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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.
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France’s President Emmanuel Macron tours cyclone-battered Mayotte, meets survivors pleading for help
Mamoudzou, Mayotte — France’s President Emmanuel Macron traveled Thursday to the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte to survey the devastation that Cyclone Chido wrought across the French territory as thousands of people tried to cope without bare essentials such as water or electricity.
“Mayotte is demolished,” an airport security agent told Macron as soon as he stepped off the plane.
The security agent, Assane Haloi, said her family members, including small children, are without water or electricity and have nowhere to go after the strongest cyclone in nearly a century ripped through the French territory of Mayotte off the coast of Africa on Saturday.
KWEZI/AFP/Getty
“There’s no roof, there’s nothing. No water, no food, no electricity. We can’t even shelter, we are all wet with our children covering ourselves with whatever we have so that we can sleep,” she said, asking for emergency aid.
Macron got a helicopter tour of the damage and was to spend Thursday night on the far-flung French territory. After flying over the destruction, he headed to the hospital in Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, to meet medical staff and patients.
Wearing a traditional Mayotte scarf on his white shirt and tie, sleeves rolled to the elbows, the French president listened to people asking for help. A member of the medical staff told him some people hadn’t had a drink of water for 48 hours.
Some residents also expressed agony at not knowing about those who have died or are still missing, partly because of the Muslim practice of burying the dead within 24 hours.
LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP/Getty
“We’re dealing with open-air mass graves,” Mayotte lawmaker Estelle Youssoufa told reporters. “There are no rescuers, no one has come to recover the buried bodies.”
Some survivors and aid groups have described hasty burials and the stench of bodies.
Macron acknowledged that many who died hadn’t been reported. He said phone services will be repaired “in the coming days” so that people can report their missing loved ones.
French authorities have said at least 31 people died and more than 1,500 people were injured, more than 200 critically. But it’s feared hundreds or even thousands of people have died in total.
Abdou Houmadou, 27, said emergency aid was needed immediately, not Macron’s presence.
“Mr. President, what I’d like to tell you… is I think the spending you made from Paris to Mayotte would have been better spent to help the people,” he said.
Another resident, Ahamadi Mohammed, said Macron’s visit “is a good thing because he’ll be able to see by himself the damage.”
“I think that we’ll then get significant aid to try and get the island back on its feet,” the 58-year-old said.
LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP/Getty
Macron’s office said four tons of food and medical aid, as well as additional rescuers, were aboard the president’s flight. A navy ship was due to arrive in Mayotte on Thursday with another 180 tons of aid and equipment, according to the French military.
People living in a large slum on the outskirts of Mamoudzou were some of the hardest hit by the cyclone. Many lost their houses, some lost friends.
Nassirou Hamidouni sheltered in his house when the cyclone hit.
His neighbor was killed when his house collapsed on him and his six children. Hamidouni and others dug through the rubble to reach them.
The 28-year-old father of five is now trying to rebuild his own house, which was also destroyed.
He believes the death toll is much higher than what’s officially being reported, given the severity of what he lived through.
“It was very hard,” he said.
Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean between mainland Africa’s east coast and northern Madagascar, is France’s poorest territory.
The cyclone devastated entire neighborhoods and many people ignored the warnings, thinking the storm wouldn’t be so extreme.
Mayotte has more than 320,000 residents according to the French government. Most are Muslim and French authorities have estimated another 100,000 migrants live there.
Mayotte is the only part of the Comoros archipelago that voted to remain a part of France in a 1974 referendum.
Over the last decade, the French territory has seen a massive influx of migrants from the neighboring islands – the independent nation of Comoros, which is one of the world’s poorest countries.
CBS News
Google Maps helps solve murder mystery by capturing moment a person put suspected corpse into car in Spain
Google Maps has guided Spanish investigators to resolve a year-long murder mystery by capturing the moment a person stowed a suspected corpse into a car.
Police in the northern region of Castile and Leon began their probe in November 2023 when someone reported the disappearance of a male relative.
Officers arrested a woman who was the missing male’s partner and another man who was her ex-partner in Soria province on November 12, police said in a statement on Wednesday.
Investigators then raided the suspects’ homes and inspected their vehicles but also stumbled on an unexpected lead in the search for further clues.
These were “images in a location application” where they “detected a vehicle that may have been used during the course of the crime,” the statement said.
Spanish media circulated pictures of a screenshot of Google Maps’ Street View from October 2024 showing a person dumping an object covered in a white shroud into a car trunk in the village of Tajueco. It was the first time in 15 years that the car had been to the town of Tajueco, the BBC reported.
The images contributed to resolving the case, though they were not “decisive,” police said.
Officials said another photo sequence shows the blurred silhouette of someone transporting a large white bundle in a wheelbarrow, the BBC reported.
The central government’s representative in Soria, Miguel Latorre, told public broadcaster RTVE the person “can presumably be” considered the culprit.
Police said a severely decomposed human torso believed to belong to the victim had been found this month in a cemetery in Soria province. El Pais daily reported that he was a 33-year-old Cuban.
A judge has ordered the suspects into custody and the investigation remains open.
This marks at least the second time that Google technology has helped crack a cold case. In 2019, the remains of a man missing for 22 years were finally found thanks to someone who zoomed in on his former Florida neighborhood with Google satellite images and noticed a car submerged in a lake.
CBS News
2 soldiers killed by landmine blast in Mexico day after 2 troops killed by booby trap in same region
A blast killed two Mexican soldiers in the second deadly incident this week involving an improvised landmine in a crime-plagued western state, authorities said Wednesday.
According to the El Universal newspaper, the soldiers were trying to deactivate the device when it exploded.
The blast happened late on Tuesday in Buenavista in Michoacan, the state prosecutor’s office said.
A military source who did not want to be named said that troops were looking for similar devices believed to have been planted in the area.
On Monday, a blast caused by another improvised landmine killed two Mexican soldiers and wounded five others in the same region. Before the explosion, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
The device was suspected to have been planted by members of a local criminal group waging a turf war with a bigger drug cartel, Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said Tuesday.
Six other soldiers had been killed by similar improvised devices since late 2018, he said.
Mexico is plagued by widespread drug-related violence that has seen more than 450,000 people killed since the government deployed the army to combat trafficking in 2006, according to official figures.
In the only previous detailed report on cartel bomb attacks in August 2023, the defense department said at that time that a total of 42 soldiers, police and suspects were wounded by IEDs in the first seven and a half months of 2023, up from 16 in all of 2022.
Overall, 556 improvised explosive devices of all types – roadside, drone-carried and car bombs – were found in 2023, the army said in a news release last year.
4 to 7 inches expected
France’s President Emmanuel Macron tours cyclone-battered Mayotte, meets survivors pleading for help
Google Maps helps solve murder mystery by capturing moment a person put suspected corpse into car in Spain
4 to 7 inches expected
France’s President Emmanuel Macron tours cyclone-battered Mayotte, meets survivors pleading for help