Galaxy Tab S8 VS iPad Air: Does the Performance Gap Matter? 

PRICING CORRECTION: The price shown in the video is for the 5G model of the S8 - sorry! The WiFi version is actually £599. I've used the standard retail price for the US, but Samsung usually has pretty fantastic discounts and trade-in deals, so you can undoubtedly find it for less.

A couple of years ago, I would have always gone for iPad over an Android Tablet, but now I am not sure. I agree, having lots of performance doesn't help you if the apps or the operating system are unable to fully utilise it. It frustrates me even more today that despite all the improvements in iPad OS 16.2, I still cannot format and external SSD or memory card, whereas with Android I can. I need to carry around a Raspberry Pi 4 USB-C gadget accessory with my iPad Pro, which does all things my iPad Pro can't and is forty times less expensive! To date, the only way I've been able to stretch my M1 iPad Pro is by running apps such as UTM and Dolphin, but as these are not available via the Apple Store, I must side load them. I do this via Alt Store, which means I need an Apple Developer account, plus you must put the iPad into developer mode. In Android this is a straightforward and done via the settings app, but with iPad OS you also need a Mac device running XCode. Additionally, as I don't want to jailbreak my iPad Pro, Dolphin and UTM can only be run if your iPad Pro is tethered (debug mode) to another Apple device across a local network which is extremely inconvenient. OK, I can even get around this, but I now I need a paid Apple developer account, plus compile an app called Jitterbug, which has been linked to my developer account team ID, has defined a couple of jitterbug unique identifiers in my developer account with have "network extensions" enabled, I have created a jitterbug key on Mac device and I transferred to my iPad Pro, and I have also copied over an iOS debug disk image from XCode to my iPad Pro. Just as well I have more storage on my 2TB iPad Pro than I could ever possibly fully use! Having jumped through all these hoops, I can now tether my iPad Pro to itself via a special internal VPN, and no second Apple device required other than for the initial set-up process or in 365 days' time when the development certificate expires, and I need to repeat the set-up process, aaarrrrggghhh! On Android, I would just download Dolphin from Google Play Store! Once again, having all that extra performance on an iPad Pro becomes a curse when you must jump through so many hoops just to utilise it! Why does Apple delight in to making it customers life difficult ... and it has extraordinarily little to do with security!

Great video as always - my one addition would be longevity. How long with the Samsung tablet be supported with new software features and how long will it feel adequately fast? If you divide the cost by the years of service, I’d say the iPads probably come out as the better value.

I used tab s8 for note taking & gaming. Best part about gaming using tab S8 is that I can install flydigi app & play PUBGM & CODM using mouse & keyboard For me Samsung note apps is far superior than Apple note apps. Because it has less limitation

Something that I have always be weary of in reference to an Android tablet, I thought that my experience would be lacking but I have been completely wrong. Using my S8 as my dedicated work device I have not been more happier. I prefer Android take on tablet software than iPadOS. I feel iPadOS is still Apple dictating what tablet experience should be and does not allow you to tailor it to you. I feel that because Adnrioid allows you to use overlays, change icons and allow those changes to be seen throughout the device than just using shortcuts; is just a much better experience.

I’ve always been an iPad user. I’m actually typing this comment on an iPad but, I recently got the S8 just to try something different and I gotta say, I’m loving it. I haven’t completely switched over to it just yet due to waiting on some accessories to arrive. I don’t do any video editing or anything like that. I do a little bit of graphics work for my church but, I’m able to do that on a tablet. So far, my experience on the S8 has been great and I don’t see myself switching back to the iPad unless I have a hang up of some sort.

Happy New Year Dayv, really interesting video. It reminded me of when, many years ago, my late husband and I were choosing a Television in John Lewis. So many to choose from! I had read countless reviews, and in the shop, went from set to set to see which had the best picture/sound. Exhausted, we chose one and 15 years later it’s still going strong. The point is that once the choice is made, there are no face to face comparisons and if the selection was ‘good enough’ one is likely to be satisfied. Tech is of course a bit different, but, as you say, the most important consideration is that you are satisfied that the device is doing a good job.

Had a Samsung galaxy Tab S3 and IPad Pro 12.9 1st generation. I’m still using the iPad today runs slow but still useful. The Samsung tablet was retired many years ago as it slowed down to pace of a rock and battery lasted 5 min. If longevity is what u want from your devices go for iPad

Here is the difference… I’m using a 2018-era iPad Pro 11. Looks and functions the same as your 2 iPads (slightly lower performance but not noticeable outside edge cases). However, NO 2018-era Samsung or Android tablet would still work as well or even be fully supported. The former might last you 7, 8, 9 years… the latter is landfill junk after 3 years.

Future-proofing is a reason that many creators ignore. Most live in a world where they get the latest and greatest every cycle, whereas Apple advised recently that the average upgrade cycle for an iPad is around six years. This is unequivocally a significant reason to want the best-performing chip you can buy now, and why I went with the M1 iPad Pro, that I will unlikely upgrade for maybe 8 years, or as long as it lasts. So, IMHO, buy the best chip if you will keep it for a long time, as the M1 will likely still be relevant in 5 years if, as claimed, it is overkill for many now. If you are paying extra, that is because you will get 6-7 years of software support versus 4 on the Samsung and less on most other Android tablets. Apart from performance, updates, and price, there is the ecosystem, quality & choice of apps, and accessories; the iPad has multiple pens and keyboard choices, but sadly we are stuck with some uninspiring Samsung attachable keyboards that are deal-breakers for me (flappy things and no backlit keyboard on S8 or S8+). The usual case is that people are going to buy what offers the most for them, even if it is not the best, and in the case of Android, it is that they allow emulation, sideloading and torrents, two of which Apple block due to legal requirements.

I don't care about utilisation and performance I'm getting today, I care about it 6 years from now because I don't actually wanna buy a tablet but have to

I have the Galaxy Tab s8 plus with the Snapdragon 1, IPad mini with the Bionic A15, and the Google Pixel 7 pro with the Tensor G2. As far as performance, I can't tell the difference between the three processors.

Your absolutely the best... Easy to understand how you speak.... Great comparison Greg

I would not be choosing between an iPad and Android tablet on performance. I would choose an iPad because I use an iPhone, an Apple Watch and a Mac. The iPad fits into the Apple ecosystem better than an Android tablet could so case closed.

Honestly Performance benchmarks are a really shitty & cheap way to award a winner. doesn't take into account OS preferences or real world use... Sure all the CPU monkeys can drool over high numbers... but 98% of consumers dont give a shit.

I only take a note of the raw power not for the current usage but how it will help the tablet towards it's longevity. Which doesn't make it easier to chose between Ipad or Samsung Tab S8/ the future S9. Yes Ipads keep their performance for years but at one point you won't be able to download/use most of the apps, as the software will lock them. =(

To your point, my iPhone 6S Plus has always done a good enough job for me. I can take photos, browse the web, text friends (and did you know you can phone calls on these things?). I know new phones are more powerful, I've seen the reviews, but I can wait until my old phone finally dies.

The most realistic review 👍🏻👍🏻

The raw power argument is (imo) not even remotely the issue, as a gamer amdroid let's me access streaming gaming,endless alternate app repos/stores, emulators and fan ports of loads of pc games. From a non gamer perspective access to dex mode and any flavor of Linux and some windows software make the iPad feel absurdly limited. I always go back to the alladin genie analogy, ipads have unlimited power in a tiny little living space.

I hop back and forth between Samsung and Apple eco systems. At one point I had the 3rd gen ipad air and S8 ultra both in my stable. My big hands and love of drawing on Wacom's just made the s8 Ultra more enjoyable. The micro SD also applies to my specific use case. But the Samsung has too many bloatware apps and is more complicated to master than an ipad. At times the s8 can studder between animations but the oled and higher refresh rate makes media playback almost cinematic. My switching from an m1 air to a book2 360 has been much less enjoyable.

This dude never smiles in his videos 😂 SMILE my friend SMILE

When it comes to internet, the modem is also important, a quality wifi modem or chip, makes a world of surfing difference and how it utilizes the SOC .

Personally, I think performance only matters to me (an iPad Pro user) because I keep tablets well beyond their marketing lifespan. My last iPad was 10 years old and it’s still going strong. I value display quality and graphics performance but also product durability. So in my view the iPad wins. Great video by the way.

Up until a couple of years ago I was a dyed in the wool pc and android boy , two and a bit years later with two big iPhones and a iPad Air 4 and now a MacBook Pro 14 incher , looking back at all the electronic computer devices I’ve had , the Apple gear has had the most performance . Upon reflection, I would agree being super powerful does not on its own make for the best experience. However, it is pretty nice having that performance that just doesn’t fail you , or at least rarely fails you. It’s hard to give up that performance once you’ve had it. Although I must confess using iOS for the first time after being a ten year android boy , it was like having my fingers nails pulled out with pliers for the first couple of months 🤣. I agree both systems have their good and bad points . The conclusion I have come to is I now go for whichever overall works the best for me , in all honesty I think the line is actually fairly thin in the differences , but the Apple stuff does have some areas that do get extra points for me , the App Store for example gives me a bit more confidence that im not going to get lumbered with a malicious app. Updates are another area that apple seems pretty good. Some thing’s still annoy the hell out of me on apple stuff , but the good points outweigh the bad I think, that’s just me.

Things go downhill quickly when looking at the realm of apps, try audio apps for music production.

Sir what u would suggest if i am getting this both at same price but ipad with 64 gb varaint or the s8 tab would be better ???? Which has better quality display?

I love the Galaxy tabs because, I'm in the Samsung ecosystem. Chrome book, watch, phone and buds.

Is the long lasting software support on the ipad worth it? or should I get the tab s8 ? Help me please

The question is how much years of OS updates you’ll get from each device.

iPad Air - 60Hz Tab S8 - 120Hz but slower. i really would rather play with lesser graphics on a higher refresh rate

Is the iPad so powerful to stop you from being a pirate?

For COD mobile??

For me, it is the overall experience that is important - not just the hardware performance - that includes security, privacy, integration, the seamless experience. I would only really consider another platform if the value proposition was miles ahead of the Ipad - which it isn’t (for me)..

Doesn't matter how fast the Hardware is on any device, the operating system still runs at the same speed. The OS set the operating system speed. This doesn't apply to other software or games. For example, when clicking operating system, virtual buttons, start menu etc, always the same speed.

So confuse on tab s8 and ipad air ,which will last longer? Up to 2028!

Ipad air wins because you can get a cellular version without going bigger .

So it's like "good enough" vs "overkill" for most users! I would pick the iPad for video/photo editing and the Galaxy for everything else.

Apple pencil 2 become dead after 2 years?

Keep using those two tablet for 5 years or more and come back to ask the same question again.

Hehe I am now wondering what those “niche” apps are now 🤣

M¹ chip in the air has less cores as well... Probably throttled too...

Please do compare ports on various tablets.👍

I don't belive an iOS user willing to enjoy an android pad. Talk for money right.

Overall Apple has the advantage with it's integration of hardware-software and leading chips. However they're brutal in terms of all the other hardware and the OS itself: 1. You have to upgrade from base model to get decent hardware eg: 64GB SS, 60Hz screen, Apple Pencil 1, USB-C 3, No SD card slot, 8GB. 2. iPadOS and App Store is very restrictive but comes with better quality control and security and simplicity of use and quality of use in micro areas eg scrolling and house style integration etc than Android. 3. Accessories are very high price A device with an M1 chip should be massively future-proof but look at the above base hardware. The biggest requirement is software however to make iPadOS more usable like MacOS-Lite. Apple provide high quality hardware, OS and Apps but limit USABILITY/FUNCTIONALITY so much after customers already paid high for high quality. Hard to say which is better: Probably even. Samsung screen tilts the difference to that device but M1 longevity and Apple quality tilts the decision that way. Once Apple provide MacOS-Lite integrated into iPadOS, their devices will be the dream device imho because they start from a position of core quality in the fundamentals. Then it's a question of adding functionality for usability for customer flexibility. You then buy into a highly dependable high service providing company and eco-system. Eg the staff in Apple stores are very helpful for any problems.

I don't think it was a good idea from Apple to put the M1 and M2 into the tablets lower than iPad Pro. The Air does not need so much power. And let's don't speak about the entry level iPad wich is not an entry level iPad anymore. Way to expensive. Putting the M Chips into the tablets makes them unnecessary expensive. Why should I buy an iPad Pro if can get a MacBook for the same money? Do tablets need that amount of power? Well, yes and no. Gamers always need a lot of computing power, but like you said, the majority of users will not see any difference in the daily use. Maybe we are at the point where it would make sense to compare iPad Pro with MacBook. Usability for everyday tasks, gaming etc...

the good enough concept is what has determined the android world always i got my phone stolen 2 times this year, my last one for the year is, as expected a good enough android, as cheap and decent as i could find, and so far, with my needs and usage i expect it to last me at least 3 years if not more while more power is nice, for the vast majority of people ussing whatsapp, facebook and youtube, to mention some, as long as it has enough ram and decent screen, anything will make you happy tbh and that is why ipads dont sell more, because one expects certain performnce on a laptop or a desktop, not on a tablet, or a smartphone, that is basically the same on android

It baffles me how Apple is so far ahead in performance - what happened, everyone else fall to sleep over the past 5 years? CPU/GPU does matter for amy more reasons than not 👍

Privacy, as usual, seems to be of no concern to Android users, although it is part of the Android business model, and consequently of the pricing as well. There are countless scientific papers on how your data is collected and sold to 3rd parties (usually 20-40). Now the Android fanboys might argue that Apple does collect data as well, and it indeed does, but there is no indication (yet) that they sell the data to 3rd parties.