Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (Fan Edition Plus), released in October 2023, and the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020), launched in March 2020, represent distinct approaches to the large-screen tablet experience. While both offer expansive displays suitable for productivity and entertainment, they differ significantly in their operating systems and core hardware, catering to users within the Android and Apple ecosystems respectively. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ runs on Android with Samsung's One UI, while the iPad Pro operates on iPadOS. These differences lead to varied user experiences in terms of software integration, accessory support, and overall performance.

When considering the long-term usability of a tablet, factors like software support, physical durability, and repairability play a significant role. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ and the iPad Pro 2020 offer different longevity prospects.

• Software Support: The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ launched with Android 13 and is promised four major OS updates and five years of security patches, extending its software life until Android 17 and security updates until 2028. The iPad Pro 2020, having launched with iPadOS 13.4, has already received several major iPadOS updates and typically receives support for 5-6 years from its release.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes, and has a robust aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 screen. The iPad Pro 2020 does not have an official IP rating, though it is built with a durable aluminum unibody.
• Repairability: The iPad Pro 2020 received a relatively low repairability score from some experts, indicating that repairs can be challenging and costly. Information on the repairability score for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is less widely available, but Samsung generally aims for a balance of durability and serviceability.

The performance of these tablets is influenced by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle applications, multitasking, and demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2020, with its advanced processor, delivers robust performance capable of handling demanding applications like 4K video editing and complex graphic design tasks smoothly. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is equipped with a mid-range processor that capably handles everyday tasks, web browsing, and streaming, but may exhibit occasional stuttering with multiple demanding apps or intensive gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2020 offers 6GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and app management, allowing users to switch between applications without significant delays. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ comes with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, which supports smooth operation and multitasking within the Android environment.
• Battery Endurance: The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a large 10,090 mAh battery, providing extended usage, with some tests showing over 18 hours of web surfing. The iPad Pro 2020 has a 9,720 mAh battery, typically offering around 10 hours of mixed use, though intensive tasks can reduce this.
• Storage Options: The iPad Pro 2020 offers a wide range of internal storage configurations, from 128GB up to 1TB. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ provides 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB.

The visual experience on a tablet is largely defined by its display, with differences in technology, resolution, and refresh rate impacting clarity and smoothness.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a 12.4-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The iPad Pro 2020 comes with a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPad Pro 2020 boasts a 120Hz ProMotion display, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate for exceptionally smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, though not as fluid as the iPad Pro's.
• Brightness and Color: The iPad Pro 2020's display is known for its brightness and wide color support, making it suitable for various lighting conditions and creative work. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers vivid colors and good brightness, reaching up to 760 nits with adaptive brightness, providing a clear viewing experience even outdoors.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their camera systems are important for video calls, document scanning, and augmented reality applications.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ includes a dual rear camera setup with an 8MP wide and an 8MP ultrawide lens, capable of decent photos in good lighting and suitable for document capture. The iPad Pro 2020 features a dual rear camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultrawide lens, along with a LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved depth sensing.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera, positioned on the long edge, which is well-suited for video conferencing and selfies, and can record UHD video. The iPad Pro 2020 features a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, which supports Face ID and is effective for video calls and facial recognition.
• Audio Experience: Both tablets offer capable audio output. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features AKG-tuned dual speakers, providing good sound for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2020 is equipped with a quad-speaker system, delivering rich and immersive audio.