 1.5x faster CPU performance than prior generation (per Geekbench)
- Thunderbolt 4 port with 40 Gbps bandwidth
Cons
- Higher starting price than comparable Android tablets
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Apple iPad Pro 13 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 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 600 nits peak brightness (per RTINGS), while the Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 stands out for Tandem OLED display with 1000 nits full-screen brightness (per Apple specs).
Who Should Buy What
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 if…
- You want 120hz dynamic amoled 2x display with 600 nits peak brightness (per rtings)
- You want ip68 dust and water resistance rating
- You want dex desktop mode for productivity workflows
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 if…
- You want tandem oled display with 1000 nits full-screen brightness (per apple specs)
- You want m4 chip delivers up to 1.5x faster cpu performance than prior generation (per geekbench)
- You want thunderbolt 4 port with 40 gbps bandwidth
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the Apple iPad Pro 13 M4. Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 wins on performance with M4 chip benchmarks 40% higher multi-core than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (per Geekbench 6) and superior tandem OLED brightness of 1000 nits versus 600 nits on Tab S9 (per RTINGS). Tab S9 provides better value for basic use with IP68 rating and expandable storage
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 or Apple iPad Pro 13 M4?
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 wins on performance with M4 chip benchmarks 40% higher multi-core than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (per Geekbench 6) and superior tandem OLED brightness of 1000 nits versus 600 nits on Tab S9 (per RTINGS). Tab S9 provides better value for basic use with IP68 rating and expandable storage but trails in longevity with shorter update support. iPad Pro excels for pro workflows while Tab S9 suits casual Android users.
What are the scores for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Apple iPad Pro 13 M4?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 scores 6.5/10 and Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9?
120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 600 nits peak brightness (per RTINGS). IP68 dust and water resistance rating. DeX desktop mode for productivity workflows.
What are the main advantages of the Apple iPad Pro 13 M4?
Tandem OLED display with 1000 nits full-screen brightness (per Apple specs). M4 chip delivers up to 1.5x faster CPU performance than prior generation (per Geekbench). Thunderbolt 4 port with 40 Gbps bandwidth.
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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