Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
For creative work, get the iPad Pro (M5). If you want the biggest screen with a pen in the box and use Android, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
The best tablet you can buy: a stunning 120Hz OLED screen, Face ID and the fastest chip, in a very thin body. It costs a lot, and the keyboard more again.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
The biggest, best Android tablet: a 14.6-inch OLED in a 5.1 mm body, S Pen in the box. Pricey, and Android apps don't use the big screen well.
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The iPad Pro has the best screen on any tablet, the fastest chip and far more pro apps for video, music and drawing. The Tab S12 Ultra has a huge 14.6-inch OLED, the S Pen in the box and IP68 water resistance, but Android apps don't make good use of a screen that big.
- —You edit video or photos, draw seriously, or make music.
- —You have an iPhone or a Mac.
- —You want a tablet you can hold for long.
- —You want the biggest screen for films and side-by-side apps.
- —You use an Android phone, especially a Samsung.
- —You want a pen included.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Best screen on any tablet: 120Hz OLED
- +Fastest chip, Face ID
- +Very thin and light
- −Very expensive, before the keyboard and Pencil.
- −The design is the same as the M4 model.
- −The matte nano-texture glass is only on the pricier versions.
- +Huge 14.6-inch OLED screen
- +5.1 mm thin, S Pen in the box
- +Water resistant, 7 years of updates
- −Too big to hold comfortably for long, especially one-handed.
- −The Pro Keyboard is extra, and costs a lot.
- −Samsung DeX's desktop mode works best with an external monitor.
- −It replaces the S11 Ultra with small changes; the older model is cheaper if you can find it.
- Is the iPad Pro (M5) worth it?
- Is the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra worth it?
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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.