Galaxy Tab S9 FE (10.9", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, released in 2023, and the Apple iPad Pro 2020, represent distinct approaches to the tablet experience. While both devices offer robust platforms for productivity and entertainment, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technologies, and overall performance capabilities. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE runs on Android with Samsung's One UI, while the iPad Pro 2020 operates on Apple's iPadOS.

When considering the long-term usability of these tablets, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a more recent device, launched in 2023, giving it an inherent advantage in terms of future software updates compared to the iPad Pro 2020, which was released in March 2020. [9, 12]

• Software Longevity: Apple is known for providing extensive software support for its devices, with iPads typically receiving major iPadOS updates for 5-7 years and security updates for even longer. [25, 31] The iPad Pro 2020, having launched with iPadOS 13.4, is still supported by recent iPadOS versions. [3, 5] Samsung generally offers several years of Android updates for its tablets, with the Tab S series often receiving four major Android updates and five years of security updates. [17, 29] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE, being a newer model, is expected to benefit from Samsung's good update policy for its category, ensuring several years of software relevance. [24, 36]
• Repairability Considerations: The iPad Pro 2020 has been noted for its relatively low repairability, often scoring around 3 out of 10 in assessments due to extensive use of adhesive and complex internal design. [34] While specific repairability scores for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE are less widely published, Samsung tablets generally present moderate repair challenges.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with quality materials, but the newer release of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE means it will likely receive feature and security updates for a longer duration from the current date, potentially extending its practical lifespan for users who prioritise the latest software.

The performance of a tablet is crucial for handling applications, multitasking, and general responsiveness. These two devices offer different levels of processing power and memory configurations.

• Processing Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2020 is equipped with a powerful processor that delivers robust performance, making it well-suited for demanding applications, complex graphic tasks, and intensive multitasking. [1, 2, 6] Users often report smooth operation even with professional-grade software. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE features a capable processor that handles everyday tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming smoothly. [7, 19] However, for very graphics-intensive games or heavy multitasking with numerous applications open, users might notice a difference in sustained performance compared to the iPad Pro. [7]
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both tablets offer sufficient RAM for effective multitasking, with the iPad Pro 2020 featuring 6GB of RAM across all configurations, and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE offering 6GB or 8GB options. [3, 5, 6, 7, 8] iPadOS on the Pro model is optimised for fluid transitions and app switching, while Samsung's One UI on the Tab S9 FE also provides a responsive experience, enhanced by its 90Hz display. [19]
• Storage Options: The iPad Pro 2020 provides a wide range of internal storage options, from 128GB up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. [3, 5] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card, which is a significant advantage for users who require more space for media or documents. [7, 8, 14, 19]
• Battery Behavior: The iPad Pro 2020, with its 9720 mAh battery, typically offers around 10 hours of web surfing or video playback on a single charge. [1, 2, 6] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE, featuring an 8000 mAh battery, provides a strong battery life, with users reporting between 10 to 17 hours depending on usage patterns like video streaming, browsing, and light gaming. [7, 8, 19, 22, 27] Both devices support fast charging, though neither includes a charger in the box. [8, 22]

The visual experience on a tablet is largely defined by its display, and these two devices offer distinct screen technologies and characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad Pro 2020 features a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, providing sharp and detailed visuals. [3, 5, 6] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a 10.9-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 2304 x 1440 pixels, offering clear and vibrant images. [7, 8, 18, 19] Both displays are well-suited for media consumption and general use.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2020 boasts a 120Hz ProMotion display, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate for exceptionally smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a highly responsive touch experience. [3, 5, 6] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a noticeably smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, enhancing the fluidity of interactions and content viewing. [7, 8, 18, 19]
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: The iPad Pro 2020's display can reach up to 600 nits of brightness, making it quite usable in various lighting conditions, including outdoors. [13] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE's display is also bright and fluid, providing a good viewing experience for most environments. [8, 36] The larger screen size of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2020 offers a more expansive canvas for media and productivity compared to the 10.9-inch Galaxy Tab S9 FE. [3, 7]

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera systems are important for video calls, document scanning, and occasional photo capture. These two tablets offer different camera configurations.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Pro 2020 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens, along with a LiDAR scanner. [2, 4, 5, 6] This system allows for more versatile photography, including wider shots and enhanced augmented reality (AR) capabilities due to the LiDAR sensor. [6, 16] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a single 8MP rear camera with autofocus, which is suitable for scanning documents or quick snapshots. [8, 14, 24, 30, 36]
• Front Camera Performance: For video conferencing and selfies, the iPad Pro 2020 includes a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, which also enables Face ID for secure authentication. [2, 4, 5] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE features a higher resolution 12MP front-facing camera, which is well-suited for clear video calls and selfies. [8, 14, 24, 30, 35]
• Video Recording Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2020 can record video at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps), offering high-quality video capture. [2, 16] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE also supports 4K video recording at 30fps with its rear camera. [30]
• Audio Experience: Both tablets provide a good audio experience for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2020 is known for its quad speakers that produce impressive sound. [2] The Galaxy Tab S9 FE also features stereo speakers, offering a good audio output. [8]