Tab S10 Ultra vs M4 iPad Pro: Which Tablet Is Right for You?

Two of today’s most impressive tablets, the Samsung Tab S10 Ultra and the Apple M4 iPad Pro, bring cutting-edge technology to the table — but they do it in very different ways. From Samsung’s anti-reflection coating to Apple’s matte nano-texture display, and from Samsung’s desktop-like DeX experience to Apple’s powerhouse M4 chip, these tablets show us how diverse the tablet landscape has become. But what can each of these devices truly offer alongside your computer and smartphone? Let’s break it down.

Design and Build

At first glance, the Tab S10 Ultra and the M4 iPad Pro seem quite similar. Both are incredibly thin and lightweight, though the Tab S10 Ultra is a bit heavier due to its taller design. But when you look closer, some meaningful differences emerge.

First, the USB port: the iPad Pro features a USB 4 port, offering faster data transfer and superior external display support compared to the Tab S10 Ultra’s USB 3.2 port.

Second, the biometric system: Apple’s iPad Pro uses Face ID, which works impressively well on a tablet, while Samsung’s tablet still relies on an under-display fingerprint scanner that’s slower and more sensitive to moisture.

Third, the cameras: the Tab S10 Ultra has four cameras (wide and ultra-wide on both the front and back), but this results in a noticeable notch on the display — a questionable tradeoff considering most people won’t need an ultra-wide lens just for video calls. In contrast, the iPad Pro integrates a LiDAR scanner, which is incredibly useful for tasks like measuring spaces.

Samsung, however, scores points with its microSD card slot, making file storage more flexible, and its IP68 water-resistance rating, which could save you in a sudden downpour.

Display and Screen Technology

Both tablets boast gorgeous 120Hz OLED displays, but they take very different approaches. The iPad Pro has a nearly square aspect ratio, making it fantastic for drawing and writing, while the Tab S10 Ultra’s wide 16:10 aspect ratio excels for watching movies, showing significantly fewer black bars and offering about 42% more video area.

Screen coatings also differ: Samsung’s new anti-reflection coating absorbs light to reduce glare effectively, while Apple’s optional nano-texture coating diffuses reflections, creating a matte feel. While the nano-texture upgrade costs extra and slightly impacts color clarity, some users may prefer its stylus-friendly surface.

Brightness is another area where Apple leads. Thanks to its tandem OLED technology, the iPad Pro reaches 1,000 nits full-screen brightness and 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, far surpassing the Tab’s 600 and 900 nits, respectively. Under sunlight, the iPad’s display is clearly superior, but indoors, the gap narrows.

Stylus Experience

Samsung gives you the S Pen included in the box — a big win for creative users — while Apple requires a separate $100–$130 purchase for the Apple Pencil. Both styluses are tilt- and pressure-sensitive and offer hover features, but the Apple Pencil Pro includes haptic feedback, shadow previews, and barrel roll capabilities.

However, the S Pen holds its own thanks to its useful button shortcut, typically set to erase in many apps — much faster than the Apple Pencil’s double-tap. The S Pen’s rubber tip also offers a grippier feel on the screen compared to the Apple Pencil’s plastic tip, though this comes down to personal preference. One major downside for Samsung, however, is pen storage: the magnetic attachment on the back is weak, and without a case, you risk losing the stylus.

Battery Life and Performance

Despite its larger display, the Tab S10 Ultra has only a 10% bigger battery. Surprisingly, in a YouTube 4K playback test, it dropped just 1% more battery than the iPad Pro over 2 hours and 20 minutes. In a gaming benchmark, the iPad Pro consumed 35% battery compared to the Tab’s 21%, but this comes with a massive performance difference.

The M4 iPad Pro is in a league of its own, with benchmark scores rivaling the latest MacBooks. However, neither iPadOS nor Samsung’s Android-based OS is quite ready to fully replace a traditional laptop for most people. These tablets are best seen as highly portable companions, not complete laptop replacements.

Software and Productivity

While iPadOS is seeing a push toward pro-grade apps like DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and ZBrush, Android tablets like the Tab S10 Ultra focus more on general apps like note-taking and drawing — which run smoothly even on less powerful hardware.

Multitasking differs notably: Samsung’s DeX mode offers a desktop-like experience with snapping windows into halves and quarters, while Apple’s Stage Manager lets you save and switch between grouped app stages without reopening or reorganizing.

AI Features and Extras

Both devices now offer impressive AI features, from voice transcription to image generation. However, Apple’s ecosystem has the edge with more advanced writing tools, deeper ChatGPT integration, and unique functions like Math Notes, which can solve handwritten math problems. Samsung’s Galaxy AI currently lacks these high-level tools.

Final Thoughts

Both the Samsung Tab S10 Ultra and the M4 iPad Pro are excellent tablets, but they serve slightly different audiences. The iPad Pro leads in raw power, brightness, and advanced software, while the Tab S10 Ultra shines in flexibility, entertainment experience, and value with its included S Pen. Your choice ultimately depends on what you need most: maximum performance or versatile, well-rounded features.