Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Which One Should You Buy?

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) edges ahead with a BeastScore of 87.4/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
87/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
87/ 100
Launch pricePrice on request
Head-to-head

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) wins 0 of 5 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
0 wins
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraBatteryDisplayValue
Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    86
    86
  • CameraTie
    80
    80
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieNot enough data
  • BatteryTie
    95
    95
  • DisplayTie
    94
    94
  • ConnectivityNot enough data
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    85
    85
Key differences
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has the bigger battery10,090 mAh vs 9,705 mAh
  • Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) has the bigger screen13" vs 12.4"
  • Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) has the faster chipApple M4 vs Exynos 1380
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)
  • ✓13" display at 120 Hz
Reasons to buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
  • ✓Bigger 10,090 mAh battery (+385 mAh)
  • ✓12.4" display at 120 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationApple iPad Air 13 5G (2026)Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeAMOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size13"12.4"
Resolution & DensityFHD+ / LTPO AMOLED FHD+ / LTPO AMOLED
Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion120 Hz ProMotion
BrightnessN/AN/A
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorApple M4 Exynos 1380
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS Android
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory12 GB LPDDR12 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage1024 GB256 GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Cameraundefined MP, Triple Camera Systemundefined MP, Triple Camera System
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lensundefined MPundefined MP
7. Body & Dimensions
DimensionsN/AN/A
WeightN/AN/A
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity9,705 mAh10,090 mAh
Wired Fast ChargingFast chargingFast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardNot listedNot listed
BluetoothNot listedNot listed
USB Port & SpeedNot listedNot listed
NFCYesYes
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch PricePrice on requestPrice on request
Our verdict

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) wins — BeastScore 87.4/100

After comparing all the specs, Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) is the stronger all-round phone. Its main edge: Significantly larger display: 13" vs max 12.4" for media & multitasking.

Buy Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) if you want

Significantly larger display: 13" vs max 12.4" for media & multitasking

Buy Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ if you want

Larger battery capacity: 10,090 mAh (+385 mAh more)

Common questions

Which is better: Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+?

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) leads with an overall BeastScore of 87.4/100 compared to Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (87.4/100), driven by advantages in Significantly larger display: 13" vs max 12.4" for media & multitasking.

What are the main battery and display differences between Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+?

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) has a 13-inch display and 9705 mAh battery. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a 12.4-inch display and 10090 mAh battery.

How do Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ compare for speed?

Apple iPad Air 13 5G (2026) scores 86/100 for performance; Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ scores 86/100.

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