Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
Starting at
£408.76£1,060.32 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) starts at £316.24, £92.52 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Screen size: 11.0 inch on the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023), 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
- The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has an OLED screen.
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S9 and the iPad Air 5 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy Tab S9 offers a larger 11.0 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with higher pixel density and Corning Gorilla Glass 5, making it a good choice if you want a vibrant, durable display. It also has more RAM and the latest Bluetooth 5.3 version for connectivity. The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 chip and iPadOS 18. Its screen is slightly smaller but has a higher resolution and a Liquid Retina display. The iPad supports 4K video recording at 60FPS, ideal for smoother video capture. Choose the Galaxy Tab S9 if you want more memory and a bigger, colourful screen. The iPad Air 5 suits you if you prefer a device with Apple's M1 power and longer OS support.
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability matters for how long your tablet stays current and secure. The Galaxy Tab S9 and iPad Air 5 differ in operating system support and release year.
Operating System Support
The Galaxy Tab S9 runs on Android 13, while the iPad Air 5 supports iPadOS 18. This means the iPad Air 5 can receive software updates for a longer term, which is important if you want your tablet to stay updated with new features and security fixes over several years.
Release Year
The Galaxy Tab S9 was released in 2023, and the iPad Air 5 in 2022.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance affects how smoothly your tablet runs apps and multitasks. The Galaxy Tab S9 and iPad Air 5 have different processors, RAM, and storage options that suit different user needs.
Processor
The Galaxy Tab S9 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the iPad Air 5 runs on Apple's M1 chip. The M1 is known for strong performance with demanding tasks, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a high-end Android processor that supports a wide range of apps and games.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S9 supports keeping more apps open and handling multitasking smoothly. The iPad Air 5 has 8 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday use and most professional apps but offers less memory for extensive multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S9 is available with 128GB and 256GB storage, giving you choices between moderate and larger capacity. The iPad Air 5 comes with 64GB and 256GB options, so it suits users who want a smaller storage size or a larger one.
Chipset
Processor
Processor brand
Processor core
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality shapes your viewing experience for videos, reading, and creativity. The Galaxy Tab S9 and iPad Air 5 differ in screen type, size, resolution, and glass protection.
Screen Type and Size
The Galaxy Tab S9 features an 11.0 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which offers vibrant colours and deep contrast. The iPad Air 5 has a slightly smaller 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display, known for accurate colour and sharpness suitable for creative work.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The iPad Air 5 has a resolution of 2360 x 1640 with 264 pixels per inch, offering sharper detail on its slightly smaller screen. The Galaxy Tab S9 has a resolution of 1600 x 2560 with 280 pixels per inch, giving it a higher pixel density that makes images and text appear very crisp.
Display Glass
The Galaxy Tab S9 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which adds durability and resistance to scratches. The iPad Air 5 has standard display glass, providing a smooth viewing surface.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features affect your video calls, photography, and media playback. Both tablets offer strong camera and speaker setups with some differences in video recording and speaker configuration.
Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Tab S9 has a 12 MP front camera and a 13 MP rear camera, slightly higher on the rear camera than the iPad Air 5's 12 MP front and rear cameras. This means the Galaxy Tab S9 captures more detail, especially with the rear camera.
Speakers
The Galaxy Tab S9 features four stereo speakers, which can create a more immersive sound experience, especially for watching videos or playing games. The iPad Air 5 has stereo speakers, offering good audio quality.
Video Recording
The iPad Air 5 supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, allowing smoother and more detailed video capture. The Galaxy Tab S9 records 4K video at 30 frames per second, which is still high resolution but with less fluid motion.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Other features like connectivity, dimensions, and weight influence comfort and compatibility. The Galaxy Tab S9 and iPad Air 5 have differences that may matter depending on your priorities.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The Galaxy Tab S9 uses Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, offering the latest wireless technology for faster and more reliable connections. The iPad Air 5 has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, which are solid standards but a step behind in Bluetooth version.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Tab S9 measures 254.3 mm in height, 165.8 mm in width, and 5.9 mm in depth, weighing 498 g. The iPad Air 5 is slightly smaller in height at 247.6 mm, wider at 178.5 mm, a bit thicker at 6.1 mm, and lighter at 462 g. The iPad Air 5's lighter weight may suit those who want easier handling over longer periods.
SIM and Headphone Connectivity
The Galaxy Tab S9 supports both Nano SIM and eSIM, offering versatile mobile connectivity options. It does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPad Air 5 uses a Nano SIM and supports headphones via its USB Type-C port, which can be used with compatible adapters or headphones.
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 S9 (11.0", 2023) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £92.52 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 498 g)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy Tab S9 for its like-new condition and strong performance. Many note its large, vibrant screen and reliable battery life for watching videos and daily use. Some mention minor marks consistent with good condition devices, but overall the tablet feels solid and performs well. Users who replaced older Samsung tablets find the S9 a noticeable improvement. A few customers mention minor issues with the S Pen or Samsung apps, but these do not affect core performance.
The iPad Air 5 receives praise for its clean, like-new condition and smooth performance with the M1 chip. Customers highlight the sharp Liquid Retina display and good battery life, suitable for productivity and streaming. Some mention the iPad feels light and easy to carry. A few users note minor cosmetic marks that do not affect use. There are reports about regional restrictions on Apple Intelligence features for some models. The iPad Air 5 is valued for its speed and compatibility with the Apple Pencil, making it a good pick for creative tasks and note-taking.
Both tablets suit buyers looking for reliable refurbished devices with strong screens and performance. The Galaxy Tab S9 is favoured for its larger screen and multitasking memory, while the iPad Air 5 appeals to those wanting Apple's M1 power and a lighter device.
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. Screen size: 11.0 inch on the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023), 10.9 inch on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £408.76 for the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S9 (11.0", 2023) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
