The eternal rivalry between Apple and Samsung is experiencing a new episode in the field of professional tablets with two of the most advanced devices of the moment: the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra y the 13-inch iPad Pro with M4 chipMany users are looking for the ideal option for working, editing photos or videos, performing graphic tasks, or simply enjoying the best multimedia entertainment. Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs iPad Pro 13 M4 Which of these two devices is the best option for professional use in 2025?
In this in-depth review, you'll find a complete comparison based on experience, real-world performance data, and key details that will help you decide based on your needs and preferences. If you're still unsure which tablet to choose for your work or entertainment, keep reading to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each model..
Key differences between Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and iPad Pro 13 with M4
The first thing is to understand that, although both are tablets aimed at demanding users, Each one has advantages and disadvantages that can tip the balance to one side or the other depending on the user's profile.. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra boasts one of the largest and most spectacular screens on the market, while the iPad Pro 13 with M4 It stands out for its exceptional power thanks to its new chip and its highly optimized hardware-software integration.
The design, the multimedia experience, the performance, the accessories and, above all, the operating system make important differences. The final decision depends on your workflow, ecosystem, and personal preferences, but let's take a closer look at each aspect.
Design and visual experience
El Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra bet on spectacularity: a 14,6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display refresh rate, with minimal bezels, an aluminum body, and a robust construction. The colors are vibrant and the blacks are deep, turning any content into an outstanding viewing experience. Its 16:10 aspect ratio makes it easy to multitask and watch movies at home.
El iPad Pro 13 M4 maintains Apple's renowned minimalism and elegance. Its 13-inch Liquid Retina XDR, in 4:3 format, offers a excellent dynamic range and color accuracy. It stands out for its lightness, weighing just 579 grams, compared to the Galaxy Tab S737 Ultra's 9 grams, making it a more comfortable option to carry or use on the go.
As for front cameras, Samsung includes dual camera in a side notch, while Apple discreetly integrates it into the frame, an aspect that can influence video calls or recordings with better quality.
Professional power and performance
Performance is a key aspect in this comparison. Samsung bets on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a next-generation processor that performs extremely well on demanding tasks and multitasking. It's accompanied by up to 16GB of RAM, ideal for advanced editing and multiple simultaneous applications.
Apple, for its part, stands out with the M4 chipThis latest-generation ARM processor doubles or even triples the Snapdragon's benchmarks (Geekbench). With nearly 3.767 points in single-core and over 14.600 in multi-core, the M4 takes tablet performance to the next level. Learn about what's new in Android 15 to better understand the ecosystem in which these devices operate.
What does this mean in everyday use? The iPad Pro M4 can replace a laptop for many professional tasks., making it ideal for photo and video editing, rendering, and heavy-duty creative applications. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, while capable, falls a bit behind in this department, but is still sufficient for most advanced tasks.
Operating system and professional applications
The biggest differentiating factor for professionals is usually the operating system and application availability. The iPad Pro M4 It works with iPadOS, a system specially optimized for tablets that lets you take full advantage of the hardware's power. It also features a wealth of professional apps for editing, graphic design, music, and video, many of them exclusive to or highly optimized for iPadOS. The best apps for drawing on Android They are useful if you are looking for alternatives to Android tablets.
Samsung uses Android for tablets. Although it has greatly improved multitasking and support for windowed apps, The catalog of apps optimized for Android tablets is still smaller than on iPadOS.This can be a deciding factor if you need to use industry-specific applications.
Official accessories and productivity
Working with a professional tablet often involves using accessories that enhance productivity. There are also differences here:
- iPad Pro (M4): has the Apple Pencil USB-C (89€), the Apple Pencil Pro (149€) and the Magic Keyboard (€399). These accessories transform your tablet into a powerful laptop suitable for advanced creative tasks.
- Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Their official accessories are cheaper: Galaxy Tab S9 Series S Pen (45 €), Book Cover Keyboard (229 €) and Book Cover Keyboard Slim (179€). The S Pen comes included with the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, making creative tasks easier at no additional cost.
The S Pen has long been considered one of the best on Android tablets for drawing and taking notes.If you want to delve deeper into the best options in tablet accessories, check out our section dedicated to The best apps for drawing on Android.
Autonomy and battery
As for autonomy, Samsung equips the Tab S9 Ultra with an 11.200 mAh battery, which allows for long sessions without recharging. Apple, with 10.758 mAh, better optimizes its hardware and software to extend battery life, achieving similar performance under intensive use. You can also check out how to use your tablet as a PC to improve your productivity.
In practice, Both devices offer a battery life that can cover a full day of work or entertainment., with minimal differences in actual use.
Professional opinions and user experiences
Experts and users agree that both tablets They are suitable for work and multimedia consumptionHowever, creators of audiovisual content, especially in video, tend to prefer the iPad Pro M4 due to the availability of exclusive native applications such as Final Cut ProIf your work depends on this type of software, choosing Apple is safer. You can also have the best video calling apps on Android if you are looking to expand your options.
Although it also highlights that, for the price and its accessoriesA traditional laptop can offer more versatility and compatibility for complex professional tasks. In any case, both the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and iPad Pro M4 demonstrate the maturity of tablets to partially replace computers for many tasks.
Who is each tablet designed for?
The choice between the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and the iPad Pro 13 M4 depends more on the ecosystem, budget, and apps you use daily than on technical specifications. For users who prefer Android, a bigger screen and a better price, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is ideal..
In contrast, the iPad Pro 13 M4 It is recommended for professionals in the audiovisual, design, music, or editing sectors who need maximum power and the most advanced applications. Plus, if you already use Apple products, integration with iCloud, iPhone, and Mac will be an added value. To expand your knowledge, you can also consult The ranking of the fastest tablets in Antutu.
Price and value for money
Price is an important consideration. The iPad Pro M4 and its accessories can easily exceed €2.000 in high configurations, while the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, while also expensive, is generally slightly cheaper, especially in the official accessory set. Also check to compare performance.
Offers in second-hand or refurbished stores They may make the acquisition easier, but in general both devices represent a considerable investment.
Media and user opinions
Major technology publications highlight that The iPad Pro offers an exceptional balance of performance, optimization, and build quality.. For its part, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out for its screen and be the best current option on Android.
The consensus points to the fact that el iPad Pro M4 dominates in intensive workloads and in the creative sectorThe Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, on the other hand, is highly recommended as a premium and versatile multimedia device, especially for those who aren't reliant on the Apple ecosystem or are looking for a larger screen at a slightly lower price.
Ultimately, the choice between these two models will depend on your specific needs: Do you need maximum performance, the best iOS integration, and exclusive apps? Go for the iPad Pro M4. Do you prefer an Android ecosystem, a larger screen, and a smaller investment? The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will be your best option..
