Deciding Between Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus and iPad Air 5: Is the 200,000 VND Difference Justified?

Samsung recently introduced the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus, considered a streamlined version of the Tab S9 Plus with a more affordable price. Priced starting at 13.99 million VND, this tablet competes with the Air 5 M1, currently priced from 13.79 million VND at . So, when comparing these two tablets, which one is the better choice for users?

Design

In terms of design, both tablets from Samsung and Apple exude elegance and sophistication. Crafted with a body made of metal and glass, they deliver a premium feel when held in hand.

Both tablets boast slim bezels on their front, creating an even border around the display. Their back design is minimalist, adorned with single-camera lenses and corresponding company logos. Tab S9 FE Plus and iPad Air 5 also feature connectors for optional keyboard accessories (Tab S9 FE on the side, and iPad Air 5 at the rear).

Tab S9 FE Plus has a slightly larger screen than iPad Air 5. Samsung's new tablet also incorporates a premium feature missed by its counterpart – water and dust resistance, meeting IP68 standards. Both devices feature fingerprint sensors integrated into the power button for added security.

In terms of color, Tab S9 FE Plus offers options like Energetic Green, Confident Gray, and Mineral Silver, while iPad Air 5 comes in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Blue, and Purple. They exude subtle yet captivating hues, catching the eyes of onlookers.

Display

Regarding display quality, iPad Air 5 features a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen measuring 10.2 inches, with a resolution of 1,640 x 2,360 pixels, providing a pixel density of 264ppi. Meanwhile, Samsung has integrated an IPS LCD screen with a larger size of 12.4 inches for Tab S9 FE Plus, supporting a resolution of 1,600 x 2,560 pixels and a pixel density of 243ppi.

As you can see, the display specifications of these two tablets are quite similar, so their display quality will not differ significantly. This duo promises sharp images, true-to-life colors, and vibrancy. However, Tab S9 FE Plus supports a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother experience for viewing dynamic images, scrolling through websites, or playing games compared to the 60Hz display of iPad Air 5.

Both tablets' displays support , allowing you to quickly jot down handwritten notes or capture fleeting ideas. iPad Air 5 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil (sold separately), which can charge magnetically on the device's side. Meanwhile, Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus supports the S Pen (included in the box), which can charge magnetically on the device's rear.

Performance and Battery

Equipped with the Apple M1 chip, iPad Air 5 ensures superior performance compared to the Exynos 1380 SoC of Tab S9 FE Plus. In benchmark tests, Apple's mobile processor delivers two to three times the performance, providing users with a better experience for watching videos, playing heavy games, or editing videos.

In terms of memory, both tablets offer a maximum of 8GB RAM for users. However, Tab S9 FE Plus comes with 128GB internal storage, doubling the 64GB of iPad Air 5, providing more extensive storage space.

Regarding battery life, Samsung claims Tab S9 FE Plus offers up to 20 hours of usage on a single charge, while iPad Air 5 provides up to 10 hours. Therefore, if you need a tablet with a more durable battery life, Samsung's product would be a better choice.

Camera

Apple outfits iPad Air 5 with a single rear camera and a 12MP front selfie camera for a wide-angle perspective. In contrast, Tab S9 FE Plus boasts a dual-camera system of 8MP (main) + 8MP (ultra-wide) on the rear and a 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera.

Overall, the camera systems of both tablets deliver only average quality, sufficient for users to capture moments when a smartphone is not available.

Both Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus and iPad Air 5 feature a 12MP front-facing ultra-wide camera with integrated software for focusing on you during video calls, even when you move around within the frame.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus and iPad Air 5: Which Tablet to Buy?

In this comparison, it's evident that both Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus and iPad Air 5 have their own advantages and disadvantages, resulting in no clear winner. If you prefer a tablet with a super-sized display, modern design, dual rear cameras, and an impressive battery life, then Samsung's product is a worthy consideration.

Moreover, iPad Air 5 is an excellent choice for those seeking a tablet with supercharged performance for gaming or video editing.