Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra vs iPad Pro: display, performance, accessories, and software compared

Choose the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra if you want the biggest drawing and video canvas, a pen in the box, microSD expansion, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a more flexible Android desktop mode. Choose the iPad Pro with M5 if you prioritize substantially faster CPU and GPU performance, the strongest tablet creative-app ecosystem, and Apple’s tandem-OLED HDR implementation. In Tom’s Guide testing, Samsung’s screen was much brighter in SDR and more saturated, while the iPad Pro won the HDR measurement, benchmark results, and Wi‑Fi browsing endurance test.

These are not the same size of tablet. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is a single 14.6-inch model. The iPad Pro is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, so the right comparison depends on whether you value maximum workspace or portability as much as raw speed.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Ai Wifi Model, 14.6" 11600 mAh 13MP SM-X930 Dual Camera with S Pen...	$1,148.00	Buy on Amazon
2		Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra with S-Pen 2025 (256GB, 12GB RAM, Wi-Fi Only) 14.6" AMOLED, WiFi 6E...	$1,155.00	Buy on Amazon
3		Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus 12.4” 256GB Android Tablet, Moonstone Gray | Galaxy AI Tools, Circle...	$1,099.99	Buy on Amazon

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At a glance: which tablet fits your priorities?

Neither tablet wins every category. Treat the pen, keyboard, charger, storage, and software you actually need as part of the system rather than comparing tablet-only specifications.

Display: a larger Samsung canvas versus Apple’s tandem OLED

Size, resolution, and aspect ratio

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra has one 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 2960×1848 with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Samsung describes the panel as 36.99cm diagonally with a 5.2mm bezel. Its wide working area is useful for a full-page drawing, a large timeline, or two substantial apps side by side, but the tablet is correspondingly less convenient to hold in one hand.

#1 Best Overall

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Ai Wifi Model, 14.6" 11600 mAh 13MP SM-X930 Dual Camera with S Pen (Gray SM-X930NZSAGTO, 256GB + 12GB)

• NO Warranty in the USA. Tablets are only WIFI, no Calls or Data. Country selection may not be available during setup. select any country, as Country will updated later after Connecting to WIFI in Settings. English Language is available
• Connectivity Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz, EHT320, MIMO, 4096-QAM USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Bluetooth v5.3 Bluetooth Profiles A2DP,AVRCP,DI,HID,HOGP,OPP,PAN,PBP,TMAP Location Technology GPS,Glonass,Beidou,Galileo,QZSS Earjack USB Type-C MHL No Wi-Fi Direct Yes
• 14.6” Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz Anti-Reflective, 2960 × 1848 (WQXGA+) Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor Size (Main_Display) 369.9mm (14.6" full rectangle) / 367.2mm (14.5" rounded corners)
• Front: 12 MP UW Rear: 13 MP + 8 MP UW UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)@30fps dimmesion : 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.20 in.

$1,148.00

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Apple sells the iPad Pro in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. The 13-inch model is 2752×2064 at 264 pixels per inch; the 11-inch version is physically smaller for travel and portrait reading. Both use the same Ultra Retina XDR tandem-OLED technology and ProMotion adaptive refresh from 10Hz to 120Hz. An artist who wants a large iPad canvas should compare the 13-inch model with Samsung’s 14.6-inch device; the 11-inch iPad Pro is a different portability class.

Brightness: SDR and HDR are different tests

Samsung specifies up to 1,600 nits peak brightness and a 1,000-nit outdoor high-brightness mode for the Tab S12 Ultra. Apple specifies 1,000 nits full-screen SDR/XDR brightness and up to 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness for iPad Pro. “Peak” figures generally describe small bright highlights, not an entire white screen, so they should not be read as all-day full-screen brightness.

Tom’s Guide’s laboratory measurements at the cited settings produced a different result for ordinary content: 862 nits SDR and 916 nits HDR for Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, compared with 561 nits SDR and 965 nits HDR for iPad Pro M5. Samsung therefore had a large SDR advantage in that test, while Apple was slightly ahead in HDR. If most of your work is documents, web pages, or standard photographs, the Samsung result is more relevant; HDR movies and HDR photo highlights favor the iPad Pro measurement.

Color character and accuracy

Tom’s Guide measured the Samsung panel at 149.8% of the sRGB gamut and 105.5% of DCI-P3, with a Delta-E of 0.22. The iPad Pro measured 116% sRGB, 82.1% DCI-P3, and a Delta-E of 0.27. The reviewer characterized Samsung as more vivid and somewhat oversaturated, while the iPad Pro looked more naturalistic. A vivid screen can make games and illustrations appear punchier; a more restrained profile is preferable when you are matching a print proof or grading video.

Refresh rate, reflections, and outdoor work

Both products reach 120Hz and adjust refresh dynamically. Scrolling, inking, and timeline scrubbing can therefore look fluid on either tablet, while lower refresh rates save power during static content. The panels have different physical dimensions and aspect ratios, so a drawing app’s toolbars and a video’s letterboxing will occupy different portions of the screen. For outdoor work, compare the measured SDR brightness above and consider reflections, viewing angle, and whether you can use Samsung’s outdoor high-brightness mode; the cited specifications do not establish a universal reflection winner.

Performance: M5 leads the benchmarks by a wide margin

Hardware configurations

Samsung reports that the Dimensity 9500 is 61% faster in NPU tasks, 19% faster in CPU performance, and 17% faster in GPU performance than the previous Tab S11 Ultra. Samsung also cautions that those gains depend on environment and software. They are generational claims from the manufacturer, not a direct cross-platform benchmark against M5.

Independent benchmark results

These are Tom’s Guide 2026 results, so they describe the tested software versions and units rather than a guarantee for every future update. The iPad Pro’s lead matters when you render 3D scenes, export long high-resolution video projects, compile code, or run demanding games for extended periods. The Tab S12 Ultra remains responsive for browsing, streaming, office work, drawing, and ordinary Android applications; the benchmark gap is not the same as a visible gap in every light task.

What the extra performance changes in practice

• Video and 3D: M5’s higher multi-core, GPU, ray-tracing, media-engine, and Neural Engine resources leave more headroom for complex timelines and effects.
• Large multitasking sessions: Samsung’s 12GB/16GB configurations and DeX can keep many windows available, while the iPad Pro’s memory varies by storage tier. Choose the 1TB or 2TB iPad configuration if your workflow specifically needs 16GB RAM.
• Games: The 3DMark result indicates a meaningful graphics advantage for iPad Pro, though game optimization and thermal behavior still vary by title.
• Everyday work: Web pages, email, note-taking, and video playback should feel quick on both; paying for M5 is most defensible when your applications can use the extra compute.

Battery life: compare test methods, not just claims

Samsung advertises up to 23 hours of local video playback from the Tab S12 Ultra’s 11,600mAh battery under its stated conditions. That is a manufacturer playback claim and should not be compared directly with a web-browsing endurance test.

In Tom’s Guide’s continuous Wi‑Fi browsing test at 150 nits, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra lasted 11 hours 31 minutes, while iPad Pro M5 lasted 13 hours 16 minutes. The iPad therefore ran 1 hour 45 minutes longer in that specific test. Brightness, radio signal, browser pages, refresh behavior, app mix, and battery condition can all change real-world results.

Rank #2

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra with S-Pen 2025 (256GB, 12GB RAM, Wi-Fi Only) 14.6" AMOLED, WiFi 6E Android 16 Tablet, 4K Camera | International Model X930 | 25W Fast Charger Bundle (Moonstone Gray)

• Brilliant 14.6" Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display – Features ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and crisp 1848x2960 resolution. Powered by an 11,600 mAh battery. Includes S Pen and 25W Samsung Super Fast Charger.
• Premium Performance & Storage – Backed by 256GB storage, 12GB RAM, and expandable microSD slot (dedicated). Runs on the advanced Mediatek Dimensity 9400+ (3nm) chipset, Octa-core CPU, and Immortalis-G925 MC12 GPU with Android 16 and One UI 8.
• Advanced Camera & Connectivity – Rear: 13MP (f/2.0 wide) + 8MP (f/2.2 ultrawide); Front: Dual 12MP (wide & ultrawide). Also supports Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C 3.2, and magnetic connector for seamless accessory pairing.
• Wi-Fi Only Model – Designed for high-speed wireless use. This model does not support SIM cards or cellular network connections.
• International Version – Global model without U.S. domestic warranty. Covered under return policy for hassle-free protection.

$1,155.00

Buy on Amazon

For a fair buying decision, estimate your own workload: video playback can approach Samsung’s advertised scenario, whereas a day of bright outdoor browsing, video calls, and intensive editing will be closer to a demanding mixed-use test. Neither cited specification gives a directly comparable battery-capacity figure for the iPad Pro, so capacity alone cannot settle the question.

Drawing and notes: S Pen value versus Apple Pencil Pro features

Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra

The S Pen is included with the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, so handwriting and sketching work without an accessory purchase. The 14.6-inch panel gives broad palm-rest and reference space, and Android apps can use the large screen for notes beside a browser or PDF. Samsung lists professional-app support including Photoshop, Notability, and LumaFusion, with availability varying by country.

The trade-off is software consistency. Android tablet versions of creative apps do not always match their desktop or iPad counterparts in tools, plug-ins, or interface design. Check that the specific app and features you need are available in your country before committing to an Android-first workflow.

iPad Pro

iPad Pro supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C, but neither is included with the tablet on Apple’s cited specification. Pencil Pro adds the accessory cost and must be included in your budget. iPadOS has a mature tablet creative ecosystem, and many professional applications receive features and updates earlier or in forms designed specifically for iPad.

The 13-inch iPad Pro is easier to position on a desk than Samsung’s 14.6-inch model, while the 11-inch version is better for carrying between meetings or classes. If you draw for hours, compare the physical canvas first; if you rely on a particular brush engine, file format, or plug-in, compare the app implementation before judging pen hardware.

How to choose for your note-taking style

• Choose Samsung when an included pen, very large page, expandable storage, and Android file access matter more than the deepest specialist-app catalog.
• Choose iPad Pro when Apple Pencil Pro features, precise color work, or an iPad-specific professional app are central to your workflow.
• For handwritten meeting notes, both can work well; keyboard layout, cloud service, and the note app’s cross-device support may matter more than benchmark scores.

Accessories and laptop-style work

What comes with each tablet

Samsung also lists a Book Cover, Frame Cover, Book Cover Keyboard Slim, and anti-reflecting screen protector as compatible accessories. All are separate purchases. Apple’s 20W adapter inclusion reduces the number of immediate add-ons, but the required Pencil Pro and any keyboard still change the total.

Can the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra replace a laptop?

DeX places apps in resizable windows with a taskbar and desktop-style controls, making the Tab S12 Ultra more laptop-like than a conventional tablet. A keyboard with trackpad is the practical pairing for long documents, spreadsheets, and browser-heavy work. USB-C accessories, an external display, and microSD storage can also make a mobile workstation easier to configure.

However, Tom’s Guide found limitations and considered DeX most effective with an external monitor rather than a complete laptop replacement. Mobile versions of specialist desktop software, file-management edge cases, peripheral drivers, and sustained performance requirements can still require a conventional computer. Treat DeX as a strong secondary workstation or travel setup unless your applications are known to run well in Android.

iPad Pro as a laptop alternative

The iPad Pro’s M5 performance, Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, Smart Connector, and keyboard accessories support serious mobile work. iPadOS multitasking and external-display support can handle many office and creative tasks, while Apple’s media engines and Neural Engine benefit compatible applications. It remains an iPadOS device, though, so desktop software that depends on unrestricted background processes, plug-ins, or complex file paths may not behave like its macOS version.

Rank #3

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus 12.4” 256GB Android Tablet, Moonstone Gray | Galaxy AI Tools, Circle to Search, AMOLED 2X Display, Long Battery Life, Durable Design, S Pen for Note-Taking, US Version

• INNOVATIVE ART POWER: Turn your simple sketches into works of art instantly using Sketch to Image¹ with Galaxy AI.²
• SEARCHING MADE EASY: Quickly search for just about anything you see on your Tab — all without switching apps — using Circle to Search with Google.³
• MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT: Capture your lecture, meeting, or daily notes and let Note Assist⁴ with Galaxy AI² do the hard work of organizing and even summarizing them for you.
• NEXT-LEVEL NOTE TAKING: Get transcripts and summaries of recorded lectures and meetings, just like that.⁵
• PACKED WITH POWER: No matter what you take on or where you take your Galaxy Tab S10+, enjoy every experience with a powerful tablet processor.

$1,099.99

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For either tablet, price the complete setup: tablet storage tier, pen, keyboard, case, screen protector, charger where needed, and any app subscriptions. A lower tablet price can disappear once the accessories required for your workflow are added.

Software, AI, and long-term support

Samsung’s Android 17 and One UI 9

The Tab S12 Ultra ships with Android 17, One UI 9, and Galaxy AI features. Samsung describes Now Nudge, “Ask anything” in Samsung Browser, Automated App Action, and selectable Bixby, Gemini, and Perplexity agents. Availability and behavior can vary by country, account, language, and software version.

Samsung states support for up to seven OS upgrades and security updates. “Up to” is a maximum policy statement, not a promise that every feature arrives on every regional model at the same time. Confirm the update schedule for your market if long ownership is important.

Apple’s iPadOS and Apple Intelligence

iPad Pro runs Apple’s current iPadOS platform and supports Apple Intelligence. M5 includes hardware media engines and a 16-core Neural Engine that compatible creative and productivity software can use. Apple’s cited specification does not state a fixed number of years of operating-system updates, so no precise support duration can be promised from that document.

Apple’s advantage is the depth and consistency of iPad-focused professional apps. Samsung’s Android catalog is capable and expanding, but app availability and feature parity vary more by country and developer. Check your must-have applications, cloud storage, font support, and accessory integrations before choosing an operating system.

Storage and configuration decisions

When Samsung’s microSD slot matters

Samsung offers 256GB and 512GB models with 12GB RAM and a 1TB model with 16GB RAM, plus microSD support up to 2TB. A card is useful for reference photos, downloaded video, project archives, and media libraries, although some applications require internal storage and card performance varies.

When to pay for iPad storage

iPad Pro provides 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB internal options. The 1TB and 2TB versions also move to a 10-core CPU and 16GB RAM, compared with 9-core CPU and 12GB RAM on 256GB and 512GB models. If your work benefits from more memory, the storage upgrade changes performance hardware as well as capacity; if not, a lower tier may be sufficient.

Decision guide by use case

Choose Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra when

• You want the largest available canvas and prefer a single 14.6-inch format.
• You need a pen immediately and do not want to buy one separately.
• You regularly move large files by microSD or need up to 2TB removable expansion.
• IP68 protection is valuable for field work, travel, or use around water and dust.
• You like Android’s file handling, Galaxy AI options, and DeX windowed multitasking.
• Your applications are available on Android and do not require desktop-only plug-ins.

Choose iPad Pro when

• You need the highest measured CPU and GPU performance in this comparison.
• You use an iPad-specific professional app, Apple Pencil Pro workflow, or Apple’s creative ecosystem.
• HDR video and Apple’s tandem-OLED implementation are more important than maximum physical size.
• You want the longer Wi‑Fi browsing result recorded by Tom’s Guide.
• You prefer an 11-inch or 13-inch size instead of Samsung’s single 14.6-inch chassis.
• You can budget for Apple Pencil Pro and a keyboard if your work requires them.

Before buying: a practical checklist

1. Measure your workspace. Decide whether a 14.6-inch tablet fits your bag, desk, and preferred drawing posture; otherwise compare the 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro.
2. List non-negotiable apps. Verify the exact Android or iPadOS version, plug-ins, file formats, and regional availability for each application.
3. Price the complete kit. Add the keyboard, pen, case, screen protector, storage tier, and charger requirements instead of comparing tablet-only prices.
4. Choose storage from your workflow. Samsung’s microSD flexibility favors large media libraries; iPad buyers must select enough internal storage at checkout.
5. Match the benchmark to your work. M5’s lead is valuable for rendering, gaming, and heavy exports, but it may not improve simple notes or web browsing enough to justify the difference.
6. Check regional software and support. Samsung AI features and professional apps can vary by country, while Apple’s cited specification does not set a fixed update-year count.

Bottom line

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is the more complete out-of-box drawing and multitasking package: its 14.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED canvas is larger, the S Pen is included, storage can grow by microSD, the chassis is IP68-rated, and DeX gives Android a desktop-style mode. Tom’s Guide also found it substantially brighter in SDR.

The iPad Pro M5 is the performance and specialist-software choice. It posted much higher Geekbench 6 and 3DMark scores, lasted longer in the cited Wi‑Fi browsing test, and combines tandem OLED HDR with a mature iPadOS creative ecosystem. Its smaller size options, separate Apple Pencil Pro, and lack of stated expandable storage mean the complete setup must be planned carefully.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Ai Wifi Model, 14.6" 11600 mAh 13MP SM-X930 Dual Camera with S Pen (Gray SM-X930NZSAGTO, 256GB + 12GB)

$1,148.00

Bestseller No. 2

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra with S-Pen 2025 (256GB, 12GB RAM, Wi-Fi Only) 14.6" AMOLED, WiFi 6E Android 16 Tablet, 4K Camera | International Model X930 | 25W Fast Charger Bundle (Moonstone Gray)

$1,155.00

Bestseller No. 3

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus 12.4” 256GB Android Tablet, Moonstone Gray | Galaxy AI Tools, Circle to Search, AMOLED 2X Display, Long Battery Life, Durable Design, S Pen for Note-Taking, US Version

$1,099.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Android tabletsApple Pencil ProGalaxy Tab S12 UltraiPad ProiPadOSOLED displayS Pentablet comparison