Apple iPad Pro has for a long time been the best tablet for many professional functions including drawing and digital art.
For the longest time, Android lovers had been forced to play second fiddle with no Android-based tablet even coming close in terms of power and efficiency.
In 2022 however, Samsung was able to change this narrative with the introduction of the Samsung S8 series of tablets with 3 new powerful Android tablets to challenge the iPad Pro 12.9 inch.
These three tablets are Samsung S8, Samsung S8+, and Samsung S8 Ultra the latest.
Although they were not able to totally replace it, they came very close, especially with the latest Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra.
In this article, we will compare the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and the iPad Pro 12.9 inch so that you can understand the difference and similarities before choosing the best one for you.
iPad Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Features
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Dimensions: 326.4 x 208.5 x 5.6 mm
- Screen Size: 14.6 inches
- Resolution: 2960 x 1848 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
- Color Accuracy: 157.8% sRGB
- Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Brightness: 500 nits
- Stylus: Samsung S Pen (Included)
- Processor: Snapdragon 8Gen 1
- RAM: 8/12/16 GB
- Storage Options: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Expandable SD Card: Yes
- Operating System: Android
- Security: Fingerprint
- Camera: Rear: 13 MP & 6 MP, Front: 12 MP & 12 MP Ultrawide
- Stereo: Stereo with 4 speakers
- Connection: Stereo (4 speakers)
- Colors: Graphite
- Stylus Response Time: 2.8 ms
iPad Pro 12.9 inch
- Dimensions: 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm
- Screen Size: 12.9 inches
- Resolution: 273 x 2048 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Color Accuracy: 112% sRGB
- Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Brightness: 1000 nits
- Stylus: Apple Pencil 2nd Gen (Stylus included in the box)
- Processor: Apple M2 Processor
- RAM: 8/16 GB
- Storage Options: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Expandable SD Card: No
- Operating System: iOS
- Security: Face ID
- Camera: Rear: 12MP & 10MP (Lidar Scanner) Front: 12MP
- Stereo: Stereo with 4 speakers
- Connection: WiFi + Cellular
- Colors: Silver, Space Grey
- Stylus Response Time: 9 ms
Body and Build
The overall look and feel of the body of a tablet is the first feature that captures the attention of the buyer. Many artists prefer a large but lightweight tablet with a slim and sleek body for aesthetic look and portability.
Both Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro come with a large surface area to accommodate the large screen area for a good user experience.
The iPad Pro comes in with an overall 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm size while the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is slightly larger with 326.4 x 208.5 x 5.58 mm.
These measurements mean that both tablets are large in size but slim and sleek in thickness making them very cool. Both are around 5.9 mm thick which is nice.
Both tablets are strong and sturdy built with a strong all-metallic back and a compact front side to hold the elements such as cameras, screens, and buttons in place.
The iPad Pro comes in 2 color variations Silver and Space Grey while the Samsung S8 Ultra is in a rich Graphite color.
Both tablets weigh less than a Kilogram with the iPad coming in lighter at 682 grams and Samsung S8 Ultra at 725 grams. This is close and you may not tell the difference.
Screen and Display
One thing that sets apart the iPad Pro is its high-quality crisp and clean screen. It comes with a smaller screen than the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra at 12.9 inches compared to 14.6 inches on the Android Tablet.
Although larger, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra is not able to match up to the iPad Pro resolution and display with the iPad Pro displaying a better and more colorful and rich image display.
This is because of the iPad aspect ratio and unique Liquid Retina display technology not present on the Samsung tablet.
Additionally, the iPad boasts larger brightness levels at up to 1000 nits to 1600 nits maximum compared to 500 nits on Samsung.
This means that the iPad will perform far much better in low and high light conditions compared to Samsung.
Overall the iPad has a better screen with 2732 x 2048 pixels resolution and 112% sRGB color accuracy compared to Samsungs 157.8% sRGB color accuracy and 2960 x 1848 pixels resolution.
If you like playing games on your tablet, both screens feature a 120 Hz refresh rate that is good for gaming so you can go with either. However, processing power and Storage will set 1 tablet apart from the other as discussed below.
Power and Performance
Both Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra and the iPad Pro 12.9 inch are premium-level tablets. They pack enough power to easily replace your laptop as your go-to workstation for your professional work.
Both are great. The iPad Pro, however, proves to be better with more powerful features compared to the Samsung Galaxy S8 Ultra.
First, the iPad Pro has a more powerful M2 processor compared to Samsungs older and slower Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. However, Samsungs has a wider RAM and storage variety with 8,12, and 16 GB RAM options compared to iPad’s 8 and 16 GB only.
Additionally, Samsung comes with 3 storage sizes, that is128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB that is Expandable using an SD Card MicroSD Up to 1 TB.
The iPad is not expandable but comes with size options from 128 GB up to 2 TB. You can choose between, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2TB options.
Stylus Pen; Samsung S Pen vs Apple Pencil 2
Samsung Galaxy takes the day in this category because of the fact that when you buy, you get a free professional stylus S pen for free that is made with an artist in mind.
Additionally, it is compatible with many Samsung Tablets including Samsung S6 lite.
This makes the Samsung tablet more economical and flexible compared to the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro works with an Apple Pencil second generation which is great and professional.
Unfortunately, you will have to buy it separately in addition to the expensive iPad Pro tablet.
Another downside of this Pencil is that it is limited and may not work with older versions of iPad so you need to be careful when buying.
Both the S Pen and Apple Pencil score well when it comes to the ergonomic design that mimics a natural pen making them good for drawing.
To add to this the battery-free pen and high sensitivity makes the Pens perfect for both beginners and Professional artists.
Cameras and Speakers
Just like many other tablets, both these tablets have a large space inside that allows space for high-quality speakers for your movie streaming and music.
Both tablets feature a high-quality Stereo sound system with 4 high-quality speakers. iPads have a good camera system with 12MP & 10MP rear cameras and a 12 MP front camera.
Samsung has a slightly better front camera system with 12 MP & 12 MP Ultrawide but a poor rear camera in comparison with 13 MP & 6 MP rear cameras. This difference will however not be too significant.
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