All iPads iPad is a poor value proposition in Brazil compared to competitors

[skaertus]

I am impressed at how expensive the iPad is in Brazil compared to the competition.

Last week, I bought myself a Samsung S9 Ultra tablet and a 13-inch iPad Air for my father, and the price difference is astonishing.

The Samsung S9 Ultra may not be cheap, but it has a great screen, a lot of storage, and a pen and keyboard.

Model	Samsung S9 Ultra	10th gen iPad (base)	10th gen iPad (custom)	10th gen iPad (custom)	M2 iPad Air (base)	M2 iPad Air (custom)	M4 iPad Pro (base)	M4 iPad Pro (custom)
Screen size	14.6-inch	10.9-inch	10.9-inch	10.9-inch	13-inch	13-inch	13-inch	13-inch
Screen type	OLED	LCD	LCD	LCD	LCD	LCD	Tandem OLED	Tandem OLED
Refresh rate	120 Hz	60 Hz	60 Hz	60 Hz	60 Hz	60 Hz	120 Hz	120 Hz
Storage	512 GB	64 GB	256 GB	256 GB	128 GB	512 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Connectivity	wi-fi + cellular	wi-fi	wi-fi + cellular	wi-fi + cellular	wi-fi	wi-fi + cellular	wi-fi	wi-fi + cellular
Accessories	pen and keyboard	no	no	Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio	no	Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard	no	Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
Price in BRL	5,899	3,999	7,199	10,597	9,499	15,598	15,899	21,598
Price in USD	1,035	700	1,263	1,859	1,666	2,736	2,789	3,789

The iPads may have a much faster processor, but the value proposition ends there. From the moment I start to upgrade the storage and include additional accessories, the price skyrockets. Plus, I may say that the processors of the 10th gen iPad and the S9 Ultra should be in the same ballpark, and still Apple charges much more to offer much less in terms of extras.

I mean, I know the M2 is far faster than the Snapdragon equipping the S9 Ultra. But the base version of the iPad models is so crippled that upgrading is a no-brainer, and then any value gets lost in the process. I would understand if the iPads were more expensive because of this, but a 3x difference is starting to sound ridiculous.

I suspect the discrepancy is not so big in the U.S. and Europe, but I would also like to hear your experience as well.

 

[alecgold]

Thank you for this elaborate comparison. Now, when comparing the galaxy with an iPad, could you also bring into the equation the trouble I will have syncing my iPhone with an android tablet? Or how this tablet will synchronise with my MacBook?
Or could you calculate how much it will cost to replace all the apps I paid for?
It is a reality that we are locked inside the operating systems we chose. Be it either android or iOS.

But lastly, I am curious how android on a tablet compares to iPadOS. Because iPadOS isn’t macOS but it does a lot of things really well as a touche based operating system.

 

[Digitalguy]

Thank you for this elaborate comparison. Now, when comparing the galaxy with an iPad, could you also bring into the equation the trouble I will have syncing my iPhone with an android tablet? Or how this tablet will synchronise with my MacBook?
Or could you calculate how much it will cost to replace all the apps I paid for?
It is a reality that we are locked inside the operating systems we chose. Be it either android or iOS.

But lastly, I am curious how android on a tablet compares to iPadOS. Because iPadOS isn’t macOS but it does a lot of things really well as a touche based operating system.

I am mainly an iPad user, but my phone is a Samsung and my computers are mainly Windows (with no plan of ever moving to iPhone or Mac as main devices).
I think that outside of these forums, a lot of iPad buyers are not in the Apple ecosystem, especially outside the US.
I don't know if it's the majority of iPad buyers but certainly a very large minority.

 

[JPack]

Brazil has a 60% import tax on imported electronics like iPad. Samsung has two factories in Brazil to avoid that.

 

[skaertus]

Thank you for this elaborate comparison. Now, when comparing the galaxy with an iPad, could you also bring into the equation the trouble I will have syncing my iPhone with an android tablet? Or how this tablet will synchronise with my MacBook?
Or could you calculate how much it will cost to replace all the apps I paid for?
It is a reality that we are locked inside the operating systems we chose. Be it either android or iOS.

But lastly, I am curious how android on a tablet compares to iPadOS. Because iPadOS isn’t macOS but it does a lot of things really well as a touche based operating system.

If you use Apple's services for everything, then you may be locked into Apple's ecosystem. I try not to fall into these traps. I know that, if I am locked into any OS, I run the risk of being ripped off in my next purchases, so I never do that. I use OneDrive to sync my photos and documents, and it works quite well with all my devices.

As for paid mobile apps, I have noticed that, at least for me, most are subscription-based these days and available for both iOS and Android. So the cost of replacement would be close to zero for me.

Android is fine on a tablet these days. It used to be terrible, but it has improved a lot in the last few years. The apps are far better than they used to be as well. Honestly, in my case, everything I do on an iPad I can also do on an Android tablet. However, both are limited and cannot replace a computer, at least for me, but they have come close in many respects.

Samsung has a proprietary feature called "Dex" mode, which allows the tablet to behave like a laptop, and you can use the trackpad to navigate through windows just like in Windows or macOS.

I have not used an iPad for some time now, and I cannot compare in detail the experience of using them both these days. However, I can say that the current Android for tablets is far better than iOS/iPad OS used to be some five years ago or so.

As I have no need of specific iPad features, and I do not need the power of an M-series processor in a tablet, the Samsung S9 Ultra fits me very well with its amazing huge screen and overall snapiness.

And I simply cannot justify to myself spending these kind of Apple's prices when there is a very suitable alternative costing much less. Apple's Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro together costs BRL 4,800 (USD 960), which is almost the same price of the Samsung S9 Ultra (BRL 5.899/USD 1,035), which includes the pen and the keyboard.

 

[russell_314]

It’s like comparing a Mac to a Windows PC. It’s a silly comparison. The “competition” isn’t running iPadOS. That’s the bottom line. If you don’t want or need iPadOS then you’re better off getting a cheaper alternative. If you want iPadOS then it’s only on the iPad.

 

[Digitalguy]

It’s like comparing a Mac to a Windows PC. It’s a silly comparison. The “competition” isn’t running iPadOS. That’s the bottom line. If you don’t want or need iPadOS then you’re better off getting a cheaper alternative. If you want iPadOS then it’s only on the iPad.

personally iPadOS is the last reason why I use my iPads more than my Android tablets

 

[russell_314]

personally iPadOS is the last reason why I use my iPads more than my Android tablets

I must know what is the first reason you prefer Apple’s rectangular pane of glass over Samsung’s pane of glass?

 

[skaertus]

It’s like comparing a Mac to a Windows PC. It’s a silly comparison. The “competition” isn’t running iPadOS. That’s the bottom line. If you don’t want or need iPadOS then you’re better off getting a cheaper alternative. If you want iPadOS then it’s only on the iPad.

Well, OK, but not quite. You may prefer iPadOS to Android on a tablet, and that is fine. And you may prefer macOS over Windows. But then I look at the Best Buy website in the U.S., I see the prices of tablets there, and how much more reasonable the price of the iPad models are.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 Ultra with 512 GB storage is currently selling for USD 1,169.99 on BestBuy. It has no cellular connectivity, and I see no keyboard coming with it.

Apple's 10th gen 64 GB iPad is selling for USD 349.00. More than three times less than the Samsung S9 Ultra Tab. Here in Brazil, they are similarly priced. In Brazil, they are competitors; in the U.S., they are worlds apart.

The 512 GB 13-inch M2 iPad Air is selling for USD 1,099.00. It does not come with a pen, and it does not have a 120 Hz OLED screen, but it has a much faster processor than the Samsung tablet. Seems like a fair trade. The iPad Air is a competitor to the S9 Ultra in the U.S., as they are similarly priced, and I would choose it if the prices were as this. In Brazil, these two tablets belong to different universes.

The 512 GB 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is selling for USD 1,449.00. It is more expensive in the U.S., but then it is much faster than the Samsung tablet, and the price difference is only USD 280. I could buy it as it is fair value. In Brazil, the Pro sells for 3x more, which is ridiculous.

I mean, it is fine to prefer iPad OS over Android and pay 25% more to get the Apple tablet, especially if it has a much faster processor. Again, I do not see much advantage in using iPad OS over Android, as they both are crippled tablet operating systems but each to its own. The bottom line is, I can understand paying more to get Apple if you want to live in the ecosystem.

Now, look at the prices here in Brazil. The iPad Air costs 2x more, and the iPad Pro costs 3x more, than a beefed-up Samsung S9 Tab. You may even prefer iPad OS, but then why should you not look to the Android tablet, without even testing it, if it is less than half the price? While I can understand someone paying a 25% premium, I have a hard time accepting why someone would pay a 200% premium to get an equivalent product from another brand.

 

[russell_314]

Well, OK, but not quite. You may prefer iPadOS to Android on a tablet, and that is fine. And you may prefer macOS over Windows. But then I look at the Best Buy website in the U.S., I see the prices of tablets there, and how much more reasonable the price of the iPad models are.

I wonder if the prices are affected by tariffs. iPads are likely made in China so your country might hit you harder with tariffs from products made in China. That’s just a guess of course I don’t know what tariffs your country has.

I have a hard time accepting why someone would pay a 200% premium to get an equivalent product from another brand.

Because it’s not an equivalent product. You’re just focusing on the hardware which is likely very close. Sure the iPad processor is a little faster, but that’s not really the main factor. The app store for android tablets is a disaster. When you download an app on an android tablet, it’s the phone app. When you download an app on an iPad, it’s adjusted for the iPad and works in that format correctly. Apple makes developers fix their apps for iPad rather than just trying to put the phone app out there. This makes some developers angry, but it makes the iPad a better experience.

Of course everything comes down to your budget and use case. If you’re on a tight budget and you’re using a tablet to watch YouTube videos and post here then you’d be silly paying significantly more.


I would pay double because I’ve used android tablets and it’s not as smooth of an experience. I can afford it so of course that helps. If for some reason I had a budget crisis, then clearly I wouldn’t be wasting money on paying extra.

 

[User #07242024]

Agree, it is a better value proposition. Samsung is the best choice for android tablets. It works better with Windows than Mac, though.

DeX is a great feature, you can use both Tab and monitor at the same time with different apps. Although the display is enlarged and adapted to desktop view, keep in mind that the apps you’re using are still android apps. For example, on Zoom, you still cannot have video feed and document sharing at the same time like desktop (video still plays but you cannot see others or yourself). This is not hardware limitation but Zoom app itself.

I’ve read about poor battery life of iPad Air 5 (M1) especially due to iOS 17 and smaller battery for M1 compared to MacBook Air. I wonder if iPad Air M2 still has this issue?

 

[Abazigal]

I am impressed at how expensive the iPad is in Brazil compared to the competition.

As mentioned above by another poster, part of this price discrepancy seems to be due to an import tax that Samsung is able to skirt around by manufacturing their products in said country. In other countries without a similar duties tax, the price difference is likely much closer.

 

[skaertus]

I wonder if the prices are affected by tariffs. iPads are likely made in China so your country might hit you harder with tariffs from products made in China. That’s just a guess of course I don’t know what tariffs your country has.


Because it’s not an equivalent product. You’re just focusing on the hardware which is likely very close. Sure the iPad processor is a little faster, but that’s not really the main factor. The app store for android tablets is a disaster. When you download an app on an android tablet, it’s the phone app. When you download an app on an iPad, it’s adjusted for the iPad and works in that format correctly. Apple makes developers fix their apps for iPad rather than just trying to put the phone app out there. This makes some developers angry, but it makes the iPad a better experience.

Of course everything comes down to your budget and use case. If you’re on a tight budget and you’re using a tablet to watch YouTube videos and post here then you’d be silly paying significantly more.


I would pay double because I’ve used android tablets and it’s not as smooth of an experience. I can afford it so of course that helps. If for some reason I had a budget crisis, then clearly I wouldn’t be wasting money on paying extra.

Well, import taxes here are an absurd, about 100%, but the tax system is extremely complex. I generally assume prices here are 2x what they are in the U.S., but that is not always the case.

As for iPad and Android not being equivalent, I am not so sure now. I have been using Android tablets and they have improved a lot. It is true that, some years ago, apps for Android tablets were just phone apps. But then, when the iPad was originally released, its apps were also iPhone apps adapted to the tablet form factor. Now, in 2024, most Android apps are far better than they were before. The big companies make the very same app for iPad OS and Android tablets, so there is not much difference.

This is now mostly prejudice from the past than what currently happens. There may be some niches in which iPad OS apps are better. Perhaps photo and video editing are better on the iPad than on Android tablets. But that is not my field of work (and honestly, I would do this kind of work in a computer if I had to). For most general tasks, it seems to me they are quite similar. I use my tablet to browse the Internet, read e-books and PDFs, read and comment MS Office documents, do some light editing on Canvas, play games, watch videos, and so on. For these kinds of tasks, an Android tablet and an iPad are similar devices. You may argue that the iPad may be better, but not 2x better than a similar Android tablet.

I suspect a reason for this kind of thinking is that many people used Android tablets some five or ten years ago and never got back to check if they got any better. But then they did not need to. Apple offers an iPad for USD 350 in the U.S., and more affordable higher end options. If it is working, why should I look elsewhere?

But then, in Brazil, it is quite different. Apple's prices are absurd, and high-end Android tablets, full of accessories, sell for the same price as low-end iPads. It should be natural that people would try Android tablets every now and then to verify if they caught up and if they could get rid of Apple's wage-draining clutches. And the fact is that I am surprised that they are so similar these days.

 

[Ludatyk]

The app store for android tablets is a disaster. When you download an app on an android tablet, it’s the phone app. When you download an app on an iPad, it’s adjusted for the iPad and works in that format correctly. Apple makes developers fix their apps for iPad rather than just trying to put the phone app out there. This makes some developers angry, but it makes the iPad a better experience.

Disaster? I don't think so. It's more than likely you haven't used an Android tablet recently to make that statement... Google has made an effort to fix the "phone app" on a tablet issue that you speak of.

There's no denying that there is more tablet optimized app for the iPad because developers tend to invest more in AppStore. But one thing I like about using my Galaxy Fold is the tablet experience I receive when unfolding it.

 

[russell_314]

Disaster? I don't think so. It's more than likely you haven't used an Android tablet recently to make that statement... Google has made an effort to fix the "phone app" on a tablet issue that you speak of.

There's no denying that there is more tablet optimized app for the iPad because developers tend to invest more in AppStore. But one thing I like about using my Galaxy Fold is the tablet experience I receive when unfolding it.

Unless it’s changed in the past two years that was my experience. It didn’t compare to the app store on iPad where the apps are actually optimized for iPad. I can see where folding phones would’ve made Google more responsive to fixing the issue.

 

[russell_314]

Well, import taxes here are an absurd, about 100%, but the tax system is extremely complex. I generally assume prices here are 2x what they are in the U.S., but that is not always the case.

As for iPad and Android not being equivalent, I am not so sure now. I have been using Android tablets and they have improved a lot. It is true that, some years ago, apps for Android tablets were just phone apps. But then, when the iPad was originally released, its apps were also iPhone apps adapted to the tablet form factor. Now, in 2024, most Android apps are far better than they were before. The big companies make the very same app for iPad OS and Android tablets, so there is not much difference.

This is now mostly prejudice from the past than what currently happens. There may be some niches in which iPad OS apps are better. Perhaps photo and video editing are better on the iPad than on Android tablets. But that is not my field of work (and honestly, I would do this kind of work in a computer if I had to). For most general tasks, it seems to me they are quite similar. I use my tablet to browse the Internet, read e-books and PDFs, read and comment MS Office documents, do some light editing on Canvas, play games, watch videos, and so on. For these kinds of tasks, an Android tablet and an iPad are similar devices. You may argue that the iPad may be better, but not 2x better than a similar Android tablet.

I suspect a reason for this kind of thinking is that many people used Android tablets some five or ten years ago and never got back to check if they got any better. But then they did not need to. Apple offers an iPad for USD 350 in the U.S., and more affordable higher end options. If it is working, why should I look elsewhere?

But then, in Brazil, it is quite different. Apple's prices are absurd, and high-end Android tablets, full of accessories, sell for the same price as low-end iPads. It should be natural that people would try Android tablets every now and then to verify if they caught up and if they could get rid of Apple's wage-draining clutches. And the fact is that I am surprised that they are so similar these days.

It sounds like maybe they’ve gotten better especially with folding phones coming out. If you don’t mind the downsides I’d say it’s a good value, especially if your government is taxing the crap out of Apple products.

I’m in the USA so quality android tablets are not that much cheaper. At half the price of an iPad, android tablets are a good value. At a few hundred dollars cheaper, no way.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Brazil has a 60% import tax on imported electronics like iPad. Samsung has two factories in Brazil to avoid that.

Apple makes iPhones in Brazil too, but as far as I’m aware they don’t make iPad there. That’s likely affecting the price.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Unless it’s changed in the past two years that was my experience. It didn’t compare to the app store on iPad where the apps are actually optimized for iPad. I can see where folding phones would’ve made Google more responsive to fixing the issue.

I had the chance of trading my 6th Gen iPad to Google for their Pixel tablet. It would have been a straight up trade as Google was offering a $399 trade in as part of a promo. I chose not to go thru with it as I prefer iPad's and I own several Android tablets I purchased in the last several years. They rarely get used. I find the tablet experience on the iPad's are so much better.

 

[Ludatyk]

I had the chance of trading my 6th Gen iPad to Google for their Pixel tablet. It would have been a straight up trade as Google was offering a $399 trade in as part of a promo. I chose not to go thru with it as I prefer iPad's and I own several Android tablets I purchased in the last several years. They rarely get used. I find the tablet experience on the iPad's are so much better.

Wait a min… I had to do a read on this multiple times to make sure I was understanding this correctly. You had a chance to trade in a 6th generation iPad that was released back in 2018… for the latest Google Pixel tablet and you decided that you prefer the 6th gen iPad experience?

I enjoy the iPad (favorite Apple device), use it on the daily basis. But if I was in that same scenario, I’d trade the iPad in a heart beat given the device was released back in 2018… and get a more “up-to-date” experience from the Pixel tablet.

 

[muzzy996]

Wait a min… I had to do a read this multiple times to make sure I was understanding this correctly. You had a chance to trade in a 6th generation iPad that was released back in 2018… for the latest Google Pixel tablet and you decided that you prefer the 6th gen iPad experience?

I enjoy the iPad (favorite Apple device), use it on the daily basis. But if I was in that same scenario, I’d trade the iPad in a heart beat given the device was released back in 2018… and get a more “up-to-date” experience from the Pixel tablet.

Most likely missing the word "Pro" in their post. I just checked Google's site and if I select a 6th gen standard iPad I'm offered $30, not $399. If I select a 6th gen iPad Pro 12.9" I'm offered $400.

 

[muzzy996]

As far as value propositions go as is always the case our perspectives upon what has more value are shaped by our own financial situations, our preferred workflows and our needs for a device. There's nothing wrong with any of us preferring one platform over another. As long as we are satisfied with our choices, that's all that matters.

Personally as far as Android tablet vs iPadOS based I think I'm at the point in my usage patterns of my iPads that it wouldn't be much different for me if I switched other than losing iMessage support. I only use my iPads for general browsing, online shopping and media consumption all of which an Android tablet can handle just as well. That said I think i can relate to OP on the value proposition, which is why I still have not upgraded my 2017 iPP 12.9 - I just can't justify the cost with my current needs so I'll continue to use it until it dies.

 

[russell_314]

I had the chance of trading my 6th Gen iPad to Google for their Pixel tablet. It would have been a straight up trade as Google was offering a $399 trade in as part of a promo. I chose not to go thru with it as I prefer iPad's and I own several Android tablets I purchased in the last several years. They rarely get used. I find the tablet experience on the iPad's are so much better.

Same here. I have a 4th gen iPad Air from 2020 and I wouldn’t trade it for a brand new top of the line Samsung or Google tablet.

 

[Digitalguy]

I must know what is the first reason you prefer Apple’s rectangular pane of glass over Samsung’s pane of glass?

The squarer aspect ratio, much better for reading and writing and just as good for watching videos since I don't mind the bars. Other reasons are the Magic Keyboard, which is better than any keyboard on Android tablets. And the better text selection in browsers (with fingers), which is something I do a lot. Also, pro music creation and playing apps, non existent on Android. Other than that, there is every app I need, including for notes, video editing etc. And I'd take Samsung OneUI over iPadOS any day in terms of capabilities.

Sure the iPad processor is a little faster, but that’s not really the main factor. The app store for android tablets is a disaster. When you download an app on an android tablet, it’s the phone app. When you download an app on an iPad, it’s adjusted for the iPad and works in that format correctly. Apple makes developers fix their apps for iPad rather than just trying to put the phone app out there. This makes some developers angry, but it makes the iPad a better experience.

This hasn't been true for several years already, other than for a couple of social network apps, that can easily be installed as web apps and work just as well as on an iPad.

Unless it’s changed in the past two years that was my experience. It didn’t compare to the app store on iPad where the apps are actually optimized for iPad. I can see where folding phones would’ve made Google more responsive to fixing the issue.

It has changed and for more than 2 years. And sure foldables are part of the reason.

I had the chance of trading my 6th Gen iPad to Google for their Pixel tablet. It would have been a straight up trade as Google was offering a $399 trade in as part of a promo. I chose not to go thru with it as I prefer iPad's and I own several Android tablets I purchased in the last several years. They rarely get used. I find the tablet experience on the iPad's are so much better.

The 6th gen iPad is almost worthless at this point. You'd get more value by selling a new Pixel tablet and buying a much better iPad.

Same here. I have a 4th gen iPad Air from 2020 and I wouldn’t trade it for a brand new top of the line Samsung or Google tablet.

A 4th gen iPad air is much better than a 6th gen iPad and in some ways it's even better than a 10th gen iPad. So in that case it's a different value proposition, although again a new Galaxy Tab Ultra could be sold for much more money.

 

[varezhka]

Yeah, not surprised the value proposition between iPad and Android tablets can change greatly by regional taxes. In US the same models will look more like:

M2 iPad Air 13-inch (128GB/256GB): $799/$899
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 14.6-inch (256GB): $1049

M2 iPad Air 11-inch (128GB/256GB): $599/$699
Galaxy Tab S9 11-inch (128GB/256GB): $699/$799

So Samsung feels just as premium priced and my choices will be based mainly on OS preference. I’m sure I’ll make different decisions if Apple prices were doubled.

 

[Digitalguy]

Yeah, not surprised the value proposition between iPad and Android tablets can change greatly by regional taxes. In US the same models will look more like:

M2 iPad Air 13-inch (128GB/256GB): $799/$899
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 14.6-inch (256GB): $1049

M2 iPad Air 11-inch (128GB/256GB): $599/$699
Galaxy Tab S9 11-inch (128GB/256GB): $699/$799

So Samsung feels just as premium priced and my choices will be based mainly on OS preference. I’m sure I’ll make different decisions if Apple prices were doubled.

The S9 line is from 2023, prices come have come down other than on Samsung website, but I am not in the US, so maybe not so much there (where I live the ultra is around $900 and generally US prices tend to be lower on launch compared to where I live)
Also is it fair to compare the mid-range air to the top of the line OLED S9 series? (other that the fact that Apple SOCs are always several generations ahead of anything on Android). Probably not, but the choice suits the argument you are trying to make...