Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra vs iPad Pro M5: detailed technical comparison
The new Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra debuts in the USA on October 7 with a launch price of $1,399.99, positioning itself directly against Apple's 13-inch iPad Pro with M5 chip, currently on sale for $1,499 for the base 256GB configuration. Both devices offer 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory, but substantial differences emerge in performance, screen size, battery life, memory expandability, and software ecosystem.
Quick Answer
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra offers a larger screen, expandable memory, and IP68 resistance at a lower price. The iPad Pro M5 boasts superior performance, longer battery life, and reduced weight. The choice between the two depends on specific productivity needs and the preferred ecosystem.
Technical Specifications Compared
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 2960x1848 resolution, while the iPad Pro relies on a 13-inch tandem OLED panel with 2752x2064 resolution. Both support refresh rates up to 120Hz and reach a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits. Samsung's Dimensity 9500 processor competes with Apple's M5, with the latter showing a clear advantage in performance.
Performance and Battery Life
In Geekbench 6 tests, the iPad Pro M5 scored 4,155 (single-core) and 16,517 (multi-core), compared to 3,229 and 9,763 of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. The iPad Pro also proved superior in graphics performance with a score of 9,934 in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited test. As for battery life, the iPad Pro recorded 13 hours and 16 minutes of continuous use, compared to 11 hours and 31 minutes of the Samsung competitor.
Design and Features
Both tablets have a thickness of 5.1 millimeters, but the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra weighs 692 grams compared to the 579 grams of the iPad Pro. Samsung includes the S Pen in the box, while Apple sells the Apple Pencil Pro separately for $129. Another point in favor of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra is the ability to expand internal memory up to 2TB via microSD, a feature absent in the iPad Pro.
Ecosystem and Productivity
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra leverages Android and Samsung DeX features to offer a desktop-like experience. It also includes pre-installed Photoshop with four months of free subscription. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, relies on iPadOS and supports creative applications such as Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. Apple also offers the possibility to connect external displays up to 5K at 120Hz or 6K at 60Hz.
Considerations for Security and Compliance
For companies evaluating the purchase of mobile devices for their employees, it is crucial to consider aspects of mobile device management and GDPR compliance. The IP68 resistance of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra could represent an advantage in work environments exposed to risks of damage from moisture or dust. Additionally, the ability to expand internal memory offers greater flexibility in managing corporate data.
Connectivity Options
The iPad Pro is also available with 5G and eSIM configurations, while the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. Both devices offer advanced connectivity options, but the choice will depend on specific mobility needs and data connection requirements.
Warranties and Support
Samsung guarantees up to seven generations of operating system updates and seven years of security updates for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra. Apple, on the other hand, does not specify a fixed number of updates for the iPad Pro with M5. This aspect could influence the purchase decision for those seeking a device with a longer lifecycle.
Alternatives and Final Considerations
For those interested in the Apple ecosystem but do not need the maximum performance offered by the M5, the iPad Air with M4 chip represents a more affordable option with support for Apple Pencil and keyboards. The final choice between Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and iPad Pro M5 will therefore depend on individual priorities: larger screen and expandable memory for Samsung, performance and lightness for Apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tablet offers better performance?
The iPad Pro with M5 chip offers superior performance in terms of CPU and GPU compared to the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra with Dimensity 9500 processor.
Which tablet has better battery life?
The iPad Pro recorded a battery life of 13 hours and 16 minutes, compared to 11 hours and 31 minutes of the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra in continuous use tests.
Which tablet is lighter?
The iPad Pro weighs 579 grams, while the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra weighs 692 grams, making the iPad easier to carry.
Which tablet offers the ability to expand memory?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra supports memory expansion via microSD up to 2TB, while the iPad Pro does not offer this option.
Which tablet includes the stylus pen in the box?
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra includes the S Pen in the box, while the iPad Pro requires the separate purchase of the Apple Pencil Pro.
Market Impact and Business Prospects
The competition between Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and iPad Pro M5 fits into a premium tablet market growing at an annual rate of 7.3%, according to Statista forecasts. Companies are evaluating these devices for Device as a Service (DaaS) solutions, particularly relevant in the financial and healthcare sectors where digital operational resilience is critical.
Competitive Advantages for Specific Sectors
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra could attract law firms and architects thanks to its expandable memory and compatibility with CAD applications, while the iPad Pro M5 is preferable for creative professionals who need advanced identity management for accessing protected content. The IP68 resistance of the Samsung tablet offers an advantage in sectors such as construction or energy, where devices are exposed to adverse conditions.
Considerations for Cybersecurity
Companies should evaluate the adoption of Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions to effectively manage these devices. The lack of an IP rating in the iPad Pro may require stricter cyber insurance policies to cover accidental damage. Both devices support hardware encryption, but differences in the security frameworks of Android and iPadOS may influence compliance choices.
Future Prospects and Innovations
Samsung has announced that the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra will be the first tablet to support the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering transfer speeds up to 4.8 Gbps. Apple, on the other hand, is developing new zero trust architecture features for iPadOS, which could be introduced in 2027. Both manufacturers are exploring the integration of advanced biometric identity management, with Samsung having patented a hand vein recognition system.
Implications for Digital Asset Management
Companies managing a mixed fleet of devices should consider implementing Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) solutions to ensure security consistency across different ecosystems. Managing Android and iOS devices requires the adoption of zero trust policies to minimize data breach risks. Differences in update lifecycle may also influence disaster recovery strategies.
Adoption Trends in the Educational Sector
Educational institutions are evaluating the purchase of premium tablets for advanced learning programs. The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra's ability to expand memory makes it suitable for engineering labs, while the iPad Pro is preferred for design and media programs. Schools should consider adopting managed Security Operations Center services to protect sensitive student data.
Sustainability and Product Lifecycle
Samsung has promised seven years of updates for the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, a significant advantage for companies seeking to reduce replacement costs. Apple, on the other hand, has not specified such a long lifecycle, which could influence purchase decisions for organizations prioritizing sustainability. Both manufacturers are exploring the use of recycled materials in their devices, with Samsung announcing the goal of using 50% recycled materials by 2027.
Data Protection Strategies
Companies choosing the iPad Pro M5 should implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions to protect sensitive data during transfer between devices. The lack of expandable memory in the iPad Pro requires the use of robust cloud security architectures to ensure data protection. Samsung, on the other hand, offers advanced encryption options for microSD cards, an important factor for organizations managing large amounts of data.
Prospects for the Future of Premium Tablets
The premium tablet market is set to evolve rapidly, with an increasing focus on digital operational resilience and data protection. Companies should monitor developments in zero trust and identity management technologies to ensure their devices remain secure and compliant with regulations. The choice between Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and iPad Pro M5 should be based on an in-depth analysis of the organization's specific needs and security priorities.
Editorial Note and Disclaimer
The guides and content published on GoYou are the result of independent research and analysis activities, for informational, educational, and in-depth purposes.
GoYou does not constitute a journalistic publication nor an editorial product pursuant to Law No. 62/2001 and does not perform real-time information activities.
The GoYou project does not provide professional, technical, legal, or financial advice and disclaims any liability for the improper use of the information published.
In the Crypto sector, every investment involves risks: readers are invited to always inform themselves autonomously before making any decision.