With tablet capabilities now rivaling laptops, Samsung and Apple‘s powerhouse slates make enticing mobile productivity and creativity companions. But between the Galaxy Tab S7 and iPad Pro 11-inch 2021 models, each over $600, it’s essential to pick the right one for your needs.
That‘s why I put together this 2000+ word head-to-head guide examining every specification and real-world capability difference. My goal is to help you decide based on performance, design and price considerations.
Introduction: Comparing Tablet Heavyweights
The Galaxy Tab S7 first arrived in August 2020 as Samsung’s best answer to the iPad Pro. With a vibrant 11-inch Super AMOLED screen, smooth 120Hz refresh rate and the Snapdragon 865+ processor, it matched premium specs at a more affordable price.
Apple raised the stakes in May 2021 with its latest iPad Pro evolution, brandishing the revolutionary M1 chip also found in MacBooks. Blazing performance plus a dazzling Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display showed exactly why Apple commands premium dollar.
Clearly, both slates pack innovative hardware and software with unique strengths. This guide will analyze how they compare across 10 key areas and crown winners in certain categories. My hope is provide the details to inform your personal preference rather than claiming one tablet unambiguously rules.
Let‘s dive in!
Display Technology: Vibrant vs. Accurate
A tablet‘s screen shapes entertainment, work and creativity pursuits. Display quality depends on panel technology, brightness, color accuracy and size.
Tab S7 Display
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Screen | 11-inch |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 |
| Panel | Super AMOLED (16M colors) |
| Pixel Density | 274 ppi |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 widescreen |
iPad Pro Display
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Screen | 12.9-inch |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 |
| Panel | Liquid Retina XDR Mini-LED |
| Pixel Density | 264 ppi |
| Brightness | 1000 nits (1600 nits peak) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion (adaptive 10-120Hz) |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
Comparison
While 0.3-inches bigger, the iPad actually packs slightly lower pixel density meaning visuals won‘t look quite as sharp. But mini-LED backlighting provides double the peak brightness for better HDR, glare handling and perceptually improved clarity through contrast.
The XDR panel also delivers far wider, accurate P3 color – essential for photography, design and illustration work (table coming soon). Samsung‘s OLED contrast still impresses though even if colors are less true-to-life.
Winner: iPad Pro – Accuracy, brightness and and workspace matter most.
Performance Benchmarks: Snappy vs. Blazing
Tablet performance often comes down to processor specs. The iPad Pro‘sApple M1 system-on-chip significantly outguns Samsung‘s Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset – but real-life differences may prove smaller than numbers suggest.
Tab S7 Processing Hardware
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (1×3.09GHz + 3×2.4GHz + 4×1.8GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 |
iPad Pro Processing Hardware
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core Apple M1 (4 performance + 4 efficiency cores) |
| GPU | Integrated 8-core |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X unified memory |
| Storage | 128GB to 2TB NVMe SSD |
Benchmark Comparison
| Metric | Tab S7 Score | iPad Pro Score |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (CPU) | – Single-Core: 943 | – Single-Core: 1714 |
| – Multi-Core: 3267 | – Multi-Core: 7198 | |
| 3DMark Wild Life (GPU) | – 4115 (24.90 FPS) | – 10,563 (63 FPS) |
| PCMark (System) | – 11,100 | – Not Tested |
Apple‘s SOC commands a significant lead especially for multi-threaded workloads. Triple the multi-core CPU power enables effortless professional media editing, coding and more. The 8-core GPU also breezes through intensive 3D games that might slow the Tab.
But in real world use, both tablets feel extremely responsive thanks to well-optimized software, fast storage and smooth displays. The Tab S7 is snappy despite lower benchmarks, easily juggling multiple apps and graphically rich games.
Winner: iPad Pro – Benchmarks reveal 2x peak performance reserves professionals require.
Let‘s analyze some specific use cases:
Gaming Comparison
In graphics-heavy titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact the iPad Pro maintains higher sustained frame rates for smoother extended play thanks to its GPU advantage.
But the Tab S7 delivers a very enjoyable mobile gaming experience as well. Its widescreen aspect ratio also feels more natural for sweeping game worlds and landscapes. Here‘s how frames stack up:
CoD Mobile FPS (High Settings)
- iPad Pro: 55-60 FPS
- Tab S7: 45-50 FPS
Genshin Impact FPS (Medium Settings)
- iPad Pro: 48-55 FPS
- Tab S7: 30-45 FPS
So while both tablets run lighting fast for casual gaming, professional streamers and competitive players wanting maximum fluidity should consider the Pro. But most users save money getting smooth gameplay with the Tab S7.
App Load Times
Thanks to blazing NVMe SSD storage and incredible memory bandwidth from unified RAM, the iPad Pro instantly launches apps and huge files in the blink of an eye. But the Tab S7 also feels extremely responsive opening apps and boasts capable UFS 3.1 storage.
Here are some app launch timings:
| App | Tab s7 Time | iPad Pro Time |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 2.1s | 1.8s |
| 1.7s | 1.2s | |
| Adobe Lightroom | 3.9s | 3.1s |
So while Apple holds an advantage, both tablets offer no tangible lag in real use.
Software Experience Compared
Beyond hardware, capabilities come down to optimized software tailored for large-screen productivity and creativity.
The Tab S7 runs Android 10 underneath Samsung‘s OneUI custom skin. This facilitates desktop-style multitasking with freeform movable windows plus split-screen modes. Its S-Pen stylus and apps also integrate seamlessly for notes and art.
iPadOS powers incredible cohesiveness on the iPad Pro thanks to Apple‘s app ecosystem and Continuity features that share content between devices automatically. Intuitive gestures and multi-finger controls enhance workflows too for professionals. Notably, iPadOS anchors exceptional stylus support advanced by the Apple Pencil.
Both operating systems enable flexibility whether you prefer touch-based workflows or PC-like windows controls enhanced by precise accessories. iPadOS ultimately provides a more streamlined end-to-end experience but Samsung offers customization Atlasahan likes.
Winner: User dependent. iPadOS boats better optimization but Samsung empowers configuration.
Cameras: Scan vs Shoot
While not flagship smartphone quality, tablet cameras still enable video calls, document scanning and even creative shoots.
Tab S7 Cameras
| Camera | Details |
|---|---|
| Rear | – 13MP, f/2.0 + 5MP Ultrawide, f/2.2 |
| Front | 8MP, f/2.0 |
| Video Capture | UHD 4K at 30fps |
iPad Pro Cameras
| Camera | Details |
|---|---|
| Rear | – 12MP, f/1.8 + 10MP Ultrawide, f/2.4 + LiDAR Scanner |
| Front | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4 + LiDAR Scanner |
| Video Capture | 4K at 60fps |
While megapixels and aperture specs appear similar, Apple‘s image processing consistently outperforms Samsung. This side-by-side photo comparison from PhoneArena highlights richer dynamic range and detail from the rear iPad camera.
But the Galaxy Tab excels for landscape orientation video calls and scanning thanks to side-mounted webcam positioning. Ultimately both suit productivity camera needs even if Apple holds a photography lead.
Winner: User dependent. iPad has better image quality but the Tab S7 offers superior video call ergonomics.
Battery Life and Charging Compared
Portable devices demand all-day endurance and fast refuel times from modern batteries. Packing cells with 9720 mAh and 8000 mAh capacities respectively, neither tablet disappoints but usage scenarios impact longevity.
In laptop-style web browsing wifi tests, the iPad Pro lasted nearly 2 hours longer at 10 hours, 16 minutes vs the Tab S7‘s 8 hours, 31 minutes thanks to efficiency optimizations. However the gap may narrow playing downloaded Netflix video with both reaching 13+ hours.
Support for faster 45W USB PD 3.0 charging gives the Galaxy Tab S7 a 1 hour refill advantage as well.
Winner: iPad Pro battery optimization bests Samsung across workloads – but both recharge quickly.
All in all, no need to worry about battery anxiety limiting use. Either tablet easily delivers 8-12+ hours of tasks or entertainment off the charger. They quickly replenish too when drained.
Price and Value Comparison
Premium materials and cutting edge silicon command justifiably high prices, but value still differs. Here is how base tablet pricing shakes out by region:
| Model | USA Pricing | UK Pricing | Europe Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S7 128GB, 6GB RAM | $649 | £619 | €699 |
| iPad Pro 11" 128GB, 8GB RAM | $799 | £749 | €879 |
However, Samsung tablets frequently see discounts up to 25% off after several months post-launch. This lets buyers grab the S7 for just over $500 at times.
Accounting for cellular connectivity differences also affects value:
| Model | Wifi-Only | Wifi + LTE |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S7 | ✓ | $100 premium |
| iPad Pro 11 | ✓ | $150 premium |
Finally, the Galaxy Tab S7 includes Samsung‘s S Pen stylus free in-box – a functionality similar Apple Pencil costs $129 separately!
Analyzing all factors, the Tab S7 clearly delivers tremendous bang for buck even if iPad Pro reaches higher performance potential. Savvy shoppers save 20-30% upfront for 90% of the experience.
Conclusion: Two Impressive Pros, One Value Choice
While the Galaxy Tab S7 fails to match Apple‘s silicon and software optimization, it brings outstanding entertainment and productivity to hundreds less than the iPad Pro. Shoppers wanting maximum performance should still consider the Pro though.
Make your pick based on needs:
Get the Galaxy Tab S7 if you want:
- Big savings up to 27% cheaper than iPad Pro
- Vibrant AMOLED widescreen display perfect for movies
- Great gaming frame rates at High settings
- Included S-Pen stylus valued at $130
Get the 2021 iPad Pro 11-inch if you need:
- Cutting edge Apple M1 chip performance
- Most color accurate and brightest display
- Smoothest 120fps gaming at max settings
- Fully optimized iPadOS user experience
- Best-in-class Apple Pencil support
Hopefully this detailed 2000 word comparison of the Galaxy Tab S7 and iPad Pro clarifies similarities, differences and ideal user profiles to inform your purchase. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
