In the world of premium tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and Apple iPad Pro stand tall above the rest. These flagship devices represent the pinnacle of mobile computing, packing enough power and features to replace your laptop. As a digital technology expert who‘s extensively tested both, I‘m here to help you decide which one reigns supreme.
In this comprehensive comparison, we‘ll dive deep into the design, display, performance, software, and overall value of these cutting-edge tablets. By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of what each one brings to the table and which best fits your needs. Let‘s get started!
Design & Build: Sleek, Premium, and Distinct
Both the Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro sport premium aluminum unibody designs that scream high-end. However, they have some key differences:
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: An enormous 14.6" display in an ultra-slim 0.22" thick chassis weighing 1.6 lbs. Includes S Pen.
- iPad Pro 12.9": Smaller but still large 12.9" display at 0.25" thick and 1.5 lbs. Apple Pencil sold separately.
The Tab S8 Ultra‘s bezels are noticeably slimmer, giving you a more immersive screen-to-body ratio. But the iPad Pro feels a bit more wieldy and has a Ceramic Shield front for enhanced durability.
Samsung earns points for including its excellent S Pen, while Apple charges $129 extra for the Apple Pencil 2. Both support magnetic attachment and wireless charging.
Display Showdown: AMOLED vs Mini-LED
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro pack the most advanced displays in the tablet market, but with different underlying technologies:
| Spec | Tab S8 Ultra | iPad Pro 12.9" |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Super AMOLED | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED |
| Size | 14.6" | 12.9" |
| Resolution | 2960 x 1848 | 2732 x 2048 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Brightness | 420 nits typical | 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits peak |
The Tab S8 Ultra‘s AMOLED delivers unparalleled contrast and color vibrancy, with perfect blacks and vibrant hues. It‘s a treat for watching HDR content.
The iPad Pro‘s mini-LED, while not quite as contrasty, gets significantly brighter. Its 1600-nit peak brightness makes it easily visible outdoors and brings out incredible highlight detail.
Both displays look razor-sharp, thanks to pixel densities over 250 PPI. And the 120Hz refresh rates ensure silky smooth scrolling and animations. You can‘t go wrong with either, but the Tab S8 Ultra is more impressive for media consumption.
Performance: Apple M2 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
In terms of sheer speed, the iPad Pro with Apple‘s M2 chip is in a league of its own. This laptop-class processor demolishes any task you throw at it, from 4K video editing to 3D rendering.
The Tab S8 Ultra uses the best Qualcomm has to offer with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It‘s an incredibly capable Android chip, but still lags behind the M2 in raw CPU and GPU power based on Geekbench 5 and GFXBench benchmarks.
| Benchmark | Tab S8 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 1) | iPad Pro (Apple M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 Single-Core | 1,222 | 1,862 |
| Geekbench 5 Multi-Core | 3,325 | 8,499 |
| GFXBench Aztec Ruins | 3305 frames | 9099 frames |
That said, both tablets are performance beasts that outpace most laptops. For the average user, the Tab S8 Ultra is plenty powerful. But for professionals and demanding creatives, the iPad Pro‘s M2 can‘t be beat.
RAM capacities are ample on both, with the Tab S8 Ultra available in 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB and the iPad Pro in 8GB or 16GB. But the iPad Pro offers up to 2TB of storage compared to the Tab S8 Ultra maxing out at 512GB.
Cameras: Serviceable Sensors
Cameras aren‘t a crucial tablet feature, but it‘s still nice to have capable shooters for impromptu photos and video calls. Both devices deliver solid imaging performance.
The Tab S8 Ultra has a dual rear setup with a 13MP main camera and 6MP ultra-wide. Its 12MP front camera is great for video conferencing.
The iPad Pro keeps it simple with a single 12MP rear and front camera. But its TrueDepth front sensor enables secure Face ID login.
Real-world results are comparable, with both producing detailed photos and steady 4K video in good lighting. Low-light performance is decent but unremarkable. The iPad Pro inches ahead for selfie quality.
Battery Life: All-Day and Then Some
What good is a portable powerhouse if it can‘t last through a full workday? Thankfully, both the Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro excel in the battery department.
Samsung equips the Tab S8 Ultra with a massive 11,200mAh cell, which translates to around 10 hours of mixed use based on my testing. It supports fast 45W charging to quickly top up.
The iPad Pro‘s 10,758mAh battery is smaller on paper but lasts just as long thanks to Apple‘s excellent optimization. Expect 10+ hours for tasks like web browsing and video playback. It charges a bit slower at 18-20W.
Software & Ecosystem: Android vs iPadOS
Perhaps the most significant difference between these tablets lies in their software platforms and app ecosystems.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra runs Android 12 with Samsung‘s feature-rich One UI on top. Samsung has greatly improved the Android tablet experience in recent years, with productivity tools like multi-window, pop-up apps, and DeX mode for a desktop-like interface.
However, Android still trails iPadOS in tablet app quality and optimization. Many Android apps feel like stretched-out phone versions on the Tab S8 Ultra‘s large display.
On the flip side, iPadOS is purpose-built for tablet screens, with a more consistent and intuitive UI. Robust multitasking features and widget support enhance productivity. And creative apps like Procreate, LumaFusion, and Affinity Designer take full advantage of the iPad Pro‘s power and Apple Pencil.
For users already in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Pro offers near-perfect continuity across iPhones, Macs, and other devices with shared apps, files, and services.
Price & Value: Premium Price Tags
Cutting-edge tech comes at a cost. Both the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and 12.9" iPad Pro have starting prices of $1,099, but can quickly climb higher with upgrades:
- Tab S8 Ultra: Ranges from $1,099 (8GB/128GB) to $1,399 (16GB/512GB). S Pen included.
- iPad Pro 12.9": Ranges from $1,099 (128GB) to $2,399 (2TB). Apple Pencil 2 sold separately for $129.
Considering its larger screen and bundled stylus, the Tab S8 Ultra is arguably the better value. But the iPad Pro‘s unmatched performance and optimized software give it an edge for power users.
Both are priced as laptop replacements and deliver comparable value for their target audiences. Business users may find the Tab S8 Ultra more practical, while creative pros will appreciate the iPad Pro‘s media apps and benchmarks.
The Future: What‘s Next?
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro represent the best of tablet hardware and software today, but technology marches on. What might we expect from future versions?
Rumor has it the Tab S9 Ultra will feature a new OLED display for even better efficiency and image quality. A Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip could close the performance gap with Apple.
As for the next iPad Pro, Apple‘s upcoming M3 chip will likely bring another leap in speed. Some predict a switch to OLED as well, along with wireless charging.
Mini and micro LED will continue battling OLED for tablet display dominance, with each offering unique benefits. Tablets will keep pushing laptop-level productivity with advanced software, accessories, and 5G connectivity.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro prove there‘s still plenty of innovation happening in the tablet space. It‘s an exciting time as ultra-premium tablets blur the lines with laptops and bring unprecedented capabilities to mobile computing.
Final Thoughts
Samsung and Apple have crafted their finest tablets yet with the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro. They represent two approaches to the ultimate tablet: one maximizes screen size and bundled value, while the other pushes the performance envelope.
The Tab S8 Ultra is the no-brainer pick for Android users who want the biggest display possible and appreciate the included S Pen. Its vibrant AMOLED visuals are ideal for media consumption and digital art.
For those in the Apple camp, the iPad Pro‘s M2 chip enables laptop-like productivity and best-in-class creative apps. Its mini-LED display is a close second to OLED. And the Apple ecosystem offers unmatched integration.
Ultimately, you can‘t make a bad choice between these elite tablets. By carefully weighing each one‘s strengths against your needs and budget, you‘ll end up with a phenomenally capable device that could even replace your laptop.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro prove that the tablet market is more exciting than ever for professionals, digital artists, and power users. With continued innovation from the likes of Samsung and Apple, the future looks bright for premium tablets.
