Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022)
Starting at
£382.87£999.00 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £66.63 less than the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022).
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- The Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) has an OLED screen.
- The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) has a lighter build: 462 g vs 567 g.
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S8+ and the iPad Air 5, both released in 2022, offer distinct experiences suited to different users. The Galaxy Tab S8+ stands out with its larger 12.4 inch Super AMOLED screen, making it a good choice for anyone who values a spacious, vibrant display. Meanwhile, the iPad Air 5 features the powerful Apple M1 processor and supports iPadOS 18, providing a smooth and responsive experience for productivity and creative tasks. The iPad Air 5 is lighter and offers unlocked connectivity, which may suit those prioritising portability and network flexibility. Storage options vary slightly, with the iPad Air 5 starting at 64GB and the Galaxy Tab S8+ at 128GB. Both devices come with 8 GB of RAM and USB Type-C connectors. Your choice depends on screen size preference, operating system, and how you plan to use the tablet.
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability involves how long a device remains compatible with software updates and its operating system support.
OS Experience
Choosing between Android on the Galaxy Tab S8+ and iPadOS on the iPad Air 5 depends on your preference for the ecosystem.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance depends on the processor, RAM, and storage options available. Both tablets come with 8 GB of RAM, suitable for keeping everyday apps running smoothly, but their processors and storage capacities differ.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Tab S8+ features the Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, while the iPad Air 5 is powered by the Apple M1 chip. The M1 processor is known for handling demanding tasks efficiently, which may benefit users who run intensive apps or multitask frequently.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S8+ offers storage options of 128GB and 256GB, which suits users who want more space for files and media without choosing the smallest size. The iPad Air 5 starts at 64GB and goes up to 256GB, catering to those who need a lower-priced entry point or larger storage.
Processor
RAM
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, games, reading, and creative work. The two tablets differ notably in screen size, pixel density, resolution, and panel technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S8+ has a larger 12.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1752 x 2800, offering more room for watching videos or multitasking. The iPad Air 5 has a 10.9 inch screen with a resolution of 2360 x 1640, providing a slightly sharper display by pixel count but on a smaller surface.
Display Technology
The Galaxy Tab S8+ uses a Super AMOLED screen, which typically delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing media viewing. The iPad Air 5 has a Liquid Retina display, known for accurate colour and brightness, which suits those focused on colour-critical work or general use.
Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S8+ offers a pixel density of 270ppp, just above the iPad Air 5's 264ppp. This difference is subtle but may contribute to a slightly crisper image on the Samsung device, especially noticeable on its larger screen.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Other practical considerations include weight, connectivity, and carrier compatibility, which affect how you carry and connect your device daily.
Weight and Portability
The iPad Air 5 weighs 462 g, making it lighter and potentially easier to hold for extended periods or carry around. The Galaxy Tab S8+ is heavier at 567 g, which comes with its larger screen size and may suit users prioritising screen space over weight.
Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab S8+ is sold without a SIM port, so it relies on WiFi for connectivity, which works well if you mainly use it at home or places with internet access. The iPad Air 5 is unlocked, offering more flexibility to connect via cellular networks if you prefer internet access on the go.
Connector Type
Both tablets use USB Type-C connectors, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of chargers and accessories for charging and data transfer.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) if
- you want a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £66.63 less than the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 567 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy Tab S8+ often mention the screen's brightness and clarity as a highlight, appreciating the smooth performance for browsing, streaming, and light creative use. Some note minor cosmetic issues like small scratches, but many say the device looks and feels like new. Users also mention the large screen size as a positive for media consumption. A few reviews remark on battery life concerns, but overall the tablet is regarded as a solid choice for its price and features.
Buyers of the iPad Air 5 praise its fast and smooth performance, thanks to the M1 chip, and highlight the excellent screen quality for video streaming and productivity. Many customers find the device looks and works like new, with good battery life that lasts through the day. The lighter weight is appreciated, and the unlocked cellular option is useful for those needing mobile internet. Some users recommend pairing the iPad Air with the Apple Pencil for note-taking and light drawing.
Both tablets suit different needs: the Galaxy Tab S8+ appeals to those wanting a larger, vibrant display for media and everyday use, while the iPad Air 5 is ideal for buyers who prioritise performance, portability, and a flexible operating system for work or creative tasks.
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. The Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch. The Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) has an OLED screen.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £382.87 for the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S8+ (12.4", 2022) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
