Choosing between Samsung’s latest flagship and Apple’s top-tier tablet comes down to distinct philosophies. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra emphasizes large-screen productivity, extended battery life, and bundled accessories, while the Apple iPad Pro M5 focuses on raw processing power, display precision, and seamless ecosystem integration.
Pricing for both devices places them firmly in the premium segment. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399.99 for its 14.6-inch model, with a smaller 12.6-inch version available for $1,199.99. Apple’s iPad Pro M5 is priced from $1,199 for the 11-inch variant up to $1,499 for the 13-inch model. For this comparison, we focused on the Tab S12 Ultra against Apple’s larger 13-inch option due to their comparable screen real estate.
Display Quality
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 2,960 by 1,848 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It reaches 1,600 nits of peak brightness and 1,000 nits in High Brightness Mode, utilizing Samsung’s Vision Booster technology to adjust output based on ambient light. Reviewers have noted the screen is vivid and dazzling, making the extra size beneficial for split-screen multitasking and detailed document review.
Apple’s iPad Pro offers an Ultra Retina XDR display in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. It is rated for 1,000 nits of sustained brightness and 1,600 nits peak for HDR content. Apple prioritizes extreme contrast accuracy and color fidelity, making it a preferred choice for photographers, video editors, and designers who require professional color standards.
Ultimately, the Tab S12 Ultra serves better as a portable monitor for productivity, whereas the iPad Pro remains the superior tool for color-critical creative workflows.
Performance, Battery, and Portability
Under the hood, the Samsung tablet runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor built on a 3nm node. The iPad Pro M5 utilizes Apple’s M5 chip, featuring a faster Neural Engine and a 10-core GPU with neural accelerators. While benchmarks may show slight variations, real-world performance is largely dictated by user habits.
Battery life appears to be Samsung’s significant advantage. The Tab S12 Ultra houses an 11,600mAh battery, which Samsung claims will last up to 23 hours. In independent video rundown testing, it lasted 19 hours and 39 minutes. Despite this capacity, the device maintains a slim profile at just 5.1mm thick.
In contrast, Apple rates the iPad Pro at approximately 10 hours of use. Reviewers have expressed disappointment regarding the shorter battery life claim compared to Samsung’s offering.
Portability favors Apple due to the size difference. The 14.6-inch Samsung tablet weighs 692 grams (1.52 pounds), while the 13-inch iPad Pro weighs 579 grams (1.28 pounds). Users should consider whether the larger dimensions of the Samsung device fit comfortably into their daily carry bags.
Accessories
Samsung differentiates its package by including the S Pen stylus at no additional cost with the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. The purchase also includes free trials for Adobe Photoshop, Google AI Pro, and Goodnotes. Keyboard options include the Book Cover Keyboard Slim and the Pro Keyboard with a trackpad, both available at a 30% discount for a limited time following the tablet purchase.
Apple takes a contrasting approach. The Apple Pencil Pro is sold separately for $129, and the Magic Keyboard costs between $299 and $349 depending on the tablet size. While Samsung offers more value at the point of sale with the stylus, both companies require additional spending for a keyboard case to transform the device into a laptop replacement.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is the recommended choice for users seeking a large canvas, exceptional battery life, and included accessories for the money. At $1,399, it undercuts the 13-inch iPad Pro while offering more screen space and a free stylus.
Conversely, the iPad Pro M5 is the better option for those prioritizing processing speed and portability, particularly for demanding creative work like video editing. If you are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the M5 iPad Pro remains the logical decision.
At the end of the day, the decision likely hinges on existing brand loyalty and whether you prefer Android or iOS. Whichever you choose, budgeting for a keyboard accessory is essential.
692 grams feels heavy for one-handed use. Apple’s lighter build might actually be more practical for daily commuting.
Is the MediaTek chip really comparable to the M5? I worry about long-term app support and optimization gaps over time.
Samsung including the S Pen is a huge value add. Getting $129 back in accessories just tips the scale for me.
I wish they mentioned the color accuracy differences more prominently. Photographers need that XDR precision over raw screen size.
Battery life is a game changer. 19 hours beats Apple’s 10 by a mile, making Samsung the clear winner for travel.