iPad (2022) vs. Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Tablet Power and Efficiency

The tablet market offers a spectrum of choices, from streamlined productivity tools to immersive entertainment hubs. We pit Apple’s consistently reliable iPad (2022) against Samsung’s ambitious Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, a device aiming to redefine the large-screen tablet experience. This comparison focuses on how their differing chipsets and design philosophies translate into real-world performance and usability.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem and all-day battery life, the iPad (2022) is the better choice. However, power users demanding maximum performance and a larger, more versatile display will find the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra a compelling alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad (2022) Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - A2757HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2757LTE
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2757, A2777SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2777-
Launch
Announced2022, October 182022, February 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 26Available. Released 2022, April 30
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame-
Dimensions248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in)326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm (12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb)726 g (Wi-Fi), 728 g (5G) (1.60 lb)
 Stylus support (1st gen only)Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coatingCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density)1848 x 2960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~240 ppi density)
Size10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)14.6 inches, 612.6 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLiquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUHexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 730
OSiPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 -UFS
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF 6 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
FeaturesHDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF-
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Dual-12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)-
Video1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
 -Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, EDR, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Wireless Samsung DeX
Battery
Charging-45W wired, 100% in 82 min
TypeLi-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh)Li-Po 11200 mAh
Misc
ColorsSilver, Blue, Pink, YellowGraphite
ModelsA3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19SM-X900, SM-X906, SM-X906B, SM-X906U, SM-X906N
PriceAbout 430 EURAbout 1150 EUR
SAR EU-0.69 W/kg (body)

Apple iPad (2022)

  • Excellent battery life and efficiency
  • Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
  • Optimized software experience

  • Smaller display compared to Tab S8 Ultra
  • Less powerful processor for demanding tasks

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

  • Massive, immersive display
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
  • Fast 45W charging

  • Potentially shorter battery life
  • Larger and less portable

Display Comparison

While specific display specs for the iPad (2022) aren't provided, it's expected to feature a standard LCD panel. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra boasts a significantly larger 14.6-inch display. Crucially, the Tab S8 Ultra’s use of a 4nm Snapdragon chipset allows for a more power-efficient display driver, potentially mitigating the increased power draw of its larger size. The Tab S8 Ultra’s display is likely to have a higher peak brightness and potentially a wider color gamut, enhancing HDR content viewing. The iPad’s smaller form factor will result in a higher pixel density, but the overall visual impact will likely favor the Tab S8 Ultra’s expansive screen.

Camera Comparison

Neither tablet is primarily a photography device, but the Tab S8 Ultra is expected to have a more sophisticated camera system. While specific details are missing, Samsung typically prioritizes camera features in its tablets. The iPad (2022) likely features a basic camera setup sufficient for video calls and casual snapshots. The Tab S8 Ultra’s larger sensor and potentially more advanced image processing algorithms will result in better low-light performance and more detailed images. The inclusion of features like ultra-wide lenses on the Tab S8 Ultra further expands its photographic capabilities.

Performance

The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. Apple’s A14 Bionic (5nm) utilizes a hexa-core CPU, prioritizing efficiency and optimized software integration. Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) employs an octa-core configuration, with a Cortex-X2 prime core for peak performance. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 has more cores, the A14 Bionic’s architecture and Apple’s software control often translate to comparable, and sometimes superior, real-world responsiveness in everyday tasks. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 will likely excel in sustained, demanding workloads like video editing or 3D rendering. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon offers improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions compared to the 5nm A14 Bionic.

Battery Life

The iPad (2022) is known for its excellent battery life, a testament to Apple’s chip design and software optimization. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, with its larger display and more powerful processor, will likely have a shorter battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Tab S8 Ultra compensates with 45W wired charging, reaching 100% in approximately 82 minutes. The iPad (2022) typically charges at a slower rate. This faster charging capability mitigates the Tab S8 Ultra’s potentially lower battery endurance, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPad (2022) if you need a dependable tablet for everyday tasks, content consumption, and light creative work, especially if you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem. Its A14 Bionic chip provides ample power for most users, and its optimized software delivers a smooth, efficient experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra if you prioritize a massive display for multitasking, demanding gaming, and professional creative applications. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers raw power, and the 45W charging ensures minimal downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Tab S8 Ultra overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a powerful chip, it's known to generate heat under sustained load. However, the Tab S8 Ultra’s larger chassis and potentially improved thermal management system should mitigate throttling, allowing for extended gaming sessions with minimal performance drops. The 4nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency compared to older chipsets.
❓ Is the iPad (2022) sufficient for professional photo editing, or is the Tab S8 Ultra a better choice?
The iPad (2022) can handle basic photo editing tasks, but the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, with its more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and larger display, is better suited for professional-level editing. The larger screen provides more workspace, and the increased processing power allows for faster rendering and smoother performance with demanding editing software.
❓ How does the software experience differ between iPadOS and Android on the Tab S8 Ultra?
iPadOS is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Android on the Tab S8 Ultra offers greater customization options and open-source flexibility. Samsung’s One UI provides a refined Android experience with features like DeX mode, which transforms the tablet into a desktop-like environment. The choice depends on your preference for a curated, streamlined experience (iPadOS) or a more customizable, open platform (Android).