Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 rates higher at 68/100 versus 63/100 for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 — a 5-point lead. Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 leads Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 overall by 13 points (79 vs 66 out of 100).
- Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 stands out on Display Size: 13 in, Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 86.2%.
- Best value: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (from $799) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 leads overall
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4
79
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
66
Why it stands out
- Display Size: 13 in
- Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 86.2%
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Aug 2026.
The Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 (scoring 69) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (scoring 66) are both premier tablets that cater to different user needs. The iPad Pro leads in display innovation and raw performance, utilizing a cutting-edge tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display and Thunderbolt connectivity, making it the top choice for demanding creative professionals. The Galaxy Tab S9 leads in out-of-the-box value, providing a versatile Android multitasking environment and including a bundled stylus, which is highly beneficial for students and general productivity users.
- Display
- The iPad Pro wins with its advanced tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR screen, which achieves a superb 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and an adaptive 10–120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy Tab S9 features a beautiful AMOLED display, but it cannot match the extreme brightness and precision of Apple's dual-panel OLED technology.
- Performance & Productivity
- Apple's iPad Pro takes the lead in sheer processing power, handling heavy video editing and complex workloads with ease. However, the Galaxy Tab S9 offers excellent productivity value by bundling the S Pen stylus and offering an open, desktop-like multitasking interface.
- Connectivity
- The iPad Pro excels by offering high-bandwidth Thunderbolt / USB 4 support for professional docks and storage, alongside advanced Wi-Fi 7 wireless. While the Galaxy Tab S9 has capable high-speed wireless and USB-C connectivity, it lacks the professional-grade data transfer speeds of the iPad.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4
The Apple iPad Pro 13 is a high-end tablet designed for users demanding top-tier processing power and display technology. Powered by the Apple M4 chip, this generation features a tandem OLED screen and a redesigned 5.1 mm thin chassis. It also introduces a landscape-oriented front camera while streamlining its rear camera array.
Best for High-end mobile video editing and digital illustration requiring precise HDR colBest for Professional video conferencing where a centered, landscape-oriented camera is pBest for Working in bright environments when equipped with the glare-reducing nano-textur
Pros
- Dual-stack tandem OLED display delivers high contrast alongside 1000 nits of SDR and 1600 nits of HDR brightness.
- Remarkably slim 5.1 mm design makes it exceptionally portable for a 13-inch device.
- Repositioned landscape front-facing camera provides a more natural angle during video calls.
- High-speed Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 support allows for rapid data transfer and flexible accessory expansion.
Cons
- Drops the ultra-wide secondary rear camera found on previous generations, leaving only a single 12 MP wide camera.
- Maximum performance benefits, such as 16 GB of RAM and the anti-glare nano-texture glass, are locked behind the more expensive 1 TB and 2 TB storage tiers.
- Incompatibility with older accessories forces users to upgrade to the new Magic Keyboard or Apple Pencil Pro.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is a family of premium Android tablets built for productivity, creativity, and media consumption. The core flagship lineup is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor and features 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens. Notably, this generation introduces certified IP68 dust and water resistance to the main series for the first time.
Best for Media viewing and high-performance tasks on a premium 120Hz AMOLED displayBest for Drawing and note-taking in diverse environments thanks to robust water and dust
Pros
- First standard flagship Galaxy Tab models to feature IP68 dust and water resistance protection
- Highly responsive stylus input with a lower-latency S Pen included in the box
- Rich and fluid visuals powered by a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen
- Expandable storage capacity up to 1 TB via a dedicated microSDXC card slot
Cons
- The more affordable FE models downgrade performance significantly with an Exynos 1380 processor and slower USB 2.0 ports that lack external monitor support
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPad Pro 13 M41,750,000
Samsung Galaxy Tab S91,500,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPad Pro 13 M410,290 mAh
Samsung Galaxy Tab S98,400 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 is 81 g (16%) heavier than Samsung Galaxy Tab S9.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 comparison
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 are compared side by side above across every spec in the tablets category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 68/100 for Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 and 63/100 for Samsung Galaxy Tab S9.
At launch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 was the more affordable option ($799) versus Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 ($1299). Weigh that against the overall scores (68/100 vs 63/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 (68/100) edges out Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (63/100). But if Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.
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