- November 5, 2026
WORK AND STUDY
An included S Pen and OLED screen versus Apple M4 and iPadOS.
Updated October 26, 2026 · Manufacturer specifications · Not a hands-on review
These large tablets cater to different workflows. Samsung pairs its 12.6-inch AMOLED screen with DeX, expandable storage and an S Pen in the box. Apple’s 2026 iPad Air emphasizes iPadOS, a 13-inch-class display and the M4 chip, while compatible Apple Pencils are sold separately.
Best for: Android students, note-takers and multiwindow users who value AMOLED, DeX and an included pen.
✓ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
✓ S Pen bundled; Samsung DeX
✓ microSD expansion and IP68
• Android software may differ from specific iPad creative apps
• S12+ uses Wi-Fi 6E
Best for: Students and creatives invested in Apple devices and the iPadOS app ecosystem.
✓ Apple M4 with 12GB unified memory
✓ 13-inch-class P3 display
✓ Apple Pencil Pro-compatible
• Pencil and keyboard cost extra
• No microSD; IPS panel rather than OLED
Source: manufacturer-published details. Storage, regional bundles and pricing can vary; launch MSRP is historical, not a live quote.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ | Apple iPad Air M4 (13-inch) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 12.6-inch AMOLED 2X, 2800×1752, 120Hz | 12.9-inch measured IPS, 2732×2048 |
| Chip | Dimensity 9500 | Apple M4 |
| Memory | 12GB RAM | 12GB unified |
| Storage | 256/512GB; microSD up to 2TB | 128GB–1TB, no microSD |
| Wi-Fi model weight | 553g | 616g |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Pen | S Pen included | Apple Pencil Pro or USB-C, sold separately |
| Operating system | Android 17 / One UI 9 | iPadOS |
| Water/dust resistance | IP68 | No advertised IP rating |
| Current price | Check retailer listing | Check retailer listing |
Lecture notes and PDF markup: Samsung includes the pen, while iPad Air may suit people whose classes rely on specific iPad apps.
Art and media: S12+ has deep-black OLED and 120Hz; Air supports Apple Pencil Pro and iPad-specific creative software.
Laptop-like tasks: Samsung DeX and iPadOS windowing differ. Check your preferred desktop apps, file export, and external-display needs.
Choose S12+ if the pen-in-box, AMOLED, DeX and microSD are priorities. Choose iPad Air M4 13-inch if you already depend on Apple apps or want Pencil Pro compatibility. Compare the complete tablet, pen and keyboard bundle rather than tablet price alone.
Yes, Samsung lists the S Pen as supplied with the S12+.
No, Apple Pencil is a separate purchase.
Neither runs standard Windows or macOS desktop applications natively. Check each app’s iPadOS or Android version.
Editorial method: desk research using official manufacturer specifications, reviewed October 26, 2026. We have not personally tested these tablets, measured benchmarks, or checked live stock levels.
Samsung S12 official specifications
Apple iPad Air M4 specifications
Affiliate disclosure: Links to manufacturer specifications on this page are informational. If future retailer affiliate links are added, any commission relationship should be disclosed clearly at the point of recommendation. Browse all 2026 tablet comparisons.