Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs Apple iPad Air 11 M2
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra leads Apple iPad Air 11 M2 overall by 25 points (81 vs 56 out of 100).
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out on Display Size: 14.6 in, Display Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz.
- Best value: Apple iPad Air 11 M2 (from $599) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra leads overall
$1,199 at launch
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
81
Apple iPad Air 11 M2
56
Best value: Apple iPad Air 11 M2 ($599)
Why it stands out
- Display Size: 14.6 in
- Display Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is an exceptionally large flagship tablet designed for users seeking maximum screen real estate and top-tier mobile performance. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy) processor and features a massive display alongside premium additions like an under-display fingerprint reader and S Pen integration.
Best for Split-screen multitasking and productivity workflows that demand maximum screen Best for Digital illustration and precise note-taking with the included stylus
Pros
- High-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy) processor provides robust processing power
- Generous screen size offers an expansive workspace for productivity and media
- Comes with integrated S Pen support for writing and drawing
- Features convenient under-display fingerprint biometrics
Cons
- Its massive physical footprint makes it less portable and difficult to hold comfortably for long periods
Apple iPad Air 11 M2
The Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) is a portable tablet designed for users who require high performance without moving up to the premium Pro line. It is powered by the Apple M2 processor and features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display alongside a baseline storage capacity of 128 GB.
Best for Landscape-oriented video conferencing and virtual meetingsBest for Digital illustration and handwriting tasks utilizing the Apple Pencil ProBest for High-speed external accessory and display workflows using the fast USB-C interfa
Pros
- Strong system performance powered by the Apple M2 chip, which features 8 CPU cores and 9 GPU cores
- High-speed USB-C port supporting 10 Gbit/s data transfers and external monitor connections via DisplayPort
- Landscape-oriented 12 MP front-facing camera that provides a more natural orientation during video calls
- Compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro for advanced digital input
Cons
- Cellular configurations completely lack a physical SIM tray, limiting connectivity options strictly to eSIM
- The 11-inch display is limited to 500 nits of brightness, which is dimmer than the 600 nits offered on the larger 13-inch version
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.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Apple iPad Air 11 M2
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra11,200 mAh
Apple iPad Air 11 M27,606 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
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 UltraApple iPad Air 11 M2
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is 270 g (58%) heavier than Apple iPad Air 11 M2.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side