Premium Android Tablets Challenging the iPad Pro

If you're still thinking the iPad Pro is the only premium tablet worth your cash, it's time to wake up. Android has stepped up its game—hard. Over the past two years, flagship Android tablets have closed the performance and ecosystem gap, offering real competition to Apple’s long-dominant slate. As someone who’s tested over a dozen high-end tablets across brands, I’m here to break down why devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Google Pixel Tablet are now serious contenders.

Why Android Tablets Are Finally Competitive

Gone are the days of awkward app scaling and sparse pro software. With Android 14’s improved multitasking, better stylus support, and desktop-grade accessories, Android tablets now deliver a full productivity experience. Samsung’s DeX mode even mimics a desktop OS, letting you run multiple resizable windows—something the iPadOS still limits.

Benchmark data from Geekbench 6 and 3DMark Wild Life shows that the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) scores within 5–7% of the M2 iPad Pro in CPU tasks and actually outperforms it in GPU-heavy workloads thanks to higher thermal headroom.

Performance Comparison: iPad Pro vs Top Android Tablets

As the table shows, the Tab S9 Ultra matches or exceeds the iPad Pro in key areas, especially with 12GB RAM and superior multitasking. While the M2 chip is more power-efficient, Android’s flexibility often makes up the difference in real-world use.

Software & Ecosystem: Where iPad Still Leads (But Not by Much)

iPadOS still wins for creative pros relying on apps like Procreate and Final Cut Pro. However, Android is catching up fast. Samsung now offers Folio View, split-screen coding, and robust Android tablet productivity tools that rival Stage Manager. Adobe Fresco and Lightroom run flawlessly on the Tab S9 Ultra, and Microsoft 365 integration is seamless.

For business users, the ability to connect a Bluetooth mouse, use Linux via Termux, and output to a 4K monitor via USB-C gives Android an edge in versatility.

The Verdict

The iPad Pro remains excellent, but it’s no longer the only premium choice. If you value customization, multitasking, and hardware innovation, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a powerhouse alternative. And with Google expected to relaunch the Pixel Tablet in 2024 at a lower price point, Android’s momentum is undeniable.

Don’t just follow the crowd—explore what’s actually best for your workflow. The future of premium tablets isn’t just iOS. It’s Android, too.