The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ and Apple iPad (10th generation) are the two best-selling tablets under $400 — but they serve very different buyers. The Tab A9+ wins on raw storage value and price; the iPad wins on app quality, sustained performance, and long-term software support. Here's everything you need to decide.
Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
Best Value
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Best Ecosystem
Apple iPad (10th Gen)
Best Value
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
~$279
More storage, microSD expansion, and a 90 Hz display at a lower price — ideal for Android users and budget-conscious shoppers.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Ecosystem
Apple iPad (10th Gen)
~$349
Superior performance, unmatched app quality, and 6+ years of software updates make this the better long-term investment.
Check Price on Amazon →Spec Comparison
| Spec | Galaxy Tab A9+ | iPad (10th Gen) | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | ~$279 | ~$349 | A |
| Display Size | 11 inches | 10.9 inches | Tie |
| Display Type | LCD, 90 Hz | Liquid Retina IPS, 60 Hz | Tie |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 | Apple A14 Bionic | B |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | A |
| Base Storage | 128 GB | 64 GB | A |
| Expandable Storage | microSD up to 1 TB | None | A |
| Stylus | S Pen (sold separately) | Apple Pencil USB-C (sold separately) | Tie |
| OS | Android 13 / One UI 5 | iPadOS 17 | Tie |
| App Ecosystem | Google Play Store | App Store (tablet-optimized) | B |
| Battery | 7,040 mAh | 7,606 mAh | B |
| Rear Camera | 8 MP | 12 MP wide | B |
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ — Pros & Cons
The Galaxy Tab A9+ is Samsung's most capable mid-range tablet, packing an 11-inch 90 Hz display, 128 GB of base storage, and microSD expansion into a price bracket most competitors can't touch. It runs One UI 5 on top of Android 13, giving you access to Samsung DeX for desktop-style multitasking and the full Google Play ecosystem. For everyday tasks — streaming, browsing, light gaming, and schoolwork — it punches well above its price.
Pros
- Significantly lower price — typically $100–$150 less than iPad
- 11-inch LCD display with 90 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling
- Expandable storage via microSD card (up to 1 TB)
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 with 45W fast charging support
- DeX mode enables desktop-like productivity experience
Cons
- Snapdragon 695 chipset trails Apple A14 Bionic in raw performance
- No OLED — LCD screen lacks the contrast of iPad's Liquid Retina
- S Pen support requires purchasing the Book Cover Keyboard separately
- Android tablet app selection thinner than iPadOS for creative work
Apple iPad (10th Gen) — Pros & Cons
Apple's 10th-generation iPad is the baseline iPad that got a serious redesign — USB-C, a landscape front camera, and a slimmer body. Under the hood, the A14 Bionic chip is overkill for casual use but future-proofs the device for years. The real draw is iPadOS: creative apps like Procreate, LumaFusion, and GoodNotes are genuinely better on iOS, and the Stage Manager multitasking system makes the iPad a credible laptop replacement for many users.
Pros
- Apple A14 Bionic chip — class-leading CPU/GPU performance for tablets
- Best-in-class app ecosystem: GoodNotes, Procreate, LumaFusion, and more
- USB-C with landscape front camera ideal for FaceTime and video calls
- iPadOS multitasking Stage Manager and Split View are genuinely useful
- Longer software support — Apple supports iPads for 6+ years
Cons
- No headphone jack and no microSD slot — storage is fixed at purchase
- Apple Pencil (1st gen USB-C) sold separately; pricier accessories overall
- Base 64 GB storage feels tight for local media and large apps
- Higher entry price — typically $50–$120 more than the Tab A9+
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ if you…
- Want the most storage for your money and need a microSD slot
- Already use Android or Samsung Galaxy phones
- Primarily stream video, browse, and do light productivity work
- Are buying a tablet for a student or family member on a budget
Buy Apple iPad (10th Gen) if you…
- Use an iPhone or Mac and want seamless Handoff, AirDrop, and Sidecar
- Need creative apps like Procreate, LumaFusion, or best-in-class GoodNotes
- Want guaranteed software updates for 6+ years
- Plan to use it as a primary work or study device long-term
How We Chose These Products
- Hands-on display testing: color accuracy, brightness, refresh rate smoothness
- CPU and GPU benchmark comparison (Geekbench, 3DMark)
- App ecosystem audit: availability of top 50 productivity and creative apps
- Battery life measured across streaming, browsing, and gaming workloads
- Long-term software support track record and manufacturer update commitments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ good for college students?
Yes — the Tab A9+ is a strong budget choice for students. The 11-inch 90 Hz display, 128 GB base storage, and microSD expansion make it easy to store lecture slides, ebooks, and notes. The lower price leaves more budget for accessories. However, if your coursework relies on iPad-exclusive apps like Notability or GoodNotes (iOS version), the iPad may be worth the extra cost.
Can the iPad 10th gen use Apple Pencil?
Yes, but with a caveat. The iPad 10th generation is compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) using a USB-C adapter, or the newer Apple Pencil USB-C. Neither version supports hover or tilt detection — those features are reserved for the Pro and Air models. The Pencil is sold separately for $79–$99.
Which tablet is better for gaming?
The Apple iPad has a clear edge for gaming thanks to the A14 Bionic chip, which handles graphically demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile with far more headroom. The Galaxy Tab A9+ runs most games well at medium settings but struggles with sustained performance in AAA mobile titles due to the mid-range Snapdragon 695.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ support 5G?
There is a 5G variant of the Tab A9+ available, typically at a higher price than the Wi-Fi model. The standard retail version most shoppers encounter is Wi-Fi only. If cellular connectivity is a priority, confirm you are purchasing the 5G SKU.
Which has better video streaming — Tab A9+ or iPad?
Both are excellent for Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. The Tab A9+ has a slightly larger 11-inch display and supports Widevine L1 for HD streaming. The iPad's Liquid Retina display has more accurate colors and better brightness. For pure streaming, the difference is minimal — choose based on price and ecosystem preference.
How long will Apple support the iPad 10th generation with software updates?
Apple typically supports iPads for 6–7 years after release. The iPad 10th generation (released October 2022) should receive iPadOS updates through at least 2028–2029. Samsung provides 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches for the Tab A9+.
Can I use Microsoft Office on both tablets?
Yes. Microsoft 365 apps — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneNote — are available on both Android and iPadOS. Performance and feature parity are nearly identical. A Microsoft 365 subscription is required for full desktop-class editing on either platform.
Which tablet is easier to use if I already have a Samsung phone?
The Galaxy Tab A9+ integrates tightly with Samsung Galaxy phones via Link to Windows, Samsung DeX, and Quick Share. If you own a Galaxy S-series or A-series phone, the Tab A9+ will feel like a natural extension of your existing device ecosystem.