Migrating from iPad to Samsung Tab

[MacBH928]

So I got the Air 4 and I am not happy with the ginormous size, the screen which seems to have bad viewing angles, no home button, the unresponsive gestures to reach home..etc . I am only left with the bare bones basic iPad with the non-laminated screen when I thought of the unthinkable and thats to move to Android. I have few questions please help me I haven't dealt with Android before.

1) With iPad the OS updates from Apple, where do I get updates for the OS. I heard Samsung keeps running older OS when newer versions are availabe. Can I like update from a 3rd party place?

2)I don't want Google to track me, is there like a bare bones Android I can load that does not have Google spyware and Samsung? What about the App Store?

3) I heard Android tablet apps are horrid as they are just blown up phone apps unlike iPad apps. How true is this?

4) Aspect ratio: I don't want the weird aspect ratios, Samsung tablets seem thinner and taller. Something closer to iPad 9.7 is best. Which should I get?

5) Heat and battery: Is it as cool as an iPad for operations and does the battery last 10 hours like ipad?

6) How you get to home/app switcher? On iPad there was home button and they replaced it with gestures.

7) How do I backup Android? with iOS I backup using iTunes

8) Are there cases like the Smart folio that can turn into a stand to set it on horizontal view?

9) How are the screens? supposedly AMOLED better than iPad's LED? I am very susceptible to viewing angles. I actually prefer iphone7 over iphone 12 and Air 2 over Air 4.

Any extra advice or warnings I am very welcoming of.

 

[Robbosan]

Don’t do it

 

[pencilscribbler]

Why don’t you just buy a iPad? Or iPad mini?

Then you’ll have your smaller size and a home button that you want.

 

[PaladinGuy]

Based on your questions, I really don’t think you’ll be happy with an Android tablet.

 

[Fred Zed]

You're going to regret this. LOL

 

[velocityg4]

Android for tablets was and is pretty much a failure. The OS is designed for the phone and so are apps. Google abandoned their own tablet line. So, I doubt they'll work much on this. It's all up to the manufacturers and their own Distros to have good support.

Which also means only the apps included may have a UI meant for tablets. Perhaps a smattering of apps designed for tablets. I doubt this will change.

----------------------------------------------------------------

1. You get updates from Samsung whenever they feel like it for maybe two years from introduction. I checked and Lineage OS doesn't support the Tab S7. Maybe some other third party distro might eventually support it. Just keep in mind these distros can be buggy. Especially when it comes to hardware drivers. So, even though it may say compatible. You need to dig into it to see if all hardware is fully supported and known issues. As these distros are already a niche segment. You'll be a niche of a niche of a niche.

Of the three high end tablets featured on Google's Phone and Tablets page. Two are old and ended Android support with Android 10. Only the Samsung Tab S7 is current with Android 11.

2. Google makes Android. As bare bones as you get will have Google software, always in the background. All vanilla Android means is less OEM (Samsung) and more Google software. You can dump some and change defaults. Any free app alternative may be a lot worse for privacy than Google. Just keep that in mind.

3. Pretty true. Android is made for the phone. Tablet is an after thought. Samsung might have some nice apps for their Tab line. I haven't tried them recently. But third party apps will mostly be meant for the phone.

4. Look at other manufacturers or models. There won't be many options which come close to iPad quality. Let alone iPad Air.

There are very few good quality Android tablets. So, if you want something close to even a base iPad in quality and performance. It'll probably mean the Galaxy Tab S7.

5. Depends on the model. Most are using low end CPU though.

6. Android uses onscreen controls. There isn't a home button. Android uses a Launcher this is your homescreen UI and base UI gestures. You don't have to use the Launcher your tablet comes with. There's a whole bunch of them of varying degrees of quality. I prefer the Google Launcher (on a phone). Starting with Android 10 they got it close to iOS like gesture control from the bottom. These Launchers also usually have further options for UI settings. Most will be meant for phones.

7. Google backup. Sometimes it gets flaky and stops backing up without warning. So check your backups are up to date. There’s other options including manual to PC. Generally options aren’t as thorough or nice as iCloud. With Samsung I'd probably use Samsungs default backup or Google. Unless you want to pay for a good backup to PC program.

8. Case options for Android are pretty sparse. Really popular models might get some good cases.

9. Not sure about the specific one you’re looking at. GSMArena lists specs for a lot of devices. I think the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus is AMOLED. The Tab S8 which comes out soon is also AMOLED.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Android gives you a lot of options for default apps. It isn't just stuff like web browsers and email apps. But the assistant your device uses, GUI, pretty much anything can be changed. With various degrees of difficulty. It can get confusing as there is little uniformity. Also some of the deeper changes may involve enabling Developer Options.

But based on your wants and questions. I think you'll really hate using an Android tablet. Heck I like Android phones. I've got a Pixel XL and Pixel 3 along with an iPhone SE and XS. I'm not sure which I like better. But I'd have to call it a flat out no contest between iPad OS and Android for Tablets. Android is meant for phones.

There's just too rich an ecosystem of Apps designed for iPad to contend with.

Before you ask. Windows on tablets is horrible too. Most software for Windows is meant for the desktop. I think the issue is the same for Chrome OS tablets. With the OS being meant for laptops.

 

[ian87w]

So I got the Air 4 and I am not happy with the ginormous size, the screen which seems to have bad viewing angles, no home button, the unresponsive gestures to reach home..etc . I am only left with the bare bones basic iPad with the non-laminated screen when I thought of the unthinkable and thats to move to Android. I have few questions please help me I haven't dealt with Android before.

1) With iPad the OS updates from Apple, where do I get updates for the OS. I heard Samsung keeps running older OS when newer versions are availabe. Can I like update from a 3rd party place?

2)I don't want Google to track me, is there like a bare bones Android I can load that does not have Google spyware and Samsung? What about the App Store?

3) I heard Android tablet apps are horrid as they are just blown up phone apps unlike iPad apps. How true is this?

4) Aspect ratio: I don't want the weird aspect ratios, Samsung tablets seem thinner and taller. Something closer to iPad 9.7 is best. Which should I get?

5) Heat and battery: Is it as cool as an iPad for operations and does the battery last 10 hours like ipad?

6) How you get to home/app switcher? On iPad there was home button and they replaced it with gestures.

7) How do I backup Android? with iOS I backup using iTunes

8) Are there cases like the Smart folio that can turn into a stand to set it on horizontal view?

9) How are the screens? supposedly AMOLED better than iPad's LED? I am very susceptible to viewing angles. I actually prefer iphone7 over iphone 12 and Air 2 over Air 4.

Any extra advice or warnings I am very welcoming of.

If you wanted a smaller tablet, you should’ve gotten the mini. And I have never heard people having issues with iPad viewing angle since they all use IPS LCD.

1. Each OEM provides the updates. Samsung tablets get updates from Samsung.
2. Err, why do you want a Samsung Android tablet if you don’t want to deal with Google/Samsung? If you want an Android tablet free of Google, get a Huawei tablet released in 2020 or newer. They don’t have Google services. Not sure how about their availability in your country though.
3. True.
4. There are models with 5:3 aspect ratio, like the Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 2020.
5. Yes, but stand by time is not as good as iPad.
6. There’s on screen buttons for home and back.
7. Samsung devices can use Samsung Smart switch.
8. I’m sure there is.
9. For watching movies, AMOLED is better, better contrast and blacks.

What are you going to use your tablet for?

 

[Klyster]

I'd advise going and trying a model or two at a store, get the screen angle issue and aspect ratio sorted, then worry about the rest.

I like wide-screen tablets as I use them mainly as a media consumption device, productivity isn't something I need in a tablet.

 

[MacBH928]

If you wanted a smaller tablet, you should’ve gotten the mini. And I have never heard people having issues with iPad viewing angle since they all use IPS LCD.

1. Each OEM provides the updates. Samsung tablets get updates from Samsung.
2. Err, why do you want a Samsung Android tablet if you don’t want to deal with Google/Samsung? If you want an Android tablet free of Google, get a Huawei tablet released in 2020 or newer. They don’t have Google services. Not sure how about their availability in your country though.
3. True.
4. There are models with 5:3 aspect ratio, like the Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 2020.
5. Yes, but stand by time is not as good as iPad.
6. There’s on screen buttons for home and back.
7. Samsung devices can use Samsung Smart switch.
8. I’m sure there is.
9. For watching movies, AMOLED is better, better contrast and blacks.

What are you going to use your tablet for?

I use it for the main reason iPad was invented, a side gizmo. eBook, consume video, light browsing...this thing is like a tank built to be a Macbook alternative.

The screen is huge, it feels like something meant more to be placed on a desk than operate in hand. Its like a mini TV slab. I can seriously see a hue gradient from top to bottom of the screen going green to pink except this is only on white colour/backgrounds.

I honestly would have gone with the basic iPad if Apple have not cheapened out on the non-laminated screen. The screen is the most important component of an iPad since its an... interactive screen after all! I got an Air 2 which is a 7 year old model that is laminated! iPad screen is literally retro tech.

The Mini is too mini at 1 inch larger than Pro Max phone. I have nothing against people who prefer that size, but its too small for the average iPad use case. Apple has 2 size for Pro model, maybe they should have gone with 2 size with iPad Air 4...9.7 and 10.9

 

[Shanghaichica]

Android for tablets was and is pretty much a failure. The OS is designed for the phone and so are apps. Google abandoned their own tablet line. So, I doubt they'll work much on this. It's all up to the manufacturers and their own Distros to have good support.

Which also means only the apps included may have a UI meant for tablets. Perhaps a smattering of apps designed for tablets. I doubt this will change.

----------------------------------------------------------------

1. You get updates from Samsung whenever they feel like it for maybe two years from introduction. I checked and Lineage OS doesn't support the Tab S7. Maybe some other third party distro might eventually support it. Just keep in mind these distros can be buggy. Especially when it comes to hardware drivers. So, even though it may say compatible. You need to dig into it to see if all hardware is fully supported and known issues. As these distros are already a niche segment. You'll be a niche of a niche of a niche.

Of the three high end tablets featured on Google's Phone and Tablets page. Two are old and ended Android support with Android 10. Only the Samsung Tab S7 is current with Android 11.

2. Google makes Android. As bare bones as you get will have Google software, always in the background. All vanilla Android means is less OEM (Samsung) and more Google software. You can dump some and change defaults. Any free app alternative may be a lot worse for privacy than Google. Just keep that in mind.

3. Pretty true. Android is made for the phone. Tablet is an after thought. Samsung might have some nice apps for their Tab line. I haven't tried them recently. But third party apps will mostly be meant for the phone.

4. Look at other manufacturers or models. There won't be many options which come close to iPad quality. Let alone iPad Air.

There are very few good quality Android tablets. So, if you want something close to even a base iPad in quality and performance. It'll probably mean the Galaxy Tab S7.

5. Depends on the model. Most are using low end CPU though.

6. Android uses onscreen controls. There isn't a home button. Android uses a Launcher this is your homescreen UI and base UI gestures. You don't have to use the Launcher your tablet comes with. There's a whole bunch of them of varying degrees of quality. I prefer the Google Launcher (on a phone). Starting with Android 10 they got it close to iOS like gesture control from the bottom. These Launchers also usually have further options for UI settings. Most will be meant for phones.

7. Google backup. Sometimes it gets flaky and stops backing up without warning. So check your backups are up to date. There’s other options including manual to PC. Generally options aren’t as thorough or nice as iCloud. With Samsung I'd probably use Samsungs default backup or Google. Unless you want to pay for a good backup to PC program.

8. Case options for Android are pretty sparse. Really popular models might get some good cases.

9. Not sure about the specific one you’re looking at. GSMArena lists specs for a lot of devices. I think the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus is AMOLED. The Tab S8 which comes out soon is also AMOLED.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Android gives you a lot of options for default apps. It isn't just stuff like web browsers and email apps. But the assistant your device uses, GUI, pretty much anything can be changed. With various degrees of difficulty. It can get confusing as there is little uniformity. Also some of the deeper changes may involve enabling Developer Options.

But based on your wants and questions. I think you'll really hate using an Android tablet. Heck I like Android phones. I've got a Pixel XL and Pixel 3 along with an iPhone SE and XS. I'm not sure which I like better. But I'd have to call it a flat out no contest between iPad OS and Android for Tablets. Android is meant for phones.

There's just too rich an ecosystem of Apps designed for iPad to contend with.

Before you ask. Windows on tablets is horrible too. Most software for Windows is meant for the desktop. I think the issue is the same for Chrome OS tablets. With the OS being meant for laptops.

Samsung have committed to providing their tablets with 3 major OS updates. So it’s not whatever they feel like.

 

[LFC2020]

Samsung have committed to providing their tablets with 3 major OS updates. So it’s not whatever they feel like.

3 years is a awfully short time to support a tablet, honest opinion you’re wasting your money buying a android tablet.

Better software, better written and supported apps on iPads, even most android users say android tablets are way behind iPads, even software updates leave android tablets for dead.

If you’re after a smaller tablet I’d wait for the iPad mini 6th gen, rumored to have a slightly bigger screen, than the current model.

 

[The Game 161]

as good as tab S7 plus is I still wouldn’t recommend it over an iPad. But if you want one that’s your best and only option android tablet wise

 

[ian87w]

I use it for the main reason iPad was invented, a side gizmo. eBook, consume video, light browsing...this thing is like a tank built to be a Macbook alternative.

The screen is huge, it feels like something meant more to be placed on a desk than operate in hand. Its like a mini TV slab. I can seriously see a hue gradient from top to bottom of the screen going green to pink except this is only on white colour/backgrounds.

I honestly would have gone with the basic iPad if Apple have not cheapened out on the non-laminated screen. The screen is the most important component of an iPad since its an... interactive screen after all! I got an Air 2 which is a 7 year old model that is laminated! iPad screen is literally retro tech.

The Mini is too mini at 1 inch larger than Pro Max phone. I have nothing against people who prefer that size, but its too small for the average iPad use case. Apple has 2 size for Pro model, maybe they should have gone with 2 size with iPad Air 4...9.7 and 10.9

You’re expecting a $329 iPad to have the best screen? That’s like expecting an iPhone SE to have the same OLED screen as the iPhone 12 Pro. It’s called product segmentation. Cheaper models get less features. The same with everyone else. Samsung keeps their Super Amoled screen only for their more expensive models. Their cheaper models uses LCD. Same reasoning, product segmentation.

If you want laminated screen but with the classic form factor, search for the 2019 iPad Air.

 

[Shanghaichica]

3 years is a awfully short time to support a tablet, honest opinion you’re wasting your money buying a android tablet.

Better software, better written and supported apps on iPads, even most android users say android tablets are way behind iPads, even software updates leave android tablets for dead.

If you’re after a smaller tablet I’d wait for the iPad mini 6th gen, rumored to have a slightly bigger screen, than the current model.
View attachment 1740087

No it’s not a long time. However in this case I really don’t think the OP will enjoy an android tablet. He should save himself the hassle and stress. From his post it’s clear that an android tablet doesn’t meet his needs.

 

[MBAir2010]

Apple is safer
while
Android is infected with google
google play supplies all the apps for android tablets like garage door openers to facebook
would you rather have apple steal your info they have and keep that
or google, who will sell or happily give that info to facebook, telemarketer galore, washungtin post and bank of anycountryica?

Even PC World published that the $329 iPad was better than the $400 Samsung device battery, syncing and performance wise in 2019. which is why i stuck with  since then.

 

[MacBH928]

3 years is a awfully short time to support a tablet, honest opinion you’re wasting your money buying a android tablet.

Better software, better written and supported apps on iPads, even most android users say android tablets are way behind iPads, even software updates leave android tablets for dead.

If you’re after a smaller tablet I’d wait for the iPad mini 6th gen, rumored to have a slightly bigger screen, than the current model.
View attachment 1740087

When? Hopefully Apple pull an "iPhone 12" on the Mini and make the mini all screen hence increasing the size the display to 9.7. That would be my perfect choice, although the classic design was best for me there is no going back it seems.

You’re expecting a $329 iPad to have the best screen? That’s like expecting an iPhone SE to have the same OLED screen as the iPhone 12 Pro. It’s called product segmentation. Cheaper models get less features. The same with everyone else. Samsung keeps their Super Amoled screen only for their more expensive models. Their cheaper models uses LCD. Same reasoning, product segmentation.

If you want laminated screen but with the classic form factor, search for the 2019 iPad Air.

I actually prefer the colours and viewing angles of SE over iPhone 12. They could skimp on other things like processor, RAM, storage, Wifi, ..etc. Again Air 2 screen is 7 years old so its not premium or cutting edge technology by any means.

I searched for a new Air 3 model, but couldn't find any. The ones I found on eBay are more expensive than Air 4 not to mention shipping.

No it’s not a long time. However in this case I really don’t think the OP will enjoy an android tablet. He should save himself the hassle and stress. From his post it’s clear that an android tablet doesn’t meet his needs.

I played with a Samsung tablet a little bit and it seems fine but with these things you have to use it for an extended time to really see the difference. On my expense though, having to buy it.

Apple is safer
while
Android is infected with google
google play supplies all the apps for android tablets like garage door openers to facebook
would you rather have apple steal your info they have and keep that
or google, who will sell or happily give that info to facebook, telemarketer galore, washungtin post and bank of anycountryica?

Even PC World published that the $329 iPad was better than the $400 Samsung device battery, syncing and performance wise in 2019. which is why i stuck with  since then.

I decided to keep the "mini-tv". My head hurts trying to figure which to pick, each comes with a complicated set of advantages and disadvantages all on my expense. Buying things should be pleasing not hurting.

You are correct on everything you say. The other day I had an Android phone, I search for phone screen on Google app then went to youtube and there was phone ads. Cross app tracking. Although I must mention there are Android OS out there stripped from the Google code like Graphene and Lineage...thats what I understood.

 

[LFC2020]

When? Hopefully Apple pull an "iPhone 12" on the Mini and make the mini all screen hence increasing the size the display to 9.7. That would be my perfect choice, although the classic design was best for me there is no going back it seems.

Unfortunately the mini won’t be getting the full pro treatment going off the rumors.

Most likely reduce the bezels, slightly bigger screen, 8”+, home button staying, processor upgrade is a must you’d think, not that there’s anything wrong with the current chip.

Can’t see apple going all out with a mini pro, it would eat into the sales of the 11” pro.

Would be one sexy mini though, be tempted to buy one.

Sooner or later the home button will be gone on all their iPhones and iPads.

iPhone SE
iPad
iPad mini

3 products left that have a home button, shrinking every year. 😃

 

[Shanghaichica]

Unfortunately the mini won’t be getting the full pro treatment going off the rumors.

Most likely reduce the bezels, slightly bigger screen, 8”+, home button staying, processor upgrade is a must you’d think, not that there’s anything wrong with the current chip.

Can’t see apple going all out with a mini pro, it would eat into the sales of the 11” pro.

Would be one sexy mini though, be tempted to buy one.

Sooner or later the home button will be gone on all their iPhones and iPads.

iPhone SE
iPad
iPad mini

3 products left that have a home button, shrinking every year. 😃

ipod touch

 

[LFC2020]

ipod touch

Don't care about the iPod touch 😂

 

[MacBH928]

Unfortunately the mini won’t be getting the full pro treatment going off the rumors.

Most likely reduce the bezels, slightly bigger screen, 8”+, home button staying, processor upgrade is a must you’d think, not that there’s anything wrong with the current chip.

Can’t see apple going all out with a mini pro, it would eat into the sales of the 11” pro.

Would be one sexy mini though, be tempted to buy one.

Sooner or later the home button will be gone on all their iPhones and iPads.

iPhone SE
iPad
iPad mini

3 products left that have a home button, shrinking every year. 😃

I don't need much or that pro fancy shmanzy stuff. If I could get A13 or A14 with 3RAM or 4RAM I would be happy, very happy. I must say the 2 sided stereo sound is great feature though. I really missed on the Air 3.

 

[sracer]

So I got the Air 4 and I am not happy with the ginormous size, the screen which seems to have bad viewing angles, no home button, the unresponsive gestures to reach home..etc . I am only left with the bare bones basic iPad with the non-laminated screen when I thought of the unthinkable and thats to move to Android. I have few questions please help me I haven't dealt with Android before.

1) With iPad the OS updates from Apple, where do I get updates for the OS. I heard Samsung keeps running older OS when newer versions are availabe. Can I like update from a 3rd party place?

2)I don't want Google to track me, is there like a bare bones Android I can load that does not have Google spyware and Samsung? What about the App Store?

3) I heard Android tablet apps are horrid as they are just blown up phone apps unlike iPad apps. How true is this?

4) Aspect ratio: I don't want the weird aspect ratios, Samsung tablets seem thinner and taller. Something closer to iPad 9.7 is best. Which should I get?

5) Heat and battery: Is it as cool as an iPad for operations and does the battery last 10 hours like ipad?

6) How you get to home/app switcher? On iPad there was home button and they replaced it with gestures.

7) How do I backup Android? with iOS I backup using iTunes

8) Are there cases like the Smart folio that can turn into a stand to set it on horizontal view?

9) How are the screens? supposedly AMOLED better than iPad's LED? I am very susceptible to viewing angles. I actually prefer iphone7 over iphone 12 and Air 2 over Air 4.

Any extra advice or warnings I am very welcoming of.

I've owned iPads (both Pro and non Pro) since day-1 of gen 1. But because iPad OS continues to be significantly limited in comparison to Android, I've gotten rid of the my larger iPad Pro and 6th gen iPad and replaced them with an iPad Mini 5 that I use as an ereader and digital notebook/journal/planner. That has worked out quite well.

But I miss using a tablet for productivity (and the Mini is too small for that), so I was able to buy a Galaxy Tab S6 during Samsung's cyber-Monday sale, along with the Book Keyboard case and Book cover at firesale prices.

I am able to not only do everything that I was using my iPad Pro for, but for a lot of things that the iPads can't. With 6GB RAM, quad-speakers, S-Pen in-the-box, and DeX, the thing is a little beast and I was able to leave my Macbook Air at home on a recent trip and just use the Tab S6.

Having said that, given your post to start this thread I would not recommend an Android tablet for you. You won't like it.

 

[MacBH928]

I've owned iPads (both Pro and non Pro) since day-1 of gen 1. But because iPad OS continues to be significantly limited in comparison to Android, I've gotten rid of the my larger iPad Pro and 6th gen iPad and replaced them with an iPad Mini 5 that I use as an ereader and digital notebook/journal/planner. That has worked out quite well.

But I miss using a tablet for productivity (and the Mini is too small for that), so I was able to buy a Galaxy Tab S6 during Samsung's cyber-Monday sale, along with the Book Keyboard case and Book cover at firesale prices.

I am able to not only do everything that I was using my iPad Pro for, but for a lot of things that the iPads can't. With 6GB RAM, quad-speakers, S-Pen in-the-box, and DeX, the thing is a little beast and I was able to leave my Macbook Air at home on a recent trip and just use the Tab S6.

Having said that, given your post to start this thread I would not recommend an Android tablet for you. You won't like it.

Most people replied that Android is worse than an iPad, but you replied its more capable. They said iPad apps superior to Android tablets. Thats confusing.

 

[pencilscribbler]

Most people replied that Android is worse than an iPad, but you replied its more capable. They said iPad apps superior to Android tablets. Thats confusing.

The difference is
- sracer is a power user/techie that
> CUSTOMISATION: loves Android’s customisation features (some of which are USER-UNFRIENDLY to general public), and
> he doesn’t mind spending time to research & tweak every little feature to his liking (it’s not easy to configure some Android features, if you are not familiar with it. Practice makes perfect).
> CERTAIN ANDROID TABLET FEATURES DIFFERENT/MISSING IN IPAD: he might also like the Galaxy Tab’s form factor, screen, S-Pen (included with the Galaxy Tab, unlike the Apple Pencil which costs extra) etc
> CHOICE OF NON-IPAD FORM FACTORS: There’s more manufacturers and a variety of different form factors/specs/models to choose from in Android-land, compared to the Apple-only iPadOS world.
> He doesn’t mind Galaxy Tab’s disadvantages — eg. Mainly blown-up Android phone apps, Google’s cross-app & website tracking, less efficient CPU (= tablet runs hotter for the same task), updates may/may not finish after 3 years, etc.


- whereas you MacBH928, to us you sound like a more general-public-type of user, that
> may want regular on-time OS feature & security updates, that last for 4-6 years usually
> values privacy
> likes using apps with UI (user interface) designed specifically for tablets, rather than “uglier” blown-up Android phone apps
> cant really be bothered to do hours of research online to learn how to remove a Google app/service/other Android feature from the tablet, or other tricky customisation
> wants a tablet that is LESS likely to run hot — for the same task, the less power-efficient CPU/SoC will run hotter. And we know that the iPad SoCs are usually more power-efficient & more powerful than the equivalent Snapdragon SoC (Android tablet)
> Doesn’t mind using a iPad with say 3-4GB of RAM (vs 6GB on sracer’s S6), if your tablet runs smoothly for ebook reading, video playback etc


For sracer, Android allows him to customise the Galaxy Tab S6 tablet fully to suit his needs.
That’s why it sounds “more capable”, because he’s telling you about the customisation and higher specs (eg higher RAM than iPad) that he values.

I think for your needs, an iPad Air 4 or iPad is better, but I understand your issues with
- the former’s “ginormous” screen + gesture-based OS, and
- the latter’ non-laminated screen (which is exactly why I bought a iPad Pro a few years back)

My suggestion for you is
(a) Keep your iPad Air 4, and keep using it.
Give it time, you will get used to the gesture-based system and it will become more natural. I went thru the same learning curve when the gesture-based system was first introduced on iPad, and now I hardly use my Home button on my iPad Pro 2017.

(b) Consider loaning/buying a Galaxy Tab or similar Android tablet, use it for a few months, and see for yourself if it’s right for you!


Maybe @sracer can shed some more light about the advantages of a Galaxy Tab?

But even he thinks your needs are best met with Apple/iPad, rather than Android tablet...

 

[LFC2020]

> He doesn’t mind Galaxy Tab’s disadvantages — eg. Mainly blown-up Android phone apps, Google’s cross-app & website tracking, less efficient CPU (= tablet runs hotter for the same task), updates may/may not finish after 3 years, etc.

sounds like a train wreck, wonder if google will ever take tablet software seriously, guess it’s a bit hard when developers don’t even care.

- whereas you MacBH928, to us you sound like a more general-public-type of user, that

> may want regular on-time OS feature & security updates, that last for 4-6 years usually
> values privacy
> likes using apps with UI (user interface) designed specifically for tablets, rather than “uglier” blown-up Android phone apps
> cant really be bothered to do hours of research online to learn how to remove a Google app/service/other Android feature from the tablet, or other tricky customisation
> wants a tablet that is LESS likely to run hot — for the same task, the less power-efficient CPU/SoC will run hotter. And we know that the iPad SoCs are usually more power-efficient & more powerful than the equivalent Snapdragon SoC (Android tablet)
> Doesn’t mind using a iPad with say 3-4GB of RAM (vs 6GB on sracer’s S6), if your tablet runs smoothly for ebook reading, video playback etc

Heaven right there, don’t see what all the fuss is about when it comes to gesture navigation, couldn‘t wait till apple ditched the home button on the iPad, gesture navigation feel way more natural, my 3rd gen pro was a launch day pick up, massive improvement in every single way over the the 2nd gen pros.

Maybe trying out a Samsung galaxy tab will make him realise how bad they are, could be a thing for the op. Just make sure there is a return policy on the device.

Nothing special about blown up smart phone apps on a tablet.

 

[sracer]

The difference is
- sracer is a power user/techie that
> CUSTOMISATION: loves Android’s customisation features (some of which are USER-UNFRIENDLY to general public), and
> he doesn’t mind spending time to research & tweak every little feature to his liking (it’s not easy to configure some Android features, if you are not familiar with it. Practice makes perfect).
> he might also like the Galaxy Tab’s form factor, screen, S-Pen (included with the Galaxy Tab, unlike the Apple Pencil which costs extra) etc
> He doesn’t mind Galaxy Tab’s disadvantages — eg. Mainly blown-up Android phone apps, Google’s cross-app & website tracking, less efficient CPU (= tablet runs hotter for the same task), updates may/may not finish after 3 years, etc.


- whereas you MacBH928, to us you sound like a more general-public-type of user, that
> may want regular on-time OS feature & security updates, that last for 4-6 years usually
> values privacy
> likes using apps with UI (user interface) designed specifically for tablets, rather than “uglier” blown-up Android phone apps
> cant really be bothered to do hours of research online to learn how to remove a Google app/service/other Android feature from the tablet, or other tricky customisation
> wants a tablet that is LESS likely to run hot — for the same task, the less power-efficient CPU/SoC will run hotter. And we know that the iPad SoCs are usually more power-efficient & more powerful than the equivalent Snapdragon SoC (Android tablet)
> Doesn’t mind using a iPad with say 3-4GB of RAM (vs 6GB on sracer’s S6), if your tablet runs smoothly for ebook reading, video playback etc


For sracer, Android allows him to customise the Galaxy Tab S6 tablet fully to suit his needs.
That’s why it sounds “more capable”, because he’s telling you about the customisation and higher specs (eg higher RAM than iPad) that he values.

I think for your needs, an iPad Air 4 or iPad is better, but I understand your issues with
- the former’s “ginormous” screen + gesture-based OS, and
- the latter’ non-laminated screen (which is exactly why I bought a iPad Pro a few years back)

My suggestion for you is
(a) Keep your iPad Air 4, and keep using it.
Give it time, you will get used to the gesture-based system and it will become more natural. I went thru the same learning curve when the gesture-based system was first introduced on iPad, and now I hardly use my Home button on my iPad Pro 2017.

(b) Consider loaning/buying a Galaxy Tab or similar Android tablet, use it for a few months, and see for yourself if it’s right for you!


Maybe @sracer can shed some more light about the advantages of a Galaxy Tab?

But even he thinks your needs are best met with Apple/iPad, rather than Android tablet...

I don't appreciate you assuming to know what I do with my Android device and why it appeals to me.