Old Post - iOS vs Android tablets
Originally posted September 4th
10/3/20245 min read
iOS vs Android tablets
Comparing My Two Tablets: iPad Pro 4th Gen vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
As someone who relies heavily on mobile tech for work, creativity, and entertainment, having a capable tablet is essential. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to use both the iPad Pro 4th Gen (12.9-inch) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 extensively. While these devices differ in age, design, and operating systems, both have proven to be invaluable tools in their own right. In this post, I’ll be comparing these two tablets based on my experience, focusing on how they handle different tasks like media consumption, art asset generation, writing, and light gaming.
iPad Pro 4th Gen (12.9-inch): A Premium Powerhouse
The iPad Pro 4th Gen has been my go-to device for many tasks, and it’s easy to see why. This tablet boasts a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, True Tone, and P3 wide color, making it perfect for visual content. The display is not only large but also incredibly sharp and vibrant, which makes it an ideal choice for video streaming, photo editing, and freehand drawing.
The Apple Pencil adds a whole new level of functionality, especially for art asset generation. The precision, pressure sensitivity, and responsiveness of the Apple Pencil make drawing on the iPad feel as natural as using a traditional pencil and paper. The iPad Pro also excels in multitasking, thanks to its powerful A12Z Bionic chip, which can handle multiple apps and processes simultaneously without breaking a sweat.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6: Still Going Strong
Although the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is an older model, it continues to perform admirably for most tasks. The 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display, while not as large as the iPad’s, still offers rich colors and deep blacks, making it a great option for watching videos and browsing the web. The tablet is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, which, despite its age, holds up well for everyday tasks, including light gaming, writing, and media consumption.
The Tab S6 also comes with the S Pen, which, while not quite as refined as the Apple Pencil, still provides a solid drawing experience with good pressure sensitivity and low latency. It’s a great tool for sketching, taking notes, and doing light photo editing. The S Pen attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet for easy storage, which is a nice touch.
iOS vs. Android: A Tale of Two Environments
One of the most significant differences between these two tablets is, of course, their operating systems—iOS on the iPad Pro and Android on the Galaxy Tab S6. Each ecosystem has its own strengths and weaknesses, and my experience with both has been quite telling.
iOS (iPadOS) on the iPad Pro
Stability and Security: iOS is known for its stability and strong security features. The closed ecosystem means fewer risks of malware and smoother performance. I've rarely experienced crashes or glitches on my iPad Pro, and updates are consistent and prompt, keeping the device secure and running optimally.
App Ecosystem: The iOS App Store offers a wide range of apps specifically optimized for the iPad, especially in the areas of creative work, productivity, and design. Procreate, Notability, and LumaFusion are a few examples of iPad-exclusive or highly optimized apps that I regularly use for art, note-taking, and video editing.
Integration with Apple Ecosystem: If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the iPad Pro integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. I can easily switch between my iPhone, MacBook, and iPad, sharing files and messages with ease.
Customization Limitations: While iOS offers great stability, it lacks the deep customization options that Android provides. For users who like to personalize their devices, this might feel limiting, although iOS 18 is expected to bring some basic customization features.
Android on the Galaxy Tab S6
Customization and Flexibility: Android’s open nature means that the Galaxy Tab S6 offers a high degree of customization. I can tweak the interface, set default apps, and use widgets in ways iOS simply doesn’t allow. This flexibility allows me to tailor the tablet experience to my specific needs.
File Management: The Tab S6 shines in file management. Android’s more open file system makes it easy to manage files, connect to external drives, and transfer data between devices. This is particularly helpful for writing, as I can easily organize and access documents and export them to various formats.
Diverse App Availability: While the Google Play Store may not have as many optimized apps for tablet use, it does offer a wide range of choices. However, the quality can be hit or miss, with some apps not being as polished as their iOS counterparts.
Regular Updates: Android devices often lag behind in receiving updates compared to iOS devices. While my Galaxy Tab S6 is still supported, it doesn’t get updates as frequently as my iPad, which can impact both security and access to new features.
How I Use Each Tablet
I use both tablets regularly for different tasks, and each has its own strengths:
Media Consumption: For video streaming and media consumption, the iPad Pro is my device of choice. The larger and higher-quality display makes a huge difference in terms of immersion and clarity. Whether I’m watching movies, YouTube videos, or live streams, the iPad’s screen provides a fantastic viewing experience.
Art Asset Generation: When it comes to freehand drawing and creating art assets, the iPad Pro again takes the lead. The Apple Pencil, combined with apps like Procreate, makes it a superior tool for digital art. The responsiveness and accuracy of the stylus are unmatched, making it ideal for detailed work.
The Benefit of a "Paper Feel" Screen Protector
One accessory that has significantly improved my drawing experience on the iPad Pro is a "paper feel" screen protector. Unlike the smooth glass surface of the iPad's display, the "paper feel" protector adds a subtle texture that mimics the resistance of drawing on real paper. This has made a huge difference in my comfort and control while sketching or taking notes.
The added friction provides better precision with the Apple Pencil, reducing that slippery feeling you often get when drawing on a standard glass screen. It helps me create finer details, maintain consistent lines, and gives me more control over shading and textures in my digital artwork. For anyone serious about using their iPad for drawing or note-taking, I highly recommend investing in a "paper feel" screen protector.
Writing: For writing, I find both devices to be equally capable. The Galaxy Tab S6's smaller size makes it more portable and easier to use in tight spaces, while the iPad Pro’s larger screen is great for multitasking and viewing multiple documents side by side.
Light Gaming: Both tablets handle light gaming well, but I tend to favor the iPad Pro for games that benefit from a larger screen and better display quality. The Galaxy Tab S6 is also up to the task, but its smaller display and slightly older hardware don’t provide quite the same level of experience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, both the iPad Pro 4th Gen and Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 are excellent tablets that cater to different needs. The iPad Pro, with its larger, higher-quality display, exceptional performance, and superior app ecosystem, has become my go-to device for media consumption, art creation, and any task that benefits from a big, beautiful screen.
However, the Galaxy Tab S6, despite being older, still holds its own. It offers flexibility, customization, and solid performance for writing, browsing, and light gaming. It’s also a great option if you prefer the openness of the Android ecosystem and want a more affordable yet capable tablet.
Ultimately, the choice between these two tablets depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem or need the best display for creative work, the i