Apple iPad Air 5 (2022) vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: which tablet to buy? - exclusive news (2023)

Apple and Samsung are two big names in the world of smartphones and tablets. In fact, many people relate to Android With Samsung – instead of Google. Both manufacturers build solid products and cater to different audiences in this department. Apple recently released the iPad Air 5 (2022) – an M1-powered tablet at a mid-range price. On the other hand, Samsung revealed the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup. This is Apple iPad Air 5 (2022) versus Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 – the battle between two very different tablets. If you decide to buy an iPad Air 5, don’t forget to take a look at our lists of the best cases and chargers. Likewise, if you buy a Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, it is important to protect it with a case. This helps reduce potential damage in the event of an accident.

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Apple iPad Air 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Specifications

build and design

Build and design are two important aspects to consider when buying a new tablet. After all, you wouldn’t want to buy a thin pane of glass that would shatter if the wind was blowing on it. Additionally, you may not want to carry an ugly look that features outdated design elements. Fortunately, the Apple iPad Air 5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 feature solid builds and futuristic tablet exterior designs. We’ll break down the characteristics of each structure to help you decide what’s best for you.

Starting on the back side of the iPad Air 5, this Apple tablet features an aluminum back with the company’s logo centered on it. It includes a single camera in the top corner but otherwise is a seamless metal artwork that reflects simplicity. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a similar metallic build. Although it does feature a few different elements that make it special. For example, it has a more prominent camera system that tops the S Pen’s retention area. Personally, I prefer the iPad design simply because it’s cleaner. However, in the end, both tablets look excellent and feature edge-to-edge screens with thin bezels on the front side. It’s also worth noting that the iPad Air is available in five colors – while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers only three.

an offer

One of the most important points to consider when buying a new tablet can be the screen. Since the large screen is mostly aimed at consuming visual media, many customers do not want a tablet with a lower resolution. In this battle, we have a clear winner, even though both devices offer decent displays.

For starters, both tablets feature edge-to-edge screens with slim bezels. They are futuristic windows that open up endless digital possibilities. However, how clear and fluid these digital worlds you explore will be depends on which tablet you choose. We top the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 for the sharpest 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution, a higher pixel density of 276 pixels per inch (ppi), and a faster 120Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the iPad Air 5 is up to 2360 x 1640 pixels, 264 ppi and 60 Hz respectively. You likely won’t be able to tell the two apart when it comes to resolution and pixel density. However, the faster refresh rate may become apparent, especially if you use your tablet for gaming.

performance

Apple announces the iPad as a file replace the computer. For many people, this is a meaningless statement, and it is understandable. After all, most tablets are not mature enough to perform all the tasks of a desktop computer. However, another percentage of users are fine with just a tablet – depending on the disciplines they study or the nature of their jobs. In this fight, we also have a clear winner.

The iPad Air 5 is powered by the M1 chip from Apple. The SoC was originally designed for the Mac range, but then made its way to some iPad models. So a desktop processor fuels this elegant pane of glass. When it comes to benchmark results, the M1 chip outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in both single and multi-core performance tests. Additionally, the M1 has a higher overall score than its competition. However, it should be noted that the Samsung tablet supports microSD cards. So if your workflow depends on it, you may want to go for this option. Finally, support for tablet apps is more prevalent on iPadOS than on Android. So by using your iPad you get better optimized apps.

cameras

Cameras aren’t usually the tablet’s main selling point. These devices tend to focus on display and performance rather than the quality of their cameras. However, it is important to highlight this aspect in this comparison for those who plan to use their plates for photography. In this round, the winner is also clear.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 has a dual rear camera system – wide and ultra-wide lens. It has a 13MP primary camera that outperforms Apple’s wide-angle camera. Not to mention that the Samsung tablet is equipped with a flashlight for shooting in dark environments. When it comes to the front, the Apple camera has a 122-degree field of view (FoV) that beats the Samsung 120-degree FoV. However, the difference is too slight to affect your decision on which tablet to buy.

Battery life and charging

Solid battery life is essential on a tablet. After all, it is designed to be a portable device for productivity and entertainment. We were unable to run side-by-side battery tests for the iPad Air 5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8. However, both offer all-day battery life when used in moderation. So if you plan on using your tablet to take notes, listen to music, or watch a video, you’ll be fine for a day on a single charge.

Speaking of charging – both devices have USB Type-C ports for charging and data transfer. The iPad Air 5 from Apple comes with 20W. The battery will fill from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours and 15 minutes – according to our tests. Surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 does not come with a charging brick, so you will have to purchase your own separately.

Apple iPad Air 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Which Tablet Should You Buy?

The Apple iPad Air 5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 are very different tablets – despite their similarities. If you are in the Apple ecosystem, it makes sense to buy an iPad Air. If you’re looking for a better screen and don’t want to pay extra for a stylus, the Samsung tablet comes with an S Pen. In the case of the iPad, you will have to purchase the Apple Pencil 2 separately. It’s worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 costs an additional $100 in the US. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to buy the $599 iPad Air 5.

Which of the two tablets would you buy, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.