Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For demanding creative professionals and power users, the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) is the clear winner, thanks to the M5 chip’s superior processing capabilities and impressive 71-hour battery endurance. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers excellent value for students and casual users seeking a versatile tablet experience.
| 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) | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm (11.24 x 7.30 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) | 627 g or 628 g (1.38 lb) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating, Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 1668 x 2420 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~243 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 364.8 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.4 inches, 445.8 cm2 (~84.3% 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, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, (wide) 8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth) | - |
| 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 10090 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Black | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | A3357, A3358, A3359 | SM-X610, SM-X616B |
| Price | About 1100 EUR | About 770 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.50 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 the Apple M5 chip.
- Exceptional battery life (71 hours endurance).
- Long-term battery health with 1000 charge cycles.
- Likely higher price point.
- Display specifications currently unknown.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- More affordable price point.
- Fast 45W wired charging with QC2.0.
- Large display suitable for media consumption.
- Less powerful Exynos 1380 chipset.
- Potentially lower display quality (LCD vs. Apple's LTPO).
Display Comparison
While display specifications are missing for the iPad Pro 11 (2025), Apple typically employs LTPO technology for variable refresh rates, maximizing battery efficiency. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ likely features an LCD panel, given its 'FE' designation, potentially lacking the contrast and color accuracy of Apple’s Mini-LED or OLED displays. Bezels are expected to be minimal on the iPad Pro, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of detailed display specs for the iPad Pro necessitates relying on Apple’s historical trends for premium display quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent for both devices. However, given Apple’s focus on computational photography, the iPad Pro 11 (2025) is expected to deliver superior image quality, even with a potentially similar megapixel count to the Tab S9 FE+. The iPad Pro’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the M5, will likely offer more advanced noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. The Tab S9 FE+’s camera system is likely geared towards casual use, prioritizing convenience over professional-grade image quality.
Performance
The Apple M5 chipset, with its 9 or 10-core CPU configuration depending on storage (256/512GB vs 1/2TB), represents a significant performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+'s Exynos 1380. The M5’s architecture, built on a more advanced node (likely 3nm), delivers superior single-core and multi-core performance, crucial for demanding applications. The Exynos 1380, a 5nm chip, is capable but will struggle with sustained workloads compared to the M5. The iPad Pro’s LPDDR5X RAM further enhances performance, providing faster data access. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the iPad Pro.
Battery Life
The Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) boasts an impressive 71-hour battery endurance, a testament to the efficiency of the M5 chip and Apple’s software optimization. While the Tab S9 FE+’s battery capacity is unknown, its 45W wired charging with QC2.0 support allows for faster replenishment. The iPad Pro’s 50% charge in 30 minutes is competitive, but the Tab S9 FE+ may achieve a full charge quicker. The iPad Pro’s 1000 charge cycle rating also indicates superior long-term battery health, reducing the need for battery replacements.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2025) if you require uncompromising performance for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or graphic design, and value long-term battery health with its 1000 charge cycles. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if you prioritize affordability, a large display for media consumption and note-taking, and quick charging with its 45W wired support, making it ideal for everyday use and portability.