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Apple iPad Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Which tablet is better?
Apple, Samsung
The premium tablet market is dominated by two contenders. First, there’s the 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro, and then there’s the 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Whatever your on-the-go computing needs, you can’t go wrong with either high-end tablet. But if you’re going to invest upwards of $2,000 or more on a new and souped up tablet, make sure you’re getting a model that’ll best meet your needs over the next few years.
Our in-house team of consumer technology experts has compared these two popular tablets to provide you with the information needed to make the best possible choice — not just between which tablet model to purchase, but which hardware configuration is best. If these premium tablets offer too much computing power and are outside of your budget, don’t worry — you have plenty of other options, including plenty of deals, and the tablets featured in our best tablets for 2024 roundup.
iPadOS or Android: Which OS is better?
The biggest difference between the incredibly popular 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro and 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra tablet is their operating systems. This plays a huge role when it comes to compatibility with the other equipment you already use, like your smartphone, smartwatch, laptop, desktop computer — even your wireless earbuds.
The iPad runs Apple’s iPadOS 17 operating system. Apple offers a vast ecosystem of compatible equipment, apps and services. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra runs Android 13. Samsung offers its own robust array of compatible gadgets, apps and services that are part of the Galaxy product line. Those rely heavily on Google and Samsung’s SmartThings platform. So, when choosing a tablet, it’s smart to survey the gadgets you already have.
12.9″ Apple iPad Pro: At a glance
Apple
Display Size: 12.9-inch touchscreen | Display Resolution: 2,732 x 2,048 pixels | Display Type: Liquid Retina XDR | Processor: Apple M2 | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | Average Battery Life: Up to 10 hours | Operating System: iPadOS 17 (or later) | Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Port: USB Type-C | Stylus Included: Apple Pencil 2nd Generation (Optional) | Keyboard/Cover Included: Apple Magic Keyboard or cover (optional)
Like all iPads, this one runs Apple’s iPadOS 17 and comes with a robust set of apps. The iPad Pro is designed to work seamlessly with Apple iCloud and will automatically sync data, files and photos with your own Mac computers and iPhone. (Syncing with a Windows computer or Android mobile device is possible, but an additional app is typically required).
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is currently Apple’s top-of-the-line tablet, powered with Apple’s M2 processor, which offers an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU and 16-core neural engine. In other words, it’s fast, powerful and versatile. The tablet itself includes four speakers, a 12MP ultra-wide front camera and a 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide rear-facing camera setup. There’s a USB Type-C port on the bottom of the unit. What it lacks is a microSD memory card slot, so whatever amount of storage you choose at the time of purchase is all you get.
Perhaps the most notable thing about the iPad Pro is a beautiful Liquid Retina XDR display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits, a wide color gamut and a stunning 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The result: vivid, detailed and fluid graphics.
iPad Pro is highly customizable thanks to iPadOS 17 and the vast selection of apps available. But to expand how you interact with the tablet, the optional Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Magic Keyboard are available. Like all of the iPads, this one relies heavily on internet connectivity. Not only do specific apps access the internet to gather and share information, but to use the Siri voice assistant, an internet connection is required. You’ll also need internet connectivity to stream audio and video, or use any of Apple’s services, like iCloud, Apple TV+, Apple News, Apple Arcade, Apple Music or Apple Fitness+.
Right out of the box, the iPad Pro can serve as a handy communication, productivity, gaming and health/fitness tool. The tablet offers excellent multitasking capabilities along with a nice collection of security and privacy features. Whether you need powerful processing for advanced video or photo editing or gaming, or you plan to use your tablet for word processing, email, web surfing, as an e-reader or to stream TV shows and movies, iPad Pro’s up to 10 hour battery life will serve you well in virtually every aspect of your life. In fact, with the right collection of apps and accessories, many users are able to replace their laptop with an iPad Pro.
For more help deciding which iPad model is best for you, check out our comprehensive iPad buyer’s guide.
iPad Pro: Configuration options and prices
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a starting price of $1,099. It’s available in your choice of a space gray or silver casing. All configurations of the iPad Pro come with the tablet, a USB Type-C charging cable and a 20W USB Type-C power adapter. Here are the hardware configurations currently offered:
Wi-Fi 6E only configurations
- 128GB, Wi-Fi only: $1,099
- 256GB, Wi-Fi only: $1,199
- 512GB, Wi-Fi only: $1,399
- 1TB, Wi-Fi only: $1,799
- 2TB, Wi-Fi only: $2,199
Wi-Fi 6E + 5G cellular configurations
- 128GB, Wi-Fi + cellular: $1,299 (plus monthly cellular service plan)
- 256GB, Wi-Fi + cellular: $1,399 (plus monthly cellular service plan)
- 512GB, Wi-Fi + cellular: $1,599 (plus monthly cellular service plan)
- 1TB, Wi-Fi + cellular: $1,999 (plus monthly cellular service plan)
- 2TB, Wi-Fi + cellular: $2,399 (plus monthly cellular service plan)
Recommended optional accessories
14.6″ Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: At a glance
Samsung
Display Size: 14.6-inch touchscreen | Display Resolution: 2,960 x 1,848 pixels | Display Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2x | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Storage: 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | Average Battery Life: Up to 16 hours | Operating System: Android 13 | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | Weight: 1.61 pounds | Port: USB Type-C | Stylus Included: Yes, Samsung S Pen | Keyboard/Cover Included: Optional
The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is Samsung’s premium tablet and also a flagship Android tablet. The Tab S9 Ultra is equipped with the fast and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It also takes full advantage of a gorgeous and high-resolution 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x touchscreen display with a lightning quick 120Hz refresh rate. And it’s also one of the very few tablets rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. This feature alone makes this tablet stand out from the competition.
Battery life per charge is up to 16 hours, which is considerably longer than what the iPad Pro offers. The tablet’s quad speaker sound system supports Dolby Atmos surround sound. On the front of the tablet, there’s a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide camera, while on the back, you’ll discover an 13MP wide and 8MP ultra-wide camera. Another useful feature that all Apple iPads lack is a microSD memory card slot. If you need to expand the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s storage, you can simply insert a card with up to a 1TB capacity.
While the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is packed with some advanced and impressive hardware, it’s the latest version of Android 13 that makes this tablets shine. The operating system now supports the circle and search feature. Using the S Pen, you can circle just about anything written or displayed on the tablet’s screen and then learn about it via a Google search without leaving whatever app you’re using.
And this is the first tablet to incorporate Samsung’s Galaxy AI, which makes this model smarter in all kinds of interesting ways. With the new Transcript Assist feature, note taking is easier than ever. You can record meetings, classes or conversations and have the tablet create detailed transcriptions and a text-based summary almost instantly. The photo editing tools integrated into the tablet have also been enhanced with Android 13. And that’s only the beginning of what the latest version of this OS can do.
Like all Android tablets, the Galaxy Tab S9 is Google-centric. It comes with all of the popular Google apps and services preinstalled. Plus, you can access optional apps from either the Google Play Store or the Galaxy App Store.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Configuration options and prices
The top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has a starting price of $1,400, but all configurations of this tablet frequently go on sale. Plus, Samsung’s website offers a generous trade-in program that gets you up to $800 in instant credit toward your purchase when you trade in an eligible device. And the savings doesn’t stop there. Through the Samsung Offer Program, students, educators, government employees, military personnel, veterans, military families and first responders are all eligible for an additional discount when buying the tablet from Samsung’s website.
All configurations of the tablet are available in your choice of a graphite or beige casing color. Unlike the Apple iPad Pro, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is only available with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There’s no cellular connectivity option. On the plus side, the Samsung S Pen stylus is included with the tablet. Also included is a USB Type-C cable (but no power adapter), a two month trial subscription to Adobe Lightroom and a six month trial subscription to Microsoft 365.
Wi-Fi 6E configurations
- 256GB SSD storage, 12GB RAM: $1,070
- 512GB SSD storage, 12GB RAM: $1,170
- 1TB SSD storage, 16GB RAM: $1,400
Recommended accessories
Which is better, the iPad Pro or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra?
Between the Apple iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, which tablet is best comes down to the other equipment you’re already using. If you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, stick with an Apple iPad Pro. But if you already use an Android smartphone and smartwatch, or a Windows computer, and you consider yourself to be a power user, go with the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Both tablets offer large and vibrant touchscreens, nicely handle multitasking, give you easy access to the internet and provide the computing power to handle the most advanced tasks.
When it comes to keeping up with the latest technologies, our team of consumer tech experts has you covered with comprehensive product roundups, in-depth product reviews and details about where and how to find the best deals. We cover everything from laptops and action cameras, to the best TVs, smart grills, tablets, smartwatches and noise canceling earbuds and headphones.
Williams Sonoma
If you’re seeking restaurant-style nugget ice or just a way to make ice quickly for parties, a countertop ice maker may be right for you and your kitchen. They’re a great option if your refrigerator doesn’t have a built-in ice maker.
When shopping for a countertop ice maker, consider how much ice it can make per day, plus what types of ice it makes. When it comes to technology, some ice makers keep it simple, while others can be controlled through your smartphone. And consider how you would like to refill your ice maker. Some ice makers must be manually refilled while others come with an inlet hose.
Ahead we’ve rounded up the best countertop ice makers from GE, Frigidaire, Igloo and more brands. Say goodbye to smelly, freezer-burned ice from your ice cube tray with one of the appliances ahead. They make fresh ice much faster than your standard ice tray in the freezer.
Best ice makers of 2024
All of the options below have a 4.0 or higher review score.
Most popular ice maker: Silonn countertop ice maker
Amazon
This No. 1 bestseller on Amazon takes just six minutes to make nine bullet-shaped ice cubes and can make 26 pounds of fresh ice in just 24 hours. The Silonn countertop ice maker has more than 27,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating.
This countertop ice maker is self-cleaning and comes with an ice scoop. It can make two sizes of bullet ice. Find the Silonn countertop ice maker in eight colors at varying prices.
This 4.4-star-rated ice maker is currently on sale at Amazon with an instant coupon.
Best splurge ice maker: GE Profile Opal 2.0 nugget ice maker with Wi-Fi
Williams Sonoma
There’s ice and then there’s nugget ice. Nugget ice is the soft, easy-to-crunch ice that’s used in some of your favorite fast food drinks. Because there’s trapped air, nugget ice lasts longer in drinks. Its softer texture, meanwhile, makes it ideal for use in summery blended drinks.
This splurge-worthy ice maker from GE is available in two colors, with the more budget-friendly option being stainless steel. You can request fresh ice from your smartphone, Alexa or Google Assistant and have it ready in 20 minutes. It makes up to 24 pounds of ice a day and comes with a scoop.
It’s rated 4.3 stars and currently on sale for $480 at Williams Somnoma.
Best budget ice maker: Countertop ice maker
Amazon
This bullet ice maker with a handle is your most affordable option and still makes up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. It can make nine ice cubes in as little as six minutes. This budget-friendly ice maker has won the hearts of many reviewers, with a 4.5-star rating on Amazon.
We like that this model is self-cleaning. It comes with an ice scoop. Choose between five color options.
This 4.5-star-rated ice maker is currently on sale for $80 with an instant coupon.
Best value ice maker: Frigidaire ice maker
Amazon
This more affordable Frigidaire ice maker makes two sizes of ice. It can produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, with the first batch ready in as little as six minutes.
“It’s cool because if you just need some ice for a small party, you can make enough within about 20 minutes,” an Amazon reviewer says. “[This machine is] also very beautiful.”
Find this ice maker in four colors. It comes with a scoop and is rated 4.5 stars.
Best ice maker for bullet ice: Kissair countertop ice maker
Walmart
This affordable ice maker with a handle makes up to 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice. It can have nine bullet-shaped ice cubes ready in as little as six minutes.
This portable ice maker is self-cleaning and comes with an ice scoop. Its handle makes it easy to transport. It’s rated 4.5 stars, comes in five colors and is currently discounted $72 at Walmart.
Most stylish ice maker: Igloo automatic ice maker
Amazon
This Igloo ice maker comes in fun colors, as well as classic colors like white and stainless steel. It makes up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours or nine ice cubes in as little as seven minutes.
This ice maker produces two ice cube sizes and is equipped with a self-cleaning feature. It also includes a convenient ice scoop and has received a 4.1-star rating.
Starting next week, the price of a “Forever” stamp will increase by a nickel to 73 cents, the second time the United States Postal Service has raised the cost of postage this year.
The price of a Forever stamp has steadily climbed since they cost 41 cents when the USPS introduced them in 2007, most recently in January when the agency raised the price from 66 cents to 68 cents.
Other postage rates are also set to jump. Mailing a postcard domestically will cost 56 cents, a 3-cent increase, while the price of mailing postcards and letters internationally are both rising by a dime to $1.65. Overall, postage costs are rising 7.8% increase, USPS said in a statement in April.
“These price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year plan,” the agency said at the time.
The new postage rates take effect on July 14.
By contrast, the price of renting a Post Office Box is not going up, and USPS will reduce the cost of postal insurance 10% when mailing an item, according to the agency.
Postage prices may be rising, but customers also have more Forever options to choose from. USPS in June began offering two new Forever stamps — one that depicts baseball legend Hank Aaron and another that pays homage to Canadian-American game show host Alex Trebek.
Aaron held professional baseball’s home-run record for three decades until it was broken in 2007, while Trebek hosted Jeopardy until he died of pancreatic cancer in November 2020.
The USPS this year has also launched Forever stamps honoring former First Lady Betty Ford, University of California Los Angeles men’s basketball coach John Wooden and some of the conductors of the Underground Railroad.
Still, the postage increases are hurting mail volume as well as the USPS’ bottom line, some critics says. The agency in November reported a $6.5 billion loss for fiscal 2023 and is projecting a $6.3 billion deficit in 2024, according to Keep US Posted, a nonprofit advocacy group.
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