The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S and the Apple iPad Pro are both premium 12-inch tablets aimed at professionals, but they differ fundamentally in operating system, processor architecture, accessories, and intended use. The Tab Pro S runs Windows 10 and uses an Intel Core M processor, while the iPad Pro runs iPadOS and uses Apple’s A9X chip. This article breaks down the key differences to help you decide which one fits your workflow.
Background and Positioning
The Galaxy Tab Pro S was announced in January 2016 as Samsung’s first true Windows 10 tablet, designed to compete with the Surface Pro line. It featured a 12-inch Super AMOLED display and a detachable keyboard, targeting business users who needed a full desktop OS in a portable form. The iPad Pro (first generation, 12.9-inch) launched in November 2015, followed by a 9.7-inch version in March 2016. Apple positioned it as a laptop replacement for creative professionals, emphasizing the Apple Pencil and powerful iOS apps.
Both devices were released in the same era, but they served different philosophies: Samsung brought the entire Windows ecosystem, while Apple leveraged its iOS app store and tight hardware-software integration.
Operating System and Software
The most significant difference is the operating system. The Tab Pro S runs Windows 10 Pro, which means you can install any traditional x86 desktop application—Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Visual Studio, or any legacy Windows software. The iPad Pro runs iPadOS (then iOS 9), which is limited to apps from the App Store. While iPadOS has improved multitasking and file management over the years, it still cannot run full desktop applications like the Windows versions.
For example, if you need to run a specific Windows-only business application, the Tab Pro S is the only choice. Conversely, if you rely on iOS-exclusive apps like Procreate or LumaFusion, the iPad Pro is necessary. The iPad Pro also benefits from a much larger and more mature tablet app ecosystem, while Windows tablets often struggle with touch-optimized apps.
Hardware and Performance
The Tab Pro S uses an Intel Core M3-6Y30 processor (a 6th-generation Skylake chip) with 4GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage. This is a fanless, low-power chip designed for silent operation and long battery life, but it offers modest performance compared to the A9X in the iPad Pro. The A9X is a dual-core ARM-based processor that, in 2015, delivered exceptional performance for its power envelope, especially in graphics-intensive tasks.
In benchmark tests, the A9X outperformed the Core M3 in many single-core and GPU tasks, but the Core M3 can handle heavier multitasking and x86 software. For everyday productivity (web browsing, email, word processing), both are adequate. For video editing or 3D rendering, the iPad Pro’s GPU is stronger, but the Tab Pro S can run full desktop software that may be more capable in other ways.
Display and Design
Both tablets feature 12-inch displays, but with different technologies. The Tab Pro S has a 12-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2160×1440 (aspect ratio 3:2), offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPad Pro (12.9-inch) uses an IPS LCD with a resolution of 2732×2048 (aspect ratio 4:3), which is sharper and has better color accuracy. The iPad Pro also introduced ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) in later models, but the first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro had a standard 60Hz display.
The Tab Pro S is slightly thinner and lighter (6.3mm, 693g) compared to the iPad Pro (6.9mm, 713g for the Wi-Fi model). Both have aluminum bodies, but the Tab Pro S has a more angular, business-like design, while the iPad Pro has a more rounded, consumer-friendly look.
Accessories and Stylus Support
The Tab Pro S ships with a detachable keyboard cover that connects via pogo pins and includes a trackpad—a rare feature for tablets at the time. The keyboard is included in the box, which was a value-add. However, the Tab Pro S does not support an active stylus; it only works with capacitive styluses, which are not suitable for precise drawing or handwriting.
The iPad Pro, in contrast, supports the Apple Pencil (first generation), which is a precise, pressure-sensitive stylus ideal for digital artists and note-takers. The Apple Pencil is sold separately, and the Smart Keyboard (also sold separately) attaches via the Smart Connector but lacks a trackpad. The iPad Pro’s stylus support is a major advantage for creative professionals, while the Tab Pro S’s included keyboard with trackpad is better for productivity.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is a key differentiator. The Tab Pro S has a 5200mAh battery, which Samsung rated for up to 10.5 hours of video playback. The iPad Pro has a larger 10,307mAh battery (in the 12.9-inch model), rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video. In real-world usage, the iPad Pro typically lasts longer due to the more efficient ARM processor and optimized iOS.
Connectivity options: The Tab Pro S includes a USB-C port (with USB 3.1), a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. The iPad Pro (first generation) uses Apple’s Lightning connector, has no microSD slot, and also has a headphone jack. The Tab Pro S’s USB-C port is more versatile, allowing connection to external displays and peripherals, while the iPad Pro’s Lightning port is more limited.
Price and Value
At launch, the Tab Pro S was priced at $999 (128GB) and $1,199 (256GB), including the keyboard. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch started at $799 (32GB) and $949 (128GB), with the Apple Pencil ($99) and Smart Keyboard ($169) sold separately. Thus, a fully equipped iPad Pro cost similar to the Tab Pro S, but the Tab Pro S included the keyboard in the box.
Today, both devices are discontinued and only available on the used market. Prices vary widely, but the iPad Pro tends to hold its value better due to ongoing iOS support (up to iPadOS 15 for the first-generation 12.9-inch). The Tab Pro S, being a niche Windows tablet, has less resale value and may not receive Windows 11 updates (it is not officially supported).
Common Problems and Limitations
Tab Pro S owners often report that the Core M3 processor feels sluggish under heavy multitasking, and the fanless design can cause thermal throttling during prolonged tasks. The AMOLED display is prone to burn-in over time, especially with static elements like the taskbar. Additionally, Windows 10’s tablet mode is less refined than iPadOS, making touch navigation less intuitive.
iPad Pro (first generation) users may encounter issues with the Apple Pencil’s charging method (it plugs into the Lightning port, which is awkward), and the device is not compatible with the newer iPadOS features like Stage Manager. The Lightning port also limits external display support, requiring adapters.
How to Choose
Consider your primary use case:
- Choose the Galaxy Tab Pro S if: you need to run full Windows desktop applications, require a trackpad for productivity, or prefer a USB-C port for connectivity.
- Choose the iPad Pro if: you are a digital artist or note-taker, prefer a more extensive tablet app ecosystem, or value longer battery life and better resale value.
Also, consider the ecosystem: if you already use iPhone and Mac, the iPad Pro integrates seamlessly. If you use Windows PCs and Microsoft Office, the Tab Pro S offers a consistent experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Galaxy Tab Pro S run Android apps?
No. The Tab Pro S runs Windows 10, so it cannot run Android apps natively. You can use Android apps through an emulator like BlueStacks, but performance may be poor.
Does the iPad Pro support external monitors?
Yes, but with limitations. The first-generation iPad Pro can mirror its screen to an external display via an HDMI adapter, but it does not support extended desktop mode. Newer iPad Pro models with iPadOS 16.2+ support Stage Manager and external display output, but the first-generation does not.
Which has better battery life?
The iPad Pro generally has better battery life in real-world usage, lasting around 10 hours, while the Tab Pro S often falls short of its 10.5-hour rating, especially under load.
Can I use the Apple Pencil on the Galaxy Tab Pro S?
No. The Tab Pro S does not support any active stylus. You can use a capacitive stylus, but it lacks pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, making it unsuitable for drawing.
Is the Galaxy Tab Pro S still supported by Samsung?
Samsung has discontinued the Tab Pro S, and it is not eligible for Windows 11 upgrade. It will continue to receive Windows 10 security updates until the end-of-support date (October 2025), but no new features.
Which is better for note-taking?
The iPad Pro is significantly better for note-taking due to the Apple Pencil’s precision and the availability of apps like Notability and GoodNotes. The Tab Pro S lacks a compatible active stylus, making handwritten notes impractical.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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