Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019)
Starting at
£187.00
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) starts at £187, £129.24 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 6 GB.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S6 and the iPad Air 5 differ in several key areas that suit different users. It has an M1 processor and more RAM, which helps keep apps running smoothly, especially if you multitask. The Galaxy Tab S6 offers larger storage options and a Super AMOLED screen with higher pixel density, which benefits users who want vivid colours and sharper visuals. The iPad Air 5 has a slightly bigger screen with more brightness, good for viewing in various lighting. Camera quality varies with the iPad Air having a better front camera and smoother 4K video recording, while the Galaxy Tab S6 has a higher resolution rear camera and multiple stereo speakers. Choose the Galaxy Tab S6 for media richness and storage or the iPad Air 5 for performance and software longevity.
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability is about how long a device stays current with software and the operating systems it uses.
Software Updates
This suits buyers who want a device that stays current longer or one that works with the latest apps and system improvements.
Operating Systems
The Galaxy Tab S6 runs on Android, offering flexibility and customization common to that ecosystem. The iPad Air 5 uses iPadOS, which is tuned for Apple hardware and regularly updated. Your preference between Android and iPadOS will influence which tablet fits your daily use and app availability.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance covers the processor power, memory capacity and storage options, all affecting how smoothly a device runs apps and stores your data. These tablets differ notably in these areas.
Processor Power
The iPad Air 5 is powered by the Apple M1 chip, known for strong performance with demanding apps and multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S6 uses the Snapdragon 855, suitable for everyday tasks and media but less powerful for heavy workloads. If you use intensive apps or multitask frequently, the iPad Air 5 may suit you better.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Air 5 keeps more apps open and running smoothly in the background. The Galaxy Tab S6 has 6 GB RAM, which handles everyday apps well but offers less room for heavy multitasking.
Storage Choices
The Galaxy Tab S6 comes in 128 GB and 256 GB storage options in stock, giving you more space to store media, apps and files. The iPad Air 5 offers 64 GB and 256 GB versions, with 64 GB suitable for lighter users and 256 GB for those with larger storage needs. Choose based on how much data you want to keep locally.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how images, videos and text appear. These devices have different screen types, sizes, resolutions and brightness levels that influence viewing comfort and clarity.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy Tab S6 features a Super AMOLED display, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPad Air 5 uses a Liquid Retina display, which offers accurate colours and sharpness tuned for Apple devices. Your choice depends on whether you prefer vivid AMOLED visuals or the Liquid Retina's colour profile.
Size and Resolution
The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch screen with 2360 by 1640 resolution, offering a slightly larger and brighter display at 500 nits. The Galaxy Tab S6 has a 10.5 inch screen with a higher pixel density of 290 ppi and resolution of 1600 by 2560, which means the Galaxy's pixels are packed more tightly, making images look sharper.
Brightness and Glass
The iPad Air 5 is brighter at 500 nits, useful for use in brighter environments. The Galaxy Tab S6 has 460 nits brightness and a glass front, which may give a particular feel to touch and viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers and video recording capabilities. These differences affect video calls, photography and media playback quality.
Camera Quality
The iPad Air 5 has a higher resolution front camera with 12 megapixels, which is useful for sharper video calls and selfies. The Galaxy Tab S6 has a 13 megapixel rear camera, slightly higher than the iPad Air 5's 12 megapixel rear camera, making it suited for more detailed photos from the back camera.
Video Recording
Both devices support 4K video recording, but the Galaxy Tab S6 records at 30 frames per second while the iPad Air 5 records at 60 frames per second. The higher frame rate on the iPad Air 5 means smoother video capture, which matters if you record a lot of video.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab S6 has four stereo speakers, offering a potentially richer and more immersive sound experience for music and video. The iPad Air 5 has stereo speakers but with fewer speakers, which still deliver good audio for everyday use.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Other differences include connectivity, size, weight and input features that affect daily handling and compatibility.
Connectivity and Ports
Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors and support Bluetooth 5.0, making them compatible with many accessories. They both support unlocked carrier use and have Nano SIM slots.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S6 is slightly lighter at 420 g and measures 244.5 mm by 159.5 mm by 5.7 mm depth. The iPad Air 5 is a bit heavier at 462 g with dimensions of 247.6 mm by 178.5 mm by 6.1 mm. These differences may be felt in hand during extended use.
Touch and Facial Recognition
Both devices support touch input. The Galaxy Tab S6 includes facial recognition for unlocking and security, while the iPad Air 5 does not have facial recognition.
WiFi Standards
The iPad Air 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which is newer and can offer faster and more reliable wireless connections where supported. The Galaxy Tab S6 supports Wi‑Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.
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 S6 (10.5", 2019) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £187, £129.24 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (420 g vs 462 g)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy Tab S6 often praise its condition, with many saying it looks almost new and works perfectly despite its age. Several mention the inclusion of the stylus pen, which is important for their daily use. Some note minor wear such as chips or scratches, but still feel the tablet fits their needs well for media and daily tasks. The larger storage options and vivid screen seem appreciated by users who want a good media experience.
Users of the iPad Air 5 highlight its smooth performance thanks to the M1 chip and clean, like-new condition. The screen is described as sharp and bright, and many enjoy pairing it with the Apple Pencil for note-taking or drawing. Some buyers mention the battery life and Wi-Fi stability as positives, though a few note issues related to region-specific software features. Overall, customers find it a great device for productivity and everyday use.
Both devices suit different needs well. The Galaxy Tab S6 appeals to those after a colourful display and more storage for media, while the iPad Air 5 suits buyers who prioritise performance, software updates and integration with Apple accessories.
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) 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 6 GB. The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a bigger screen: 10.9 inch vs 10.5 inch.
The Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) is cheaper refurbished, from £187 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S6 (10.5", 2019) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
