Samsung's Galaxy Tab S7 is a good mid-range tablet with a similar size and many of the same features as Apple’s iPad Air 4. Rather than comparing the entry-level pricing for these tablets, it may be interesting for anyone looking for a solid tablet that can handle both work and play to push the specifications higher and find out what is possible with these two high-quality options.
The iPad Air 4 was announced in September at the first of the company's three end-of-year events, something unusual for Apple. 2020 was a year full of the unexpected, which was caused in part by the global pandemic and shipping delays. The first product to get the latest Apple mobile processor is usually the iPhone, but in 2020 that honor went to the iPad Air 4. In another twist, the new A14 outperformed the A12Z, found in the more expensive iPad Pro models. Many had expected the iPad Air 4 to be powered by the A13, which would follow the normal pattern. However, Apple was on a roll, presenting a series of big upgrades at each event, stirring consumer interest, and leading to record revenues for the fourth quarter.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7 matches many of the same specifications as its top-end tablet the Galaxy Tab S7+, differing only in physical size, battery capacity and display technology. The Tab S7 uses an advanced LCD display instead of the more expensive OLED of the larger model. Nevertheless, Samsung makes bright and beautiful screens and its tablet features a fast 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling than the iPad Air 4, which uses the more common 60Hz refresh rate LCD display. The Galaxy Tab S7 has an 11-inch diagonal screen measurement, a close match to the 10.9-inch display on Apple’s tablet. The iPad Air 4 has a much faster processor, the very latest from Apple, while Samsung's release was earlier in the year and uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+. This chip is significantly slower than the current best Android chip, the Snapdragon 888, found in the Galaxy S21 smartphone. For browsing and media consumption the difference may not be noticeable, but for heavy video processing or complicated music tracks with effects, the Apple tablet will have an edge.
Samsung Vs Apple: Pricing & Configurations
In its top configuration, the iPad Air 4 has a maximum of 256GB of storage and Wi-Fi plus LTE at a cost of $879. For a tablet nearly as powerful as an iPad Pro, this is a great deal. The Galaxy Tab S7 can reach up to 512GB and has the option of 5G connectivity, but combining these two doesn’t appear to be possible on Samsung’s website or elsewhere at this time. That means shoppers have to choose between 5G support with 128GB at $850 or more storage with Wi-Fi data only. It’s clear from the choices available that the two tablets are priced similarly. Samsung adds some extra value with 5G speeds, while Apple doubles the storage space with 256GB. There are other differences that can help make a decision. While both have the option of using a pressure-sensitive stylus and a keyboard with a trackpad, Samsung includes the S Pen, but Apple charges $130 extra for the second-generation Apple Pencil, resulting in a price advantage for the Tab S7.
A significant difference between the two tablets is the ecosystem. The iPad Air 4 is based on iPadOS with compatibility with iOS apps. Apps often include a version for the iPhone and iPad, sometimes even including Apple Watch and Mac apps at the same price. This provides an extra incentive for Apple device owners to stay loyal to the brand. To a lesser extent, the same is true with Android. Apps that work on a Samsung smartphone will work on its tablet as well, though it is less likely that the app will have a version designed specifically for a tablet-sized screen. This is part of the reason for Apple’s lead in the tablet market. In general, users favor one operating system or the other, though it is not terribly hard to mix and match, simply some of the convenience and familiarity is lost until new muscle memory is built for each type of device. When it comes to mid-range tablets, users are more likely to cross over since the tablet may not be used in a professional setting which requires streamlined workflows. That makes the decision between the iPad Air 4 and Galaxy Tab S7 somewhat difficult and more of a matter of personal preference.