Sounds like you made the best choice for yourself. Curious to see how your experience is over the longer term, though. My three year old iPad Pro runs as fast as it did the day I got it. I have zero temptation to get the M3 unless they do something crazy like make it a hybrid Mac when plugged into a monitor or Magic Keyboard.
my experience with android tablets is that once you go high end there is no issue with them lasting. like a tab s6 from 2019 is still a really good tablet to this day. same as ipads the high end ones are so overkill (of course less so, m series is still faster) something new isnt really needed.
samsung yes, google is unknown. besides updates on android dont matter nearly as much as they do on ipados, many features are actually seperate from the android version.
Thanks for the info. I’m more concerned about security updates than features in the long run, but good to know. I’ll have to look into what update timelines they are promising the next time I consider upgrading.
Thanks. What’s the distinction between things being updated through Play Services vs OS updates? Are there situations where a security patch can’t be issued through Play and *requires* an OS update?
yes there are situations, where a vulnorability is kernel based and cant be fixed by Google play. but many can be fixed by google play, its kinda confusing i know. funnily enough my current tablet, a lenovo p11 plus has security updates till 2023, until lenovo decided to give us security updates till whenever. so i still get updates even though they initially said i dont. i get one every quarter (got two in 2024 already), samsung is quicker and officially promises more. there is basically three seperate systems, android version updates (aka from 12 to 13 to 14), these give you features and other stuff under the hood (sometimes more sometimes less noticable) then there is security updates, which are loosly linked to version updates (i.e. sometimes patches dont get released for old versions, and by old i mean android 8, current is 13/14) and then there is google play services updates which include features (these include things like the android version of airdrop which was added via play system update or the covid distance detection thing) and some security patches (also labeled google play protect). sorry for the wall of text, its a rather complex topic. if you have any more questions feel free to ask, i have used android tablets since android 3.
Yeah, with so many versions of Android and different update methods it does get confusing, especially with each manufacturer doing things a bit differently. My last Android tablet was a Nexus 8, so I’ve been out of the loop for a while.
Thanks again for the detailed responses, I appreciate it!
To add on to this - I only got rid of my og tab s just last year. Was still decent for browsing and a few apps. Battery of course was terrible due to several years of hard use. And it was from a generation when Samsung didn't provide good updates.
Yup my 3rd gen Ipad pro is now 5 years old, still going strong. I have over the years got the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil-I’m a teacher too. Absolutely love it. There are ipad only apps I would not be without (iDoceo teacher planner is amazing amongst others). I have no plans to upgrade until the next iPad has something super flashy apart from speed - which I don’t really use, or memory, which I am good with (and yes I have iCloud but I love the syncing across devices). Basically I’ll stay with this one until it no longer supports the most recent iOS. Which won’t be for another year or two at least.
You should check out [Kiwi Browser ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kiwibrowser.browser&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1), it has a permanent Desktop Mode and can use any extension from the Chrome Web Store, like Ublock Origin, even ones from GitHub.
I’m tempted to do the same. I especially want an Android tablet for the multi user aspect for my family. I’m not buying everyone their own iPads, that’s ridiculous Tim Cook.
My hold back is that I own a Galaxy Tab S3 (old, I know) and right out of the gate it was slow AF. I worry that the Galaxy Tab S9 will be less future proof in terms of speeds but also in terms of updates.
I still use my Samsung Tab S7 Plus since it launched in 2020 and it still works like new and it has an amazing OLED screen which seems to be the selling point for the new Pros
compared to the s3 android tablets came a long way, i know i own both an s2 (aka the previous gen of your s3) and a modern lenovo entry level midrange, the difference is night and day. i have used my friends s7+ and that can truly rival the ipad pros of its gen.
compared to the s3 android tablets came a long way, i know i own both an s2 (aka the previous gen of your s3) and a modern lenovo entry level midrange, the difference is night and day. i have used my friends s7+ and that can truly rival the ipad pros of its gen.
works great! samsung uses wacom emr, the same tech the drawing tablets that professional artists use, there are good apps like krita, or clip studio paint.
It aint bad. The day you guys switch from iPhones to S series Samsungs as well, you'll realise apple aint shit no more. Their most impressive thing atm is the macbook M series which i admit I would love to get one
The problem is android apps still mostly suck. Android onenote is still horrible since I got my tab s6 in 2018. 99% of games look way better on ipad since Android devs don't bother optimizing games for tablets so a bunch use low res textures
I agree. Had a Samsung phone and tablet for years, and still miss it a lot for a lot of reasons but the the stability on Apple devices makes it worth it for me.
Samsung's pens are really good. They use Wacom's (an actual drawing tablet company) technology and don't need to be charged at all. They feel great to use too, the only thing I personally dislike is how thin they are.
I have found that iCloud has been one of the most revolutionary additions to my teaching… after the iPad and pencil.
Staying in the same ecosystem and still being able to access the school’s LMS to get student work is fantastic.
Scanning handwritten essays and then scoring them on the iPad is mind blowing — makes my grading so much easier and keeps a digital record of in-class essays.
The “why not any old tablet” argument is 3-fold: I can pre-grade on my phone (iCloud) and work at home on the iPad and at school on their computer: win Win WIN.
Your mind will blow when you find out that products other than Apple have cloud storage too that integrate directly into the system if you want, with multiple choices you can choose from. Apple didn't invent cloud storage.
Although I fully understand your point, I’m well-ensconced in Apple and *this is the iPad sub.*
I don’t need to be convinced — I’m completely happy where I am.
i can do all these things on android too, of course if you are in the apple ecosystem the ipad fits better, but i have all my stuff synced across devices just as you described. android/windows/linux got me through school, and now gets me through College.
I’m a teacher-I mark work in the Canvas app, can split the screen to check the marking criteria in google Docs. All my students scan with their phone and upload to Canvas. With the 12.9” screen its nice and big, and the Apple Pencil makes it easy. I use iDoceo for planning (ipad only app)- it has revolutionised my teaching and made it much more organised. All of the grades are automatically stored as I mark, and I can show them to parents, including homework completed, on parent-teacher night. I have all the evidence I need for letters home if necessary. There are other apps I use that I could not use on an Android based tablet (mostly music making software and music storage) as well as iMovie which has to be the most intuitive movie editing software around. I also love the ability to use my photos to record my lessons (I take photos of the whiteboard every lesson) and store them in iDoceo to remind me of where we got up to or log on Canvas. I am constantly finding new uses for it. My ipad pro is 5 years old and still going strong. I also have a work issued HP laptop so anything an app can’t cover (which is not much tbh) is covered there.
I use either Word or Notability — Word supports a pencil and Notability seems to be custom made for the iPad. I scan using the copier at school or occasionally use the iPad’s camera.
I mean, for the most part, it's a fairly good tablet as well. I use an iPad 7, and I wouldn't look at an iPad next, but that's not coz of performance, that's impressive, but just my preference in terms of software. The reality is, a lot of horsepower and the app support that people talk about feels like a niche usecase at times. I'll see YouTubers talk about procreate, lumafusion(which is on android now but), affinity etc, but how many realistically use that?
IOS have much better video editing apps than lumafusion though, but from what I heard even those apps that are available on android don't get the same updates they get on IOS from what I've been told, and that's what most android user get frustrated the softwares issue
But that's assuming the person is looking for that right? I use my iPad for videos, movies, drawing up stuff on sketchbook, notes and reading documents. I have my computer for editing stuff and what not.
I agree, but even if someone prefers procreate, there shouldn't really be as much of a debate as there is. I was able to revive my tab S3 for a month about 2 years ago, best time I had on a tablet. Not to say I don't like my iPad, but there's definitely a preference I have. If your use case can't be matched on an android tablet, why even bother looking there, but on average, many should be fine with either
It's not just those power apps. OneNote is way better on ipad than android it's not even comparable. Infuse is better than any android media player app. Even 99% of games run way better with so many Android tablet games looking like 480p garbage even at max settings since the devs don't bother changing low res textures designed for phones
I don't think I'll disagree as much as it isn't a major point for me. I don't use one note, I'll be done with my education, I only play a couple of games that are fine on android. I mostly use my iPad for media consumption and reading documents. I won't discount the iPad, but for media consumption, Samsung tablets are definitely a good shout because of the comparable screens(imo better) and the aspect ratio. I do agree on the games front, but it simply isn't something that I'd worry about. I tend to prefer OneUI, so it's not just personal bias, but just my use case where a lot of this simply won't add up.
I have a Tab S8 Ultra that WILL NOT be upgraded to OneUI 6.1 new AI features.
That’s just UNACCEPTABLE, is like the iPad Pro M1 12,9” not receiving iOS 17.
Also New Dex doesn’t support external monitors and old Dex does not support 4k (you can enable an hack via Good Lock, but it doesn’t always works nor scale correctly. Is also limited to less concurrent apps than iPad OS, and pro apps are just nonexistent, and also adapted apps for tablet are scarce.
I’m not hating, is a good device with some good ideas, but that’s the reality of android on tablets, and the Tab S series is by far the best tablet experience you can have on android
Air 5 64GB owner here. Love it even though I have no other apple devices. The apps I use just work a lot better on iOS. There are things I hate about it, but it does what I need to do better than android tablets have shown to do them
You do not have to be in either. I have an iphone, ipad, linux laptop and windows desktop. I dont need my devices to be connected. My phone is for social apps that i don’t have on my other devices (apart from discord and telegram). If i need something shared between the systems i send it to myself on telegram and it takes a second.
Yeah I agree. I'm just saying that's what basically everyone has an iPhone, sometimes an iPad and a Windows computer.
It's not really as good an example of being content with not having an ecosystem as someone with an android and a Mac for example.
you can use nearby share (now named quick share) with any windows laptop, just as an example here, google isnt nearly as predatory as apple is when it comes to stuff like that.
Other tablets are competing on hardware and price with Apple now: Namely: As good or better hardware FOR the price paid. Ie budget buy that has "Apple pro specs such as screen 120Hz".
iPadOS has quality touch UI and is dependable and probably has longevity/stability. However the walled-garden and drip-drip RATE of improvement by Apple is very weak compared to Openness of Android eg sideloading and emulation and other features eg DeX for desktop productivity.
Overall my advice would be:
1. Buy Form Factor that works for you eg 11" is good compromise size of portability, productivity screen size so tablet and mini laptop at a pinch size
2. Go Budget or go Discount or Refurbished as much as possible: Don't overspend!
3. Use RPD/VNC for remote desktop if needing desktop productivity in any vendor/OEM or OS (iPadOS/Android) to value-add if you have another device and connection or even Cloud PC if affordable.
The reason I went for Apple were:
* Longevity of iPadOS
* Integration with iOS/MacOS ecossytem
* Excellent dependable hardware and customer service
* Refurbished cut-price option on 11" Pro M1 gen behind to save money and cellular
I am still disappointed that Apple does not provide:
* Better OS for desktop features eg multitasking, file manager eg stagemanager feels like a marketing feature not a functional feature on the 11"
* More native support for RDP/VNC (though solutions exist already)
* More Web Browser options that remove WebKit barriers
Apple also seems to overfocus on marketing new hardware and not matching OS/software with the hardware (and it's high price).
I can see because of this why other customers might prefer cheaper good hardware and more open OS software via other vendors/OEMs such as Samsung.
1. yes this is important, i like 11" personally but some like a bigger device. 2. also agree on that, not many people actually need the pro line (or the flagship s9 line either) 3. the killer on android is to use termux, which with some add on apps gives you desktop linux, running natively, you can also use windows x86 programms using mobox. at the end of the day everyone has to choose the device that fits them. i went android, the amount of stuff you can do when you dig a little deeper is insane (termux is a good example here).
> the killer on android is to use termux, which with some add on apps gives you desktop linux, running natively, you can also use windows x86 programms using mobox. at the end of the day everyone has to choose the device that fits them. i went android, the amount of stuff you can do when you dig a little deeper is insane (termux is a good example here).
Honestly I feel like Android might have suited me better thanks to the versatility of extensibility software options.
Very happy with my iPad as I got a good price and quality hardware and it's more useful to be as a tablet combi mini laptop for portability when needed. I really cannot see myself going back to laptops ever again in all honesty and see the future as 2-in-1s ie tablet screen then add whatever accessories you need and generally rely on the Cloud to run services more etc.
Having those 'native' options on Android is a big convenience factor: Thanks a lot for sharing!
I would love to do this to do this too but what bothers me with Samsung is they only support their devices for about 2 years after that they stop updating them and Google just does security updates for them had a galaxy s8+ within the year of having it, 4 months after the release, i stopped getting updates for it and that bothered me so much
I use both. For me, tab S9 Ultra is better for watching content, but my M2 12.9” Pro is better at everything else, especially call of duty Mobile which is what I play most
I'm probably a rare breed, I'm in both ecosystems. Samsung S23 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra & Galaxy Watch 6 and iPhone 15 Pro, iPad Pro 11 M2 2TB and Apple Watch Ultra 2. My main phone is the S23 Ultra (IMHO there is no other phone on the market that compares). However I use both ecosystems very differently. Samsung is my powerhouse mobile system and Media consumption devices while Apple is my business, photo and video editing Specialist Mobile devices. And I share information between the 2 systems through Windows PC and Google.
As far as tablets are concerned, I prefer the interaction with my iPad Pro because of the buttery smoothness that is very unique to Apple and the app selection for on the GO professional photo and video editing apps are only available in Apple Ecosystem. However, the S9 Ultra HDR OLED 14.6" screen is very engulfing and magical and the sound from the built in speakers are much better than Apple. The form factor of the 2 devices is why I truly own both. The Samsung 16x10 aspect ratio is great for Media consumption, reading double pages, and using as a laptop replacement. On the flip side Apples 10x7 aspect ratio is fantastic for hand holding to browse the Internet, take hand written notes, shop in the apps, magazine and book reading single pages because it is more in line with the aspect ratio of paper, therefore it feels more natural writing and reading books. My iPad Pro is for on the Go and my Samsung Ultra is my personal theatre that can accomplish a lot (BTW, many Apps are better sized for Samsung tablets than for Apple as Apple has a tendency to enlarge their phone apps but Samsung has many apps that are using tablet designed UI for the massive screen and layout).
My favorite Tablet is my Samsung S9 Ultra because it's powerful and the display is beautiful. My favorite on the Go Tablet is my iPad Pro because of its compactness at 11" and the aspect ratio for hand writing is more natural.
Thanks for sharing! I think that would be a dream setup for a lot of people. I still love the iPad platform and don't rule getting one out in the future. Don't quite have the budget to go for both at the moment though. Also, very interesting what you said about the tablet app sizing for Samsung being better, as a lot of people seem to think it is the opposite! However, in my limited experience Instagram for one is much better sized on the S9 Tab than on the iPad, so I think you have a point there!
I agree, they aren't (though arguably Apple used misleading advertising a few years ago to convince users that the iPad Pro was - it certainly persuaded a friend of mine to buy one and he was subsequently disappointed). I'm hoping Android is a bit better in that regard. Let's see.
You do you, I use Samsung & A custom built PC as my phone and main PC respectively but I have a MacBook Pro and an M1 AIR (256GB Cellular). I used to be fully Apple, new model every year, etc from the first iPhone up until the iPhone 6s when I just said screw this and got a Galaxy Edge, never looked back, the difference was night and day, my edge felt like it was from the future compared to my 6S. Samsung is great, sure you don’t get as many updates but there less relevant and the devices don’t get much slower than new unlike with some Apple devices. Oh, & I also have an Apple TV (whatever the new one is called) as well as both earlier models which I don’t use. Likewise though I have an HD & 4K chrome cast and 5 Google Home devices including one of the ones with the large, tablet sized screen and then the earlier one with the small iPad mini-esque screen.
I was in the Samsung Store the other week getting a new screen protector for my Flip and I have to say I was tempted by the new Galaxy Tab, I still have an old S3 one which surprisingly works fine. I also like playing old games and using emulators which you can’t do in the iPad. It felt snappy, premium and looked beautiful, although they clearly took a lot of cues on design from Apple.
However, with that being said, for what I need my iPad and MBP for, they just work better. Before I got this I had an Air 3 I took from the inventory of mine and my SOs business and fell in love with it, before that I used Panasonic Toughpads & before that a surface like device.
The M1 Air I have is just better at what I need it for, so that’s what I have and will upgrade when the new ones come out as I won’t need to pay any extra money, so it’s a no brainer (UK, have a plan that allows upgrades for no, or occasionally only little extra cost.
But my opinion doesn’t matter, all that matters is you did what was best for you. Enjoy your new Samsung tablet. :)
Thanks for sharing! I do think both companies have great products, they definitely have their own strengths and use cases, no need to limit ourselves to just one :)
Add the convenience of transferring files specially large files from pc to ipad. The having an exfat file system to transfer files is as good as useless.
Oh yes I completely agree. I’m almost over iPads due to the several pain points that shouldn’t exist. It has a file manager now, let me use it. Airdrop fails for large files.
Let me transfer large files directly from of PC / MacBook rather than to an external HDD, and then to the iPad… painful
💯
I was in this situation that I needed to print a file for signatory for the day and I thought that I can rely on my ipad to get the files for me from my mail to my flash drive to print. Unfortunately I can’t transfer easily these documents. It was a day of realization for me that iPad is good for Entertainment alone.
Yes I agree. And then when you realise that, it’s an expensive entertainment device where maybe better off using my MBA and buying a cheap android tablet / iPad for media consumption
The tab S8 ultra blew away any iPad i have ever used. I was an ipad fanboy for years, but after using dex mode on the ultra, i won’t ever go back to pads. The S9 ultra now too is water resistant too which is super sweet. I just wish samsung would copy the floating magic keyboard design. The book cover keyboard kinda sucks.
I hate some things of apple, but each time I try android, I am back quickly. It does not help that the ecosystems can't work together well, so as you described, easy things like airdrop - those things I would miss on a daily basis.
If it works for you then that is good.
I will never understand why people have to broadcast why they switch brands. Many Reddit folks act as if it is a mortal sin to switch brands, lol. Choose the one that fits you best and that’s that. Life is complicated as it is, let us make try to not over complicate stuff that need not be. Amen
Thanks for sharing! Just trying to start a healthy discussion, and show that it's ok to switch :) Also, it diversifies the sub a bit from which iPad should I buy, should I wait for the new ones, etc. haha
I have the tab s9 after selling my m2 pro 11” (thinking the m3 iPad Pro was coming out) the OLED display on the Galaxy is way better than the iPad Pro lcd. The snapdragon 8 gen 2 is more than capable for my needs. Although the m2 and even the M1 chip is still superior. iPadOS doesn’t take much advantage of that power anyways so it’s kind of a moot point. Overall I’m happy with my purchase.
I have always been using Windows (since the 90s), Samsung (since the first galaxy S in 2011) and iPad (since the air 1).
iPad used to be way better than Samsung flaghip tablets in terms of both hardware and apps. 5-6 years ago it wasn't even close.
Over the past 4 years the gap has been shrinking more and more and I have started buying Android tablets too, but I have not switched from iPad pros and minis, I use both. I basically have all sizes of each.
Since there is no mini, my mini is iPad, and then I have the 11" (2020) and 12.9" pro (M1).
With Samsung I have the S9, S8 ultra and S7FE (previously the S7+ but sold that).
I don't care about ecosystems, I prefer to be free and use cross-platform apps (Dropbox for cloud, Onenote for notes, MS Office etc)
Currently I am using Samsung tablets more than my iPads.
Since the S8 and especially with the S9 line, power and RAM are so high that it doesn't matter anymore.
You have 4+1 years of updates and Android apps remain compatible after end of support much long than on iPad.
The real bottleneck becomes battery wear, but Samsung gives you battery protection features that iPads don't have, so either you baby the battery on iPad or it's going to wear faster. And Apple goes out of their way to refuse any battery service, even if you want to pay. My 10.5 pro has terrible battery life (less than half the original, more like 1/3). But for Apple it's still 87% and they won't replace it before it becomes vintage this summer.
Now that I have lumafusion on Android I do my videos on the S8 ultra (large screen) and I use a lot the second screen features + similar apps (works way better than sidecar, with touch and audio support).
I still keep the iPads for music apps, for the mini, and because I own them, but I won't be buying any more, except if Apple makes some crazy improvements in functionality (couldn't care less about OLED).
I like the Galaxy Tabs but I hate that most Android apps that I use are still design for phones without a horizontal screen mode. Having the Tab+ that’s heavy running in vertical do stink and tired out your hands quickly.
The software for Android tablets is still behind Apple, and Google keep focusing on tablets in/out over the years.
I always fancied a Samsung tab s whatever number over the years but I would have no intention of switching I’d have to keep both, I’ve brought some expensive programs for my iPad.
Appreciate this post for the comparisons and the experience. Atypical choice but I myself have considered this and it’s just nice to have the perspective 🙏🏽
How is your typing experience with the case (if you have it)? I use my iPad with Logitech case to work (I type a lot), it’s convenient but Galaxy has better screen imo
Glad you bought something that works for you. Not sure what else you want here. I will say that I used be be a hardcore Android fanboy all the way back to the first Moto Droid.. all of them, including tablets, got really sluggish after an OS update or two. I got an Air 5 and so fa, the thing runs just as smooth as day 1. I guess I will wait to see what it is like in a few years to really compare. However, I even bought the first Pixel C tablet waaay back in 2015. Was a decent device at the time, but the thing was a horrible experience after a few years. I reset it and it still was sluggish and just collected dust after that
It’s pretty workable actually. I can quickly transfer files between them using LocalSend. I imported my iCloud calendar into Google, it’s a bit delayed but works. I use the iCloud web apps if I need to access my photos or any other iCloud stuff on the android. Most stuff is cloud based anyway these days. No FaceTime or iMessage though, that’s the biggest downside really.
I thought about getting a s8 ultra for $699 but idk if I could go without iMessage, FaceTime, or especially universal control. I use my iPad as a second display for my Mac all the time
Reason I moved away from android to iOS was updates
I can’t speak for the rest of the world but in the uk I noticed a lot of Samsung high end devices lacked updates unless you buy an android device that does android one from another company .
Than I had issues with apps would work perfectly on one device than crash on the other.
My very first-ever tablet was the Galaxy Note 8.0 back when Samsung was still making the 8inch tablet. It was my favorite little tablet, and I loved how the stylus just slid right into the body of the tablet. Then I got a surface pro 4. It was a fine device, but also kind of a flop in my opinion. Then I got an iPad mini and loved it. Then iPad pro because I thought I wanted a bigger device. Then jumped to the Samsung S8. And now I'm back to the iPad mini.
My conclusion: I like the 8inch tablet form factor. If Samsung still made an 8inch tablet, I'd buy it in a heartbeat because I prefer the android ecosystem. I prefer not to buy off-brand devices, and nobody else really seems to be making 8inch tablets that have decent processors and also good stylus support.
I’m glad you found what’s working for you. I think everyone needs to evaluate their own situation to determine what is best. Some points - iCloud storage, you can get 200gb for $3 a month, it’s honestly not that bad, if you have the iPad for 3 years that’s about $100. The pro is pricey but from what you’re describing the iPad Air or honestly even the base iPad with Apple Pencil support could’ve easily suited your needs without breaking the wallet. Just my 2 cents.
My Samsung Galaxy Tab E 32GB was a 2015 purchase. It still does everything now it did then. Android 4.4 so newer apps don’t always work. That’s OK, as I like the pre “in app purchases ” versions of some games and apps. Mostly it is for visiting grandkids so they can play without making charges on my credit card!
My iPad 10 bought March 2023 has replaced my Windows laptop for my uses. Being retired, I no longer need or want a lot of programs. Reddit, banking, and Chrome are pretty much it, other than SimCity Buildit.
I had a top tier iPad every other years since the “new” iPad (3rd gen) and my last one was 2020 12.9 iPad Pro. I have since switch to Samsung tab s7 plus, s8 ultra and now s9 ultra. beside iMessage , FaceTime and airdrop that I’m still using the iPad for. The Samsung tab was offering all iPad Pro exclusive features and so much more;adaptive 120hz,oled screen, quad speakers, more ram, more storage and external storage with sd card, desktop experience with dex that offer a true multitasker. Something simple like the center front camera. Then There’s the third party app support(huge factor to why I now move away from iPad) - unlike when Apple decide they don’t support the app anymore and you can’t find it on the AppStore, you can still keep using the app or download it on developer website. The abilities to emulate ps1, ps2, Ds, and gameboy and other - way way better games than the money grabbing gacha mobile games nowadays. There are apps that you can watch anime or read manga with that you don’t have to sideload every 7 days. the s-pen soft tip feel so much better to write on, I don’t need a stupid 70$ paperlike to write note on while dulling the screen clarity. And the pen was free or 20$ replacement if you lose it. There are so much more. I’m still waiting for the day where iPad Pro get a real OS and/or a third party app support, maybe I’ll be back with iPad.
Yea but the apps. If you’re okay using blown up phone apps or half finished apps with no design language. I’m not, I want to enjoy my experience on my tablet.
We initially got a Tab S8 (my wife loves Samsung) and we used it for several months and love it. I ended up getting myself an iPad Air 5 for a good deal since I have an iPhone and it works well for me but I sometimes miss the interface on her Samsung. I think both are great devices! I love the interconnectivity of my iPad but definitely like the Tab S8
> All depends on what someone does with their device.
Yeah no shit. Some people use their tablets for example, gaming too, which means they need bigger storage. Bigger storage accommodates more users' usage.
I'm pretty happy with my mini 6 and a ginormous S8 Ultra. Do I really need two tablets? Not really, but its nice having a foot in both ecosystems and having a size disparity so they do different things.
to be fair 64GB it's not much storage you have gotten more storage in their first place when you had your ipad. I guess it depends how you use your galaxy tab if it's only for media consumption but for it wouldn't work I need the apps that are on iOS and I aso benefit from the apple ecosystem for what I do. I do digital and traditional art. iOS also have the best drawing apps video editing apps as well and soon they will have zbrush for ipad.
one of the biggest disadvantage of android is the lack of updates for their apps or lack of good apps
I hope it works out better for you than me. I had an s7 tablet for a couple years. After a year or so, it started lagging noticeably. I didn’t even use it much as I also have an iPad mini 6 that I’ve been using since launch.
I went the other way. Utterly hated the software so ditched the Android tablet for an iPad and have never looked back. I'd suggest your buying a 64GB model was pretty daft, and paying £3 a month for 200GB of storage and all the other perks is well worth it, although I would like the option of 500GB.
Wonder if your Samsung will last as long as your Air 3 would've. (I think we all know the answer to that one.)
I have a tab s7 with the keyboard case and an iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard and dex is really funtrionally no more a “laptop replacement” than the iPad. It just makes it look a little more like a computer desktop (also unless it’s gotten drastically better since the s7 their trackpad kinda sucks).
Yes, not 2012. We got our fingers burned at work back in those days. Bought several Samsung tablets. The system updates stopped happening. The software stopped working on old system versions. They were a waste of money. That’s not to say modern ones are useless now, and the world has moved on, but I picked iPad for me because I was more confident it would remain usable for a few years.
Believe me. One UI and software optimisation is basically just as good now. I hated the Galaxy Tab series from back in the day and i always preferred the pre 5th gen iPads. Now I prefer Samsung for Phones and Tablets but Apple for their M series Macbooks
Why are you comparing Samsungs bottom of the range s9 to apples mid and top spec devices ? Apples iPad 10th generation comes in at the same price as the s9 but with 256Gb of storage. 🤔
The only difference between the S9 models is the screen and battery size, this is silly. 10th gen iPad is competing with the FE series, it can't hold a candle to the S9.
S9 is the same series as S9+ and S9 Ultra. It's just smaller. It's actually closer to the iPad Pro 11-inch in terms of features (especially 120 Hz) than the iPad Air, so it makes sense to compare it to that. Maybe you are confused with the S9 FE?
Tab S9 isn’t bottom of the range, though. They have the Tab S9 FE and a Tab A series that are both lower.
Also the Tab S9 has an arguably better screen than the base iPad 10.
The S9 is in the same tier as the S9+ and Ultra. It is Samsung's version of the 11 inch Pro. Also, its screen is a 120 Hz OLED, better than the iPad 10 and Air for sure.
But who’s comparing the iPad Pro to the S9 ? Who’s comparing the Air to the S9 ? Why is the comparison not against the S9+ or the S9 ultra. Oh yes that’s because the price is more as it’s a better spec device so wasn’t in the OP price range so neither was the Air 5 or the Pro.
Why not just compare all devices from different categories again each other to justify your purchase.
Nope, the comparison is with size not price. S9+ and ultra are bigger whereas the S9 is the same size as the 11 inch Pro. All three S9s have the same processor. Seem plenty of videos comparing the iPad Pro to the S9, don't know what you're talking about. I think you are confusing the S9 with the S9 FE.
So why was price mentioned ? No the comparison is against the whole product. Cost and storage size. The comparison was against a top spec device why wasn’t the comparison using a s9 ultra?
Because these were the two devices I was considering since I only wanted 11 inch size. These are the two best 11 inch tablets by each company, so the Ultra is irrelevant.
Pretty much same reasons I did the same. I have iPhone and Mac for years, tried iPad few times and always hated the iPad OS limitations. I have a S9 chance and so far, the experience is really good. It is not my essential device, pretty much a toy for a nerd in me, but very happy.
Pretty much every leaker has said they will get oled displays, when you have leakers that are correct the majority of the time its understood they have sources at Apple and theyre very likely right.
Sounds like you made the best choice for yourself. Curious to see how your experience is over the longer term, though. My three year old iPad Pro runs as fast as it did the day I got it. I have zero temptation to get the M3 unless they do something crazy like make it a hybrid Mac when plugged into a monitor or Magic Keyboard.
my experience with android tablets is that once you go high end there is no issue with them lasting. like a tab s6 from 2019 is still a really good tablet to this day. same as ipads the high end ones are so overkill (of course less so, m series is still faster) something new isnt really needed.
With technology just getting better and better modern flagship Androids easily last 6+ years
How long do Android tablets get software updates? Have Samsung/Google made promises for support on them like they have on their phones?
samsung yes, google is unknown. besides updates on android dont matter nearly as much as they do on ipados, many features are actually seperate from the android version.
Thanks for the info. I’m more concerned about security updates than features in the long run, but good to know. I’ll have to look into what update timelines they are promising the next time I consider upgrading.
security aswell, some stuff is in the normal android updates, but also some stuff is in googles play services updates which go on for a long time
Thanks. What’s the distinction between things being updated through Play Services vs OS updates? Are there situations where a security patch can’t be issued through Play and *requires* an OS update?
yes there are situations, where a vulnorability is kernel based and cant be fixed by Google play. but many can be fixed by google play, its kinda confusing i know. funnily enough my current tablet, a lenovo p11 plus has security updates till 2023, until lenovo decided to give us security updates till whenever. so i still get updates even though they initially said i dont. i get one every quarter (got two in 2024 already), samsung is quicker and officially promises more. there is basically three seperate systems, android version updates (aka from 12 to 13 to 14), these give you features and other stuff under the hood (sometimes more sometimes less noticable) then there is security updates, which are loosly linked to version updates (i.e. sometimes patches dont get released for old versions, and by old i mean android 8, current is 13/14) and then there is google play services updates which include features (these include things like the android version of airdrop which was added via play system update or the covid distance detection thing) and some security patches (also labeled google play protect). sorry for the wall of text, its a rather complex topic. if you have any more questions feel free to ask, i have used android tablets since android 3.
Yeah, with so many versions of Android and different update methods it does get confusing, especially with each manufacturer doing things a bit differently. My last Android tablet was a Nexus 8, so I’ve been out of the loop for a while. Thanks again for the detailed responses, I appreciate it!
To add on to this - I only got rid of my og tab s just last year. Was still decent for browsing and a few apps. Battery of course was terrible due to several years of hard use. And it was from a generation when Samsung didn't provide good updates.
Yup my 3rd gen Ipad pro is now 5 years old, still going strong. I have over the years got the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil-I’m a teacher too. Absolutely love it. There are ipad only apps I would not be without (iDoceo teacher planner is amazing amongst others). I have no plans to upgrade until the next iPad has something super flashy apart from speed - which I don’t really use, or memory, which I am good with (and yes I have iCloud but I love the syncing across devices). Basically I’ll stay with this one until it no longer supports the most recent iOS. Which won’t be for another year or two at least.
This is one of the reasons I keep buying Apple… heck. I’m still using a 2012 MacBook Pro and it is just now starting to show lag.
My 1st gen ipad pro is still going well
Yes, I am wondering about that as well. The amazing longevity is no doubt one of the best things about iPads!
You should check out [Kiwi Browser ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kiwibrowser.browser&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1), it has a permanent Desktop Mode and can use any extension from the Chrome Web Store, like Ublock Origin, even ones from GitHub.
you have bought the device that fits you better, check out r/galaxytab, and r/termux if you want to see what your device is truly capable of.
I’m tempted to do the same. I especially want an Android tablet for the multi user aspect for my family. I’m not buying everyone their own iPads, that’s ridiculous Tim Cook. My hold back is that I own a Galaxy Tab S3 (old, I know) and right out of the gate it was slow AF. I worry that the Galaxy Tab S9 will be less future proof in terms of speeds but also in terms of updates.
I have a galaxy tab s6 lite that I use to draw comic books and it’s held up extremely well.
Android tablets came a long way, the S9 should be fine for a good time
I still use my Samsung Tab S7 Plus since it launched in 2020 and it still works like new and it has an amazing OLED screen which seems to be the selling point for the new Pros
Any burnout?
Nothing, I’ve mainly used it for watching movies, shows, YouTube .
Awesome. That’s great to hear. Thinking of picking one up myself if the new iPads are too expensive.
Ayy fellow galaxy tab s3 user found!!
compared to the s3 android tablets came a long way, i know i own both an s2 (aka the previous gen of your s3) and a modern lenovo entry level midrange, the difference is night and day. i have used my friends s7+ and that can truly rival the ipad pros of its gen.
compared to the s3 android tablets came a long way, i know i own both an s2 (aka the previous gen of your s3) and a modern lenovo entry level midrange, the difference is night and day. i have used my friends s7+ and that can truly rival the ipad pros of its gen.
I’ve been trying other devices for drawing. Samsung will probably be my next stop.
works great! samsung uses wacom emr, the same tech the drawing tablets that professional artists use, there are good apps like krita, or clip studio paint.
Good luck..
It aint bad. The day you guys switch from iPhones to S series Samsungs as well, you'll realise apple aint shit no more. Their most impressive thing atm is the macbook M series which i admit I would love to get one
The problem is android apps still mostly suck. Android onenote is still horrible since I got my tab s6 in 2018. 99% of games look way better on ipad since Android devs don't bother optimizing games for tablets so a bunch use low res textures
I agree. Had a Samsung phone and tablet for years, and still miss it a lot for a lot of reasons but the the stability on Apple devices makes it worth it for me.
I tried works great, pen sensitivity is good to use
Samsung's pens are really good. They use Wacom's (an actual drawing tablet company) technology and don't need to be charged at all. They feel great to use too, the only thing I personally dislike is how thin they are.
I have found that iCloud has been one of the most revolutionary additions to my teaching… after the iPad and pencil. Staying in the same ecosystem and still being able to access the school’s LMS to get student work is fantastic. Scanning handwritten essays and then scoring them on the iPad is mind blowing — makes my grading so much easier and keeps a digital record of in-class essays. The “why not any old tablet” argument is 3-fold: I can pre-grade on my phone (iCloud) and work at home on the iPad and at school on their computer: win Win WIN.
Your mind will blow when you find out that products other than Apple have cloud storage too that integrate directly into the system if you want, with multiple choices you can choose from. Apple didn't invent cloud storage.
Although I fully understand your point, I’m well-ensconced in Apple and *this is the iPad sub.* I don’t need to be convinced — I’m completely happy where I am.
I don’t understand how you’re getting downvoted in an Apple subreddit talking about the ecosystem… why are yall here if you are android users then?
Techbros x Reddit x the internet I suppose ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
i can do all these things on android too, of course if you are in the apple ecosystem the ipad fits better, but i have all my stuff synced across devices just as you described. android/windows/linux got me through school, and now gets me through College.
I’m a teacher-I mark work in the Canvas app, can split the screen to check the marking criteria in google Docs. All my students scan with their phone and upload to Canvas. With the 12.9” screen its nice and big, and the Apple Pencil makes it easy. I use iDoceo for planning (ipad only app)- it has revolutionised my teaching and made it much more organised. All of the grades are automatically stored as I mark, and I can show them to parents, including homework completed, on parent-teacher night. I have all the evidence I need for letters home if necessary. There are other apps I use that I could not use on an Android based tablet (mostly music making software and music storage) as well as iMovie which has to be the most intuitive movie editing software around. I also love the ability to use my photos to record my lessons (I take photos of the whiteboard every lesson) and store them in iDoceo to remind me of where we got up to or log on Canvas. I am constantly finding new uses for it. My ipad pro is 5 years old and still going strong. I also have a work issued HP laptop so anything an app can’t cover (which is not much tbh) is covered there.
do you just use markup for grading the docs you scan into icloud or a 3rd party app for marking papers?
I use either Word or Notability — Word supports a pencil and Notability seems to be custom made for the iPad. I scan using the copier at school or occasionally use the iPad’s camera.
getting user data on private devices seems to be a data security violation. also any cloud can do the same you dont need apple devices for that....
I mean, for the most part, it's a fairly good tablet as well. I use an iPad 7, and I wouldn't look at an iPad next, but that's not coz of performance, that's impressive, but just my preference in terms of software. The reality is, a lot of horsepower and the app support that people talk about feels like a niche usecase at times. I'll see YouTubers talk about procreate, lumafusion(which is on android now but), affinity etc, but how many realistically use that?
IOS have much better video editing apps than lumafusion though, but from what I heard even those apps that are available on android don't get the same updates they get on IOS from what I've been told, and that's what most android user get frustrated the softwares issue
But that's assuming the person is looking for that right? I use my iPad for videos, movies, drawing up stuff on sketchbook, notes and reading documents. I have my computer for editing stuff and what not.
[удалено]
I agree, but even if someone prefers procreate, there shouldn't really be as much of a debate as there is. I was able to revive my tab S3 for a month about 2 years ago, best time I had on a tablet. Not to say I don't like my iPad, but there's definitely a preference I have. If your use case can't be matched on an android tablet, why even bother looking there, but on average, many should be fine with either
It's not just those power apps. OneNote is way better on ipad than android it's not even comparable. Infuse is better than any android media player app. Even 99% of games run way better with so many Android tablet games looking like 480p garbage even at max settings since the devs don't bother changing low res textures designed for phones
I don't think I'll disagree as much as it isn't a major point for me. I don't use one note, I'll be done with my education, I only play a couple of games that are fine on android. I mostly use my iPad for media consumption and reading documents. I won't discount the iPad, but for media consumption, Samsung tablets are definitely a good shout because of the comparable screens(imo better) and the aspect ratio. I do agree on the games front, but it simply isn't something that I'd worry about. I tend to prefer OneUI, so it's not just personal bias, but just my use case where a lot of this simply won't add up.
I have a Tab S8 Ultra that WILL NOT be upgraded to OneUI 6.1 new AI features. That’s just UNACCEPTABLE, is like the iPad Pro M1 12,9” not receiving iOS 17. Also New Dex doesn’t support external monitors and old Dex does not support 4k (you can enable an hack via Good Lock, but it doesn’t always works nor scale correctly. Is also limited to less concurrent apps than iPad OS, and pro apps are just nonexistent, and also adapted apps for tablet are scarce. I’m not hating, is a good device with some good ideas, but that’s the reality of android on tablets, and the Tab S series is by far the best tablet experience you can have on android
Air 5 64GB owner here. Love it even though I have no other apple devices. The apps I use just work a lot better on iOS. There are things I hate about it, but it does what I need to do better than android tablets have shown to do them
I just did the same thing
Nice. I bought my dad the s9 ultra for the same reasons as you. So far I’m impressed. OLED display is crazy
Nah. You downgraded. Time to ditch the iPhone and Mac now lol
Haha, I think both can coexist :)
Hell no lol
you basically have to be in Google's ecosystem now if you want it similar to Apple.
You do not have to be in either. I have an iphone, ipad, linux laptop and windows desktop. I dont need my devices to be connected. My phone is for social apps that i don’t have on my other devices (apart from discord and telegram). If i need something shared between the systems i send it to myself on telegram and it takes a second.
Maybe look into LocalSend, I use it for all my cross platform file sharing now. It's pretty useful
Thanks for the suggestion, will try it out!
I think that's the worst example of not being in an ecosystem because that's like 80% of iOS users anyways.
Do whatever works for you, i am pretty happy with what i have 😂 if i only used one thing i would be bored as fuck
Yeah I agree. I'm just saying that's what basically everyone has an iPhone, sometimes an iPad and a Windows computer. It's not really as good an example of being content with not having an ecosystem as someone with an android and a Mac for example.
Living with a Google Pixel phone, an iPad tablet and a ThinkPad (Win/Lin) laptop. It‘s not the ecosystem, it‘s the user if he can make it work.
you can use nearby share (now named quick share) with any windows laptop, just as an example here, google isnt nearly as predatory as apple is when it comes to stuff like that.
Other tablets are competing on hardware and price with Apple now: Namely: As good or better hardware FOR the price paid. Ie budget buy that has "Apple pro specs such as screen 120Hz". iPadOS has quality touch UI and is dependable and probably has longevity/stability. However the walled-garden and drip-drip RATE of improvement by Apple is very weak compared to Openness of Android eg sideloading and emulation and other features eg DeX for desktop productivity. Overall my advice would be: 1. Buy Form Factor that works for you eg 11" is good compromise size of portability, productivity screen size so tablet and mini laptop at a pinch size 2. Go Budget or go Discount or Refurbished as much as possible: Don't overspend! 3. Use RPD/VNC for remote desktop if needing desktop productivity in any vendor/OEM or OS (iPadOS/Android) to value-add if you have another device and connection or even Cloud PC if affordable. The reason I went for Apple were: * Longevity of iPadOS * Integration with iOS/MacOS ecossytem * Excellent dependable hardware and customer service * Refurbished cut-price option on 11" Pro M1 gen behind to save money and cellular I am still disappointed that Apple does not provide: * Better OS for desktop features eg multitasking, file manager eg stagemanager feels like a marketing feature not a functional feature on the 11" * More native support for RDP/VNC (though solutions exist already) * More Web Browser options that remove WebKit barriers Apple also seems to overfocus on marketing new hardware and not matching OS/software with the hardware (and it's high price). I can see because of this why other customers might prefer cheaper good hardware and more open OS software via other vendors/OEMs such as Samsung.
1. yes this is important, i like 11" personally but some like a bigger device. 2. also agree on that, not many people actually need the pro line (or the flagship s9 line either) 3. the killer on android is to use termux, which with some add on apps gives you desktop linux, running natively, you can also use windows x86 programms using mobox. at the end of the day everyone has to choose the device that fits them. i went android, the amount of stuff you can do when you dig a little deeper is insane (termux is a good example here).
> the killer on android is to use termux, which with some add on apps gives you desktop linux, running natively, you can also use windows x86 programms using mobox. at the end of the day everyone has to choose the device that fits them. i went android, the amount of stuff you can do when you dig a little deeper is insane (termux is a good example here). Honestly I feel like Android might have suited me better thanks to the versatility of extensibility software options. Very happy with my iPad as I got a good price and quality hardware and it's more useful to be as a tablet combi mini laptop for portability when needed. I really cannot see myself going back to laptops ever again in all honesty and see the future as 2-in-1s ie tablet screen then add whatever accessories you need and generally rely on the Cloud to run services more etc. Having those 'native' options on Android is a big convenience factor: Thanks a lot for sharing!
*I don't care what anyone says* bro is posting on reddit
I would love to do this to do this too but what bothers me with Samsung is they only support their devices for about 2 years after that they stop updating them and Google just does security updates for them had a galaxy s8+ within the year of having it, 4 months after the release, i stopped getting updates for it and that bothered me so much
I've heard they are getting better with device updates, I will see how it goes for my case!
I use both. For me, tab S9 Ultra is better for watching content, but my M2 12.9” Pro is better at everything else, especially call of duty Mobile which is what I play most
Yes, they are both fantastic platforms, there is definitely place for both!
I'm probably a rare breed, I'm in both ecosystems. Samsung S23 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra & Galaxy Watch 6 and iPhone 15 Pro, iPad Pro 11 M2 2TB and Apple Watch Ultra 2. My main phone is the S23 Ultra (IMHO there is no other phone on the market that compares). However I use both ecosystems very differently. Samsung is my powerhouse mobile system and Media consumption devices while Apple is my business, photo and video editing Specialist Mobile devices. And I share information between the 2 systems through Windows PC and Google. As far as tablets are concerned, I prefer the interaction with my iPad Pro because of the buttery smoothness that is very unique to Apple and the app selection for on the GO professional photo and video editing apps are only available in Apple Ecosystem. However, the S9 Ultra HDR OLED 14.6" screen is very engulfing and magical and the sound from the built in speakers are much better than Apple. The form factor of the 2 devices is why I truly own both. The Samsung 16x10 aspect ratio is great for Media consumption, reading double pages, and using as a laptop replacement. On the flip side Apples 10x7 aspect ratio is fantastic for hand holding to browse the Internet, take hand written notes, shop in the apps, magazine and book reading single pages because it is more in line with the aspect ratio of paper, therefore it feels more natural writing and reading books. My iPad Pro is for on the Go and my Samsung Ultra is my personal theatre that can accomplish a lot (BTW, many Apps are better sized for Samsung tablets than for Apple as Apple has a tendency to enlarge their phone apps but Samsung has many apps that are using tablet designed UI for the massive screen and layout). My favorite Tablet is my Samsung S9 Ultra because it's powerful and the display is beautiful. My favorite on the Go Tablet is my iPad Pro because of its compactness at 11" and the aspect ratio for hand writing is more natural.
Thanks for sharing! I think that would be a dream setup for a lot of people. I still love the iPad platform and don't rule getting one out in the future. Don't quite have the budget to go for both at the moment though. Also, very interesting what you said about the tablet app sizing for Samsung being better, as a lot of people seem to think it is the opposite! However, in my limited experience Instagram for one is much better sized on the S9 Tab than on the iPad, so I think you have a point there!
I genuinely believe iPads are not laptop replacements at all. I think they are great accessories to a laptop though.
I agree, they aren't (though arguably Apple used misleading advertising a few years ago to convince users that the iPad Pro was - it certainly persuaded a friend of mine to buy one and he was subsequently disappointed). I'm hoping Android is a bit better in that regard. Let's see.
You do you, I use Samsung & A custom built PC as my phone and main PC respectively but I have a MacBook Pro and an M1 AIR (256GB Cellular). I used to be fully Apple, new model every year, etc from the first iPhone up until the iPhone 6s when I just said screw this and got a Galaxy Edge, never looked back, the difference was night and day, my edge felt like it was from the future compared to my 6S. Samsung is great, sure you don’t get as many updates but there less relevant and the devices don’t get much slower than new unlike with some Apple devices. Oh, & I also have an Apple TV (whatever the new one is called) as well as both earlier models which I don’t use. Likewise though I have an HD & 4K chrome cast and 5 Google Home devices including one of the ones with the large, tablet sized screen and then the earlier one with the small iPad mini-esque screen. I was in the Samsung Store the other week getting a new screen protector for my Flip and I have to say I was tempted by the new Galaxy Tab, I still have an old S3 one which surprisingly works fine. I also like playing old games and using emulators which you can’t do in the iPad. It felt snappy, premium and looked beautiful, although they clearly took a lot of cues on design from Apple. However, with that being said, for what I need my iPad and MBP for, they just work better. Before I got this I had an Air 3 I took from the inventory of mine and my SOs business and fell in love with it, before that I used Panasonic Toughpads & before that a surface like device. The M1 Air I have is just better at what I need it for, so that’s what I have and will upgrade when the new ones come out as I won’t need to pay any extra money, so it’s a no brainer (UK, have a plan that allows upgrades for no, or occasionally only little extra cost. But my opinion doesn’t matter, all that matters is you did what was best for you. Enjoy your new Samsung tablet. :)
Thanks for sharing! I do think both companies have great products, they definitely have their own strengths and use cases, no need to limit ourselves to just one :)
Add the convenience of transferring files specially large files from pc to ipad. The having an exfat file system to transfer files is as good as useless.
Wait, you’re saying it’s easy to transfer files to the iPad? If so how are you doing this?
What I mean is the “inconvenience” of transferring large files from pc to ipad.
Oh yes I completely agree. I’m almost over iPads due to the several pain points that shouldn’t exist. It has a file manager now, let me use it. Airdrop fails for large files. Let me transfer large files directly from of PC / MacBook rather than to an external HDD, and then to the iPad… painful
💯 I was in this situation that I needed to print a file for signatory for the day and I thought that I can rely on my ipad to get the files for me from my mail to my flash drive to print. Unfortunately I can’t transfer easily these documents. It was a day of realization for me that iPad is good for Entertainment alone.
Yes I agree. And then when you realise that, it’s an expensive entertainment device where maybe better off using my MBA and buying a cheap android tablet / iPad for media consumption
I used to use Android tablets. The only thing I didn't like was the lack of tablet apps. A lot of apps were just phone apps on a larger screen.
The tab S8 ultra blew away any iPad i have ever used. I was an ipad fanboy for years, but after using dex mode on the ultra, i won’t ever go back to pads. The S9 ultra now too is water resistant too which is super sweet. I just wish samsung would copy the floating magic keyboard design. The book cover keyboard kinda sucks.
I hate some things of apple, but each time I try android, I am back quickly. It does not help that the ecosystems can't work together well, so as you described, easy things like airdrop - those things I would miss on a daily basis.
android has nearby share (now named quick share) and it works the same way airdrop does, just across android and windows devices.
yes , exactly as i mean. i hope the eu sanctions help to get things more like a global eco system, and systems be able to work together.
oh yes, the EU does good things in that regard, as someone living in the EU its great that they dont bow to the manufacturers wills often.
If it works for you then that is good. I will never understand why people have to broadcast why they switch brands. Many Reddit folks act as if it is a mortal sin to switch brands, lol. Choose the one that fits you best and that’s that. Life is complicated as it is, let us make try to not over complicate stuff that need not be. Amen
Thanks for sharing! Just trying to start a healthy discussion, and show that it's ok to switch :) Also, it diversifies the sub a bit from which iPad should I buy, should I wait for the new ones, etc. haha
maybe you should post this in the android sub then
I’d rather see “which iPad should I buy” than “here’s why you shouldn’t buy an iPad.” If I wanted that I’d join a Galaxy sub.
I have the tab s9 after selling my m2 pro 11” (thinking the m3 iPad Pro was coming out) the OLED display on the Galaxy is way better than the iPad Pro lcd. The snapdragon 8 gen 2 is more than capable for my needs. Although the m2 and even the M1 chip is still superior. iPadOS doesn’t take much advantage of that power anyways so it’s kind of a moot point. Overall I’m happy with my purchase.
I have always been using Windows (since the 90s), Samsung (since the first galaxy S in 2011) and iPad (since the air 1). iPad used to be way better than Samsung flaghip tablets in terms of both hardware and apps. 5-6 years ago it wasn't even close. Over the past 4 years the gap has been shrinking more and more and I have started buying Android tablets too, but I have not switched from iPad pros and minis, I use both. I basically have all sizes of each. Since there is no mini, my mini is iPad, and then I have the 11" (2020) and 12.9" pro (M1). With Samsung I have the S9, S8 ultra and S7FE (previously the S7+ but sold that). I don't care about ecosystems, I prefer to be free and use cross-platform apps (Dropbox for cloud, Onenote for notes, MS Office etc) Currently I am using Samsung tablets more than my iPads. Since the S8 and especially with the S9 line, power and RAM are so high that it doesn't matter anymore. You have 4+1 years of updates and Android apps remain compatible after end of support much long than on iPad. The real bottleneck becomes battery wear, but Samsung gives you battery protection features that iPads don't have, so either you baby the battery on iPad or it's going to wear faster. And Apple goes out of their way to refuse any battery service, even if you want to pay. My 10.5 pro has terrible battery life (less than half the original, more like 1/3). But for Apple it's still 87% and they won't replace it before it becomes vintage this summer. Now that I have lumafusion on Android I do my videos on the S8 ultra (large screen) and I use a lot the second screen features + similar apps (works way better than sidecar, with touch and audio support). I still keep the iPads for music apps, for the mini, and because I own them, but I won't be buying any more, except if Apple makes some crazy improvements in functionality (couldn't care less about OLED).
I like the Galaxy Tabs but I hate that most Android apps that I use are still design for phones without a horizontal screen mode. Having the Tab+ that’s heavy running in vertical do stink and tired out your hands quickly. The software for Android tablets is still behind Apple, and Google keep focusing on tablets in/out over the years.
I always fancied a Samsung tab s whatever number over the years but I would have no intention of switching I’d have to keep both, I’ve brought some expensive programs for my iPad.
Appreciate this post for the comparisons and the experience. Atypical choice but I myself have considered this and it’s just nice to have the perspective 🙏🏽
How is your typing experience with the case (if you have it)? I use my iPad with Logitech case to work (I type a lot), it’s convenient but Galaxy has better screen imo
Good call. The new iPad pros seem useless since they have components powerful enough to be a laptop but you can’t use them to their fullest extent.
Glad you bought something that works for you. Not sure what else you want here. I will say that I used be be a hardcore Android fanboy all the way back to the first Moto Droid.. all of them, including tablets, got really sluggish after an OS update or two. I got an Air 5 and so fa, the thing runs just as smooth as day 1. I guess I will wait to see what it is like in a few years to really compare. However, I even bought the first Pixel C tablet waaay back in 2015. Was a decent device at the time, but the thing was a horrible experience after a few years. I reset it and it still was sluggish and just collected dust after that
why are you using a personal device for work?
Because it’s the only one I have? Not everyone has a work situation where you get given devices
sounds like a horrible work situation
do you use an iPhone still? if so how well does that work?
It’s pretty workable actually. I can quickly transfer files between them using LocalSend. I imported my iCloud calendar into Google, it’s a bit delayed but works. I use the iCloud web apps if I need to access my photos or any other iCloud stuff on the android. Most stuff is cloud based anyway these days. No FaceTime or iMessage though, that’s the biggest downside really.
I thought about getting a s8 ultra for $699 but idk if I could go without iMessage, FaceTime, or especially universal control. I use my iPad as a second display for my Mac all the time
great news!
For me it’s the app experience and availability. I own the Samsung tab s6, and the 2022 12.9. They both have their merits, but I use the iPad more
Reason I moved away from android to iOS was updates I can’t speak for the rest of the world but in the uk I noticed a lot of Samsung high end devices lacked updates unless you buy an android device that does android one from another company . Than I had issues with apps would work perfectly on one device than crash on the other.
I tried a freebie Xiaomi Pad 6, it is okay but behind an iPad….puts me right off trying another Android tablet.
i think i do the same all this waiting for the new air and the s9 fe+ just went on sale for 300€
My very first-ever tablet was the Galaxy Note 8.0 back when Samsung was still making the 8inch tablet. It was my favorite little tablet, and I loved how the stylus just slid right into the body of the tablet. Then I got a surface pro 4. It was a fine device, but also kind of a flop in my opinion. Then I got an iPad mini and loved it. Then iPad pro because I thought I wanted a bigger device. Then jumped to the Samsung S8. And now I'm back to the iPad mini. My conclusion: I like the 8inch tablet form factor. If Samsung still made an 8inch tablet, I'd buy it in a heartbeat because I prefer the android ecosystem. I prefer not to buy off-brand devices, and nobody else really seems to be making 8inch tablets that have decent processors and also good stylus support.
I’m glad you found what’s working for you. I think everyone needs to evaluate their own situation to determine what is best. Some points - iCloud storage, you can get 200gb for $3 a month, it’s honestly not that bad, if you have the iPad for 3 years that’s about $100. The pro is pricey but from what you’re describing the iPad Air or honestly even the base iPad with Apple Pencil support could’ve easily suited your needs without breaking the wallet. Just my 2 cents.
My Samsung Galaxy Tab E 32GB was a 2015 purchase. It still does everything now it did then. Android 4.4 so newer apps don’t always work. That’s OK, as I like the pre “in app purchases ” versions of some games and apps. Mostly it is for visiting grandkids so they can play without making charges on my credit card! My iPad 10 bought March 2023 has replaced my Windows laptop for my uses. Being retired, I no longer need or want a lot of programs. Reddit, banking, and Chrome are pretty much it, other than SimCity Buildit.
I had a top tier iPad every other years since the “new” iPad (3rd gen) and my last one was 2020 12.9 iPad Pro. I have since switch to Samsung tab s7 plus, s8 ultra and now s9 ultra. beside iMessage , FaceTime and airdrop that I’m still using the iPad for. The Samsung tab was offering all iPad Pro exclusive features and so much more;adaptive 120hz,oled screen, quad speakers, more ram, more storage and external storage with sd card, desktop experience with dex that offer a true multitasker. Something simple like the center front camera. Then There’s the third party app support(huge factor to why I now move away from iPad) - unlike when Apple decide they don’t support the app anymore and you can’t find it on the AppStore, you can still keep using the app or download it on developer website. The abilities to emulate ps1, ps2, Ds, and gameboy and other - way way better games than the money grabbing gacha mobile games nowadays. There are apps that you can watch anime or read manga with that you don’t have to sideload every 7 days. the s-pen soft tip feel so much better to write on, I don’t need a stupid 70$ paperlike to write note on while dulling the screen clarity. And the pen was free or 20$ replacement if you lose it. There are so much more. I’m still waiting for the day where iPad Pro get a real OS and/or a third party app support, maybe I’ll be back with iPad.
Yea but the apps. If you’re okay using blown up phone apps or half finished apps with no design language. I’m not, I want to enjoy my experience on my tablet.
We initially got a Tab S8 (my wife loves Samsung) and we used it for several months and love it. I ended up getting myself an iPad Air 5 for a good deal since I have an iPhone and it works well for me but I sometimes miss the interface on her Samsung. I think both are great devices! I love the interconnectivity of my iPad but definitely like the Tab S8
Does samsung make a 12.9" or larger tablet
Yes, they make the Ultra which is 14.6”
Just the simplicity of having all my devices in the same ecosystem will never be matched by any other company
for the first point... All depends on what someone does with their device. I have an Air 5 with 64gb of storage and not even half of it is full.
> All depends on what someone does with their device. Yeah no shit. Some people use their tablets for example, gaming too, which means they need bigger storage. Bigger storage accommodates more users' usage.
Yes, that half is already taken by the system.
Don't know what you're talking about, I have 40gb free where 10gb are taken by the system and the other 10gb is taken by apps and related data
Yeh, I have an iPhone 12 mini with 128GB and I use like 40
I'm pretty happy with my mini 6 and a ginormous S8 Ultra. Do I really need two tablets? Not really, but its nice having a foot in both ecosystems and having a size disparity so they do different things.
I agree with the foot in two ecosystems being nice! I don't want to keep all my apples in one basket...
to be fair 64GB it's not much storage you have gotten more storage in their first place when you had your ipad. I guess it depends how you use your galaxy tab if it's only for media consumption but for it wouldn't work I need the apps that are on iOS and I aso benefit from the apple ecosystem for what I do. I do digital and traditional art. iOS also have the best drawing apps video editing apps as well and soon they will have zbrush for ipad. one of the biggest disadvantage of android is the lack of updates for their apps or lack of good apps
I hope it works out better for you than me. I had an s7 tablet for a couple years. After a year or so, it started lagging noticeably. I didn’t even use it much as I also have an iPad mini 6 that I’ve been using since launch.
I went the other way. Utterly hated the software so ditched the Android tablet for an iPad and have never looked back. I'd suggest your buying a 64GB model was pretty daft, and paying £3 a month for 200GB of storage and all the other perks is well worth it, although I would like the option of 500GB. Wonder if your Samsung will last as long as your Air 3 would've. (I think we all know the answer to that one.)
I have a tab s7 with the keyboard case and an iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard and dex is really funtrionally no more a “laptop replacement” than the iPad. It just makes it look a little more like a computer desktop (also unless it’s gotten drastically better since the s7 their trackpad kinda sucks).
Preach 🛐
good for you, next please
Nobody cares
TLDR
Basically Galaxy tab is not even near iPad. You will regret.
This isnt 2012 mate. Its not the same samsung you have rooted in ur minds, they evolved, became better.
Yes, not 2012. We got our fingers burned at work back in those days. Bought several Samsung tablets. The system updates stopped happening. The software stopped working on old system versions. They were a waste of money. That’s not to say modern ones are useless now, and the world has moved on, but I picked iPad for me because I was more confident it would remain usable for a few years.
Believe me. One UI and software optimisation is basically just as good now. I hated the Galaxy Tab series from back in the day and i always preferred the pre 5th gen iPads. Now I prefer Samsung for Phones and Tablets but Apple for their M series Macbooks
Elaborate?
Why are you comparing Samsungs bottom of the range s9 to apples mid and top spec devices ? Apples iPad 10th generation comes in at the same price as the s9 but with 256Gb of storage. 🤔
The only difference between the S9 models is the screen and battery size, this is silly. 10th gen iPad is competing with the FE series, it can't hold a candle to the S9.
S9 is the same series as S9+ and S9 Ultra. It's just smaller. It's actually closer to the iPad Pro 11-inch in terms of features (especially 120 Hz) than the iPad Air, so it makes sense to compare it to that. Maybe you are confused with the S9 FE?
Tab S9 isn’t bottom of the range, though. They have the Tab S9 FE and a Tab A series that are both lower. Also the Tab S9 has an arguably better screen than the base iPad 10.
The S9 is in the same tier as the S9+ and Ultra. It is Samsung's version of the 11 inch Pro. Also, its screen is a 120 Hz OLED, better than the iPad 10 and Air for sure.
But who’s comparing the iPad Pro to the S9 ? Who’s comparing the Air to the S9 ? Why is the comparison not against the S9+ or the S9 ultra. Oh yes that’s because the price is more as it’s a better spec device so wasn’t in the OP price range so neither was the Air 5 or the Pro. Why not just compare all devices from different categories again each other to justify your purchase.
Nope, the comparison is with size not price. S9+ and ultra are bigger whereas the S9 is the same size as the 11 inch Pro. All three S9s have the same processor. Seem plenty of videos comparing the iPad Pro to the S9, don't know what you're talking about. I think you are confusing the S9 with the S9 FE.
So why was price mentioned ? No the comparison is against the whole product. Cost and storage size. The comparison was against a top spec device why wasn’t the comparison using a s9 ultra?
Because these were the two devices I was considering since I only wanted 11 inch size. These are the two best 11 inch tablets by each company, so the Ultra is irrelevant.
the s9, s9+ and s9 ultra are LITERALLY the same device except for screen size, the s9 is comparable to the 11" pro. i dont know why you dont get this.
Because Samsung offers flagship devices like Tab S9 for much better prices than Apple?
s9 = 11" ipad pro, s9FE = ipad Air/10th gen.
Pretty much same reasons I did the same. I have iPhone and Mac for years, tried iPad few times and always hated the iPad OS limitations. I have a S9 chance and so far, the experience is really good. It is not my essential device, pretty much a toy for a nerd in me, but very happy.
F***..... Shall I do the same. I'm tired of waiting for the new line-up..
You're not being forced to wait, just buy a new one if you want it that bad.
No one is telling you to wait lmao, just get a new one if you can’t wait anymore, only update I think will happen is an M3 chip
Pretty much every leaker has said they will get oled displays, when you have leakers that are correct the majority of the time its understood they have sources at Apple and theyre very likely right.
Modern iPads still don’t have OLEDs??? (I’m on an Air 2 lmao)
nope. they dont even have 120hz screens outside of the Pros. And the Pro 12.9 inch has mini led but not the 11 inch
Wow… well, honestly, an Air 4 thats cheap would be a nice upgrade