Comparison
iPad vs Galaxy Tab for Students: Which Tablet Is Better?
iPad for the best apps and if you have an iPhone. Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you want the pen included and water resistance.
Get an iPad if you have an iPhone or need the best apps for note-taking and drawing. Get a Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you want a stylus included in the box, water resistance and a microSD slot. Both are great for school.
Quick verdict
- Best overall: iPad (10th gen or A16). Best app selection, smooth, simple.
- Best value with a pen: Galaxy Tab S9 FE. The S Pen comes free in the box.
- Best for serious note-takers and artists: iPad Air (M2 or M3) with Apple Pencil.
Spec comparison
| iPad (10th gen) | iPad (A16) | Galaxy Tab S9 FE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 10.9" LCD | 11" LCD | 10.9" LCD, 90Hz |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A16 | Exynos 1380 |
| Base storage | 64GB | 128GB | 128GB + microSD |
| Pen | Sold separately (Apple Pencil USB-C or 1st gen) | Sold separately (Apple Pencil USB-C or 1st gen) | S Pen included |
| Water resistance | No | No | IP68 |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Refurbished price | From $143.99 | From $191.99 | From $151.99 |
Apps
This is the iPad's biggest win. Apps like GoodNotes, Notability and Procreate are built for iPad first, and many tablet-optimized apps simply look and work better there. Android tablets run phone apps stretched out more often.
On Galaxy, Samsung Notes is excellent and free, and Microsoft Office and Google Docs work well on both.
Note-taking and the pen
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE includes the S Pen, which never needs charging. That's real money saved.
The Apple Pencil costs extra, but the handwriting experience and app support on iPad are the best around. The base iPads work with the Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the 10th gen also works with the 1st-gen Pencil using an adapter. The iPad Air adds support for better Pencils with pressure sensitivity.
Durability
The Tab S9 FE is IP68 water and dust resistant. Spilled coffee in the library won't kill it. iPads aren't rated. Either way, get a case.
If you already have a phone
iPhone users get AirDrop, shared iMessage, Handoff and copy-paste between devices with an iPad. Galaxy phone users get similar perks with a Galaxy Tab: Quick Share, call and text continuity, and multi-control with Samsung laptops.
Who should buy which
Get an iPad if…
- You have an iPhone or a Mac
- You want GoodNotes, Notability or Procreate
- You want the simplest, smoothest tablet
Get a Galaxy Tab S9 FE if…
- You want a pen without paying extra
- You need water resistance
- You want expandable storage with microSD
Upgrades worth considering
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2): laptop-class chip, better Pencil support. From $274.99.
- Galaxy Tab S9: AMOLED screen and a flagship chip. From $269.99.
Browse all refurbished tablets, or see our back-to-school gift picks.
FAQ
Is an iPad or Samsung tablet better for college?
An iPad is usually better for app selection and note-taking apps. A Galaxy Tab S9 FE is better value if you want a pen included and water resistance.
Does the Galaxy Tab S9 FE come with a pen?
Yes, the S Pen is included in the box and doesn't need charging.
Can a tablet replace a laptop for school?
For notes, reading and light writing, yes, especially with a keyboard case. For long essays, coding or specialized software, a laptop is still easier.
Skip the new-phone price
Get the iPad (10th gen) pre-owned from $143.99, tested by real technicians with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns.