Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Shop Samsung Galaxy Tab
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023)
Starting at
£408.25£688.82 new
iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)
Starting at
£316.24£669.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) and iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series)?
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 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, £92.01 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023). The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch.
- Screen type: IPS LCD on the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023), Liquid Retina display on the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series).
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) specs
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ offers a larger 12.4 inch screen and more RAM, making it suitable if you want a roomier display and the ability to keep many apps open. The iPad Air 5 has a sharper 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display with higher pixel density and a more powerful Apple M1 processor, ideal if you want faster performance and a brighter screen in a lighter device. It supports iPadOS 18 and records video at a higher frame rate. Both have stereo speakers and similar front cameras, but the iPad has a higher resolution rear camera and supports unlocked mobile use. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size and RAM or processor power and display sharpness.
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) price
Colour
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability includes software support and operating systems.
Operating System And Updates
If you prefer Android or iPadOS, this difference matters for app availability and system features.
Release Year
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ was released in 2023, while the iPad Air 5 came out in 2022.
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) performance
Performance covers the processor, RAM, and storage options which influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor And Speed
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is powered by the Exynos 1380 processor, while the iPad Air 5 uses Apple's M1 chip. The M1 chip is known for strong performance, so the iPad Air 5 suits you if you want faster processing for demanding tasks.
Memory For Multitasking
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has 12 GB of RAM, which is more than the iPad Air 5's 8 GB. More RAM lets you keep more apps open and switch between them smoothly, which benefits heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is stocked with 128 GB storage, while the iPad Air 5 is available in 64 GB and 256 GB versions. If you want smaller or larger storage than 128 GB, the iPad Air 5 offers more choice.
Processor
RAM
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos and apps. The two tablets differ in size, resolution, and display technology.
Screen Size And Type
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a larger 12.4 inch IPS LCD screen, providing more space for watching videos or working on documents. The iPad Air 5 has a smaller 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display, which offers vivid colours and brightness suitable for detailed viewing.
Resolution And Pixel Density
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a resolution of 1600 x 2560 with 250 pixels per inch, while the iPad Air 5 has a resolution of 2360 x 1640 with 264 pixels per inch. This means the iPad Air 5 has a sharper display, making text and images appear crisper.
Display Glass
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a glass front, which can add durability and a premium feel to the screen. The iPad Air 5 has a standard display glass, which still delivers good visual quality.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features affect your experience in video calls, photography and media playback. Both tablets have stereo speakers and front cameras with the same resolution, but differ in rear camera quality and video recording.
Camera Resolution
Both tablets have a 12 megapixel front camera, good for video calls and selfies. The iPad Air 5 has a 12 megapixel rear camera, while the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has an 8 megapixel rear camera, which may capture fewer details in photos.
Video Recording
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ records video at 4K 30 frames per second, while the iPad Air 5 records at 4K 60 frames per second. The higher frame rate on the iPad Air 5 means smoother video capture, which benefits action footage or video content creation.
Front camera definition
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
Webcam
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, weight, and physical characteristics that affect daily use and portability.
Bluetooth Versions
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ supports Bluetooth 5.3, which offers improvements in connection stability and power efficiency. The iPad Air 5 supports Bluetooth 5.0, which is widely compatible and reliable.
SIM And Carrier Compatibility
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ supports Nano-SIM plus eSIM but does not have a SIM port. The iPad Air 5 is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM. If you want flexible mobile network options, these differences matter depending on your carrier and usage.
Weight And Portability
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ weighs 627 grams, making it heavier due to its larger size. The iPad Air 5 is lighter at 462 grams, which makes it easier to hold for long periods or carry around.
Wi-Fi Technology
Both tablets support Wi-Fi 6 technology, with the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ listing support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 and the iPad Air 5 supporting Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. This means both provide fast and stable wireless internet connections.
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
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) or iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch)
Buy the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £316.24, £92.01 less than the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023)
- you want a lighter build (462 g vs 627 g)
What our customers say
Customers report that the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ looks like new and works well. Many praise its speed and battery life, with one noting it lasted a full day of streaming and browsing without a charge. The larger screen and solid build are appreciated, along with smooth performance when switching between apps. Some customers mention minor marks or scratches, but overall the tablet is described as fast and reliable for everyday use.
Customers of the iPad Air 5 highlight its like new condition and smooth operation with the M1 chip. The screen is sharp and bright, and the device handles multitasking well. Battery life is generally good, though some mention it drains quickly with heavy use. Users enjoy pairing it with the Apple Pencil and find it lightweight and easy to hold. The iPad is popular for productivity and media consumption, with many praising its clean setup and fast Wi-Fi.
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ suits those who prefer a larger display and more RAM for multitasking, while the iPad Air 5 appeals to users who want faster processing, a sharper screen, and a lighter device for portability.
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) FAQs
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) vs iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) has a bigger screen: 12.4 inch vs 10.9 inch.
The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £316.24 compared with £408.25 for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023).
We don't have published update dates for the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023). The iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4", 2023) comes in 128GB, and the iPad Air 5 (2022, M1 series) in 64GB and 256GB.
