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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)

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Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021)

Starting at

£100.00
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iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)

Starting at

£921.11£1,098.90 new
See options
(101 reviews)
(22 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) starts at £100, £821.11 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.

Refurbished from

£100£921.11

RAM

3 GB12 GB

Screen size

10.5 inch13 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDUltra Retina XDR display

Weight

508 g579 g
  • The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
  • The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.5 inch.
  • Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) differ significantly in performance, screen quality, and storage options. The Galaxy Tab A8 suits everyday use with a simpler processor, 3 GB RAM, and smaller storage choices up to 64GB. It has a 10.5 inch TFT LCD screen that fits well for casual media and tasks. The iPad Pro offers a higher performance experience with the Apple M5 processor, 12 GB RAM, and much larger storage options reaching 2TB. Its 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display provides a more spacious and sharper viewing experience. Buyers looking for powerful multitasking and premium screen quality will find the iPad Pro more fitting, while those wanting straightforward functionality at a lower price will appreciate the Galaxy Tab A8.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates

Durability covers software updates and operating systems, which affect how long a device stays current and what apps it can run.

Operating Systems

The Galaxy Tab A8 runs on Android, offering access to a wide range of apps through Google Play and a flexible user environment. The iPad Pro uses iPadOS, designed to optimise performance and app experience on Apple devices. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the Android or Apple ecosystem.

Update Compatibility

This means each device will continue to receive new features and security improvements appropriate to its system.

Maximum operating system supported

Android 14N/A

Software updates

N/ASupported, up to iPadOS 27

Year of release

20212025

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance

Performance impacts how well a tablet handles apps, multitasking, and demanding tasks. The Galaxy Tab A8 and iPad Pro differ greatly in processing power, RAM, and storage options, influencing their suitability for different users.

Processor Power

The Galaxy Tab A8 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, which supports everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming. The iPad Pro features the Apple M5 processor, designed for high performance in professional apps, creative work, and intense multitasking.

Memory Capacity

With 3 GB RAM, the Galaxy Tab A8 manages basic multitasking and app use smoothly for general users. The iPad Pro comes with 12 GB RAM, ideal for keeping many apps and complex workflows running simultaneously without slowing down.

Storage Options

Storage on the Galaxy Tab A8 starts at 32GB and goes up to 64GB, suitable for storing apps, media, and documents for everyday users. The iPad Pro offers much larger choices from 256GB up to 2TB, catering to professionals or users with extensive storage needs such as large files and apps.

Processor

Unisoc Tiger T618Apple M5

Processor speed ghz

N/A4.6 GHz, 3.0 GHz

RAM

3 GB12 GB

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen

Screen quality affects how content looks and how comfortable it is to use the device for media, work, and reading. The Galaxy Tab A8 and iPad Pro differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.

Screen Size

The Galaxy Tab A8 has a 10.5 inch screen, which is a practical size for portability while still offering enough space for most tasks. The iPad Pro's 13 inch screen provides a more expansive display that suits detailed work, watching videos, and multitasking across apps.

Screen Resolution

The Galaxy Tab A8 features a resolution of 1200 by 1920 pixels, delivering clear visuals for everyday use. The iPad Pro's 2752 by 2064 resolution offers a sharper and more detailed picture, enhancing the viewing experience for photos, videos, and design work.

Screen Technology

The Galaxy Tab A8 uses a TFT LCD screen, providing vibrant colours and decent brightness for standard use. The iPad Pro features an Ultra Retina XDR display, designed for superior brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy, making it suitable for creative professionals and media enthusiasts.

Display glass

N/AStandard display

Pixel density

220pppN/A

Refresh rate

60 HzN/A

Resolution

1200 x 19202752 x 2064

Screen size

10.5 inch13 inch

Screen type

TFT LCDUltra Retina XDR display

True tone

N/AYes

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera

Front camera definition

N/A12 megapixels

Rear camera definition

N/A12 megapixels

Speakers

Stereo speakers (4 speakers)Four speaker audio

Video recording

N/A4K 60FPS

Webcam

YesN/A

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design

Other practical differences include connectivity options, touch support, and weight, which influence how you use the device day to day.

Connectivity and Carrier

The Galaxy Tab A8 is an unlocked device, allowing easy use with a variety of carriers if you add a SIM card. The iPad Pro comes without a SIM port, so it relies on Wi-Fi or external methods for internet connectivity.

Touch Capability

The Galaxy Tab A8 supports touch interaction, suitable for direct navigation and drawing apps. The iPad Pro does not support touch.

Device Weight

The Galaxy Tab A8 weighs 508 g, making it lighter and potentially easier to hold for longer periods. The iPad Pro weighs 579 g, which may be noticeable if you carry it frequently but adds to the feeling of a larger, more substantial device.

Connector Type

Both devices use USB Type-C connectors, standard for charging and connecting accessories, ensuring compatibility with common cables and peripherals.

120hz

NoN/A

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedWithout SIM Port

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Double sim

NoN/A

Face

N/AYes

Headphones connectivity

N/AUSB Type-C

Lidar scanner

N/AYes

Megapixels

8 + 5N/A

Minimum system requirements mac

N/AmacOS High Sierra 10.13

Minimum system requirements windows

N/AWindows 10

Promotion

N/AYes

Sim format

N/ANot applicable

Touch

YesNo

Weight

508 g579 g

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) or iPad Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £100, £821.11 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
  • you want a lighter build (508 g vs 579 g)

Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if

  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
  • you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 10.5 inch)

What our customers say

Customers of the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) appreciate its ease of use and value for money. Many note that it works well with keyboards and mice, making it suitable for casual productivity. Users praise the tablet's condition and quality, with only occasional comments about battery life being less than ideal. The screen and overall performance satisfy those seeking a straightforward tablet for everyday tasks and media.

Buyers of the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) report that the device looks and feels like new, with excellent battery health and screen brightness. The performance is smooth and fast, meeting the expectations of users who rely on it for demanding apps and longer use. Some mention minor cosmetic details that do not affect function. The larger storage options and premium screen are appreciated by those who need more from their tablet.

The Galaxy Tab A8 suits users wanting a simple, capable device for daily use and moderate multitasking. The iPad Pro is well suited to buyers who need powerful performance, extensive storage, and a high-quality display for professional or creative work.

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs

Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 10.5 inch.

The Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) is cheaper refurbished, from £100 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).

We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.

Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A8 (10.5", 2021) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.

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