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Jeremy asked: I have an iPad 2 and I’m looking to upgrade to an Android tablet and I’m interest in a Samsung tablet. There are so many different versions but which is the most comparable to the iPad as far as functionality.
Short answer? They are all comparable. The Apple product line is quite limited, consisting of two models. The iPad Air 2 is a 9.7” tablet with their latest A8X processor in it and the iPad Mini 3 is a 7.9” tablet with a slower processor, the A7. The big problem with iPads, in some people’s minds, is the fixed amount of memory. The amount of storage it has when you take it out of the box is the same amount it will have forever. Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs all feature expandable storage using microSD cards. Both tablets, Apple and Samsung, eventually top out at the 128GB storage mark.
The lineup
Samsung splits their Galaxy Tab series up into a variety of models. The Galaxy Tab A is a midrange model available three ways: 8” screen, 9.7” screen, and a 9.7” screen with Samsung’s S Pen stylus. The Tab A series comes with Microsoft Office preinstalled, not many Android tablets do, and also has the latest 5.0 version of Android.
The Galaxy Tab Pro is their workhorse range, with 8.4”, 10.1” and supersized 12.2” models. They come with the S Pen and it’s clear they’re meant for work as well as play.
The Galaxy Tab S is the premium series. Super light, with the fastest processors and thinnest form factors, these are probably the most direct comparisons to the iPad. They don’t include the S Pen but they do include fingerprint scanners like the iPads and they are priced about the same at $400 for the 8.4” model and $500 for the 10.5”. Each with slightly larger screens and expandable memory.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, as a whole, really represent the state of the art in Android tablets. But if you’re asking us which ones are the most direct competition for iPads, that would be the Tab S models. They might not be the best value however, and not the best choice for you. So check out all the models we mentioned and let us know what you decide.