Samsung and Apple dominate the premium tablet space with their flagship Galaxy Tab S and iPad Pro series. Here we‘ll compare the Galaxy Tab S7 versus the 5th generation 2021 iPad Pro across all the key categories – from design and display to performance and price. You‘ll see how they stack up spec for spec, get professional insights, and be able to determine which device better fits your needs.
Before we dive in, let‘s quickly note when each tablet first launched along with what operating system version it runs. This will give helpful context before we explore the hardware and features more closely:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | August 2020 | May 2021 |
| Operating System | Android 10 | iPadOS 15 |
You‘ll be working with a skinned Android 10 platform on the Galaxy Tab S7. The iPad Pro runs Apple‘s proprietary iPadOS 15 software. Both reflect the latest OS versions found on each company‘s smartphones but add enhancements tailored for large-screen tablet usage.
Now let‘s kick things off by examining how these two powerhouse performers compare when it comes to…
In your hands, both premium tablets actually share some notable design similarities:
- Aluminum chassis construction adds durability while keeping weight reasonable
- Magnetic side strips provide solid attachment points for each device‘s active stylus pen when not in use
- Minimal screen bezels surrounding the display allow for a more immersive viewing experience
But the overall look and feel differs quite a bit:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 x 6.3 x 0.25 inches | 12.9 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
| Color Options | Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Navy | Space Gray, Silver |
| Styling | Rectangular shape with rounded corners | Squared-off edges for uniform appearance |
As the measurements above show, the pro goes bigger in terms of screen size but this also makes Apple‘s tablet heavier and unwieldy for prolonged one-handed use. Samsung‘s design focuses more on portability.
So while both exude premium quality through metal builds and sleek profiles, you‘ll likely find the Tab S7‘s lighter more hand-friendly chassis the better take-along companion.
You’ll really appreciate both of these tablet’s stunning displays. But while the screens share high refresh rates and crisp details, the overall technology powering each one differs:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 11 inches | 12.9 inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 widescreen | 4:3 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 2732 x 2048 pixels |
| Display Type | LTPS LCD | Mini-LED backlit Liquid Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 500 nits | 1000 nits |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
So with its mini-LED backlighting providing enhanced contrast and up to double the peak brightness, the larger iPad Pro display unquestionably outperforms the Galaxy Tab S7 panel in areas like HDR playback.
But Samsung fights back with its own strengths too. That widescreen 16:10 ratio lends itself better to watching movies or playing games where dark scene reproduction matters less. And while not quite as vivid or bright, 500 nits still allow its LCD technology to deliver saturated colors and easily readable details even under harsh overhead light.
Now let‘s move inside these tablets to see what‘s powering all those pixels – starting with the brains of the operation, the processor:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+ | Apple M1 |
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Apple 8-core |
| Benchmark Score | 3,341 (Geekbench 5 Single Core) 10,322 (Geekbench 5 Multi-Core) |
1,705 (Geekbench 5 Single Core) 7,267 (Geekbench 5 Multi-Core) |
Simply put, Apple‘s custom-designed M1 silicon outmuscles the Galaxy Tab‘s Snapdragon platform. The iPad Pro‘s octa-core CPU particularly excels at demanding multitasking while that powerful 8-core integrated ensures smooth graphics and gameplay. As those benchmark figures demonstrate, it tops the Tab S7‘s performance by healthy margins.
Apple also packs more memory and storage into its iPad Pro:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 16GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
So spending more nets you up to 2TB locally – an unheard amount for any tablet. Realistically though, that entry 128GB model should suffice for all but the most intensive media workflows.
Both support external microSD cards, but iPadOS imposes significant limitations on what you can access compared to Android‘s open file management.
The bottom line? While not quite as speedy, the Tab S7 still zips through games and app multitasking with snappy response. Power users who demand peak performance should consider the extra cost of iPad Pro‘s leading-edge Apple silicon justified.
Tablet photography can sometimes feel like an afterthought compared to smartphone shooters. Yet both companies understand customers still expect strong image capture abilities from their premium pads. Here‘s how the rear and front-facing camera modules compare between our two contenders:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera(s) | 13MP, f/2.0 Wide 5MP, f/2.2 Ultra-wide |
12MP, f/1.8 Wide 10MP, f/2.4 Ultra-wide LiDAR Scanner |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP Ultra Wide, f/2.4 |
| Rear Video Capture | Up to 4K at 30fps | Up to 4K at 60fps |
| Front Video Capture | Up to 1080p at 30fps | Up to 1080p at 60fps |
As you can see, the Pro‘s front and back shooters share the same improved 12MP resolution. Video also gets a considerable upgrade with smooth 60fps framerates in up to 4K on the rear and Full HD 1080p using the front-facing camera.
An additional ultra-wide lens allows for more creative framing opportunities and enhanced low light performance. But the built-in LiDAR Scanner gives iPad Pro biggest edge, bringing depth data for superior photo effects and next-level augmented reality experiences.
While perfectly solid in their own right, the Tab S7‘s photo and video results simply can‘t match Apple‘s best-in-class tablet camera system.
Let‘s keep things 100 percent honest. Yes, the iPad Pro technically touts a higher capacity battery on paper:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 8,000 mAh | 9,720 mAh |
But in person, you‘d be challenged to detect much meaningful difference in real-world runtimes. Through extensive testing cycles, Samsung has optimized their tablet‘s efficient LCD display and intelligent software management systems to extract every last drop of juice – delivering over 13 hours of continuous video playback for example.
Apple‘s custom operating system and silicon also lead to excellent iPad Pro battery life overall around 10 hours mixed usage thanks to tight hardware and software integration. Rapid 30W charging further keeps things topped off when needed.
Either way, you can confidently leave those wall chargers behind for all-day outings without range anxiety kicking in. When your activities finally do drain the tank, the Tab S7 energizes just as rapidly with 25W fast charging support.
If you already use an iPhone, you‘ll immediately feel comfortable getting around iPadOS. Samsung‘s Android skin likewise mirrors what Galaxy phone owners enjoy on their handsets.
But while sharing common foundations, notable differences arise:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| UI Layout | Traditional grid home screen layout with app drawer | App icons displayed on every page |
| Home Screen Customization | Widgets enabled; Arrange apps as desired | Limited widget support; Dock only changes |
| Multi-Tasking | Freeform windows; Adjust sizing + positioning | Slide Over or Split Screen |
| File Access | Internal storage & external microSD access | Files limited to iPadOS native locations |
| S Pen Support | Included | Sold separately |
| App Selection | Multi-platform apps may face scaling issues | iPad versions highly optimized |
You gain more flexibility tailoring Android‘s appearance and interactions on the Tab S7. iPadOS chooses stricter limitations in keeping with Apple‘s unified vision. But those constraints bring the benefit of software better optimized to take advantage of iPad Pro‘s generous canvas.
And while Samsung‘s S Pen integrates seamlessly into their flagship tablet experience right out of the box, you‘ll need to shell out another $130 or so if you want Apple Pencil capabilities with your iPad Pro.
Again, it comes down to your preferred computing style. iPad Pro works brilliantly if you flow within Apple‘s ecosystem. Samsung‘s approach appeals more to those who cherish open environments and boundless customization.
Here‘s a detailed cost comparison across storage configurations:
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 | iPad Pro 2021 (5th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB Storage/6GB RAM | $649.99 | – |
| 128GB Storage/8GB RAM | – | $799.00 |
| 256GB Storage/8GB RAM | $729.99 | $899.00 |
| 512GB Storage/8GB RAM | – | $1,099.00 |
| 512GB Storage/16GB RAM | – | $1,299.00 |
| 1TB Storage/16GB RAM | – | $1,899.00 |
| 2TB Storage/16GB RAM | – | $2,199.00 |
| Cellular Upgrade Cost | $200 | $200 |
| S Pen/Pencil | Included | $129 extra |
As that breakdown clearly illustrates, Samsung gives you premium tablet performance starting $150 less than the cheapest iPad Pro configuration. Of course, increased capacities and cellular connectivity raise costs substantially across the board. But frivolous overspending gets avoided if 128GB suits your needs.
And remember – that S Pen stylus ships free in the box with Samsung‘s tablet. You‘ll pay Apple another $129 for basic Pencil compatibility with your iPad Pro purchase. Given the immense sketching/annotating capabilities both tablets unlock, that‘s $130 of pure profit straight into Samsung’s coffers.
We’ve covered a lot of ground comparing these two tablet powerhouses. Let’s recap the key factors in determining which one best fits your needs:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 makes the most sense if you want:
- Smoother more portable design that‘s easier to handle
- Wider 16:10 screen ratio better-suited for videos & gaming
- Savings of $150+ over comparable iPad Pro models
- Built-in stylus with convenient magnetic housing
- Flexible storage expansion via microSD card support
- Highly customizable interface with desktop-style capabilities
iPad Pro 2021’s advantages appeal more to users who:
- Demand best-in-class tablet performance
- Prefer Apple‘s straightforward operating system approach
- Will utilize the expansive ProMotion display for creative work or business
- Require professional-quality photography/video capture abilities
- Embrace the unified iOS/iPadOS ecosystem daily
And keep in mind, the ecosystem you‘re already embedded within matters more than pure hardware prowess alone. So what makes the most financial and practical sense given your existing device stable? In many cases, staying within established brands brings benefits that supersede chasing specs.
Either way, both the Galaxy Tab S7 and latest iPad Pro represent apex tablet experiences packaged in sleek yet muscular aluminum frames. From media consumption to mobile productivity, you‘ll be thoroughly impressed by what both accomplish. It’s simply a matter of which philosophy rings truer to your personal needs.
I hope mapping out their upsides and downsides across 10 key areas helped bring that decision into focus! Let me know if any other questions pop up. Enjoy whichever incredible tablet you end up choosing!
