Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017)
Starting at
£56.00
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) starts at £56, £260.24 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch.
- Screen type: LCD on the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab Active2 and the iPad Air 5 offer different strengths for different users. The Galaxy Tab Active2 is a smaller 8.0 inch Android tablet with simpler performance and storage, suitable for everyday tasks and those who prefer a compact device with a headphone jack and face recognition. The iPad Air 5 features a larger 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with higher resolution and brightness, powered by the Apple M1 processor and 8 GB of RAM, making it a better fit for users who want smoother multitasking, sharper visuals, and advanced video recording. Both have USB Type-C connectors and stereo speakers, but the iPad offers more storage options and wider carrier compatibility.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Storage
- 16GBSold out
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability includes the operating system support and software updates each device can receive. This affects how long the device can keep up with apps and security improvements.
Operating System Support
This means it will not receive new features or security patches beyond its current version.
Operating System Type
The Galaxy Tab Active2 uses Android, which may be preferred if you are familiar with Google services and apps. The iPad Air 5 uses iPadOS, designed specifically for Apple devices, offering a different app ecosystem and user experience.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance covers processing power, memory, and storage. These affect how smoothly the device runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores files or media.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an Exynos 7870 Octa processor with 3 GB of RAM, suited for basic everyday use such as browsing and simple apps. The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 processor and 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports more demanding multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab Active2 comes with 16 GB of storage, which fits light use and fewer apps or files. The iPad Air 5 offers 64 GB and 256 GB storage options, allowing you to keep more apps, photos, and videos on the device.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, brightness, and type. These impact how clear and vibrant images and text appear, and how comfortable the device is for watching videos or reading.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8.0 inch screen with 800 x 1280 resolution and 190 pixels per inch, suitable for compact use and general viewing. The iPad Air 5 has a larger 10.9 inch screen with 2360 x 1640 resolution and 264 pixels per inch, offering more screen space and sharper detail for video, games, or multitasking.
Brightness and Screen Type
The Galaxy Tab Active2 reaches 480 nits brightness on an LCD screen, while the iPad Air 5 has 500 nits brightness and a Liquid Retina display, which provides a more vivid and accurate colour experience.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, video recording capabilities, and speakers, influencing media capture and playback quality.
Camera and Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab Active2 has an 8 megapixel rear camera and can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second, good for casual photos and videos. The iPad Air 5 offers a 12 megapixel rear camera with 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, which is better for capturing detailed photos and smoother high-resolution videos.
Speakers
Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing balanced sound for watching videos or listening to music.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, dimensions, and extra hardware details that affect everyday handling and compatibility.
Connectivity and Ports
Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors. The Galaxy Tab Active2 has a 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired headphones, while the iPad Air 5 uses USB Type-C for audio, which may require adapters for some headphones. Bluetooth 4.2 is available on the Galaxy Tab Active2, with Bluetooth 5.0 on the iPad Air 5 offering improved wireless connectivity.
Carrier and SIM
The Galaxy Tab Active2 does not have a SIM port, making it Wi-Fi only. The iPad Air 5 supports Nano SIM, giving more flexibility for mobile data use.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab Active2 measures 214 mm by 127.6 mm by 9.9 mm and weighs 415 g, making it compact and light. The iPad Air 5 is larger at 247.6 mm by 178.5 mm by 6.1 mm and weighs 462 g, offering more screen space while remaining relatively slim.
Face Recognition and Touch
The Galaxy Tab Active2 includes face recognition for access, while the iPad Air 5 does not. Both devices have touchscreens for direct interaction.
Wi-Fi Standards
The Galaxy Tab Active2 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, while the iPad Air 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which can provide faster and more reliable wireless connections where available.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Megapixels
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
With stylus pencil
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £56, £260.24 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
- you want a lighter build (415 g vs 462 g)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab Active2 generally find the device in good physical condition and appreciate its compact size and included stylus pen. Some users have experienced setup issues related to device enrolment and app logins, and the Android version may restrict app compatibility. Many customers mention that the tablet works well for everyday use and is suitable as a gift or for simple tasks.
Reviews of the iPad Air 5 highlight its like-new condition, excellent screen quality, and strong performance with the M1 chip. Users appreciate the smooth multitasking, sharp video streaming, and stable Wi-Fi connection. Some mention minor issues like battery drain and the absence of certain Apple features on models sold from China, but overall satisfaction is high. The iPad Air 5 is praised for its storage options, screen size, and compatibility with accessories like the Apple Pencil.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 suits users looking for a smaller, simpler tablet for basic tasks and who value features like a headphone jack and face recognition. The iPad Air 5 is better for those who want a larger, more powerful device with a sharper screen and more storage for productivity and media use.
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 8.0 inch.
The Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) is cheaper refurbished, from £56 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab Active2 (8.0", 2017) comes in 16GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
