Tablets have become an indispensable gadget for many, letting users accomplish tasks on the go and stay connected and entertained. Two of the most popular tablet platforms are iPads running Apple‘s iPadOS and Android-powered tablets from companies like Samsung, Amazon and Lenovo. But how exactly do these two types of tablets stack up against each other? This guide provides an in-depth, side-by-side comparison.
A Brief History
Android-based tablets first emerged in 2008, though some prototypes appeared even earlier. According to Britannica, the first consumer Android tablet released was the Archos 7 in 2009, featuring a 7-inch display and Android 1.6. Over the next few years, companies like Samsung, Amazon and others introduced their own Android slates.
The original iPad debuted in 2010, revolutionizing the tablet landscape. Invented by Steve Jobs and Apple, it featured a 9.7-inch touch screen and vastly exceeded competitors in both processing power and ease of use. Various iPad models have followed over the years, including the introduction of the iPad Air, iPad Mini and performance-driven iPad Pro lines.
Design
Android tablet manufacturers produce devices in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, leading to more diverse design options for customers. For example, Samsung‘s flagship Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra has an expansive 14.6-inch screen, while Amazon‘s compact Fire 7 tablet measures just 7 inches. Most feature a thin, rectangular form factor crafted from plastic, metal or glass.
iPads have seen only minor modifications in aesthetic over the years. Premium materials like aluminum and glass dominate, with slim, sleek bodies tapered at the edges. The iPad Air 5 measures 10.9 inches diagonally for instance. Uniformity across the lineup can be excellent for brand recognition but some may find it limits originality.
When it comes to colors, Android tablets win out by allowing bold colors from vivid blue to bright pink. iPad color choices tend to be more muted and traditionally tech-inspired, like space gray and silver.
Display Technology
Apple‘s famously meticulous design approach shows clearly in their industry-leading Retina displays, which feature high pixel density for smooth images, video and text. Although Android tablets come in larger screen sizes, the quality tends to fall a bit behind, with lower resolutions.
Both platforms offer fully laminated touch screens with oleophobic coating for reduced smudging and fingerprints. High-end iPad models also pack ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz for smoother motion content. Most Android tablets cap out at 60 Hz.
If display size matters most, Android has options up to 14 inches or larger. But if clarity and quality take precedence, Apple Retina displays in the iPad Pro 12.9 or iPad Air reign supreme.
Performance and Hardware
The brains behind every tablet model consists of its processor, RAM and onboard storage. In terms of pure processing power, Apple‘s latest M-series silicon outperforms even the top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon chips found in Android rivals.
For example, benchmark tests pitting the M2 iPad Pro versus the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1-powered Galaxy Tab S8 show up to an 18% performance gap in Apple’s favor. Both handle demanding apps and multi-tasking well however.
As for memory, high-end tablets from both brands now come standard with 8GB RAM, with some Android devices like the S8 Ultra scaling up to 12GB. Storage options range from 64GB to 1TB across both platforms.
No matter which tablet you choose, the hardware available in 2022 and beyond delivers laptop-grade capabilities in portable packages.
Stylus Support
Drawing, note-taking and other forms of pen input have grown popular on tablets thanks to stylus support. Samsung helped pioneer this space with the original S Pen back in 2011. Since then, both Apple and major Android manufacturers have released advanced styluses tailored to their devices.
The S Pen provides Bluetooth integration for remote functionality, air gestures and excellent pressure sensitivity. Apple Pencil 2 offers wireless charging, tap gestures and lag-free input. Both the S Pen and Apple Pencil allow for precise illustrations, annotations and media editing. Many Android slates outside of Samsung also work with third-party styluses.
If you anticipate doing a lot of digital drawing or handwriting, stylus capabilities deserve some consideration. For most general users though, finger input should suffice.
Battery Life
Android tablets tend to offer significantly bigger batteries than iPads. For example, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra squeezes in a massive 11,200 mAh battery while the iPad Air 5 sports just a 7,606 mAh cell. As a result, leading Android slates provide up to 14 hours of video playback compared to the 10 hours maximum of most iPads.
The newer iPad Pro models with M1/M2 chips remain an exception, achieving up to 12 hours thanks to power efficiency improvements. Still, those craving the longest runtimes for travel or entertainment will want to compare Android specs closely.
Thankfully both platforms offer fast charging to top up batteries quickly when running low. But when used for binge-watching movies or lengthy gaming sessions, an Android tablet should last longer off the charger.
Software
Part of what sets Apple apart is its proprietary iPadOS software. Built on the foundation of iOS, iPadOS brings desktop-class capabilities like multi-window support, drag and drop between apps, richer Apple Pencil integration and more tailored to iPad‘s larger canvas.
Android tablets run standard Android OS versions like 12 or 13. Samsung also produces a special One UI interface layered on top with added features and functionality. Android presents more customization options overall, albeit with some platform fragmentation across manufacturers.
Both iPadOS and Android excel at touch-based navigation with apps available to cover virtually every need. iPadOS holds an edge when leveraging Apple‘s ecosystem including tighter integration with iPhones and Macs. But you can achieve great experiences on either platform.
Pricing
Across equivalent models, iPads command a significant price premium over Android rivals. The 128GB 11-inch iPad Pro runs $799 compared to $649 for the 128GB Galaxy Tab S8 with S Pen included. While deals happen year-round, Android tablets generally beat iPads on value.
One outlier comes in the form of Amazon’s Fire tablet lineup, built on a highly customized version of Android. The ad-supported Fire HD 10 tablet provides solid 1080p video streaming starting at just $149. No iPad model touches prices that low.
For shoppers who desire premium build quality and blistering performance, iPads lead the pack. But deal hunters can snag capable Android tablets for hundreds less in some cases. Both platforms now support tablet trade-in programs as well which sweeten upgrade offers.
Conclusion: Which Tablet Is Right For You?
Deciding between iPad and Android comes down largely to budget, brand affinity and intended use case. For creative professionals who want optimal software support and access to Apple’s powerful app ecosystem, iPads make great sense despite higher prices. Casual users who stream movies and web browse may reap huge savings opting for Android.
If you already own an iPhone and Mac for instance, staying within Apple’s walled garden brings welcome cohesion through Handoff, iCloud syncing and more. Android appeals for those seeking flexibility, always-on Google Assistant integration or maximum display real estate during travel.
In the end, either platform suits tablets uses well in 2022 and beyond. Weigh priorities around design, performance, software and price to choose the right tablet for your needs. For the best experience possible, matching the OS on your phone makes coordination that much easier. Happy tablet hunting!
