Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
M2 chip, 11" Liquid Retina, Apple Pencil Pro, 10hr battery, Magic Keyboard. The versatile iPad.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet
11" Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, S Pen included, IP68, DeX mode. Premium Android tablet.
Check Price ↗ Full ReviewAt a Glance
| Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.8★ (4,800) | 4.6★ (3,600) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Excellent |
| Chip | M2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Display | 11" Liquid Retina | 11" Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz |
| OS | iPadOS | Android |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10. M2 chip, 11" Liquid Retina, Apple Pencil Pro, 10hr battery, Magic Keyboard. The versatile iPad. That said, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet is worth considering if 11" Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, S Pen included, IP68, DeX mode. Premium Android tablet..
Pros & Cons Side by Side
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
- M2 chip delivers laptop-class performance for video editing, illustration and demanding apps
- Apple Pencil Pro support with hover, squeeze and barrel roll for professional illustration
- 11-inch Liquid Retina display balances portability and working space
- Magic Keyboard compatibility transforms it into a laptop replacement for many workflows
- 10-hour battery covers a full working or creative day
- Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro sold separately — significant additional cost
- iPadOS multitasking still less flexible than macOS for complex professional workflows
- 11-inch is portable but the 13-inch model offers more illustration canvas
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet
- Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz display — the best tablet display technology, superior to iPad Air's LCD
- S Pen included in the box — no separate purchase unlike Apple Pencil Pro
- IP68 water resistance is unique among premium tablets — usable poolside and in rain
- Samsung DeX mode provides a desktop-style interface when connected to a monitor
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 handles demanding Android apps and gaming smoothly
- Android tablet app ecosystem less optimised than iPadOS for tablet-specific apps
- DeX is capable but less mature than macOS for serious productivity
- Samsung's software update commitment shorter than Apple's iPad longevity
FAQ
Which is better, Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9?
Both are strong choices, but the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10. M2 chip, 11" Liquid Retina, Apple Pencil Pro, 10hr battery, Magic Keyboard. The versatile iPad. That said, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Android Tablet is worth considering if 11" Dynamic AMOLED 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, S Pen included, IP68, DeX mode. Premium Android tablet..
Is the Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) worth the extra cost?
Yes — Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2) scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10.
Also Worth Considering
Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2
M2 chip, 13" Liquid Retina, 12MP front camera, Apple Pencil Pro. Best iPad for most people.
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ 12.4-inch
Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, IP68, S Pen included. Android's best tablet.
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Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) Tablet
10.1-inch FHD, Octa-core, 3GB RAM, 13-hour battery, Alexa. Budget tablet for media and basics.
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