'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The battle of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs iPad Air M1 is a difficult one because both tabs share similar looks and functionality and even perform the same tasks. This means the small differences in their hardware and software can easily have an effect on your decision. Such factors can make selecting a particular tablet quite confusing.
We have listed all the major differences between the two to help you make a better decision.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the author’s views.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Apple iPad Air M1: Hardware specifications and overview
Here's a quick view at some important hardware specifications before we start our comparison:
Trending
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 sports an aluminum build design with rounded edges. A 120Hz 11-inch LCD screen enables smooth UI navigation and gaming. Samsung has also included an S Pen inside the box which is much better than buying a stylus separately for doodling and note-taking. iPad Air M1 has a slightly smaller 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display accurate enough for creative work and media consumption.
Both tablets have great battery life, providing a full day of use even on heavy loads. They also feature support for additional accessories with USB Type C input, such as additional keyboard, mouse, and external monitor support.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Apple iPad Air M1: Software
A big difference between these two tablets is their UI and operating systems. The Tab S8 runs on Android, bringing in a whole suite of customizations and other nifty features thanks to Samsung’s One UI. These include floating window multi-tasking, using Tab S8 as a second display for your Windows PC or laptop, drag-and-drop functionality for images and files across applications, and Samsung DeX for a PC-like user interface.
The iPad Air M1 is not behind either when showing off its features of the iPad OS and Apple’s ecosystem. It lets you multitask with two apps next to each other, use the iPad as a second monitor for your Macbook, or as a front camera during video calls.
Overall, both tablets are pretty much the same when software experience is concerned, and the choice depends on the type of other devices you use. If you’re already a part of the Apple ecosystem, the iPad becomes a no-brainer, while the Samsung Tab S8 would perform better with Samsung and Windows devices.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Apple iPad Air M1: Display
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 brings a 120 Hz 11-inch screen with 2560x1600 resolution. The lack of AMOLED is visible but doesn't affect the user experience. On the other hand, the Apple tablet packs a 60Hz 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display with 2360x1640 resolution. The iPad Air M1 doesn't bring the Pro Motion display found on the more expensive iPad Pro.
That said, the iPad's display performance is on par with the Galaxy Tab S8. It has a slightly higher peak brightness of 485 nits and delivers just as accurate visuals. Overall, the screens on both tablets are similar in looks, but the 120Hz refresh rate on Samsung gives it a slight edge.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Apple iPad Air M1: Accessories
Both Samsung and Apple support accessories that can enhance the user experience of these tablets. The Galaxy Tab 8 has an S Pen in the box for polished note-taking, doodling, and drawing experience. Samsung also sells a Keyboard for Tab S8 that doubles as a cover for $139. It adds more protection to your tablet while unlocking some laptop capabilities to the tablet.
The iPad Air M1 supports Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard but requires a separate expense of $129 and $299, respectively. Both accessories work very well with Apple first- and third-party applications, which can even replace your laptop in some circumstances.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Apple iPad Air M1: Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 packs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor that can easily handle all the applications and games you throw on it, while the iPad Air M1 uses the same processor as the MacBook Air and Pro, giving it performance above any other tab in its price range.
This difference becomes clear when we put the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip against the M1 in synthetic CPU benchmarks (via Nanoreview):
As observed, Apple's M1 chip beats the Snapdragon chip, performing two times faster in some tests. The extra power will make it age much better than Snapdragon.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 vs Apple iPad Air M1: Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is for you if you need a tablet for simple note-taking and scrolling social media. On the other hand, the iPad is recommended if you're a heavy user or looking for a future-proof device.
Check out more articles here:
Apple vs Samsung: Who makes better gaming tablets? || Apple vs Samsung: Who makes better smartphones? || M2 iPad Pro vs Samsung Tab S9 Ultra
