Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: A Deep Dive into Tablet Power and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users demanding peak performance and long-term reliability, the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) is the clear winner. Its Apple M5 chip and 71-hour battery endurance provide a superior experience. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers excellent value for those prioritizing affordability and everyday tasks.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 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, 48, 66, 71 - A3358 - cellular model only | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A3358, A3359 - cellular model only | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 16 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 22 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.3 mm (9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 in) | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | eSIM - cellular model only | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 444 g (Wi-Fi), 446 g (5G) (1.03 lb) | 523 g or 524 g (1.15 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating, Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 1668 x 2420 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1440 x 2304 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 364.8 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Ultra Retina Tandem OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 9-core (3 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores) - 256/512GB models10-core (4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores) - 1/2TB models | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Apple M5 | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (10-core graphics) | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | iPadOS 26, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, ProRes (4K, 1080p) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Face detection, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.0, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE, EDR | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 50% in 30 min | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 8160 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Black | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | A3357, A3358, A3359 | SM-X510, SM-X516B |
| Price | About 1100 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 71:00h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class G | - |
| Free fall | Class E (47 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025)
- Unmatched performance with Apple M5 chip
- Exceptional battery life (71 hours)
- Fast charging (50% in 30 minutes)
- Higher price point
- Potential for limited storage options at base price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- More affordable price
- Large display for media consumption
- Versatile for everyday tasks
- Less powerful processor (Exynos 1380)
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
While specific display specs for the iPad Pro 11 (2025) are not provided, it's reasonable to expect an LTPO display with ProMotion technology, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth visuals. This contrasts with the Tab S9 FE, which likely features a standard LCD panel. The iPad Pro’s expected higher peak brightness and superior color accuracy will benefit content creators and those who consume HDR video. The absence of LTPO on the Tab S9 FE means a less fluid experience, particularly noticeable when scrolling or gaming.
Camera Comparison
Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. However, Apple typically prioritizes camera quality in its Pro line, suggesting the iPad Pro 11 (2025) will offer superior image and video capture capabilities. The Tab S9 FE’s camera system is likely focused on basic functionality. The absence of details regarding sensor sizes and OIS on the Tab S9 FE suggests a more casual user experience, while the iPad Pro will cater to those who occasionally use their tablet for photography or videography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iPad Pro 11 (2025) boasts the Apple M5, available in 9-core (256/512GB) and 10-core (1/2TB) configurations, offering a significant performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380 (5nm). The M5’s unified memory architecture and optimized neural engine will excel in demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The Exynos 1380, while capable, is built on a 5nm process and features an octa-core CPU, making it suitable for everyday tasks but likely to struggle with sustained heavy workloads. The iPad Pro’s LPDDR5X RAM further enhances performance, providing faster data access compared to the Tab S9 FE’s likely LPDDR4x configuration.
Battery Life
The iPad Pro 11 (2025) claims an impressive 71-hour endurance and a 1000-cycle battery lifespan, indicating exceptional longevity and reliability. This is a significant advantage over the Tab S9 FE, where battery life is not specified. The iPad Pro also benefits from faster charging, reaching 50% in just 30 minutes. The Tab S9 FE’s 45W wired charging with QC2.0 support is respectable, but likely slower than the iPad Pro’s charging speed. The combination of longer endurance and faster charging makes the iPad Pro a more convenient option for users on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) if you are a creative professional, demanding gamer, or power user who requires the absolute best performance and longevity in a tablet. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you prioritize affordability, a large screen for media consumption, and a versatile tablet for everyday tasks like note-taking and web browsing without breaking the bank.