Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs iPad Pro 13 M4: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 13 M4 — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 13 M4 outperforms the Tab S9 in raw CPU power (1,850 vs 1,650 single‑core Geekbench scores) and offers a brighter mini‑LED display (1,000 nits peak per RTINGS) that benefits color‑critical work. However, the Tab S9 is lighter, includes an S Pen out of the box, and generally costs less, making it a solid choice for mobile note‑taking. Overall, for creators who need top‑tier performance and display quality, the iPad Pro is the clear winner.
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
- Lightweight at 0.5 kg (per Samsung spec)
- 120 Hz refresh rate smooth scrolling (per RTINGS)
- S Pen included for note‑taking (per Samsung)
Cons
- LCD panel less bright than mini‑LED (max 600 nits per RTINGS)
- Battery life lower than iPad Pro (≈10 h video per Samsung)
iPad Pro 13 M4 Overview
The iPad Pro 13 M4 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Mini‑LED display up to 1,000 nits peak brightness (per RTINGS)
- M4 chip 12 % faster single‑core than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (1,850 vs 1,650 per Geekbench)
- Apple Pencil (2nd gen) magnetically attaches (per Apple)
Cons
- Heavier at 0.68 kg (per Apple spec)
- Limited USB‑C accessories compared to Android ecosystem (per Tom's Hardware)
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and 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 Lightweight at 0.5 kg (per Samsung spec), while the iPad Pro 13 M4 stands out for Mini‑LED display up to 1,000 nits peak brightness (per RTINGS).
Who Should Buy What
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 if…
- You want lightweight at 0.5 kg (per samsung spec)
- You want 120 hz refresh rate smooth scrolling (per rtings)
- You want s pen included for note‑taking (per samsung)
Buy the iPad Pro 13 M4 if…
- You want mini‑led display up to 1,000 nits peak brightness (per rtings)
- You want m4 chip 12 % faster single‑core than snapdragon 8 gen 2 (1,850 vs 1,650 per geekbench)
- You want apple pencil (2nd gen) magnetically attaches (per apple)
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 13 M4. The iPad Pro 13 M4 outperforms the Tab S9 in raw CPU power (1,850 vs 1,650 single‑core Geekbench scores) and offers a brighter mini‑LED display (1,000 nits peak per RTINGS) that benefits color‑critical work. However, the Tab S9 is lighter, includes an S Pen out of the box, and generally costs less,
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 or iPad Pro 13 M4?
The iPad Pro 13 M4 outperforms the Tab S9 in raw CPU power (1,850 vs 1,650 single‑core Geekbench scores) and offers a brighter mini‑LED display (1,000 nits peak per RTINGS) that benefits color‑critical work. However, the Tab S9 is lighter, includes an S Pen out of the box, and generally costs less, making it a solid choice for mobile note‑taking. Overall, for creators who need top‑tier performance and display quality, the iPad Pro is the clear winner.
What are the scores for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and iPad Pro 13 M4?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 scores 7/10 and iPad Pro 13 M4 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9?
Lightweight at 0.5 kg (per Samsung spec). 120 Hz refresh rate smooth scrolling (per RTINGS). S Pen included for note‑taking (per Samsung).
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 13 M4?
Mini‑LED display up to 1,000 nits peak brightness (per RTINGS). M4 chip 12 % faster single‑core than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (1,850 vs 1,650 per Geekbench). Apple Pencil (2nd gen) magnetically attaches (per Apple).
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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