Apple’s iPad mini remains a benchmark for compact tablets, but Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9+ enters the arena with a modern chipset and competitive pricing. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, evaluating whether the iPad mini’s established ecosystem and brand recognition can withstand the Tab A9+'s newer technology and affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ offers a significantly better experience. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset delivers substantially improved performance over the iPad mini’s aging A5, and the 15W charging is a welcome addition. While the iPad mini benefits from Apple’s software optimization, the hardware gap is too large to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - A1454; A1455 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A1454; A1455 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 4, 17 - A1454 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2023, October 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, October 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 200 x 134.7 x 7.2 mm (7.87 x 5.30 x 0.28 in) | 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm (10.12 x 6.64 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 312 g (11.01 oz) | 480 g or 492 g (1.06 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~162 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~206 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.9 inches, 193.3 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Apple A5 (45 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543MP2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | iOS 6, upgradable to iOS 9.3.6 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 512MB RAM, 32GB 512MB RAM, 64GB 512MB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | face detection, FaceTime over Wi-Fi or Cellular | - |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4490 mAh, non-removable (16.7 Wh) | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Slate, White/Silver | Graphite, Silver, Navy |
| Models | A1454, A1455, iPad2,6, iPad2,7 | SM-X210, SM-X215, SM-X216B |
| Price | About 300 EUR | $ 199.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Compact and portable design
- Tight iOS ecosystem integration
- Good display contrast ratio (812:1)
- Outdated Apple A5 processor
- Slow charging speeds (likely)
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
- Modern Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- 15W fast charging
- Larger display for media consumption
- Android tablet ecosystem can be fragmented
- Build quality may not match the iPad mini
- Display specifications currently unknown
Display Comparison
The iPad mini boasts a contrast ratio of 812:1, suggesting good image quality, but lacks specifics on brightness or resolution. The Tab A9+’s display specifications are currently unavailable, but given its market positioning, it likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel. The iPad mini’s smaller form factor will result in a higher pixel density, potentially offering sharper visuals. However, the A9+’s larger screen size may be preferable for media consumption. Without knowing the Tab A9+'s brightness, it's difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but the iPad mini’s age suggests it may struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither tablet is positioned as a photography powerhouse. Given the context data, camera details are limited. It’s safe to assume the iPad mini’s camera is adequate for basic video calls and casual snapshots, but will be significantly outperformed by modern smartphone cameras. The Tab A9+ likely features a more capable camera system, benefiting from advancements in image processing and sensor technology. Without specific sensor details, a direct comparison is difficult, but the A9+ is expected to deliver better image quality overall.
Performance
This is where the gulf between these tablets is most apparent. The iPad mini’s Apple A5, fabricated on a 45nm process, is a dual-core processor dating back to 2011. In contrast, the Galaxy Tab A9+ features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, built on a modern 6nm process. The Snapdragon 695’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) provides a significant advantage in multi-tasking and demanding applications. The 6nm process also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling compared to the A5’s older architecture. The A9+ will handle modern Android games and apps with ease, while the iPad mini will likely struggle with newer titles and resource-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Tab A9+’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the iPad mini, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. The Snapdragon 695’s 6nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity disadvantage. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the A9+ is expected to offer longer runtimes, especially during demanding tasks, due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular if you absolutely require the tightest iOS integration, prioritize a highly refined (though dated) tablet experience, and are willing to pay a premium for the Apple ecosystem. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if you prioritize performance, value, 5G connectivity, and a more modern Android tablet experience without breaking the bank. The A9+ is ideal for media consumption, light gaming, and productivity tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the iPad mini struggle with demanding apps like video editing or graphic design?
Yes, the Apple A5 processor is significantly outdated and will likely struggle with resource-intensive applications. Expect slow performance, lag, and potential crashes when running modern video editing or graphic design software on the iPad mini.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Tab A9+ support 5G connectivity, and is it useful for a tablet?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 includes an integrated 5G modem. While not essential for all users, 5G connectivity on the Tab A9+ allows for faster download and upload speeds when connected to a 5G network, making it useful for streaming, video conferencing, and downloading large files on the go.
❓ Is the iPad mini still a good choice for reading ebooks and browsing the web?
The iPad mini remains a capable device for basic tasks like reading ebooks and browsing the web. However, the slower processor may result in slightly longer loading times compared to the Tab A9+. The smaller screen size may also be a drawback for some users.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of handling most mobile games at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for popular titles. Expect to be able to play games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile without significant lag.
