Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra vs iPad Pro M5: which premium tablet should you buy?

Key figures

Two very different flagship tablets

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra went on sale in the US on October 7, 2026, a year after Apple launched the iPad Pro with the M5 chip in October 2025. Both are 5.1 mm thin, both use OLED screens and both start with 12 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage. But they are built for different people.

The Samsung is a huge 14.6-inch Android tablet that gives you more in the box: the S Pen stylus, IP68 protection against water and dust, and a microSD slot. The iPad Pro is a smaller, lighter and much more powerful machine, backed by Apple's ecosystem and professional creative apps, but you pay extra for almost every accessory.

Specs compared

Specifications from TechRepublic and Digit. The iPad Pro also exists in an 11-inch size.

Performance: Apple's clear lead

This is the biggest gap. In TechRepublic's tests, the iPad Pro's M5 scored 4,155 single-core and 16,517 multi-core in Geekbench 6, against 3,229 and 9,763 for the Tab S12 Ultra's MediaTek Dimensity 9500. In graphics, the M5 reached 59 fps in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme against 39.7 fps for the Samsung.

In everyday use, both are fast. The difference matters for 4K video editing, 3D work, music production with many tracks and demanding games, where the iPad keeps a real advantage. It also runs desktop-class apps such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.

Screen: size against image quality

The Samsung's 14.6-inch screen is noticeably larger, which is ideal for films, two apps side by side or a full page of sheet music. Apple's tandem OLED is smaller but very sharp and adapts its refresh rate from 10 to 120 Hz to save battery. Both brands claim up to 1,600 nits, measured in different conditions, so the numbers are not directly comparable.

Battery and charging

In TechRepublic's continuous Wi-Fi browsing test at 150 nits, the iPad Pro lasted 13 h 16 min and the Tab S12 Ultra 11 h 31 min. Samsung supports 45 W charging. Both easily last a working day, but the iPad lasts longer between charges.

Pen, keyboard and the real price

Samsung includes the S Pen in the box and bundles Adobe Photoshop, according to Digit. Apple sells the Apple Pencil Pro for $129 and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard for $349. Samsung's Pro Keyboard is also sold separately.

So the real gap is bigger than $100: an iPad Pro 13-inch with pencil and keyboard costs about $1,977, while a Tab S12 Ultra with its pen already included only needs a keyboard. If you mainly draw or take notes, the Samsung is the better value.

Software and durability

• Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra: One UI 9 based on Android 17, with Samsung DeX for a desktop-style interface, Galaxy AI tools and seven years of OS and security updates. IP68 protection is rare on a tablet and reassuring in a kitchen, a workshop or a school bag.
• iPad Pro M5: iPadOS 26 with windowed multitasking, the best catalogue of professional tablet apps and close integration with the iPhone and Mac. Apple does not publish a fixed number of updates, but iPads are traditionally supported for many years.

Which one should you buy?

• You draw, annotate PDFs or take handwritten notes: the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, with its S Pen in the box.
• You edit video, photos or music professionally: the iPad Pro M5, much more powerful.
• You already use an iPhone or a Mac: the iPad Pro M5.
• You want the biggest screen for films and multitasking: the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra.
• You carry your tablet everywhere: the iPad Pro M5, 113 g lighter.
• You need cheap extra storage: the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and its microSD slot.
• You work outdoors or around water: the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, rated IP68.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra cheaper than the iPad Pro? Yes, by about $100 at 256 GB, and by much more once you add a stylus, since the S Pen is included.

Which is faster? The iPad Pro M5, by a wide margin in TechRepublic's benchmarks.

Can either replace a laptop? Both can with a keyboard: Samsung DeX offers a desktop interface, and iPadOS 26 adds windowed multitasking. For full desktop software, a laptop remains simpler.

Should I wait for a new iPad Pro? Apple usually updates the iPad Pro every 12 to 18 months. If you need a tablet for the holidays, the M5 model is already very powerful.

Verdict

The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra gives more for the money: a bigger screen, a pen in the box, IP68, expandable storage and seven years of updates. It is the best choice for note-takers, students and anyone who wants a large Android tablet. The iPad Pro M5 is the more powerful, lighter and longer-lasting tablet, and the obvious choice for creative professionals and Apple users, if you accept paying extra for the accessories. For other options, read our guide to the best laptops and MacBook Air M5 review analysis.

This article analyses tests and comparisons published by other outlets, in our own words. RealDigitalTech did not test the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra or the iPad Pro M5 itself.