Tech & Gadgets · Head-to-head
Apple iPad (A16) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Which should you buy? Here's the honest call, pulled from our full The Best Budget Tablets: Four Compared, One to Skip comparison.
The iPad (A16) wins on the things that age well, app quality and years of updates, even though it costs the most and charges extra for accessories. If you prefer Android or want louder sound and expandable storage for less, the Galaxy Tab A9+ is the value pick.
Apple iPad (A16)
Buy itThe priciest pick here, and still the safest for most people thanks to its apps and long update life.
- A16 chip has real headroom for multitasking and light gaming
- Long iPadOS support and a deep library of properly tablet-built apps
- Non-laminated screen has a visible air gap and looks slightly recessed
- Pencil and keyboard are sold separately, raising the true cost
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Buy itThe Android value pick: big sound and expandable storage for noticeably less money.
- Quad Dolby Atmos speakers paired with an 11-inch 90Hz screen
- microSD expansion and a headphone jack that the iPad omits
- Snapdragon 695 is fine for media but slows under demanding games
- Plastic body and slow 15W charging
Side by side
| Apple iPad (A16) | Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | People who want the longest useful lifespan and the best app selection. | Android users who want louder sound and expandable storage on a modest budget. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Apple iPad (A16) - The priciest pick here, and still the safest for most people thanks to its apps and long update life. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ instead if android users who want louder sound and expandable storage on a modest budget.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Budget Tablets: Four Compared, One to Skip.