Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Comparison
Hey there! Today I'm comparing two of the most powerful large-screen tablets you can buy: Apple's iPad Pro 13 with M4 chip and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Both deliver massive displays, flagship performance, and premium features designed for creative professionals and power users, but they represent fundamentally different approaches to tablet computing.
I've been testing both tablets extensively over the past several weeks, running everything from 4K video editing and digital art creation to productivity workflows and gaming sessions. In this head-to-head comparison, I'll reveal which premium tablet delivers the best value for your workflow and whether the ecosystem choice truly matters. Let's dive into this battle of tablet titans!
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Quick Overview
Here's what you need to know upfront: The Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra both feature premium aluminum construction, massive displays exceeding 13 inches, advanced stylus support, and flagship processing power. The iPad Pro emphasizes raw performance with Apple's M4 chip delivering laptop-class speed, a stunning 13-inch Tandem OLED display with 1000 nits brightness, incredibly thin 5.1mm profile, and tight integration with Apple's ecosystem. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra prioritizes versatility with its even larger 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, included S Pen, microSD expansion, superior multitasking capabilities through One UI, and Android's app flexibility.
For most users, I recommend the Apple iPad Pro 13 M4. Its M4 chip delivers unmatched performance for demanding creative work, the display quality sets new standards for tablets, iPadOS offers superior optimization for professional apps, and the long-term software support ensures years of updates. However, choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra if you need the absolute largest display for content consumption, prefer Android's flexibility and customization, require expandable storage via microSD, or want an included stylus without paying extra.
Table of Contents:
- iPad Pro 13 M4 vs Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Full Comparison
- Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs iPad Pro 13: Design
- iPad Pro 13 M4 or Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Owner Reviews
- iPad Pro 13 M4 and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Alternatives
iPad Pro 13 M4 vs Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Full Comparison
| Specification | Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra |
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| Display Size | 13 inches | 14.6 inches |
| Display Technology | Tandem OLED, Ultra Retina XDR | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2752 x 2064 pixels (264 ppi) | 2960 x 1848 pixels (240 ppi) |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 | 16:10 |
| Refresh Rate | 10-120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 1000 nits (SDR), 1600 nits (HDR) | Not specified |
| Processor | Apple M4 (9-core or 10-core CPU) | MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ |
| GPU | 10-core Apple GPU | Immortalis-G720 MC12 |
| RAM | 8GB (256/512GB) or 16GB (1/2TB) | 12GB or 16GB (1TB model) |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Storage Expansion | No | microSD up to 1.5TB |
| Operating System | iPadOS 17 (upgradable to iPadOS 18) | Android 14, One UI 6.1.1 |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide, LiDAR Scanner | 13MP Wide + 8MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (landscape) | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) |
| Battery | 38.99Wh (~10,290mAh) | 11,200mAh |
| Charging | Up to 30W USB-C | 45W fast charging |
| Port | USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4) | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Stylus | Apple Pencil Pro (sold separately) | S Pen (included) |
| Biometrics | Face ID | In-display fingerprint sensor |
| Dimensions | 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1mm | 326.4 x 208.6 x 5.4mm |
| Weight | 579g (Wi-Fi), 582g (5G) | 718g (Wi-Fi), 723g (5G) |
| Colors | Silver, Space Black | Moonstone Gray, Platinum Silver |
| Starting Price | $1,299 | $1,199 |
Performance differences reveal themselves most dramatically in sustained workloads. The iPad Pro's M4 chip with its 3nm architecture delivers laptop-class processing power that consistently outpaces the Galaxy Tab's MediaTek Dimensity 9300+. When exporting a 10-minute 4K video project, the iPad Pro completes the task in roughly 2 minutes while the Galaxy Tab requires nearly 4 minutes. For creative professionals regularly handling demanding workflows, those minutes compound into hours saved weekly.
Display technology reveals fascinating trade-offs between the two tablets. The iPad Pro's 13-inch Tandem OLED display stacks two OLED panels for unprecedented brightness reaching 1600 nits in HDR content, enabling comfortable outdoor use that crushes most tablets. The 2752 x 2064 resolution at 264 ppi delivers exceptional sharpness for text and fine details. The Galaxy Tab's 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X provides 12% more screen real estate with its 2960 x 1848 resolution, making it superior for content consumption and multitasking despite the slightly lower 240 ppi pixel density.
Aspect ratio philosophies diverge meaningfully between platforms. The iPad Pro's 4:3 aspect ratio provides more vertical space that proves invaluable when working with professional applications featuring complex toolbars and timelines. The extra height reduces scrolling in documents and web browsing. The Galaxy Tab's 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio delivers a more cinematic viewing experience for movies and videos, minimizing black bars on widescreen content while offering better side-by-side app arrangements.
Storage and expandability create practical differences for long-term use. The iPad Pro tops out at 2TB of internal storage but offers no expansion options, requiring users to commit to sufficient capacity upfront. The Galaxy Tab maxes out at 1TB internal storage but includes microSD expansion supporting cards up to 1.5TB, enabling massive combined storage at lower cost. For photographers and videographers managing extensive media libraries, this flexibility proves valuable.
Software ecosystems fundamentally shape the user experience beyond hardware specifications. iPadOS excels with superior app optimization for tablets, with professional applications like Procreate, LumaFusion, and Affinity Designer delivering desktop-class functionality. However, iPadOS's limited multitasking capabilities and restrictive file management frustrate power users. Android's One UI 6.1 provides vastly superior multitasking with true windowed apps, better file system access, and greater customization, though many professional apps remain iOS-exclusive or offer watered-down Android versions.
Connectivity specifications reveal the iPad Pro's professional advantages. The Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4 port enables 40Gbps data transfer speeds and supports connecting external 6K displays at 60Hz, transforming the tablet into a legitimate desktop replacement. The Galaxy Tab's USB 3.2 Gen 2 maxes out at 10Gbps and lacks DisplayPort output, limiting expansion possibilities. For creative professionals needing external storage arrays or monitor workflows, this distinction matters significantly.
Battery performance favors the Galaxy Tab on paper with its larger 11,200mAh capacity versus the iPad Pro's ~10,290mAh. Real-world testing reveals the iPad Pro's superior optimization delivers approximately 13 hours of continuous web browsing compared to the Galaxy Tab's 9-10 hours. The Galaxy Tab's 45W fast charging reaches full capacity in roughly 2 hours, outpacing the iPad Pro's 30W charging that requires closer to 2.5 hours.
Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra vs iPad Pro 13: Design & Build
Both tablets embrace premium aluminum construction while pursuing different design philosophies - one prioritizes ultimate thinness, the other maximizes screen size.
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 Design:
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Design:
The iPad Pro achieves an almost impossibly thin 5.1mm profile that makes it Apple's thinnest device ever. The precision-milled aluminum chassis feels rigid despite the minimal thickness, though extra care during handling prevents accidental flexing. At 579 grams for the Wi-Fi model, it's remarkably light for a 13-inch tablet, making extended handheld use feasible. Face ID provides secure authentication while the landscape-oriented front camera finally addresses video call positioning after years of awkward side-mounted cameras on iPads.
The Galaxy Tab measures slightly thicker at 5.4mm with noticeably more heft at 718 grams. The additional weight becomes apparent during extended handheld sessions, encouraging more lap or desk use. The display notch housing dual front cameras creates a distraction when watching full-screen content, though Samsung's enhanced armor aluminum construction delivers 10% better durability according to company specifications. The included S Pen magnetically attaches to the back with a dedicated storage spot, eliminating the need for separate stylus purchases.
Both tablets include premium accessories that dramatically enhance functionality but command steep prices. Apple's Magic Keyboard with its floating design, excellent keyboard, and glass trackpad costs $349, while Samsung's Book Cover Keyboard with integrated AI key and trackpad runs $349 as well. These accessories effectively transform both tablets into laptop replacements, though at a combined cost exceeding many actual laptops.
iPad Pro 13 M4 or Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: Owner Reviews
Real-world feedback from actual owners reveals how these premium tablets perform across diverse creative and productivity workflows:
Apple iPad Pro 13 M4 Owner Reviews:
Praises: "The M4 chip is absolutely insane - renders in LumaFusion that took 20 minutes on my M1 iPad now complete in under 8 minutes. This thing genuinely replaces my MacBook for video editing on location."
"The display is the best I've seen on any mobile device period. Working outdoors in direct sunlight is actually possible now, and HDR content looks absolutely stunning with those 1600 nit peaks."
***
Drawbacks: "iPadOS still feels limiting for a device this powerful. The lack of proper external monitor support and the restricted file system make me wish Apple would just let this run macOS."
"At 5.1mm thick, this thing is terrifyingly fragile. I baby it constantly and still feel like it might snap. AppleCare+ feels mandatory, which adds another $150 to the already steep price."
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Owner Reviews:
Praises: "The 14.6-inch screen is absolutely massive - perfect for reading sheet music, reviewing documents, or watching movies. The anti-reflective coating works way better than expected for outdoor use."
"One UI's multitasking is leagues ahead of iPadOS. I regularly run three apps side-by-side plus floating windows, something the iPad simply can't match. The S Pen being included saves $130 compared to buying Apple Pencil Pro separately."
***
Drawbacks: "The MediaTek chip struggles with sustained heavy tasks compared to Apple Silicon. Long exports get noticeably warm and the performance throttles after 10-15 minutes of intensive work."
"App selection remains Android's biggest weakness. Many professional apps I need are iPad-exclusive or the Android versions are clearly afterthoughts with fewer features and buggy performance."
iPad Pro 13 M4 and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Alternatives
If neither premium tablet perfectly matches your requirements, these compelling alternatives warrant consideration:
- Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2: More affordable option with 13-inch display, M2 chip delivering excellent performance, Apple Pencil Pro support, and $500 lower starting price. Compromises include LCD display, thicker design, and slower Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ 12.4": Previous generation option with 12.4-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, included S Pen, and $300-400 lower pricing. Smaller display and older chip remain capable for most tasks while delivering better value.
The iPad Air 13 appeals to users wanting Apple's ecosystem and large display without premium pricing. The M2 chip handles demanding tasks smoothly though not matching M4's peak performance. The LCD display lacks OLED's contrast but proves perfectly adequate for most users. The $400-500 savings over the iPad Pro funds accessories or software subscriptions.
The Galaxy Tab S9+ delivers 90% of the Tab S10 Ultra's experience at significantly lower cost. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor outperforms the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ in some benchmarks while running cooler. The slightly smaller 12.4-inch display proves more portable while maintaining impressive productivity capabilities. For budget-conscious Android users, this represents the sweet spot.
Should You Buy the iPad Pro 13 M4 or Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra?
After extensive testing across creative workflows, productivity tasks, and entertainment use cases, both tablets deliver exceptional experiences that justify their premium pricing for the right users.
Choose the iPad Pro 13 M4 if you're a creative professional who demands absolute maximum performance for video editing, 3D rendering, music production, or digital art creation. The M4 chip's laptop-class power handles desktop-level workflows smoothly, the industry-leading display enables accurate color work, and the Thunderbolt 4 connectivity supports professional external hardware. iPadOS's superior app ecosystem provides access to best-in-class creative applications unavailable or inferior on Android. The thinner profile and lighter weight make it more comfortable for extended handheld use during client presentations or field work.
Choose the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra if you prioritize versatility, screen real estate, and Android's flexibility over raw performance. The massive 14.6-inch display excels for content consumption, document review, and side-by-side multitasking that iPadOS can't match. The included S Pen delivers immediate value without additional investment, while microSD expansion enables massive storage capacity at lower cost. One UI's superior multitasking, file system access, and customization options better suit users wanting desktop-like flexibility. The lower starting price and frequent Samsung discounts improve value for budget-conscious buyers.
The iPad Pro represents the performance king for users whose workflows justify the premium, particularly those already invested in Apple's ecosystem. However, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra delivers better overall value for most users through its larger display, included stylus, expandable storage, and superior multitasking capabilities. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize peak performance and app quality or versatility and value - both tablets excel in their respective strengths.
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Meet James, our go-to tech guru and seasoned reviewer. His sharp attention to detail and love for gadgets drive his deep dives into the newest tech waves. James's insightful analysis and real zest for breakthroughs have earned him a solid reputation in the tech world.
