## Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs. Apple iPad Pro: Which Flagship Tablet Reigns Supreme?
The iPad Pro has long held the crown for the best tablet experience, thanks to its powerful processor, excellent Apple Pencil integration, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. However, Samsung is determined to challenge that dominance with its impressive Galaxy Tab Ultra series. The newly launched Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra takes aim at the 2024 iPad Pro, armed with an arsenal of compelling features and specifications.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts a massive, almost 15-inch display, closing the gap with the iPad Pro. It also packs a robust S Pen, a stunning display, a practical desktop mode, and a sleek profile. But with both tablets offering premium features, choosing the right one can be a tough decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the design, display, performance, battery, cameras, software, accessories, and pricing of both devices to help you determine which flagship tablet best meets your needs.
## Design: Sleek, Slim, and (Mostly) Sturdy
Both the 2024 iPad Pro and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra sport slender profiles. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s large footprint might feel a bit intimidating at first, but both tablets are pushing the boundaries of laptop replacements, making their large screens logical choices. Despite their size, the iPad Pro and the Tab S10 Ultra exude a premium feel, thanks to their meticulously crafted recycled aluminum shells.
While exceptionally slim, both tablets are potentially fragile compared to thicker devices (reminding us of the iPhone 6’s infamous “bendgate”). We advise handling them carefully, especially when carrying them in backpacks. One advantage the Tab S10 Ultra has is its water resistance. It comes with an IP68 rating, offering protection from water and dust. The iPad Pro, unfortunately, lacks this added layer of security.
The Tab S10 Ultra is available in a single size, with a 14.6-inch display, while the iPad Pro offers variants with 11-inch and 13-inch displays. This makes the Tab S10 Ultra significantly larger and heavier than the larger iPad model. The larger display is great for consuming content or reading but could be cumbersome to hold for extended periods. The Tab S10 Ultra is also slightly thicker, measuring 5.4mm compared to the larger iPad Pro at 5.1mm. Interestingly, the smaller iPad Pro is as thick as the Galaxy Tab.
While the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra retains the same design as its predecessor, the iPad Pro has a newer, sleeker design, although it still bears resemblance to its earlier generations from the back. A notable addition to the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a new space on the back to house the S Pen, providing a secure spot for it when not in use and offering added protection when paired with the official folio case.
Although both tablets boast premium builds, the Tab S10 Ultra’s IP68 rating provides a sense of security that the iPad Pro lacks.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
## Display: A Visual Showdown
Both the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the iPad Pro (2024) feature sharp and vibrant OLED displays. They both offer a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, support HDR, and boast impressive brightness levels.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s display is physically larger. It also features a wider 16:9 aspect ratio in landscape mode, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience for games and videos, thanks to slimmer bezels on either side. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has narrower bezels, but the difference might only be noticeable when comparing the two tablets side by side.
However, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra features a notch at the top to accommodate its dual front-facing cameras, breaking the uniformity of the bezels, which might not appeal to everyone. Conversely, the iPad Pro features a 4:3 aspect ratio, better suited for laptop-like tasks like web browsing, as it accommodates more content from websites and apps. While the iPad Pro is perfectly capable of video playback, the actual video size is smaller than on the Tab S10 Ultra.
In several areas, the iPad Pro outshines the Galaxy Tab, including video brightness, color accuracy, and sharpness. Apple employs two stacked OLED panels, officially dubbed Tandem OLED, to illuminate each pixel in the iPad Pro’s display, unlike traditional OLED displays that use a single panel. This unique technology enables the iPad Pro to achieve brighter and richer colors. Looking at official figures, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts a peak brightness of 930 nits compared to the iPad Pro’s 1,600 nits. This difference is noticeable when enjoying HDR content and is further enhanced by Dolby Vision on the iPad Pro, a feature absent on the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, which only supports HDR10+.
While HDR10+ isn’t inferior, it lacks the widespread adoption of Dolby Vision. As a result, Dolby Vision content reverts to a less optimal HDR10 codec on the Tab S10 Ultra, diminishing the overall viewing experience.
Despite being less bright, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra might have an advantage when viewed under bright external light due to Samsung’s inclusion of an anti-reflective coating on all storage variants of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. In contrast, Apple offers its “nano-texture” anti-reflective glass selectively on the 1TB and 2TB storage variants. While Apple’s implementation is more intricate and differs from a matte screen protector, you will need to pay a premium for this feature.
Ultimately, a brighter display with more accurate colors makes the iPad Pro a better choice for those seeking the best possible display on a tablet.
Winner: iPad Pro 2024
## Performance: Powerhouses with a Clear Winner
Both the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the iPad Pro are powered by flagship chipsets, but one emerges as the clear frontrunner. For the Tab S10 Ultra, Samsung breaks away from Qualcomm’s chipsets used in the previous generation, opting instead for a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus. This MediaTek chip is uniquely designed, featuring only high-performance CPU cores, leaving efficiency cores behind. In theory, this allows for superior performance compared to its Android-based competitors.
On the other hand, Apple powers the iPad Pro with the M4 silicon, a chipset originally intended for laptops like the MacBook Air and base MacBook Pro. This laptop-grade chipset elevates the iPad Pro above the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. The M4 chip comes in two variants: a 9-core or a 10-core CPU, depending on the model, and a 10-core GPU. This makes it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing. The M4 chip’s 3nm architecture further enhances its performance and power efficiency compared to the Dimensity 9300+, which still relies on an older 4nm (effectively an advanced 5nm) node for manufacturing. The Tab S10 Ultra could have benefitted from the newer Dimensity 9400, the first Android-bound chip manufactured on a 3nm process.
In terms of AI processing capabilities, the M4 chip surpasses the Dimensity 9300 Plus. Apple claims it to be its most AI-optimized chipset yet, with its neural engine capable of processing 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The neural processor on the Dimensity 9300 Plus clocks in at 33 TOPS. However, despite these impressive capabilities, the iPad Pro lags behind the Tab S10 Ultra in AI functionality, primarily due to the absence of Apple Intelligence. Samsung, on the other hand, brings Galaxy AI to the Tab, a feature we will discuss in the dedicated software section.
Regarding storage, the iPad Pro offers variants starting at 256GB and going up to 2TB, with additional storage options available at a premium. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, on the other hand, only offers storage options up to 1TB but features an SD card slot supporting up to 1.5TB, providing a cost-effective way to expand storage, although transfer speeds may not match those of built-in storage.
If performance or gaming are priorities, the iPad Pro reigns supreme. The only factor limiting its capabilities is iPadOS, which makes the hardware feel almost excessive. While it might seem overkill now, the M4 chip should effortlessly drive the iPad Pro for several years to come. Although Samsung envisions long-term utility for the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, Android devices rarely maintain flagship-level performance after a few years of use.
The iPad Pro’s Thunderbolt 4 port, enabling data transfer at up to 40Gbps and support for external displays via DisplayPort, further solidifies its position as a better laptop replacement. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra only features a USB-C port with USB Gen 3.2, lacking DisplayPort support.
Once again, the iPad Pro’s robust hardware and expansive storage options earn it another win.
Winner: iPad Pro 2024
## Battery and Charging: Endurance Showdown
While the iPad Pro takes the lead in performance, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts a significantly larger battery. The tablet features an impressive 11,200mAh battery with 45-watt wired charging capabilities. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models come equipped with 8,160mAh and 10,290mAh batteries, respectively. Apple limits charging rates to less than 40W via the USB-C port. Despite its slimmer design, Apple hasn’t actually reduced the battery capacity from older models, and the iPad Pro delivers battery backup in line with the M3 MacBook Air. This translates to approximately 18 to 24 hours of on-and-off usage without intense gaming.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s slightly less potent chipset, larger battery, and less bright display contribute to its longer battery life. With moderate usage, you can extend battery life to over a day, which is commendable. However, despite supporting 45W charging, it can take over two and a half hours, which can feel disappointing.
Surprisingly, Apple includes a charging adapter in the box with the new iPad Pro. Although it’s a 20W adapter, not the fastest, it’s a welcome and surprising move from the company that spearheaded the trend of removing chargers from smartphone packaging. However, this might not apply to all regions. Samsung, unfortunately, ships the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra without a charger.
If you prioritize long battery life in your premium tablet, both devices will satisfy. However, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra goes the extra mile with its larger battery and slightly less demanding hardware.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
## Cameras: More Than Meets the Eye (or Not)
Cameras on tablets, particularly rear cameras, have limited practical utility. So, both Apple and Samsung use this opportunity to equip their flagship tablets with cameras that fall short of their respective flagship smartphones.
The Tab S10 Ultra features two rear cameras: a 13-megapixel primary camera and an 8MP ultrawide angle sensor. While we don’t expect groundbreaking images from these cameras, they should capture decent photos. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, ditches the ultrawide camera from the previous generation and boasts a single rear camera with a 12MP resolution. It is paired with a time-of-flight lidar sensor, a valuable tool for creatives who scan real-life objects and create digital replicas for animation, 3D modeling, or 3D printing.
Front cameras are far more critical for video calls. Both tablets feature front cameras positioned in the center of the longer edge, making them ideal for landscape usage. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra houses two 12MP front cameras within a notch: a standard wide-angle and an ultrawide camera, the latter enhancing automatic framing during video calls. The iPad Pro, in contrast, features a single 12MP camera with a wide 122-degree field of view, supported by a stack of Face ID sensors, eliminating the need for a notch. Despite lacking a second sensor, the iPad Pro’s Center Stage functionality keeps you centered in the frame during calls. It’s worth noting that the iPad Pro’s front camera might capture less light due to its smaller camera aperture compared to the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.
Beyond video calling, both tablets can record videos, but the quality is, at best, passable. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra allows for 4K video recording from the front camera, while the iPad Pro limits it to 1080p. However, both tablets support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second (fps) using the rear cameras.
Both tablets deliver acceptable picture and video quality and offer similar framing features for video calls.
Winner: Tie
## Software and Updates: The Apple vs. Android Clash
The software difference between these tablets can significantly influence your choice. It’s a straight-up Android vs. iOS battle, and you might already have a preference. However, if you’re undecided, let’s explore the key differences that will shape your experience on each platform.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra runs Samsung’s One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, while iPadOS 18.0.1 is already available for the iPad Pro, with version 18.1 expected soon. Beyond the fundamental differences between iOS and Android, both interfaces offer unique advantages, especially if you plan to use them for work.
The Tab S10 Ultra supports DeX mode, activated by attaching the official Book Cover keyboard folio or manually enabling it. DeX provides a desktop-like environment with features like easy window snapping, a persistent taskbar, and support for unlimited simultaneously active apps. This can be projected to a larger display wirelessly or via a cable. Even without DeX, you can use three apps side by side on the Samsung tablet.
The iPad, on the other hand, supports Stage Manager, which positions the active app in the center while displaying previews of other running apps as small tiles on the side. This experience is similar to a Mac and ideal for setups that include an external monitor. When not using an external display with the iPad Pro, you can open two apps side by side and a third app as a floating window.
One UI 6.1 incorporates a range of AI features that leverage the S Pen. Beyond Circle to Search and translation features, Galaxy AI assists in writing messages and emails and summarizing webpages. Drawing Assist, a popular feature, converts random scribbles into charming AI-generated art pieces in various styles.
The iPad Pro is anticipated to receive Apple Intelligence features that will aid in similar tasks, including composing messages and emails, summarizing notifications, and most importantly, enhancing Siri’s capabilities. However, these features aren’t yet available, except for beta testers, so we can’t fully assess their effectiveness.
Currently, the iPad Pro surpasses the Tab S10 Ultra in terms of app availability, particularly those designed for creatives. Apps like Procreate and DaVinci Resolve, along with Apple’s own Garage Band and Final Cut Pro for iPad, are missing from Android. Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps also appear better optimized for iPadOS than Android.
Lastly, Samsung promises seven years of software support for the Tab S10 Ultra. While Apple doesn’t make such explicit claims, iPads and other iOS devices typically receive active support from Apple for five or more years. Regardless of your choice, both tablets will continue to receive active support from their respective brands for years to come.
Both Apple and Samsung have their respective ecosystems to enhance the harmony between their products, though Apple’s ecosystem is arguably more robust and consistently well-integrated. While One UI and iPadOS are packed with features, both feel underwhelming and inadequate considering the hardware on offer. Choosing between the two depends on various factors, including your preferences, involvement in ecosystems, and the intended use of the tablets.
Winner: Tie
## Accessories: Enhancements and Expansions
Both the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the iPad offer official accessories to enhance usability. Starting with styluses, the S Pen comes bundled with the Galaxy Tab, while the Apple Pencil (USB-C) or Apple Pencil Pro must be purchased separately for the iPad Pro. The extra $79 or $129 (depending on which model you choose) will get you features absent on the S Pen, including better pressure sensitivity, squeeze functionality, and support for barrel roll on the Pencil Pro for enhanced brush strokes. The Apple Pencil also features Find My support to help locate it if lost. The S Pen, however, offers support for air gestures, allowing you to control the Tab S10 Ultra without touching it. It also works as a passive stylus without requiring charging, although the gestures require the internal battery to be powered. Most importantly, it’s free.
Turning to cases, you can purchase the official Book Cover keyboard case, with variants with and without a trackpad, transforming the Tab S10 Ultra into a laptop-like device. The non-trackpad variant costs $200, while the trackpad version comes at a steep $350. Despite the high prices, we found the experience lacking. Apple’s $299 Magic Keyboard case delivers a more MacBook-like experience, thanks to larger, softer keys and a trackpad with gesture support and haptic feedback, similar to the MacBook’s. The Magic Keyboard also features a USB-C port for charging and data passthrough, effectively adding another port to the iPad Pro.
The Apple Pencil offers features better suited for professional use cases. The Magic Keyboard significantly elevates the overall experience, though various third-party accessories are available if you prefer a more budget-friendly option for similar functionality.
Winner: iPad Pro 2024
## Price and Availability: The Budget Factor
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starts at $1,200 for a 256GB storage and 12GB of RAM and goes up to $1,500 for 1TB of storage. Samsung currently doesn’t offer a cellular variant in the U.S., so Wi-Fi is your only option. Samsung includes the anti-reflective display as standard across all variants.
The iPad Pro (11-inch) starts at $999, but if you desire the anti-reflective coating on your screen, you will need to spend at least $1,699 for the 1TB model. 5G connectivity also adds a price premium depending on the storage. The 13-inch variant starts at $1,299, with the nano-coated screen variant costing at least $1,999. Similar to the smaller model, cellular variants incur an extra cost.
## Which One Should You Buy?
Both the iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra transcend their status as mere tablets, serving as viable laptop replacements. However, both feel severely limited by their respective interfaces. Before deciding which tablet reigns supreme, you must first ask yourself if you truly need a tablet with such immense power. If your requirements are limited to casual Netflix streaming, checking emails, or doodling, a less expensive tablet might be a better fit.
If you’re convinced that spending over a thousand dollars on a tablet is right for you, consider your specific needs. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra’s expansive battery life and larger screen give it a clear advantage. The free S Pen is a definite bonus, while the DeX ecosystem enhances multitasking capabilities beyond other Android tablets. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, is the better choice for creatives like digital illustrators, music producers, and video editors. The Magic Keyboard brings the experience closer to using a MacBook, although you won’t be able to run full macOS apps, which is a shame considering its processor outperforms the current MacBook Air. The iPad Pro also comes in a more compact form factor, beneficial if you frequently carry the tablet rather than leaving it on a desk. However, the downside is a smaller battery that might not last as long as the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.
Lastly, your existing devices might influence your decision. If you already own an iPhone or Mac, or both, the iPad Pro seamlessly integrates into this Apple ecosystem. Conversely, if you primarily use Android or Windows, or both, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra might better complement those platforms.
Winning three out of seven categories (Samsung takes two, while two others are tied), the iPad Pro emerges as the overall better choice. However, we strongly advise reviewing our detailed verdict for each category to find the most suitable flagship tablet for your specific needs, as certain elements may be more critical to you than others.
