Two flagship tablets compared based on product documentation for drawing, video editing, and note-taking. Stylus latency, app ecosystem, and desktop-mod...
The iPad Pro wins on chip performance, app quality for creators, and display brightness. The Tab S9 Ultra leads on included stylus and DeX desktop mode, but the iPad ecosystem wins for most users.
The iPad Pro wins for creators on chip performance, app quality, and display brightness; the Tab S9 Ultra wins on multitasking, included S Pen, and value. Choose the iPad for creative apps and longevity; choose the Tab if you want a more open multitasking tablet for less.
iPad Pro 12.9" (M2): The iPad has the best creative app ecosystem (Procreate, Final Cut, Logic).
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Android's creative apps are thinner.
When this matters: Matters for artists and editors.
iPad Pro 12.9" (M2): iPadOS multitasking is improving but limited.
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Android's split-screen and DeX are more flexible.
When this matters: Matters for productivity users.
iPad Pro 12.9" (M2): The iPad Pro is pricier and the Pencil is extra.
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: The Tab S9 includes the S Pen and costs less.
When this matters: Matters for budget buyers.
| Spec | iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) | Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1099 | $1199 |
| Display Size | 12.9" | 14.6" |
| Display Tech | mini-LED 1600 nits | AMOLED 1200 nits |
| Chip | Apple M2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil 2 ($129) | S Pen (included) |
| Desktop Mode | Stage Manager (limited) | Samsung DeX (full) |
| Pro App Ecosystem | Procreate, LumaFusion | Smaller selection |
Creators who want the best creative apps and long-term support.
If you need serious multitasking, the iPad's limitations will frustrate.
Users who want flexible multitasking and included stylus for less.
If you live in creative apps, Android's thinner selection is a real cost.
This comparison was built from a structured review of official product documentation, published specifications, current pricing, and feature documentation — the same methodology ToolStep describes on the /how-we-test/ page. Because we did not run these products hands-on, we do not claim testing that did not happen.
Based on official product documentation as of June 2026.
For handheld use, yes. The 14.6-inch Ultra is best on a stand or desk. If you want a portable tablet, the Tab S9+ (12.4-inch) or iPad Pro 11-inch are better picks.
Yes. The M2 iPad Pro uses the same Apple Silicon as the MacBook Air M2, matching it in single-core and GPU benchmarks. iPadOS is the main bottleneck for laptop-class workflows.
The iPad Pro with Procreate. Apple Pencil 2 has lower latency (9ms) and Procreate is the gold-standard art app. The S Pen is excellent and included, but the pro app ecosystem on Android is thinner.