iPad Air M3 vs. Galaxy Tab S9: Specs, Features & the Best Choice

Apple has officially introduced the M3-powered iPad Air, promising a blend of power and portability. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 remains a top-tier Android tablet, boasting a vibrant display and a feature-rich ecosystem. But when it comes to choosing the right one, which tablet offers the best value for your needs?

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking for a reliable tablet for everyday use, this breakdown will help you decide.

Design & Display: LCD vs. AMOLED

The M3 iPad Air is available in both 11-inch and 13-inch models, featuring a Liquid Retina LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It boasts a sleek aluminum body and comes in four color options: Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray, offering a stylish yet durable design.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 features an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother visuals and vibrant colors. It is available in Graphite and Beige and stands out with its IP68-rated water and dust resistance, a rare feature in tablets that adds an extra layer of durability.

If display quality is your priority, Samsung’s AMOLED panel delivers richer colors and a higher refresh rate, making it the better choice. However, if you prefer Apple’s software ecosystem and can work with an LCD, the iPad Air remains a solid option.

Performance: Apple M3 vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

The M3 iPad Air is powered by Apple’s M3 chip, the same processor found in the MacBook Air M3, delivering impressive performance for demanding tasks. It supports up to 16GB of RAM in higher configurations, making it a strong choice for multitasking and creative work. Running on iPadOS 17, it offers a seamless and optimized user experience within Apple’s ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring fast and efficient performance. It supports up to 12GB of RAM, providing ample power for multitasking and gaming. Running on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI, it offers extensive customization and flexibility, catering to users who prefer the Android experience.

Apple’s M3 chip excels in high-performance tasks like video editing and AI-driven applications. However, Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides strong performance and better customization options for Android users.

Stylus & Accessories: Apple Pencil vs. S Pen

The M3 iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C version) and is compatible with the new Magic Keyboard, transforming it into a laptop-like device for enhanced productivity. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 comes with the S Pen included at no extra cost and works seamlessly with Samsung’s Keyboard Cover, making it a cost-effective choice for users who prioritize note-taking and digital art.

While Samsung has the advantage of including the stylus for free, Apple’s robust creative software and the Magic Keyboard’s functionality make the iPad Air a compelling option for professionals and creatives seeking a versatile tablet experience.

Battery Life & Charging

• M3 iPad Air: Up to 10 hours of battery life
• Galaxy Tab S9: Slightly better, offering up to 12 hours
• Both charge via USB-C

While the Galaxy Tab S9 has a slight edge in battery life, both tablets offer all-day usability.

Which One Should You Buy?

For casual users who enjoy streaming movies, browsing social media, or gaming, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 stands out with its AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a more vibrant and fluid visual experience. On the other hand, Apple’s iPad Air benefits from a well-optimized app ecosystem, ensuring smoother overall performance and a refined user experience.

For students and note-takers, Samsung provides better value by including the S Pen at no extra cost, making it a cost-effective choice for those who frequently take notes or create digital sketches. However, Apple’s iPadOS offers a richer selection of educational apps and a longer software update cycle, making it a solid option for long-term use.

For office-goers and professionals, the choice depends on your workflow. The iPad Air, when paired with the Magic Keyboard, closely mimics the MacBook experience, making it an excellent option for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9, with its DeX mode, transforms into a desktop-like interface, making it a great productivity tool for those who prefer an Android or Windows-based workflow.