Fantastic! Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a detailed journey through the world of tablets, comparing the iPad 10.2 and the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
Specifications
| iPad 9 | Galaxy Tab S7 FE | |
| Display | 10.2-inch Retina IPS Display | 12.4-inch TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2160 x 1620 pixels | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | Snapdragon 750G (5G model) Snapdragon 778G (Wi-Fi model) |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB / 256GB | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 8 MP 1080p@30fps | 8 MP 1080p@30fps |
| Front Camera | 12 MP 1080p@60fps | 5 MP 1080p@30fps |
| Operating System | iPadOS | Android with One UI |
| Weight | 487 grams (Wi-Fi model) 498 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | 608 grams |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 4.2 Optional 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 Optional 5G |
| Special Features | Touch ID, support for Apple Pencil (1st gen), Smart Keyboard | S Pen included, DeX support |
Design & Build
When the two devices are compared in size, the Tab S7 FE is substantially larger. When we look at them in portrait view, they get a little wider and then much taller. Because of the changes in design, this becomes an even more important consideration when evaluating the display.
The iPad 9 has a more traditional appearance, with bigger top and bottom bezels and a home button. Even while the Tab S7 FE is only around 1.5 inches taller due to the wider bezels, the FE display is about 2 inches longer, which is rather significant.
The iPad 9 includes a power button on top, volume up and down controls on the right, and a lightning port and speakers at the bottom.
The FE, on the other hand, has a more modern look with squared-off edges, rounded corners, and thin bezels all the way around.
We have a power button, volume up and down buttons, and a micro SD card slot on the right side of FE, which is an essential feature that allows you to extend the internal storage by an additional 1TB. A USB-C connector is located on the bottom of the device for charging and connecting other devices. The device also includes speakers on both sides.
Apple’s standard touch ID sensor, which is incorporated into the home button, is used in the iPad 9. The front-facing camera on the Tab S7 FE also supports face recognition.
It is entirely up to your personal preference, as some individuals prefer face recognition. After all, you aren’t required to press a certain button. Others prefer touch ID because it is more dependable.
Display
The iPad 9 has a 10.2-inch retina display that runs at 60 Hertz and has a resolution of 2160 by 1620 with a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch. It’s a non-laminated display with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
The Tab S7 FE has a substantially larger 12.4-inch 60-Hz TFT display with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 with 243 pixels per inch, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a completely laminated display.
I have just told on-sheet specs difference. Now, let’s see how they compare in real life.
The larger display of the FE is useful for watching videos, multitasking, accessing the web, and gaming. Everything is bigger, and you don’t have to scroll nearly as much.
When it comes to display quality, I believe the iPad 9 image looks superior for watching material and playing games. We’re receiving more pixels per inch, and the color accuracy appears to be improving.
Camera
Both tablets have an 8-megapixel camera on the back, and both can record in 1080P at 30 frames per second.
In terms of front-facing cameras, the iPad 9 wins with an ultrawide 12-megapixel camera vs the FE’s 5-megapixels. In comparison to 1080P 30 FPS, we’re getting 1080P 60 FPS.
The iPad 9 camera also comes with a feature called center stage, which uses ultrawide cameras, two times zoom out. It can then zoom in and out on the subject and always keep it properly framed, and it gives the appearance that the camera is moving to follow the subject. This feature can be used for video calls, with FaceTime or Zoom, and then even with social media apps like TikTok.
Stylus & Keyboard
The S Pen is included with the Tab S7 FE. As a result, you won’t have to pay any extra money to gain that functionality. In addition, the iPad 9 works with the first-generation Apple Pencil, which costs $100.
The Apple Pencil can be charged by either inserting it into a lightning connector or using the adapter that comes with it. The FE S Pen isn’t the Bluetooth-enabled version that comes with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Plus, so it doesn’t have those features, and it also doesn’t need to be charged.
The Apple Pencil can be charged by either inserting it into a lightning connector or using the adapter that comes with it. The FE S Pen isn’t the Bluetooth-enabled version that comes with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Plus, so it doesn’t have those features, and it also doesn’t need to be charged.
There are numerous keyboard cases available from Apple, Samsung, and a variety of third-party manufacturers. So, rather than focusing on a specific model, I’d like to discuss the size. Because the Tab S7 FE is wider, the keyboards are larger, which may make typing more comfortable.
The iPad 9 isn’t small like the iPad mini 6, so the keyboard cases are usable. It’s just not as comfortable if you plan on doing a lot of typing.
Performance
The A13 Bionic processor is used in the iPad 9, and the Snapdragon 778G processor is used in the Tab S7 FE wifi edition. The Snapdragon 750G in the 5G variant is less powerful.
As far as RAM, the iPad 9 comes with 3GB. And with the Tab S7 FE, if you get 64GB of internal storage, you’re getting 4GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage comes with 6GB of RAM, and then 256GB comes with 8GB.
The iPad 9 scored 1330 in a single-core test, compared to 784 for the Tab S7 FE. In terms of multi-core performance, it received a score of 3376 versus 2845. In both cases, the iPad 9 was winning.
On both devices, I played all of my usual games, including Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG.
The next question in your mind will arise: whether frame rates set to the extreme in PUBG? Yes, on iPad 9, you can do that, but the highest option is Ultra on the Tab S7 FE.
I also used an Xbox controller with both, and I was using Xbox Game Pass to play games. For the games I played on the iPad 9, the gameplay was smoother and less jerky than FE.
Software
I adore the fact that Apple has such an extensive and trustworthy app ecosystem. The Play Store offers some great apps as well, but I’ve noticed that I’m having more problems with things like apps that won’t open in portrait mode instead of landscape and a few other quirks.
If you’re looking for productivity apps, you should have no problems finding great options for both tablets. And if, for some reason, you need a particular app for your type of work, make sure that it’s compatible with the tablet that you pick. Some creative apps like Affinity Photo and Procreate is only available for iPads, so if you’re set on using one of those, that would be a reason to choose the iPad 9.
The second consideration is operating system support. And this is where Samsung promises three generations of OS updates with the Tab S7 FE. With Apple, you’re getting outstanding, long-term support for older devices.
Battery Life
I would say that I’ve had a good experience with both. The iPad 9 lasts between 9 and 10 hours, and the Tab S7 FE lasts between 11 and 14 hours.
When it comes to charging, I love that the Tab S7 FE shows me whether I’m using regular or fast charging, and it also shows me how much longer I have to wait until I get a full charge.
Price & Value
The iPad 9 costs $225 for 64GB of internal storage and $325 for 256GB. Both variants also have 4G LTE capability.
Moving on to the Tab S7 FE, there are three options for the wifi-only variant. The 64GB model is $350, and the 128GB and 256GB variants are both $530. The only 5G model available is the 64GB device, which costs $670 and has a less powerful processor.
Conclusion: Which Tablet Should You Buy?
Ultimately, the choice between the iPad 9 and the Galaxy Tab S7 FE boils down to your personal preferences, needs, and budget.
You should get an iPad 9 if you are looking for a better display, camera, more processing power, and better multitasking in tablet mode. You must choose it if you prefer touch ID, 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, and more extended operating system support, and it will be cheaper than FE even after adding $100 Apple Pencil.
Galaxy Tab S7 FE is for those who want a larger display, a more premium-looking tablet, better audio quality, and speakers on both sides. If your preference is face recognition, you want the option for 5G, the ability to expand the internal storage with a micro SD card inexpensively, and a complete laptop replacement option with DeX Mode.
