Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023)
Starting at
£117.65£219.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) starts at £117.65, £803.46 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.7 inch.
- Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) serve different needs. The Galaxy Tab A9 is a lighter, smaller tablet with Android and a straightforward design that suits everyday tasks, casual gaming, and portability. The iPad Pro offers a larger, higher-resolution screen, more memory, and a faster processor, making it ideal for demanding apps, creative work, and media consumption. Storage options also differ, with the iPad Pro providing larger capacities.
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here includes software compatibility and operating systems, which affect how long your tablet keeps receiving updates and the environments in which it operates.
Latest Software Updates
This means you can expect to run current apps and security features on either device.
Operating System Choice
The Galaxy Tab A9 runs on Android, offering flexibility and access to the Play Store. The iPad Pro uses iPadOS, which is known for optimised apps and a uniform experience across Apple devices. Your preference in OS will influence your daily interaction and app availability.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance covers processor power, memory, and storage, which determine how smoothly a tablet runs apps and how much data you can keep on it.
Processor Speed and Power
The Galaxy Tab A9 features a Mediatek Helio G99 with speeds of 2.2 GHz and 2.0 GHz, suitable for everyday use and casual gaming. The iPad Pro has an Apple M5 processor running at 4.6 GHz and 3.0 GHz, offering more power for multitasking, professional apps, and intensive tasks.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab A9 keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The iPad Pro's 12 GB RAM allows for more apps to run simultaneously and better handling of demanding software.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab A9 comes in 64 GB and 128 GB versions, enough for regular use and media storage. The iPad Pro starts at 256 GB and extends up to 2 TB, ideal for large files, extensive app libraries, and professional media projects.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, from sharpness to size and display technology, influencing your comfort and experience when browsing, watching videos, or working.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Tab A9 has an 8.7 inch screen, making it compact and easy to hold for reading or casual use. The iPad Pro offers a 13 inch screen, providing ample space for multitasking, creative work, and immersive viewing.
Resolution and Display Type
The Galaxy Tab A9's 800 x 1340 resolution with a TFT LCD screen suits everyday tasks and casual media. The iPad Pro features a resolution of 2752 x 2064 on an Ultra Retina XDR display, delivering sharper images, deeper colours, and better brightness for professional and entertainment use.
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audiovisual features include camera quality, speakers, and video recording, which impact video calls, content creation, and media enjoyment.
Camera Quality
The Galaxy Tab A9 has a 2 megapixel front camera and an 8 megapixel rear camera, suitable for simple video calls and snapshots. The iPad Pro offers higher-resolution cameras with 12 megapixels on both front and rear, capturing more detail in photos and video chats.
Speakers and Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab A9 features stereo speakers and records video at 1080p 30 FPS, fitting for everyday media. The iPad Pro has four speaker audio and supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS, which benefits users who create or watch high-quality video content.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Other practical differences include connectivity options, weight, and SIM compatibility, which affect how you use your tablet day to day.
Connectivity and SIM Options
The Galaxy Tab A9 is unlocked and uses a Nano SIM, letting you connect to mobile networks. It has a 3.5 mm headphone jack and USB Type-C connector for accessories. The iPad Pro does not have a SIM port and uses USB Type-C for headphones and charging, so wireless audio or adapters are necessary.
Weight
Weighing 333 g, the Galaxy Tab A9 is lighter and easier to carry around for extended use. The iPad Pro weighs 579 g, reflecting its larger screen and build, which suits users prioritising screen space and power over portability.
120hz
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
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Double sim
Face
Headphones connectivity
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Lidar scanner
Megapixels
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) or iPad Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £117.65, £803.46 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (333 g vs 579 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 8.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy Tab A9 for its good size, ease of use, and sufficient memory for casual gaming and daily tasks. Many highlight how the tablet feels like new and is easy to set up. Some users mention region restrictions affecting app downloads, but overall users find it reliable and value the freedom of the Android environment.
For the iPad Pro, customers consistently note the like-new condition, excellent battery health, and smooth performance. The large screen and powerful processor meet expectations for demanding apps and media. Some mention minor surface wear but praise the overall quality, with several noting it feels almost new despite being refurbished.
The Galaxy Tab A9 suits those looking for a lighter, simpler Android tablet for everyday use and casual gaming. The iPad Pro fits buyers wanting a larger, more powerful device for creative work, multitasking, and higher-quality audiovisual experiences.
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) 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 4 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 8.7 inch.
The Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) is cheaper refurbished, from £117.65 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab A9 (8.7", 2023) comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
