iPad iPad Air 5 vs Samsung S8?

[Technerd108]

Okay I know this is a Mac forum but I am sure there are people here who use Android and Apple.

I ordered an iPad Air on sale and got a Samsung tab S8 with a trade in so the price difference between the two was very minimal.

I have about a week left before I either keep the S8 or send it back. I have a few weeks to test the iPad. I don’t want two tablets.

I thought the decision would be easy but it is not. I have an iPhone as my main phone but I also use an Android phone as a back up and use the Android on a semi regular basis as it has some apps I can’t live without.

My problem is the S8 has an adaptive rate 120hz screen and the colors on the S8 just look more saturated. I find the iPad color saturation to look a bit flat. I use the tablets for content consumption mainly. So streaming in a 16x10 looks a bit better than 4x3 but when on the web I like the 4x3 a bit better.

The sound on the S8 is better with 4 speakers but the bass is better on the iPad. The M1 chip on the iPad is so fast and smooth. The S8 is decent with the 8 gen 1 but I prefer the M1.

Battery life seems about the same for both with the S8 maybe having a slight edge.

I prefer iOS over android but I could live with either one.

So at the end of the day I am really torn. Both tablets are so well matched. I might use the spen occasionally and it is nice to have if I ever need to sign legal documents but I don’t use it very often. My son has an Apple Pencil if I needed to use one.

I am just wondering if anyone here had gone through a similar situation and made a decision towards either device and why they made that choice. I am really tempted to just keep the air but the lower storage, screen saturation, lack of 120 hz display, make me want to keep the s8. The M1, anti-reflective coating, better color option and better support and iOS make me want to keep the iPad. I am not buying a Pro model iPad because I can’t justify the expense with what I use an iPad or tablet for.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[sparksd]

I was die-hard Android (rooting custom ROMs, the whole bit) but ended up with the iOS switch because of better overall stability and a better selection of polished, highly-functional apps. On my fifth iPad (M1 12.9 and Mini 6) and third iPhome (12 Pro Max) and have not looked back. The Ultra 8 intrigued me but when I tried it out, I liked the display but nothing else about it compared to the iPad.

 

[Technerd108]

I was die-hard Android (rooting custom ROMs, the whole bit) but ended up with the iOS switch because of better overall stability and a better selection of polished, highly-functional apps. On my fifth iPad (M1 12.9 and Mini 6) and third iPhome (12 Pro Max) and have not looked back. The Ultra 8 intrigued me but when I tried it out, I liked the display but nothing else about it compared to the iPad.

I get you. I was in a very similar position.

The screen on a tablet though is almost the biggest priority. 120hz adaptive rate makes a big difference on a 10.9” tablet. Also color saturation is noticeable and better on the S8. But as you say everything else is better on the iPad. For what I do on the iPad or S8 though I have access to all the apps I need but the UI on Samsung and bloatware is not as good as iOS.

I wish I could keep both but I can’t afford to do so and I am only going to use one tablet at a time. Lol.

 

[sparksd]

I get you. I was in a very similar position.

The screen on a tablet though is almost the biggest priority. 120hz adaptive rate makes a big difference on a 10.9” tablet. Also color saturation is noticeable and better on the S8. But as you say everything else is better on the iPad. For what I do on the iPad or S8 though I have access to all the apps I need but the UI on Samsung and bloatware is not as good as iOS.

I wish I could keep both but I can’t afford to do so and I am only going to use one tablet at a time. Lol.

Given your priority, sounds like the S8 is the way to go. I myself may at some point pick up one of the Samsung variations I'm a retired engineer and these are my toys and I'm willing to give Android another shot, especially on a decent device like the new Samsungs.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Get rid of both of them and get an iPad Pro.

You get a spectacular screen, desktop-level and crazy fast M1 chip and RAM, a Thunderbolt port, the ability to use the best pencil on the market, perfect integration with your iPhone and other Apple devices and peripherals, and a kickass battery life.

But wait until after the upcoming events If you can.

I bought one and euthanized my Macs entirely (I use a company-issued PC for work).

 

[Digitalguy]

I use both iPads and Samsung tablets. While between the 12.9 and tab S8 ultra I would not hesitate to recommend the M1, between the S8 and the air 5 I would go with the S8. You have double the storage (and expandable), overall better screen (and even better if you use an antireflective screen protector).
OneUI is more powerful for multitasking than iPadOS (and you can just disable any app you don't want). And the tablet is pretty future proof with 5 years of support and storage (which is often more a reason to update than OS upgrade themselves).
For me what bothers me with Samsung tablets are the accidental touches when I hold the tablets (Apple has better hand rejection) but this depends on how you use the tablet and apparently is not an issue with your use.

I would not even consider the 11in pro in your situation.

 

[Digitalguy]

Get rid of both of them and get an iPad Pro.

You get a spectacular screen, desktop-level and crazy fast M1 chip and RAM, a Thunderbolt port, the ability to use the best pencil on the market, perfect integration with your iPhone and other Apple devices and peripherals, and a kickass battery life.

But wait until after the upcoming events If you can.

I bought one and euthanized my Macs entirely (I use a company-issued PC for work).

he already has M1 with the Air, the TB port is useless if you don't use TB drives, battery life is no better and he does not care about the pencil. I think people tent to project their own priorities into other people....

 

[BhaveshUK]

You're able to use both so I would write down a list of things you need each device to do. Then you can rank them based on the app quality, experience, etc. and compile an overall score.

I was doing this when I considered getting a Surface Pro because my iPad hasn't been able to serve all my needs. Once I ranked the experience, it came below the iPad overall, so I decided to save my money. And you'll have an answer that is accurate to you rather than what some people on the internet with their own biases think.

 

[sparksd]

You're able to use both so I would write down a list of things you need each device to do. Then you can rank them based on the app quality, experience, etc. and compile an overall score.

I was doing this when I considered getting a Surface Pro because my iPad hasn't been able to serve all my needs. Once I ranked the experience, it came below the iPad overall, so I decided to save my money. And you'll have an answer that is accurate to you rather than what some people on the internet with their own biases think.

That's a good idea. I create a set of criteria and assign a weighting on each to precisely delineate their importance - it also helps you think through what is important and how much so in relation to other criteria. Then I give each device a score on each criteria and multiply out the score times the weighting.

 

[Flabasha]

Okay I know this is a Mac forum but I am sure there are people here who use Android and Apple.

I ordered an iPad Air on sale and got a Samsung tab S8 with a trade in so the price difference between the two was very minimal.

I have about a week left before I either keep the S8 or send it back. I have a few weeks to test the iPad. I don’t want two tablets.

I thought the decision would be easy but it is not. I have an iPhone as my main phone but I also use an Android phone as a back up and use the Android on a semi regular basis as it has some apps I can’t live without.

My problem is the S8 has an adaptive rate 120hz screen and the colors on the S8 just look more saturated. I find the iPad color saturation to look a bit flat. I use the tablets for content consumption mainly. So streaming in a 16x10 looks a bit better than 4x3 but when on the web I like the 4x3 a bit better.

The sound on the S8 is better with 4 speakers but the bass is better on the iPad. The M1 chip on the iPad is so fast and smooth. The S8 is decent with the 8 gen 1 but I prefer the M1.

Battery life seems about the same for both with the S8 maybe having a slight edge.

I prefer iOS over android but I could live with either one.

So at the end of the day I am really torn. Both tablets are so well matched. I might use the spen occasionally and it is nice to have if I ever need to sign legal documents but I don’t use it very often. My son has an Apple Pencil if I needed to use one.

I am just wondering if anyone here had gone through a similar situation and made a decision towards either device and why they made that choice. I am really tempted to just keep the air but the lower storage, screen saturation, lack of 120 hz display, make me want to keep the s8. The M1, anti-reflective coating, better color option and better support and iOS make me want to keep the iPad. I am not buying a Pro model iPad because I can’t justify the expense with what I use an iPad or tablet for.

Thanks for any advice.

I have 2 iPad Pros. I got frustrated with iOS and got a Galaxy Tab Ultra. Love it. And yeah, there’s no substitute for watching movies on an OLED screen. I love my M1 MacBook Pro, but Apple is (intentionally) not in the game any more when it comes to high end tablets, IMO. They want to protect their computer sales, so they have to keep their iPads crippled.

 

[max2]

You're able to use both so I would write down a list of things you need each device to do. Then you can rank them based on the app quality, experience, etc. and compile an overall score.

I was doing this when I considered getting a Surface Pro because my iPad hasn't been able to serve all my needs. Once I ranked the experience, it came below the iPad overall, so I decided to save my money. And you'll have an answer that is accurate to you rather than what some people on the internet with their own biases think.

This.

 

[cerberus1846]

I have 2 iPad Pros. I got frustrated with iOS and got a Galaxy Tab Ultra. Love it. And yeah, there’s no substitute for watching movies on an OLED screen. I love my M1 MacBook Pro, but Apple is (intentionally) not in the game any more when it comes to high end tablets, IMO. They want to protect their computer sales, so they have to keep their iPads crippled.

crippled!?.. not sure i can agree with that.. not in the game anymore when it comes to high-end tablets!?? what are you talking about? 😂😂😂 you only need to look at the features coming with iPad OS 16 to see that developing the iPad is still very much a focus of Apple - along with better integration in their ecosystem - in addition - no other manufacturer comes close to features like Universal Control or SideCar.

I guess ultimately it comes down to a) what iPad model you have and b) what you use it for. To say that apple isn't in the high end tablet market any longer is just downright stupidity though.

 

[Technerd108]

Thank you for everyones honest opinion. I appreciate it.

I like both iOS and Android. I think iOS is better in most areas but it is not perfect and neither is Android. I am not trying to start a flame war between Samsung and Apple. Both are great in my opinion.

What I am looking for is people who may have an iPad air 5th gen or a recent iPad Pro AND an S8 not the plus or ultra as the OLED screens are very different and their opinions on what they like and dislike in both. More specifically those with an air 5th gen.

I really don't want to spend $729 plus tax on a tablet for an iPad pro, specially since a new iPad pro is just around the corner.

What I am thinking of doing is returning the iPad air even though I just love that M1 chip because I am learning that swap is not available on the 64gb model. While I may not use it now in a couple years I may regret the 64gb model.

The S8 I got on sale and with a trade in discount so I could sell it later and still recoup my money if I decide on an iPad P.ro later or an air with more storage if the sales are good in November. I really like the air but the screen leaves something to be desired and the low storage means their may be features in future updates I can't use. Having swap for memory is a pretty cool feature.

The S8 allows up to 8gb of swap if needed. The S8 has a better screen and speakers. I just miss that raw M1 power and smooth iOS interface and better apps. I have apple arcade as part of a subscription so I would like to take advantage of it and the M1 is capable of over 60 fps in some games so the air would cap the experience at 60hz. While I don't always game I do it every so often and fps is important to me.

So I will keep the S8 for now and then if I can afford it later I will sell the S8 and buy the new iPad pro base model 11" when it comes out. The speakers, screen with promotion, M2, and available swap will make it a tablet I can keep and enjoy for years to come. Resale value will be better on 2nd gen M series iPad pro even after an M3 version if I get tempted.

The new Pro probably won't be available until November/December which is a little too long to wait. If I keep the air the discount I got will not be enough to recoup my money if I decide to sell it later and I may not be able to afford the new pro. The base model air is very nice but just not enough because Apple decided to gimp it with the 64gb storage. I don't use probably more than 40-50gb in a year but after that who knows and even at 40 GB and the OS files that would pretty much fill the tablet and I would have to offload a bunch of stuff. It is not a deal breaker but I just feel like I am making a lot of compromise with the air and still spending a lot. If I get the new pro it will stretch my budget but I think I will be happier in the long run.

 

[Flabasha]

crippled!?.. not sure i can agree with that.. not in the game anymore when it comes to high-end tablets!?? what are you talking about? 😂😂😂 you only need to look at the features coming with iPad OS 16 to see that developing the iPad is still very much a focus of Apple - along with better integration in their ecosystem - in addition - no other manufacturer comes close to features like Universal Control or SideCar.

I guess ultimately it comes down to a) what iPad model you have and b) what you use it for. To say that apple isn't in the high end tablet market any longer is just downright stupidity though.

Android has both of those features, and has for a while. Apple is late to the game. Which, again, is intentional.

 

[ian87w]

I wouldn't pick a device simply based on the hardware features. The nice hardware will become pointless when the software/app experience is sub-par, especially at these high price points. Unless you only use a tablet for basic entertainment (aka an expensive youtube/netflix gadget), I would consider the iPad more as the apps and iPadOS are just more refined than Samsung OneUI on a tablet.

And this is coming from me, who has an S7FE tablet to replace my Windows laptop. I picked the Samsung simply because it's the most economical for the largest screen size (12.9"). If I were to go with iPad, my choice will only be the largest and more expensive iPad Pro. The Apple Magic keyboard on its own is already almost at the price of my whole S7FE set up (with S-pen and folio keyboard cover inclusive).

But software wise, OneUI on the tablet is still fairly buggy. Multi-tasking and side-by-side is glitchy. Dark mode is glitchy. Sometimes Picture-in-picture doesn't initiate properly. Worse, many apps, even video streaming apps, are not even tablet optimized, forcing a portrait view. Heck, even Firefox on Android is not tablet optimized. That's how sad the software state is on Android tablet. It's usable, but if I have the money, I'd rather have iPadOS and the better app experience.

I wouldn't be spending so much money on an Android tablet (the S8 price point), personally. No matter how nice the hardware is on the spec sheet, the actual app experience will still be subpar, and it feels like you have a "cheap" tablet instead of a premium experience. For that much money, I would just go iPad altogether.

 

[kristalsoldier]

Okay I know this is a Mac forum but I am sure there are people here who use Android and Apple.

I ordered an iPad Air on sale and got a Samsung tab S8 with a trade in so the price difference between the two was very minimal.

I have about a week left before I either keep the S8 or send it back. I have a few weeks to test the iPad. I don’t want two tablets.

I thought the decision would be easy but it is not. I have an iPhone as my main phone but I also use an Android phone as a back up and use the Android on a semi regular basis as it has some apps I can’t live without.

My problem is the S8 has an adaptive rate 120hz screen and the colors on the S8 just look more saturated. I find the iPad color saturation to look a bit flat. I use the tablets for content consumption mainly. So streaming in a 16x10 looks a bit better than 4x3 but when on the web I like the 4x3 a bit better.

The sound on the S8 is better with 4 speakers but the bass is better on the iPad. The M1 chip on the iPad is so fast and smooth. The S8 is decent with the 8 gen 1 but I prefer the M1.

Battery life seems about the same for both with the S8 maybe having a slight edge.

I prefer iOS over android but I could live with either one.

So at the end of the day I am really torn. Both tablets are so well matched. I might use the spen occasionally and it is nice to have if I ever need to sign legal documents but I don’t use it very often. My son has an Apple Pencil if I needed to use one.

I am just wondering if anyone here had gone through a similar situation and made a decision towards either device and why they made that choice. I am really tempted to just keep the air but the lower storage, screen saturation, lack of 120 hz display, make me want to keep the s8. The M1, anti-reflective coating, better color option and better support and iOS make me want to keep the iPad. I am not buying a Pro model iPad because I can’t justify the expense with what I use an iPad or tablet for.

Thanks for any advice.

If by “content consumption “ you mean watching videos etc., then the S8 is probably a better option. I say this based simply on the screen quality and aspect ratio of the S8 vs the iPad Air.

But if “content consumption” also includes reading books etc.m then it’s a problem because the iPad’s aspect ratio (in portrait mode) is much better suited for that and can pretty much make up for the better screen quality of the S8. But then again, if you use me as an example, then given that i use my iPads mainly for reading (pdf, ePub, kindle, word docs etc.), the iPad will always be a better fit.

 

[Digitalguy]

I wouldn't pick a device simply based on the hardware features. The nice hardware will become pointless when the software/app experience is sub-par, especially at these high price points. Unless you only use a tablet for basic entertainment (aka an expensive youtube/netflix gadget), I would consider the iPad more as the apps and iPadOS are just more refined than Samsung OneUI on a tablet.

And this is coming from me, who has an S7FE tablet to replace my Windows laptop. I picked the Samsung simply because it's the most economical for the largest screen size (12.9"). If I were to go with iPad, my choice will only be the largest and more expensive iPad Pro. The Apple Magic keyboard on its own is already almost at the price of my whole S7FE set up (with S-pen and folio keyboard cover inclusive).

But software wise, OneUI on the tablet is still fairly buggy. Multi-tasking and side-by-side is glitchy. Dark mode is glitchy. Sometimes Picture-in-picture doesn't initiate properly. Worse, many apps, even video streaming apps, are not even tablet optimized, forcing a portrait view. Heck, even Firefox on Android is not tablet optimized. That's how sad the software state is on Android tablet. It's usable, but if I have the money, I'd rather have iPadOS and the better app experience.

I wouldn't be spending so much money on an Android tablet (the S8 price point), personally. No matter how nice the hardware is on the spec sheet, the actual app experience will still be subpar, and it feels like you have a "cheap" tablet instead of a premium experience. For that much money, I would just go iPad altogether.

Very, very different point of view here. I own the S8 ultra and the S7FE (and I have owned and sold the S7+)
I'd take OneUI any day over iPadOS, much more powerful and far from glitchy or buggy (I don't use Dex).
I prefer the iPad pro mainly because of hardware, not software (better hand rejection, even though I don't know if that's hardware or software, I guess it's hardware), better aspect ratio (other than for videos), faster processor, better (magic) keyboard.
Software-wise the only iPadOS built-in thing I prefer is Safari, as it works better with desktop (non mobile) websites.
Samsung tablets have optimised charging a very important feature to preserve battery longevity.
Otherwise in terms of apps, most of the apps I use are the same on both, none forces portrait view, and some apps are actually better on Android. And those are critical for my use. Second display apps are much superior (not only to Sidecar, but also to third party apps for iPadOS) and my S7FE is basically a wireless touch/pen screen monitor for my Windows desktop, with zero latency and audio support (basically a surface pro with double the battery life and zero heat).
But I guess everyone has different uses and different priorities.

 

[Dealmans]

I’d keep the Samsung if it was free and use it as a place mat

 

[Technerd108]

I love the comments by some people who for some reason feel the need to insult rather than make a comment based on their use and experience. If you don't like Samsung that is fine. Why not explain why instead of making stupid insults. It invalidates your opinions and makes you look like a jerk.

 

[Technerd108]

I have one question for iPad users. Warranty support for charging. If you use a 3rd party charger like a Lenovo 65watt laptop charger on your iPad and have a problem in the Warranty period will Apple void your warranty or fix it under warranty.

Like battery or charging port has an issue?

Just wondering because Samsung doesn't supply a charger and they say if you use any charger other than a Samsung branded charger and have a problem they will not honor the warranty.

This is probably not a big issue because I would like to know how they could prove such a thing but just want to know if anyone has any info on this.

Thank you

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I have an iPad 11 Pro(M1) and a Tab S8 Ultra. I like both tablets a lot.

I don't plan to upgrade the S8 Ultra for at least 3-4 years (that's what I'm telling myself 😂)

If the rumors about upcoming iPads including 14'' and possibly even 16' sizes are true, then I'm jumping on the largest size, with a magic keyboard. And trading in my 11 Pro.

 

[sparksd]

I have one question for iPad users. Warranty support for charging. If you use a 3rd party charger like a Lenovo 65watt laptop charger on your iPad and have a problem in the Warranty period will Apple void your warranty or fix it under warranty.

Like battery or charging port has an issue?

Just wondering because Samsung doesn't supply a charger and they say if you use any charger other than a Samsung branded charger and have a problem they will not honor the warranty.

This is probably not a big issue because I would like to know how they could prove such a thing but just want to know if anyone has any info on this.

Thank you

I only use 3rd party chargers with my Apple devices - 5 iPads and 2 iPhones so far - and never considered it an issue. Nor have I seen any warranty disclaimer associated with that.

 

[Digitalguy]

I only use 3rd party chargers with my Apple devices - 5 iPads and 2 iPhones so far - and never considered it an issue. Nor have I seen any warranty disclaimer associated with that.

Yes, as long as it's a power delivery or even a 5v charger, there is not risk. The only thing that won't work is some Chinese high voltage chargers which are fixed voltage (like barrel connectors) but use USB C. Generally they simply won't work, so no issue most of the time. Where there is more risk is when you plug devices that take and give charge, like another tablet, a phone or any USB device that gives and take charge.
Another issue that is generally not covered under warranty is breaking the USB C port. USB C female is more fragile than lightning (male lightning in turn is more fragile than USB C male) so if you use your device while plugged in and pull the cable in a way that damages the port, that's generally on you.

 

[sparksd]

Yes, as long as it's a power delivery or even a 5v charger, there is not risk. The only thing that won't work is some Chinese high voltage chargers which are fixed voltage (like barrel connectors) but use USB C. Generally they simply won't work, so no issue most of the time. Where there is more risk is when you plug devices that take and give charge, like another tablet, a phone or any USB device that gives and take charge.
Another issue that is generally not covered under warranty is breaking the USB C port. USB C female is more fragile than lightning (male lightning in turn is more fragile than USB C male) so if you use your device while plugged in and pull the cable in a way that damages the port, that's generally on you.

Yeah, definitely use gear from reputable manufacturers. I'm partial to Anker products.

 

[cerberus1846]

Android has both of those features, and has for a while. Apple is late to the game. Which, again, is intentional.

no... I think you'll find that Samsung copied Apple: https://wccftech.com/samsung-blatan...ersal-control-feature-calls-it-multi-control/ 😂🤣

And for reference, I've used a few Samsung tablets (also still have a Xioami Mi Pad).. even have a Dex Pad that I used with my Samsung S20 Ultra and their solution comes NOWHERE near... many applications on Android aren't optimised for tablet or desktop form factor and even with dynamic scaling etc it makes for a clunky and disjointed experience..