iPad Pro (M4) vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Which tablet is best for professionals in 2025?
We compared the iPad Pro with M4, and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra to determine which tablet performs best for professionals.
iPad Pro (M4)
• Unmatched performance with the M4 chip.
• Stunning OLED display with 1,600 nits HDR brightness.
• Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
• Ultra-lightweight and highly portable design.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
• Massive 14.6-inch AMOLED display, ideal for multitasking.
• Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity.
• Includes the S Pen in the box.
• Expandable storage via microSD cards.
iPad Pro (M4)
• High starting price, with costly accessories.
• Limited multitasking capabilities due to iPadOS restrictions.
• No expandable storage options.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
• Heavier and less portable than the iPad Pro.
• Inferior performance compared to the M4 chip.
• Less polished ecosystem compared to Apple.
For professionals, the right tablet can make a significant difference in productivity, creativity, and everyday workflows. Apple's iPad Pro with the M4 chip and Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra are two of the most advanced tablets on the market, but they serve different types of users.
The iPad Pro excels in raw processing power and display quality, making it a favorite for designers and creative professionals. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, on the other hand, focuses on flexibility, offering a larger screen and features like Samsung DeX for desktop-like multitasking.
Let’s break down how these flagship tablets compare across key criteria for professionals in 2025.
Henry Chikwem
#1: Performance
The iPad Pro with M4 is powered by Apple’s 3nm M4 chip, offering industry-leading performance. Its 10-core GPU and up to 16GB of RAM enable seamless multitasking and can handle heavy apps like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Photoshop with ease. It also sets new benchmarks for single-core and multi-core tasks.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, performs well for Android. It comes with up to 16GB of RAM and is powerful enough for multitasking and gaming. However, it can’t match the iPad Pro’s raw power in tasks like video rendering or machine learning workloads.
Which wins? The iPad Pro dominates in performance, making it the better choice for professionals who need power-intensive computing.
#2: Display and Design
Apple’s iPad Pro features a stunning 13-inch OLED display with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits in HDR. Its ProMotion technology promises buttery-smooth scrolling and precise responsiveness, ideal for creatives working on design or video projects. At just 5.1mm thin, it’s also one of the lightest high-performance tablets.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, on the other hand, boasts a massive 14.6-inch AMOLED display, making it excellent for multitasking. It supports HDR10+ but peaks at 930 nits brightness, falling short of the iPad Pro’s brilliance. The larger screen is great for media consumption, but the tablet’s size (732g) makes it less portable.
Which wins? The iPad Pro leads with its superior display quality and portability, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is ideal for those who prioritize screen size.
#3: Productivity Features
The iPad Pro is optimized for creative workflows with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, which offer a near-laptop experience. Its reverse charging feature is handy, but its iPadOS software feels limiting for professionals seeking true multitasking.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra shines with Samsung DeX, which transforms it into a desktop-like interface for multitasking. It supports a wide range of apps, and the included S Pen adds value without additional cost. The expandable storage via microSD cards up to 1TB is a major plus for professionals who need flexibility.
Which wins? The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra excels in multitasking and productivity features, while the iPad Pro is perfect for streamlined workflows within Apple’s ecosystem.
#4: Ecosystem and Compatibility
The iPad Pro integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. Features like Universal Control and AirDrop make it easy to switch between devices, but compatibility with non-Apple systems is limited.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra benefits from Android’s flexibility and Samsung’s ecosystem. It works well with Galaxy phones, wearables, and Windows PCs, making it a better choice for cross-platform users.
Which wins? Choose the iPad Pro if you’re committed to Apple’s ecosystem. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers better cross-platform compatibility.
#5: Pricing and Value
The iPad Pro starts at $1,299 for the 13-inch model, but its accessories—like the $349 Magic Keyboard—add significant costs. Higher storage tiers can push the price above $2,000, making it a premium investment.
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at $1,199 and includes the S Pen. While its keyboard accessory is also expensive, expandable storage via microSD cards reduces the need to invest in pricier configurations.
Which wins? The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offers better value for cost-conscious professionals, but the iPad Pro justifies its premium for high-performance users.
David Adubiina
Which Tablet Is Best for Professionals in 2025?
Both the iPad Pro with M4 and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra offer unique strengths, making them the best options for different professional needs. But you should choose the iPad Pro with M4 if you need unmatched performance, a superior display, and seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem.
On the other hand, go for the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra if you value flexibility, multitasking features like Samsung DeX, and cross-platform compatibility. Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your workflow and ecosystem preferences.
