Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021)
Starting at
£160.00
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) starts at £160, £156.24 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 Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- Screen type: TFT LCD on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) offer different strengths suited to distinct users. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE has a larger 12.4 inch screen with a TFT LCD and higher maximum brightness, ideal for those who want a spacious display for study or media. The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 chip and 8 GB RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and demanding apps. It has a smaller but sharper Liquid Retina display and excels in camera quality and video recording. Both devices support the latest operating systems and have USB Type-C connectors, but differ in weight and connectivity details. Choose the Galaxy Tab S7 FE for a larger, brighter screen and the iPad Air 5 for power, sharper display, and higher resolution cameras.
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers how each tablet keeps working with software updates and the operating system it runs.
Operating System Support
This means each device stays compatible with their respective ecosystems and latest apps for years.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance is defined by the processor, memory, and storage options available. These affect how smoothly your apps run and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G processor with 6 GB RAM, suitable for everyday multitasking and media. The iPad Air 5 features an Apple M1 chip paired with 8 GB RAM, which supports stronger performance for more demanding tasks and apps.
Storage Capacity
Galaxy Tab S7 FE offers 64 GB and 128 GB storage options, giving more flexibility for storing files and apps. The iPad Air 5 comes with 64 GB and 256 GB options, ideal if you need extra space for larger files or apps.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
RAM
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality impacts how clear and bright your viewing experience is. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE and iPad Air 5 differ in screen size, resolution, and panel type, catering to different viewing preferences.
Screen Size and Type
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE has a larger 12.4 inch TFT LCD screen, offering more room for watching videos or working on documents. The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display, which is a type of display known for smoother colours and better overall image quality.
Brightness and Resolution
Galaxy Tab S7 FE reaches a maximum brightness of 522 nits, making it bright enough for most lighting conditions. The iPad Air 5 offers 500 nits brightness with a higher pixel density of 264 ppi compared to 250 ppi on the Samsung, resulting in a sharper image on a smaller screen. The iPad Air 5 also has a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels, which is well suited to detailed visuals, compared to 1600 x 2560 on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE.
Display Glass
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE features glass front protection, which helps resist scratches and damage. The iPad Air 5 has a standard display glass.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording capabilities, which affect how well you can capture images and enjoy media.
Camera Quality
The iPad Air 5 has higher resolution cameras with 12 megapixels on both front and rear, allowing for sharper photos and video calls. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE has an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera, suitable for casual photography and video chats.
Video Recording
Video recording on the iPad Air 5 supports 4K at 60 FPS, providing smooth, high-resolution footage. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE records in 1080p at 30 FPS, which is good for everyday video but with lower detail and frame rate.
Speakers
Both tablets have stereo speakers, ensuring balanced sound for watching videos or calls.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Other practical details include connectivity, size, and weight, which influence portability and how you connect accessories.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE supports Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, while the iPad Air 5 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. Both offer modern wireless standards for reliable connections.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE is larger and heavier at 284.8 mm height, 185 mm width, 6.3 mm depth, and 608 g weight, making it more suited for stationary use or carrying in a larger bag. The iPad Air 5 is more compact and lighter at 247.6 mm height, 178.5 mm width, 6.1 mm depth, and 462 g weight, making it easier to hold for longer periods or carry around.
Headphones Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPad Air 5 uses its USB Type-C port for headphone connectivity, so wired headphones need a compatible adapter or USB-C connection.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE is without a SIM port, meaning it relies on Wi-Fi for internet. The iPad Air 5 is unlocked and supports nano SIM, allowing for wider mobile data options.
Connector Type
Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors, which are common for charging and accessories.
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 S7 FE (12.4", 2021) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £160, £156.24 less than the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
- you want a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 608 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Tab S7 FE appreciate its large, slim design and good condition, often noting the screen quality and overall reliability. Many mention the device being suitable for study or media use, with some enjoying the included S Pen. A few customers experienced issues with specific units or accessories, but many found the tablet worth the price and in very good condition, sometimes like new.
Those who bought the iPad Air 5 praise its speed and smooth performance thanks to the M1 chip and 8 GB RAM. The Liquid Retina display is noted for sharp visuals, and the battery life is generally described as lasting all day. Users value the device for productivity and media, often pairing it with the Apple Pencil for notes or drawing. Some highlight the light weight and excellent condition of the iPad, making it comfortable for extended use.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE suits buyers who want a larger screen and a device for casual or study use, while the iPad Air 5 is better for those needing more power, sharper display, and superior camera and video features.
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) 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 Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch.
The Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) is cheaper refurbished, from £160 compared with £316.24 for the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (12.4", 2021) comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
