Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
Get the iPad (A16) if you have an iPhone. Unless you use Android or want a pen in the box: then the Tab S10 FE.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE
The best-value Samsung tablet: a smooth 10.9-inch 90Hz screen, the S Pen in the box, long battery life and water resistance.
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)
The cheapest iPad: plenty fast for streaming, browsing, schoolwork and games, with 128GB to start. No Apple Intelligence and no Pencil Pro.
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The iPad is faster, has more tablet-made apps and costs a little less. The Tab S10 FE comes with the S Pen, which costs extra for the iPad, has a smoother 90Hz screen and is water resistant.
- —You use an Android phone.
- —You want to take notes or draw without buying a pen.
- —You use it in the kitchen or bath.
- —You use an iPhone.
- —You play games.
- —You want the most tablet apps.
What verified owners report
Only reviews from checked buyers count, and every 1–3 star review is read by us. How we do this
Owners love how quick it is, the clear screen and how easy it is to set up. Complaints are rare.
- ✓Fast and responsive
- ✓Clear, bright screen
- ✓Easy to set up and use
None came up often enough to list.
Owners love the value, the build quality and the big step up from an older iPad. The most common complaints are units that stopped working or wouldn't charge, and screen faults.
- ✓Good value for money
- ✓Well made
- ✓A big upgrade on an older iPad
- −Stopped working, froze or wouldn't charge
- −Screen faults: lines, dead pixels or unresponsive touch
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +S Pen in the box
- +Smooth 90Hz screen
- +Long battery, water resistant
- −The screen could be brighter in sunlight.
- −Demanding games run only adequately.
- −An LCD, not the AMOLED of the Tab S11.
- +Smooth for everyday use
- +128GB to start
- +Good battery life
- −No Apple Intelligence.
- −Works with the USB-C and first Apple Pencils only, not the Pencil Pro.
- −The screen is dimmer in bright light than on the Air.
- −Not much changed from the previous iPad.
- Is the Galaxy Tab S10 FE worth it?
- Is the iPad (A16) worth it?
- iPad Air (M4) vs iPad (A16)
- iPad Air (M4) vs iPad Pro (M5)
- iPad Air (M4) vs Galaxy Tab S11
- iPad mini vs iPad (A16)
- Best tablets
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Tom's Guide, TechRadar, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Galaxy Tab S10 FE: 243 verified buyer ratings at Currys and Best Buy (Canada), read October 2026.
Owner reports for the iPad (A16): 2,304 verified buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US) and Otto (Germany), read October 2026.