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iPad Pro 11 vs The Best Tablets of 2025 – Ultimate Premium Tablet Showdown

iPad Pro 11 vs The Best Tablets of 2025 – Ultimate Premium Tablet Showdown

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iPad Pro 11 vs The Best Tablets of 2025 – Ultimate Premium Tablet Showdown

iPad Pro 11 vs. 2025/2026 Tablet Competitors

The premium tablet market in 2025 is a fierce battleground. Apple’s iPad Pro 11-inch (latest 2024/25 model) has raised the bar with laptop-class performance and a stunning OLED display, but it faces serious challengers. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series (like the Tab S9 and new Tab S10) brings cutting-edge Android slates, Microsoft’s Surface Pro line offers full Windows in a tablet form, and Lenovo’s Tab Extreme delivers an ultra-large Android experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into hardware specs (chipset, RAM, display, battery), software ecosystems (iPadOS vs Android vs Windows), accessory support (stylus and keyboards), pricing and availability, target audiences, expert commentary, and the pros/cons of each. We’ll also peek at what’s coming in 2025–2026, including rumored upgrades and new launches. Let’s see which tablet emerges on top in this premium tablet showdown.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2024/2025 Model) – M4 Powerhouse

Apple’s latest 11″ iPad Pro is a powerhouse tablet that inherits the same M-series chips found in Macs. Released in mid-2024, this iPad Pro refresh introduced major upgrades – a blazing-fast Apple Silicon chip, a new OLED display, and a slimmer design macrumors.com macrumors.com. Key hardware specs include:

  • Display: 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED, 2420×1668 resolution (264 ppi), with ProMotion 120Hz variable refresh (10–120Hz) macrumors.com macrumors.com. It’s extremely bright (1000 nits full-screen, 1600 nits HDR peak) with rich contrast (2,000,000:1) for vibrant visuals macrumors.com macrumors.com. This is the first time Apple has used OLED in an iPad, replacing the LCD of prior 11″ models.
  • Processor & Memory: Apple M4 chip (5 nm, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) – Apple skipped M3 and jumped to an M4 here, claiming 1.5× faster CPU than the M2 chip iPad Pro macrumors.com macrumors.com. The 11″ Pro comes with 8 GB RAM on 256/512 GB models and 16 GB RAM on 1 TB/2 TB configurations macrumors.com, giving it PC-level memory for heavy apps. Storage options range 256 GB up to 2 TB (with the 1 TB+ models getting the higher-core M4 and extra RAM) macrumors.com macrumors.com.
  • Battery: 31.3 Wh battery (~8,160 mAh) rated for 10 hours web or video use on Wi-Fi (about 9 hours on 5G models) macrumors.com macrumors.com. Apple doesn’t emphasize battery capacity, but in real-world use it achieves all-day use thanks to iPadOS optimizations. It charges via USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 port) and ships with a 20W adapter macrumors.com macrumors.com.
  • Build & Design: Ultra-slim aluminum design, just 5.3 mm thin (0.98 lb). Apple actually reinforced the frame this generation to prevent bending despite the thinness macrumors.com. Bezels are slightly slimmer, and notably the front TrueDepth camera moved to the landscape edge (centered for horizontal use) – a welcome change for video calls macrumors.com macrumors.com. The back has a single 12 MP rear camera now (Apple dropped the old ultrawide camera) plus a LiDAR scanner for AR macrumors.com macrumors.com. Face ID sensors are in front for secure unlock. There’s a Thunderbolt/USB4 port for charging and high-speed data, and a magnetic Smart Connector on the back for attaching keyboards macrumors.com macrumors.com.
  • Accessories: Supports the new Apple Pencil Pro (magnetically attaches/charges on the side). The Pencil Pro (≠ $129) adds advanced features like a gyroscopic “barrel roll” tool control, haptic feedback, and even Find My tracking for the stylus macrumors.com macrumors.com. It still has the excellent low-latency, tilt and pressure sensitivity Apple Pencils are known for. For typing, the Magic Keyboard folio was redesigned – it’s lighter and now includes a full row of function keys, a larger trackpad, and an aluminum palm rest, essentially turning the iPad into a mini laptop macrumors.com macrumors.com. (The 11″ Magic Keyboard is ~$299, Pencil Pro $129 – not included by default macrumors.com.)

Software & Ecosystem: The iPad Pro runs iPadOS (on iPadOS 18 by 2025). Apple’s tablet OS is known for its smooth performance and a vast library of optimized apps – especially creative and productivity tools. Professional apps like Procreate (illustration), Affinity Designer, LumaFusion (video editing), Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Office, and many more are available and often tablet-tailored. Multitasking has improved with features like Split View and Stage Manager (floating resizable windows), though it’s still more limited than a desktop OS. The iPad Pro can also connect to external monitors (up to 6K at 60Hz via Thunderbolt) for extended workspace macrumors.com. Apple’s ecosystem integration is a big plus: features like Sidecar (using iPad as a second Mac display), universal copy-paste, AirDrop, and iCloud sync make it a great companion if you use Macs or iPhones.

Performance: Thanks to the M4 chip, the iPad Pro 11 is arguably the fastest tablet on the market in 2025. It outclasses typical mobile chips. Engadget’s review remarked the M4 has “more power than almost anyone buying an iPad will know what to do with” macrumors.com. Benchmarks show huge gains – ~50% faster CPU than the previous M2 iPad Pro macrumors.com – but more importantly, in real use it handles any task effortlessly, from 4K video editing to 3D design or high-end games. Graphics are console-quality (the M4 GPU even supports hardware ray tracing like latest PCs/ consoles macrumors.com). This performance, combined with iPadOS’s efficiency, also means the device runs cool and gets the advertised all-day battery life.

Target Audience & Use Cases: The iPad Pro 11 is aimed squarely at creative professionals, designers, digital artists, and power users. With the Pencil Pro and apps like Procreate or Notability, it’s a dream device for illustrators and note-takers. Photographers and video editors use iPad Pro for on-the-go editing (the color-accurate OLED and Apple’s powerful image signal processor help). It’s also great for business users who want a lightweight device for email, spreadsheets, videoconferencing (the centered front camera with Center Stage auto-framing is excellent for calls macrumors.com macrumors.com), and markup of documents. Students with bigger budgets use it for note-taking and multimedia studying. Thanks to keyboard and trackpad support, many users can do most of their work on an iPad Pro, though some tasks still require a traditional computer.

Pricing & Availability: The 11″ iPad Pro (2024) starts at $999 for 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage (Wi-Fi model) macrumors.com. Cellular 5G models cost ~$200 more macrumors.com. With max specs (2 TB/16 GB) it can approach $2,000. Accessories are extra. It’s widely available via Apple and retailers. Apple typically updates the Pro on ~18–24 month cycles; with the 2024 model out, no new iPad Pro is expected until late 2025 or 2026 macrumors.com, so this model will remain current for some time.

Expert Commentary: Reviews for the M4 iPad Pro 11 are overwhelmingly positive, especially praising its build, display, and speed – with one major caveat: iPadOS. Many reviewers note that despite the Mac-level hardware, the software can be the limiting factor for “pro” workflows macrumors.com. In day-to-day use, though, the experience is superb. The new OLED screen was lauded as “bright, sharp, and vibrant” macrumors.com – some even said its HDR is almost too punchy – and the ultra-thin, under-1lb design makes it unbelievably portable. The Verge said the 2024 iPad Pro is the “closest thing” yet to the vision of a tablet as “a piece of glass in your hand.” macrumors.com The addition of the landscape front camera and function keys on the keyboard were frequently cited as long-awaited improvements that “make the iPad Pro feel more like a proper laptop alternative” (finally addressing complaints from earlier models) macrumors.com. On the flip side, even the most glowing reviews include a refrain that iPadOS (even with multitasking updates) isn’t as flexible as macOS or Windows – for example, you still can’t have more than 2–4 apps actively visible at once, and pro apps are powerful but sometimes scaled-down versions of their desktop counterparts. Bottom line: If you need the absolute best performance and best app ecosystem in a tablet – and are willing to pay top dollar – the iPad Pro 11 is at the top of the class. Just be prepared to live within some of Apple’s software guardrails and expenses (the Pencil and Magic Keyboard together add ~$430 to your cost macrumors.com).

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (2023) and S10 (2024) – Android’s Elite Slates

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S series is the standard-bearer for Android tablets, and the recent Tab S9 (launched late 2023) and Tab S10 series (late 2024) are direct rivals to the iPad Pro. These tablets combine Samsung’s best hardware – gorgeous displays, speedy chips – with an improved Android experience for large screens. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Display: All Galaxy Tab S models feature brilliant AMOLED screens. The Tab S9 introduced an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2560×1600, ~274 ppi) – notably a switch from LCD to AMOLED for the base model phonearena.com phonearena.com. Reviewers immediately noticed the upgrade: “New 11″ AMOLED display instead of LCD” made a huge difference in vibrancy and contrast phonearena.com. The AMOLED panels support up to 120Hz refresh for silky-smooth scrolling and gaming. Samsung is known for vivid colors and deep blacks, and these tablets deliver; Tom’s Guide said the Tab S9’s screen “sets it apart and makes watching movies and playing games a delight” tomsguide.com. The Tab S9+ and S9 Ultra scaled this up to 12.4″ and 14.6″ respectively (2960×1848 and 2960×1848 resolutions). The newer Galaxy Tab S10 series (unveiled in late 2024) continued with AMOLED but Samsung reportedly added a new anti-glare coating for better visibility and possibly tweaked brightness. The Tab S10+ (likely ~12.4″) and Tab S10 Ultra (~14.6″) were the focus – Samsung skipped a new 11″ size in 2024 (more on that below) androidpolice.com. All these screens are HDR10+ capable and among the best for media consumption. The Ultra models even have dual front cameras for ultrawide group selfies (like Apple’s Center Stage idea) – more on that soon.
  • Processor & Performance: The Tab S9 series is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 “for Galaxy” – a special slightly overclocked version of Qualcomm’s flagship phone chip phonearena.com phonearena.com. It’s an 8-core SoC that delivered excellent performance in 2023. While the Apple M-series still has higher raw performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is no slouch – it runs Android apps and games extremely well and enables advanced features (5G, AI processing, etc.). For the 2024 Tab S10 generation, Samsung likely upgraded to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Qualcomm’s latest, which brings further speed and efficiency improvements. In practice, the Tab S9 feels snappy and capable of laptop-like tasks, especially with Samsung’s software optimizations (you can run three apps at once: two side-by-side and one floating) wired.com. Benchmarks aside, these tablets handle multitasking, drawing, 4K video playback, and even Dex mode (desktop mode) without hiccups.
  • Memory & Storage: Galaxy Tab S9 comes with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage in the base model, or 12 GB RAM with 256 GB on the higher trim phonearena.com. Importantly, Samsung includes a microSD slot for expansion up to 1 TB or more cdwg.com – a feature power users appreciate (Apple’s iPad offers no expandable storage). The larger S9+ and Ultra had similar or higher RAM options (Ultra could go up to 16 GB in some variants). The Tab S10 series presumably offers similar or greater configs (e.g. the Tab S10 Ultra might start at 12 GB RAM, 256 GB and offer higher tiers). Samsung’s generous RAM means smooth performance even with many apps open. And the storage (UFS 4.0 on S10, UFS 3.1 on S9) is very fast for quick file transfers and loading large files.
  • Battery Life: With super-slim tablets, battery capacity varies by size. The Galaxy Tab S9 11″ has an 8,400 mAh battery (typical) samsung.com phonearena.com, which was a bump up from the S8’s battery. This comfortably yields all-day battery life – Samsung advertises “long-lasting battery” and reviewers noted real-world endurance was solid, if not record-breaking. The S9+ packs ~10,090 mAh, and the S9 Ultra a huge ~11,200 mAh (since it’s 14.6″) samsung.com. Despite the large screens, the efficient 4 nm chip and AMOLED’s ability to turn off pixels on blacks help maximize battery life. The Tab S9 series support 45W fast charging (via USB-C PD), which can recharge ~50% in under an hour, though no charger is included in-box. The Tab S10 models likely have similar or slightly larger batteries for the plus/ultra (and possibly reintroduced an ~8k mAh if a small “S10 Lite” appears). Overall, you can expect roughly 10 hours of mixed use – perhaps a bit less on the Ultra if pushing the big display brightness. One advantage: Samsung’s power management is user-customizable, so you can tweak settings or use battery saver modes as needed.
  • Build & Features: Samsung’s tablets are built from aluminum and are impressively thin (S9 is 5.9 mm thick, ~498 g) phonearena.com. The design echoes their smartphones (the S9’s single rear camera with no bump island resembles the Galaxy S23 style phonearena.com phonearena.com). Colors usually include a gray/graphite and beige. A standout feature on the Tab S9 series is IP68 water and dust resistance, a first for high-end tablets phonearena.com phonearena.com. This means it’s certified to survive submersion (up to 1.5m for 30 min) – offering peace of mind that neither rain nor kitchen spills will easily ruin your tablet. (Notably, Apple iPads have no official water resistance). Audio: All models have quad speakers tuned by AKG, with Dolby Atmos support – they sound great for a tablet (loud and balanced). Biometrics: Instead of Face ID, Samsung uses either an in-display fingerprint scanner (for S9/S10 AMOLED models) or side fingerprint on LCD models; the AMOLED S9 has an optical fingerprint reader that’s fast and convenient. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G versions ensure up-to-date wireless speeds. The USB-C port supports video out and accessories (USB 3.2 on S9, possibly Thunderbolt on S10 Ultra – unconfirmed, but Samsung did enable Thunderbolt on some Galaxy Book laptops). And yes, there’s no headphone jack (most premium tablets dropped it).
  • Stylus & Accessories: Samsung includes the S Pen stylus in the box with all Tab S9/S10 models phonearena.com – a big advantage over Apple’s add-on approach. The S Pen is a superb digital pen (battery-powered EMR tech): it offers ultra-low latency drawing, pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and even a button for shortcuts. It magnetically snaps to the tablet (on the back or side) and charges wirelessly when attached. Newer S Pens support air gestures and can act as a remote (e.g. advancing slides). The Wired review praised Samsung’s included stylus and the fact that you also get a microSD slot – these add value where competitors charge extra wired.com wired.com. For typing, Samsung sells a Book Cover Keyboard accessory (usually ~$150–$200). The Tab S9/S10 can connect to that keyboard cover which also has a trackpad (on the Ultra, a larger keyboard is available). While not always included, Samsung sometimes runs promos or bundles. With the keyboard attached and using Samsung’s DeX mode, the Galaxy Tab becomes a mini laptop. (It should be noted that third-party Bluetooth keyboards and mice also work easily with Android, giving many input options.)
  • Software (Android & One UI): The Galaxy Tabs run Android 13/14 with Samsung’s One UI interface (One UI 5.1 on Tab S9, One UI 6 by 2024 on Tab S10). Historically, Android lagged iPadOS in tablet optimization, but it’s improved significantly. Google’s Android 12L/13+ added better multi-column UIs and taskbars for large screens, and Samsung’s One UI further refines this. You can run apps split-screen (drag and drop to half the screen) and even in free-form windows. Samsung’s DeX mode is a standout software feature: with a toggle, the tablet switches to a desktop-like layout – a taskbar, resizable windows, and right-click context menus, essentially giving a PC experience on the tablet wired.com wired.com. This is great when using the keyboard or connecting to a monitor. Wired noted using DeX with a keyboard “resembles the experience on a Windows or macOS machine” and you can even wirelessly use the Tab as a second display for a PC wired.com wired.com. The Tab S series also supports Samsung Notes (which sync with your phone/PC), and a host of creative apps are available on Android (Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk SketchBook, etc. – though some iPad exclusives like Procreate aren’t on Android). Samsung is also leaning into AI features: the Tab S10 was advertised with “Galaxy AI” for smart note-taking, image generation and other AI-powered tasks built-in samsung.com. In terms of updates, Samsung promises 4+ years of OS updates for its flagships – e.g., a Tab S9 on Android 13 should get up to Android 17 and security patches for a fifth year wired.com. This long support is on par with Apple’s longevity.

Galaxy Tab S9 in Use – Reception: The Tab S9 (11″) was celebrated as “a joy to use, with all the bells and whistles you might expect” from a premium Samsung device phonearena.com. It fixed many of its predecessor’s shortcomings: e.g., upgrading to AMOLED and adding waterproofing. PhoneArena’s review applauded the improved display, performance, speakers and noted it “finally elevates the compact Android slate to the next level” phonearena.com phonearena.com. The inclusion of the S Pen received universal praise, as did the premium build quality. WIRED called the Tab S9 trio “easily the best Android tablets you can buy right now” with great performance, battery life, bright screens, and nice multitasking, though they also remarked “they’re still so dang expensive.” wired.com wired.com The base Tab S9 starts at $799.99 (8 GB/128 GB) phonearena.com, and higher trims go above $900 – approaching iPad Pro prices. By the time you add a keyboard, the cost rivals a laptop. Reviewers like WIRED and others felt such high prices “sap… mainstream appeal” of the Tab S series despite their excellence wired.com. Still, for Android enthusiasts or those already in the Samsung ecosystem, these tablets are second to none. They truly shine for media consumption (movies, games) thanks to their OLED displays – Wired noted all three Tab S9 models were excellent for content and “don’t have much competition (assuming you don’t want an iPad)” wired.com. Multitasking in DeX or split-screen is another highlight, though a learning curve remains (some apps like certain games or older apps aren’t well-optimized for windowed use, and occasional quirks persist when juggling many windows) wired.com wired.com.

Galaxy Tab S10 – What’s New: In late 2024, Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S10 series. According to reports, they made a strategic shift: due to relatively lower demand for the smallest Pro tablet, Samsung did not release an 11-inch Tab S10 that year androidpolice.com. Instead, they doubled down on larger form factors: the Tab S10+ (~12.4″) and Tab S10 Ultra (~14.6″) became the flagships, aimed squarely at productivity and creative use (where bigger screen is an asset). The Tab S10 family brought in Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen3, pushing performance closer to Apple’s M-series. Samsung also integrated more AI-driven features at the OS level (as hinted by “Galaxy AI” tools samsung.com). Another refinement was an advanced anti-reflection screen coating (reducing glare on the OLED, helpful for outdoor or studio use). Camera-wise, the Tab S10 Ultra continues with dual front cameras (a wide and ultrawide) – interestingly, rumor has it Apple will imitate this in future iPads (more on that later) sammobile.com. For Samsung, those dual selfie cams allow features like auto-framing and 3D face unlock similar to iPad’s Center Stage. In terms of design, the Tab S10s reportedly kept a similar look but possibly even thinner bezels. Pricing likely started around $900–1000 for the S10+ and $1100+ for Ultra (Samsung hasn’t been shy about laptop-like pricing). Early impressions highlighted the Tab S10’s focus on productivity: these are tablets meant to replace a small laptop when paired with a keyboard. Samsung’s official keyboard folios and the S Pen (still included) make the package appealing to professionals who prefer Android or need Samsung’s interoperability (e.g., using the tablet with a Galaxy phone and Windows PC in a workflow).

Target Audience: The Galaxy Tab S9/S10 series is ideal for power users who want an Android alternative to the iPad Pro. If you are invested in Google/Samsung services or you value the flexibility of Android (custom file management, multiuser support, etc.), these tablets deliver. They’re great for students (note-taking with S Pen, plus Samsung’s partnership with apps like Clip Studio for art or Noteshelf for handwritten notes), for business users (Office for Android, Teams, Slack all available; and DeX mode can handle email + docs multitasking). They’re also fantastic entertainment tablets – arguably the best for watching Netflix/Disney+ thanks to the rich OLED screen and loud quad speakers. Artists and designers can use the S Pen with apps like Sketchbook or Concepts, though the app selection on Android is narrower for high-end creative work compared to iPadOS. One niche audience is those who want a tablet that can double as a PC: with DeX and an external monitor, a Tab S9/S10 can act like a desktop (connect a Bluetooth mouse/keyboard and it’s surprisingly capable). However, if your needs include very specific desktop software (full Photoshop, developer IDEs, etc.), you might lean to Windows instead.

Pros & Cons (Samsung): In summary, Samsung’s Tab S series offers some clear advantages: the combination of OLED screen + included stylus + expandable storage is a hardware win wired.com wired.com. The software has grown more capable, and Samsung backs their devices with long updates. The tablets are premium and feature-packed (even water-resistant). The downsides mainly revolve around cost and software ecosystem. You’re paying almost iPad-level prices, but the Android tablet app ecosystem, while improving, still lags behind iPadOS in a few areas (some apps are just blown-up phone apps). As Wired put it, “Samsung makes great hardware… but it’s really hard not to balk at the high cost” especially when alternatives like the (less capable) Pixel Tablet or iPad Air exist for half the price wired.com. Also, to fully use it as a laptop replacement, you need the keyboard accessory (extra $$). And even with DeX, Android/One UI can have quirks in desktop mode – e.g., certain multi-window interactions aren’t as seamless as on Windows wired.com. If you’re tech-savvy and can tweak your workflow, these are minor issues, but a learning curve is there.

Overall, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9/S10 are top-tier tablets that finally give Apple real competition in the premium tablet space. As one review headline put it, “Now that’s an iPad alternative worthy of your attention.” Samsung fans and Android users have never had it better in terms of a no-compromise tablet – just be prepared to invest accordingly.

Microsoft Surface Pro (Pro 10/Pro 11 – 2024) – The PC in Tablet’s Clothing

Microsoft’s Surface Pro line takes a different approach: instead of a mobile OS, it runs full Windows 11 on tablet hardware. The latest generation, launched in 2024, actually came in two flavors: the Surface Pro 10 for Business (Intel-based, announced March 2024) and a consumer-oriented Surface Pro (informally dubbed “Pro 11”) that uses a Qualcomm ARM processor tomsguide.com. Both are part of the 10th-gen Surface design and represent Microsoft’s vision of an ultra-portable 2-in-1 that can be a tablet when you want and a laptop when you need.

Let’s detail the hardware:

  • Display & Design: Surface Pro has a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display, 3:2 aspect ratio (typically 2880×1920 resolution) with 120Hz refresh support tomsguide.com. This screen is slightly larger than the 12.3″ panels of older Surfaces, giving more real estate. It’s a gorgeous display – high pixel density (~267 ppi), excellent color (Microsoft calibrates it for sRGB and DCI-P3 profiles), and now with an anti-reflective coating for better visibility. Reviewers note it’s significantly brighter than before, making content pop youtube.com. The 120Hz “Flow” feature ensures smooth inking and scrolling (it dynamically adjusts refresh to save battery when static). The device’s form is classic Surface: a magnesium/aluminum alloy unibody with the built-in kickstand that can hinge nearly 165° back for drawing or viewing angles techzine.eu. It measures about 11.3″ x 8.2″ x 0.37″ (287 mm x 209 mm x 9.3 mm) and ~1.94 lbs (880 g) without keyboard tomsguide.com. That’s heavier than an iPad Pro, but remember this packs laptop internals and a larger screen. Still, it’s quite portable for a full PC. The Surface Pro 10 introduced a slightly refreshed design: available in two colors (Platinum or Matte Black) tomsguide.com, and notably it’s built with more repairability in mind (Microsoft made the SSD user-removable via a back door, and other components are more accessible, acknowledging enterprise IT needs). It retains slim bezels, though enough to hold as a tablet. And yes, the iconic kickstand remains a functional advantage – no need for a case to prop it up, it’s strong and adjustable to nearly flat (great for sketching).
  • Processor Choices (Intel vs ARM): Here’s where it gets interesting. The Surface Pro 10 (Business) model uses Intel’s latest 13th/14th-gen “Core Ultra” processors – specifically custom Intel Core i5-135U and i7-165U chips en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org. These are part of Intel’s new hybrid processors (codename Meteor Lake) built on “Intel 4” process, featuring integrated AI NPU (“Intel AI Boost”) and very power-efficient cores. The base Core Ultra 5 has 10 cores (2 performance + 8 efficient) and the Core Ultra 7 has 12 cores, with boost clocks well over 4 GHz. These CPUs give performance comparable to a mid-range laptop, which is exceptional in a tablet. The consumer Surface (Pro 11) by contrast uses a Qualcomm/Microsoft SQ-series ARM chip (likely the SQ4, derived from the Snapdragon 8cx Gen3/Gen4). This ARM chip isn’t as outright powerful in single-core as the Intel, but offers built-in 5G and amazing battery life, and Microsoft optimizes Windows for it. Both versions come with Windows 11 (with the Business one running Pro edition, consumer likely Home).
  • Memory & Storage: Surface Pro models are configurable from 8 GB up to a whopping 64 GB of RAM in the Intel versions en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org – far beyond any mobile tablet. The base business config is 8 GB, but pros can spec 16 GB, 32 GB, or even 64 GB for heavy workloads (e.g. running VMs or large datasets). Storage is fast SSD (PCIe NVMe) starting at 256 GB, with 512 GB, 1 TB options (business buyers can even get 2 TB in some cases). And as mentioned, the SSD is user-replaceable – a nice perk for longevity or data security. The ARM consumer model likely tops out at 16 GB/512 GB (as previous Surface Pro X did), but exact configs vary. The point is, Surfaces provide desktop-class memory/storage options, accommodating much more than any iPad or Android tablet for those who need it.
  • Battery: Microsoft doesn’t quote mAh, but rather “all-day battery.” In testing, the Intel Pro 10 with Core Ultra chips actually showed improved battery life over its predecessors – thanks to more efficient silicon. Engadget noted it delivered “excellent battery life” in their review engadget.com. We can estimate around 10–11 hours of typical usage (productivity, web) on Intel, and potentially longer (12–15 hours) on the ARM model due to its efficiency. The device charges via USB-C (or the proprietary Surface Connect port), and can fast-charge to 80% in under an hour with a 60W+ charger. With two USB-C ports, you can even charge and connect to display simultaneously.
  • Connectivity & Ports: Speaking of ports, the Surface Pro has the richest I/O here: two Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 USB-C ports are provided (on the Intel model) tomsguide.com, allowing dual 4K monitor output, external GPUs, high-speed storage, etc. The ARM model likely has USB-C 3.2 (if similar to Pro 9 5G), but the 2024 consumer Surface Pro might also support Thunderbolt if using a newer Qualcomm platform – Microsoft hasn’t fully detailed that publicly. There’s also the Surface Connect port (magnetic charger/dock connector) so you can dock to a Surface Dock easily while leaving USB-C free. A keyboard cover port on the bottom aligns with the Type Cover. For wireless, you get Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and on the ARM variant, 5G (Sub6) cellular is built-in tomsguide.com. (The Intel Pro 10 did not have cellular options at launch, interestingly focusing that on ARM.) There’s no GPS unless you have cellular. And yes, no 3.5mm audio jack (Microsoft cut it since Pro 8). It has dual far-field mics and front-facing stereo speakers that are surprisingly good (optimized for video calls and media with Dolby Atmos).
  • Cameras: Surface includes a 5 MP front camera (1080p/4k video capable) for Windows Hello facial login and Teams/Zoom calls. It’s one of the best webcams on any tablet or laptop – now improved with an even better 1080p low-light performance and an enhanced orientation (Microsoft kept it landscape-oriented, which is ideal for laptop mode). The rear camera is 10 MP and can shoot 4K video – decent for a tablet if you need to snap a doc or whiteboard, though not a huge focus.
  • Accessories (Type Cover & Pen): The Surface’s signature accessory is its Type Cover keyboard, which attaches magnetically and doubles as a screen cover when closed. The latest Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (often sold separately for ~$179, or $279 if bundled with Slim Pen) offers a comfortable, backlit laptop-like typing experience. Notably, in 2024 Microsoft added a dedicated Copilot (✧) key to the new keyboards tomsguide.com – tapping it summons Windows Copilot (Microsoft’s AI assistant integrated into Windows 11). This shows Microsoft’s push into AI-assisted computing. The keyboard still has that clever pen storage tray: the Surface Slim Pen 2 haptic stylus can tuck and charge in a slot above the keys. The Slim Pen 2 (about $129 on its own) provides a very good inking experience: it has 4096 pressure levels, tilt support, and unique haptic feedback that can simulate the feel of pen on paper. It’s great for note-taking or sketching, though artists sometimes prefer the Apple Pencil’s slightly lower latency. One trade-off: the Slim Pen uses an active design (rechargeable, battery-powered) whereas Samsung’s S Pen is passive EMR. But functionally, both are excellent. With the keyboard and pen, a Surface Pro becomes a full laptop – running Windows apps with keyboard/mouse while still allowing you to pick it up and write on the screen at will.
  • Software (Windows 11): The Surface Pro runs the full Windows 11 OS (and will be eligible for Windows 12 when released). This means it can install any regular Windows software – Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft 365 apps, Chrome/Firefox, Visual Studio, even games to some extent. You’re not limited to a mobile app store (though the Microsoft Store has touch-friendly apps, you can also just use any desktop apps). This is both a huge advantage (no other tablet here can run the sheer breadth of professional software) and occasionally a hindrance – Windows is still a desktop-first OS, and while Windows 11 has a decent tablet mode and touch improvements, it’s not as fluid as iPadOS or Android for pure touch navigation. For example, using tiny “x” buttons or menus in legacy apps with a finger can be fiddly (though the pen helps as a precise pointer). That said, Microsoft has optimized many parts of Windows for Surface: on-screen keyboard pops up when needed, there are touch gestures for task switching, and you can use tablet-style input like voice dictation or pen handwriting-to-text system-wide. Windows 11 also introduced Snap Layouts which are great on the Surface’s 13″ screen for multitasking (e.g., easily arrange two or three windows). And with multi-monitor support, you can dock Surface to a monitor + keyboard at your desk and it behaves exactly like an ultrabook PC. Another software perk: Surface Pro on ARM (consumer model) can run many Android apps via the Windows Subsystem for Android, and Microsoft’s partnership with Amazon’s app store (this is a niche use, but worth noting). Overall, the Surface’s software strength is versatility – it does tablet things and full PC things, with some trade-offs in simplicity.

Performance in Use: In real-world use, the Surface Pro 10 (Intel) has benchmark scores rivaling ultraportable laptops. Productivity tasks fly – Office apps, web with dozens of tabs, photo editing, all smooth. It also has an NPU (neural processor) for AI tasks, which Windows 11 leverages for things like camera image enhancement, background blur, voice isolation in calls, and the new Windows Copilot AI. Early reviews point out that these new Intel 14th-gen “Core Ultra” chips make the device feel faster and cooler than past Surfaces. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro (ARM) model focuses on efficiency: it offers nearly the same everyday usability (ARM chips handle Office, browser, 4K video playback easily) and even can do light Photoshop which now has ARM-native versions. The benefit is battery life and always-on connectivity. But heavy workloads like video rendering or large code compiles will still favor the Intel model. Importantly, Microsoft has come a long way with Windows-on-ARM compatibility – x86 apps can emulate, and many popular apps have native ARM64 versions now. So the compatibility gap has shrunk, but if you rely on obscure legacy programs or certain drivers, the Intel model is the safe bet.

Target Audience: The Surface Pro targets those who need a no-compromise PC experience in a flexible form. This includes a lot of business professionals, executives, and students who might otherwise buy an ultrabook but appreciate the tablet functionality. Corporate IT often likes Surfaces for their enterprise manageability and now easier serviceability. Creatives can use Surface Pro for drawing in apps like Adobe Fresco or Blender modeling – though serious artists might miss some iPad-exclusive apps, they gain full Photoshop and Illustrator with proper mouse/keyboard support. The Surface is also ideal for developers or power users on the go – you can run Visual Studio or Docker containers on it, tasks impossible on iPad/Android. For note-taking, Microsoft’s OneNote combined with the Slim Pen is a gold standard, especially for students in lectures (OneNote’s syncing and search of handwritten notes is excellent). If you’re frequently switching between typing documents and sketching diagrams, the Surface is unmatched in letting you do both on one device. One could say the Surface Pro is for the user who says: “I need a tablet, but I can’t live without my desktop apps.” That being said, if you never need those legacy apps and prefer a simpler, more optimized touch interface, you might find iPad or Android a more polished pure tablet experience. It really comes down to your workflow.

Pricing & Value: Surfaces are premium-priced, especially once you include the necessary accessories. The Surface Pro 10 (Intel) starts at $1,199 for a Core Ultra 5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD tomsguide.com. Higher-specced models (i7, 16–32 GB RAM, more storage) range from ~$1,699 up to nearly $2,799 for maxed out business configs tomsguide.com. Remember, that’s without the Type Cover ($100–$180) or Pen ($129) unless you find a bundle. The ARM consumer model (“Pro 11”) might start slightly lower (perhaps ~$999 for 8 GB/256 GB with 5G, historically the ARM models were a bit cheaper), but still near the $1000 mark. So, a full Surface Pro setup can equal or exceed the cost of the iPad Pro. However, that investment yields a device that can fully replace a laptop, which perhaps justifies it for many. Also consider longevity: Microsoft supports Surfaces with firmware updates for many years, and Windows devices can obviously run software indefinitely (you’re not limited by an App Store lifecycle). The user-replaceable SSD means you could upgrade storage later or keep the device longer.

Expert Commentary: Early impressions of the Surface Pro 10/11 highlight that it’s a refinement, not a radical change – which isn’t a bad thing. Tom’s Guide noted the spec bump (to new CPUs) and improved webcam were welcome, even if the device looks familiar tomsguide.com. Engadget’s review of the Pro 10 for Business said it’s “a very good Windows tablet” that “delivered fast performance, a great display and excellent battery life,” while calling it a “safe upgrade” focused on IT users engadget.com. In other words, it excels at what it promises, but it didn’t revolutionize the formula. The addition of AI (Copilot key and NPU) is seen as forward-looking. Users have commented that Windows 11 with touch still lags behind the sheer touch fluidity of iPadOS – e.g., scrolling is smooth but the gestures and animations aren’t as cohesive, and many apps are just the desktop versions without touch re-thinking. But those who use Surface Pro as a laptop replacement love the versatility. Having one device that’s your notepad, canvas, presentation screen, and full computer is incredibly empowering. It’s also worth mentioning battery life feedback: many were pleasantly surprised that the Intel model got through a workday (previous Surfaces sometimes struggled), and the ARM model can exceed that. The trade-off in the ARM version is some app compatibility, but as one tech site pointed out, Microsoft’s commitment to ARM Surfaces signals future potential – by 2025/26, we might see Microsoft’s own Apple-like silicon (more on that below) windowscentral.com tomsguide.com. For now, the Surface Pro is the choice if you need full Windows. It’s not as sleek as an iPad Pro nor as media-friendly as a Galaxy Tab, but it’s the most productive and professional in terms of computing tasks. As a tablet, it’s a bit chunky; as a laptop, it’s very slim – that’s the compromise of a 2-in-1. But for many, the Surface Pro hits the sweet spot of convergence: one device to do it all.

Lenovo Tab Extreme (2023) – Android Goes XXL

Lenovo’s Tab Extreme is aptly named – it’s an extra-large Android tablet that attempts to push into the premium tier dominated by Apple and Samsung. Launched in early 2023, the Tab Extreme boasts a massive 14.5-inch display, comes bundled with a stylus, and targets users who want a tablet that can double as a productivity or entertainment hub. Let’s break down this behemoth:

  • Display: The Tab Extreme’s calling card is its 14.5″ OLED screen – one of the largest and most gorgeous displays on any tablet. It has a sharp 3K resolution (3000×1876) and a 120Hz refresh rate lenovo.com tomsguide.com. The aspect ratio is roughly 16:10. This OLED panel impresses with vivid colors (DCI-P3 wide color, Lenovo says) and deep blacks. Tom’s Guide highlighted that the “vivid OLED display beats iPad in color reproduction,” which is high praise considering the iPad’s screens tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. It supports HDR (500 nits peak brightness – in tests it hit ~410 nits in SDR reviewed.com, a bit lower than spec but still decent). With 14.5″, this screen is practically laptop-sized, great for multitasking or watching movies. It’s glossy, but Lenovo has features like “Ambient color” to adjust tone based on environment. The sheer size means when used vertically (portrait) you can see a lot of content (imagine a whole A4 page or large web article without scrolling). However, one must note: such a big screen also makes the device unwieldy at times (more on that later).
  • Build & Design: The Tab Extreme has a sleek, premium design in “Storm Grey” aluminum. It’s remarkably thin at ~5.8 mm and weighs about 1.6 lbs (726 g) reviewed.com tomsguide.com. Considering the screen size, Lenovo did well to keep weight reasonable (the 12.9″ iPad Pro is ~1.5 lbs, so this is only slightly heavier with a much larger panel). The back has a unique full-width camera bar (which doubles as a magnetic strip for the pen) running across the top – reminiscent of Lenovo’s Yoga design language. It houses a dual rear camera system: 13 MP main and 5 MP (or 8 MP) ultrawide for depth or group shots ebay.com. Up front, there’s a 13 MP selfie camera (centered on the long side, which is great for landscape video calls) reviewed.com. Impressively, the Tab Extreme has 8 JBL speakers total (4 on each side) with Dolby Atmos – providing robust audio suited to its media aspirations lenovo.com. The tablet also features two USB-C ports: one USB 3.2 Gen1 (supports video out, data) and one USB 2.0 (charging/input only) reviewed.com. This dual-port setup is rare in tablets and allows, for instance, plugging into an external monitor while charging, or even using the tablet as a second display via the USB input mode (Lenovo advertises that you can connect your laptop to the Tab Extreme to use it as a drawing screen or external monitor) reviewed.com reviewed.com. There’s also a Pogo-pin connector for the keyboard attachment. No headphone jack here either, but with 8 speakers and USB-C, most use wireless or USB-C audio.
  • Processor & Performance: The Tab Extreme is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip reviewed.com reviewed.com. This was MediaTek’s flagship SoC in late 2021/2022, a 4nm chip with 1 ultra-core (3.05 GHz Cortex-X2), 3 Cortex-A710, and 4 Cortex-A510 efficiency cores, plus a Mali-G710 10-core GPU. In terms of performance, it’s roughly on par with a Snapdragon 8 Gen1. This means it’s a capable chip – smooth for most tasks, decent for gaming (though not as fast as Snapdragon 8 Gen2 or Apple’s M chips). Tom’s Guide noted that in benchmarks the Tab Extreme “couldn’t match the power of the latest slice of Apple Silicon,” but in day-to-day use it felt fine with little to complain about tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. So, while the Tab Extreme won’t win a speed contest against an iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, it’s fast enough for typical tablet activities and even some heavy multitasking. The key is that Lenovo paired it with 12 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking with multiple apps or browser tabs open reviewed.com. That generous RAM, plus Android’s improvements, allows features like running up to 4 apps in split screen (Lenovo’s custom multi-window mode supports a 4-way grid) reviewed.com reviewed.com. For storage, it has 256 GB onboard (UFS storage) and a microSD slot for expansion reviewed.com – another plus for power users. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 reviewed.com. There was no cellular version announced, making this Wi-Fi only.
  • Battery: Lenovo equipped the Tab Extreme with a large battery (~12,300 mAh reported). They claim up to 12 hours video playback. Given the big OLED, actual life varies – reviewers found it acceptable but not all-star. Tom’s Guide wished the “battery life were better” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com – implying it’s perhaps slightly below some competitors. Pushing that huge high-refresh OLED does drain power, so heavy use might get you around 8-9 hours. Lighter use could stretch beyond 10. It supports 68W fast charging (Lenovo’s spec), though in some markets it shipped with a 30W charger. Realistically, you can fully charge it in ~2 hours with a powerful charger. The device can also reverse charge other devices via USB-C (power share), turning its big battery into a powerbank in a pinch.
  • Accessories (Pen & Keyboard): Unlike many competitors, Lenovo includes the stylus in the box – the Lenovo Precision Pen 3 reviewed.com tomsguide.com. This stylus attaches magnetically to the back strip for charging and pairing. It offers configurable button actions and works seamlessly for writing and drawing. Reviewers liked the Pen 3 for its flexibility and remote control features (you can use the button to play/pause media or advance slides) reviewed.com reviewed.com. For typing, Lenovo offers the Tab Extreme Keyboard ($150 standalone, or often bundled for $1,099 total) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. This full-size keyboard cover is unique – it has a dual-hinge design: the tablet attaches magnetically and can be used in landscape, and there’s also a secondary smaller hinge that can prop it up in portrait orientation (useful if you want a vertical canvas for documents or art). The keyboard itself is a hard plastic with decent keys and trackpad. It basically turns the Tab Extreme into a laptop-like setup. It’s not quite as lap-friendly as Surface’s rigid keyboard, but on a table it works well. The bundle price undercuts Apple’s equivalent (as Tom’s Guide noted, “it is cheaper than Apple’s… iPad Pro 12.9 which starts at $1,099 and doesn’t include any accessories” tomsguide.com). That said, $949–1099 is still a lot, putting it in the premium bracket.
  • Software (Android & ZUI): The Tab Extreme runs Android 13 with Lenovo’s interface (sometimes referred to as ZUI or just Lenovo UI). Lenovo added several features to enhance productivity: a taskbar for launching apps quickly, a split-screen and floating window manager (you can drag apps to different quadrants for multi-window, though some apps may resist being in small windows) reviewed.com reviewed.com. It also has a “PC Mode” which is similar to Samsung DeX – when enabled (or when attached to keyboard), it presents a desktop-style interface with a start menu and taskbar. It’s not as polished as DeX but is useful. The Tab Extreme can also act as a wireless display for a Windows PC (Miracast) or a wired display via USB-C input – effectively using its 14.5″ screen as a second monitor or drawing pad for your laptop reviewed.com tomsguide.com. This is a niche but cool feature (especially for those with a Lenovo ThinkPad, it can integrate via Lenovo’s software). On the downside, Lenovo’s update commitment isn’t as lengthy as Samsung’s – they promised at least 2 major Android updates (to Android 14 and 15 likely) and maybe 3 years of security updates. Not bad, but not on par with Samsung or Apple. Also, some reviews mentioned Lenovo’s pre-loaded apps and interface can be hit-or-miss. Tom’s Guide found Lenovo’s productivity UI additions “as frustrating as useful” tomsguide.com – meaning some ideas were great, but execution wasn’t perfect (bugs or poor UX in multi-window controls, for example). Fortunately, you can always drop out of Lenovo’s modes and use standard Android tablet mode if you prefer simplicity. The tablet also supports Google Entertainment Space and other Android tablet goodies. One notable omission: unlike Samsung, there’s no official mention of HDR video streaming certifications, so Netflix etc. might be capped at HD (this could have changed with updates, but it’s something to check if that matters to you).

Use Cases: The Lenovo Tab Extreme is practically a living room TV replacement and Android workstation in one. Its huge, beautiful screen and loud speakers make it ideal for media consumption: movies, YouTube, digital comics, magazines – all look fantastic. In fact, Reviewed.com said “it’s an incredible bedtime companion for unwinding with movies…assuming the size doesn’t make it uncomfortable” reviewed.com reviewed.com. The size can indeed be cumbersome for casual reading/browsing in bed; it’s more akin to holding a slim laptop screen. For productivity, if your work can be done with Android apps or web apps, the Tab Extreme gives you tons of space to juggle multiple apps. You could have a document, a browser, a chat app, and a calculator all open together (4-way split) – something even iPads struggle with (iPads typically cap at 2-3 apps on screen). It’s also a unique device for drawing and note-taking due to the expansive canvas. Artists who use apps like SketchBook or Infinite Painter will love the room to draw. The Precision Pen 3, while good, might not have the ultra-refined feel of Apple Pencil, but it’s close, and the larger screen here is a plus for detailed work. Business users could use the Tab Extreme for emails, conferencing (the front camera being centered is handy), and document editing with the keyboard – essentially as an Android ultrabook. However, given Android’s limitations (e.g., MS Office on Android is not as full-featured as desktop Office), heavy content creators or coders would still need a PC for some tasks.

Limitations: The elephant in the room is size and performance trade-offs. The Tab Extreme is huge – Tom’s Guide bluntly states it “practically requires two hands for comfortable use” and even for someone with large hands, one-handed use is “awkward at best.” tomsguide.com It’s not a tablet you casually hold up for 2 hours – it’s more used propped up on its stand or held briefly. That means it’s less versatile in portability than a 11–12″ tablet. Also, the Dimensity 9000, while strong, is a generation behind the chips in similarly-priced rivals. Tom’s Guide listed “lackluster performance vs Apple and Samsung’s biggest slates” as a con tomsguide.com. In practice, this means if you run a heavy 3D game or push multi-app multitasking to extremes, you might see some lag or throttling where an iPad Pro wouldn’t. For many typical tasks it’s fine, but it’s something to consider if you want the “most powerful” tablet – Lenovo ceded that ground in favor of the big OLED and lower price. Another factor is the app gap on Android: even more pronounced on such a large display. Some Android apps just don’t utilize the extra space well (or at all). Lenovo’s software tries to mitigate this with forcing split-screen or floating apps, but e.g. Instagram still looks like a stretched phone app. If you primarily run mainstream apps (Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, Kindle, etc.), you’ll be okay – Google and many vendors improved big-screen support. Just know it’s not quite as cohesive as iPadOS’s ecosystem of optimized pro apps.

Expert Verdict: Tech reviewers generally appreciated what Lenovo was aiming for. Tom’s Guide gave a positive verdict, saying after using it, “I’m pleased to report it deserves a place among [the iPad Pro and Galaxy Tab S8/S9 Ultra],” tomsguide.com especially noting its display, design, and included accessories. They highlighted its unique strengths: the screen (best-in-class OLED color), the fact that at $949 it undercuts similar rivals, and extras like dual USB-C which even top-tier competitors lack tomsguide.com. Reviewed.com likewise said the Tab Extreme “can help you breeze through work… provided that work can be done on an Android tablet” reviewed.com reviewed.com – acknowledging it’s a multitasking beast in the Android realm, but it can’t fully replace a laptop for all workloads. The main criticisms were performance per dollar and portability. For a niche of users – those who want an Android tablet as a primary device – the Tab Extreme is nearly “extreme-ly” good (as one YouTube review pun-ished). For others, it might be overkill or an odd in-between device. Nonetheless, it’s a bold entry from Lenovo into ultra-premium tablets, and it shows that competition in this space is heating up beyond just Apple vs Samsung.

The Road Ahead: Upcoming Tablets in 2025–2026

The premium tablet landscape will continue to evolve rapidly. Here are some expected trends and upcoming launches based on credible reports:

  • Apple: After the big 2024 iPad Pro update, Apple is not expected to refresh the iPad Pro until late 2025 or early 2026 macrumors.com. The next generation (likely with an Apple M5 chip) will further boost performance. Interestingly, Apple may add hardware that catches up to rivals: for example, a dual front-facing camera system is rumored for the 2025 iPad Pro, which would be Apple’s first tablet with two selfie cameras sammobile.com. (Samsung’s Ultra tablets have had dual front cameras since 2022, useful for ultra-wide group shots or simultaneous face+desk views.) There are also whispers of Apple exploring larger iPad Pro sizes – perhaps 14 or even 16-inch iPads for those who want a bigger canvas. Some analysts (like Omdia) predict Apple might launch a massive 20-inch foldable iPad around 2027 macrumors.com, but that’s a bit farther off. A more plausible near-term development is a foldable iPad (or hybrid MacBook/iPad) arriving around 2026. One report claims Apple is prototyping foldable devices and could have an iPad Fold in production by 2026 reddit.com, whereas others say Apple has paused those plans for now appleworld.today notebookcheck.net. In any case, we’ll likely see the iPad Pro 2025/26 refine the mini-LED/OLED tech (maybe all models getting OLED if the 11″ hadn’t yet), possibly adopt under-display Face ID or other futuristic features. And of course, iPadOS will keep inching closer to Mac capabilities (with iPadOS 19/20 likely focusing on pro apps and maybe more flexible multitasking). Also worth noting: Apple’s next-gen Apple Pencil could bring new capabilities; the 2024 Pencil Pro already added haptics and tilt-rotation sensing, so Apple might further improve stylus tech (maybe color sampling or interchangeable tips? speculation here).
  • Samsung: Samsung tends to update the Galaxy Tab S series roughly every 1–1.5 years. With the Tab S10 released in late 2024, it’s possible Samsung will hold the next flagship tablet (Tab S11) until 2026 to align with new OLED panel tech or chipset cycles. However, they might fill the gap with variants – e.g., a Galaxy Tab S10 FE (Fan Edition) is rumored for mid-2025 sammyguru.com sammyguru.com, to offer a more affordable big-screen option. There are also rumors Samsung is planning to debut new form factors: a “tri-fold” tablet or dual-folding device that can go from phone to tablet size. In fact, a South Korean report claims Samsung could launch a dual-foldable smartphone/tablet hybrid in H2 2025 sammobile.com. This could be a foldable that opens up to ~10″, essentially a tablet that folds in two places. If that materializes, Samsung would essentially create a new category – perhaps a Galaxy Z Fold Tab – which might appeal to early adopters and professionals needing a big screen in a compact form when carried. On the conventional side, expect the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra (when it comes) to maybe incorporate OLED display advancements (even higher brightness, maybe variable refresh down to 1Hz for power saving), the latest Snapdragon (8 Gen4 or 8 Gen5 by then, possibly on 3nm), and more AI features baked into One UI (Samsung is investing in on-device AI to keep up with trends). Samsung could also experiment with Mini-LED or other display tech if OLED supply for large panels tightens, but given they are a display manufacturer, they’ll likely stick to AMOLED and just improve it. Camera-wise, maybe we’ll see further improvements in front cameras (perhaps under-display camera if they perfect that tech on tablets? Pure speculation). Samsung’s focus will continue on ecosystem too – linking their tablets with Galaxy phones, Watches, and Windows PCs (via apps like Link to Windows, etc.). By 2026, a Samsung tablet might be able to seamlessly hand off an in-progress document or call from your phone, or serve as an AI hub with their voice assistant.
  • Microsoft: Big changes are brewing. First, Windows 12 is expected possibly in late 2024 or 2025, with a design optimized for AI and better tablet use. Surface Pro devices in 2025 will certainly ship with Windows 12, which should enhance touch UX and integrate Copilot AI deeply (imagine resizing windows via voice or AI summarizing content on the fly). Hardware-wise, Microsoft is reportedly pursuing its own Apple-like chip strategy. Recent leaks claim Microsoft and AMD are co-developing an ARM-based SoC, codenamed “Project Sound Wave”, intended for Surface devices by 2025–2026 windowscentral.com techpowerup.com. This chip would presumably power a future Surface Pro (perhaps Surface Pro 12 or 13 by then) and Surface Laptop, aiming for a big jump in performance and efficiency on Windows on ARM. If that succeeds, we could see a Surface Pro with true all-day battery (15+ hours) and much higher AI performance, putting it more directly against Apple’s M-series. In the interim, Microsoft might do a minor Surface Pro 11 (for Business) with newer Intel 15th-gen in 2025, but the real excitement is on the custom silicon front. Additionally, there’s speculation that Microsoft might experiment with new form factors again: maybe a revisit of the dual-screen Neo concept or something to showcase Windows 12’s modularity. While the dual-screen Surface Neo was canceled in 2020, Windows 10X from that effort evolved into the Windows 11 we have. If component tech has matured, a foldable screen Surface or dual-screen tablet in 2026 isn’t out of the question. Microsoft did launch the Surface Duo (dual-screen phone) – which had limited success – but a larger dual-screen tablet could target professionals (imagine a booklet device for note-taking and reading). For now, in the near term, Surface Pros will likely continue the current 13″ 2-in-1 design, just with better guts. We’re also likely to see more AI-driven features: e.g., smarter camera framing (maybe leveraging those dual front cameras if they ever add one), voice control, or pen gestures with haptic feedback (the Slim Pen already has haptics, perhaps future ones get more capabilities). Price-wise, Microsoft might try to offer a lower-cost Surface Pro variant to reach students – there were rumors of a Surface Go with ARM or a smaller Surface – but nothing concrete yet beyond the business/consumer Pro split.
  • Lenovo and Others: Lenovo might not update the Tab Extreme every year, but if the first gen was well-received, a Tab Extreme 2 in 2025 or 2026 could appear. That could upgrade to, say, a Dimensity 9300 or Snapdragon 8 Gen3 for a more competitive performance, and possibly mini-LED or higher-refresh OLED. Lenovo has also been active in unique form factors: e.g., the Yoga Book 9i (a dual 13″ screen laptop) and the ThinkPad X1 Fold (16″ folding OLED PC). Those indicate Lenovo could blend their tablet and laptop know-how further. We might see a Windows tablet from Lenovo that challenges Surface Pro (perhaps a ThinkPad-style 2-in-1 with a kickstand). On the Android side, other players like Xiaomi, Huawei, OnePlus, and Google might have a say. Xiaomi’s Pad series and OPPO/OnePlus Pad have been delivering solid mid-range tablets; rumors of a OnePlus Pad 2 or Xiaomi Pad 7 with higher-end specs could materialize in 2024–25. Google’s own Pixel Tablet (2023) was midrange and focused on smart home (doubling as a Nest Hub display with its speaker dock). It’s unclear if Google will do a Pixel Tablet Pro, but if Android tablets keep gaining traction, a Pixel Tablet with an 11″ 120Hz screen and Tensor G3/G4 chip (and official keyboard folio) in 2025 could happen, positioning Google more in this fight.

In short, by 2026 we expect foldables, larger screens, and custom silicon to be key themes. Apple might have an OLED iPad Pro with an M5 or M6 chip that blows away current performance. Samsung will refine the Galaxy Tab Ultra line and perhaps introduce a foldable tablet hybrid. Microsoft could leap ahead with an ARM-powered Surface that finally brings MacBook-like battery life to Windows tablets windowscentral.com tomsguide.com. And we’ll likely see more convergence of tablet and laptop capabilities across the board, with AI features becoming standard (e.g., real-time transcription, generative AI art or notes, etc., directly on the devices). It’s an exciting time for tablets – the gap between a “tablet” and a “computer” is closing, and each platform is learning from the others (Apple adding multitasking and pro apps, Microsoft focusing on touch and ARM, Android upping its tablet software game). For consumers, this means more choice and better products in the coming years.

Comparison Summary: Which Tablet Should You Choose?

Each of these top-tier tablets has its own strengths and ideal users. Here’s a quick comparative rundown of advantages and disadvantages for each:

  • Apple iPad Pro 11 (M4, 2024) – Advantages: Unmatched performance (the M4 outpaces most mobile chips), best-in-class tablet app ecosystem (a huge range of optimized creative and productivity apps), superb OLED display and premium build quality, and tight integration if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. Accessories like the Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard further enhance its creative and productivity prowess. Drawbacks: Very expensive for the specs (starts $999, and nearly ~$1,300+ with pencil & keyboard) macrumors.com, and despite the power, iPadOS limitations frustrate some pro users (no true windowed multitasking beyond certain limits, cannot run traditional desktop apps) – many reviews note the software keeps it from fully replacing a laptop macrumors.com. Also, ports and expandability are limited (one USB-C, no headphone jack or SD slot).
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 / S10 Series – Advantages: Gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED displays with 120Hz – great for media and artwork. S Pen included in the box (no extra cost) and it’s an excellent stylus for notes or drawing. More open file system and connectivity (USB-C with display output, DeX mode enables a desktop-like experience) makes it quite flexible – you can connect drives, monitors, etc. wired.com. Samsung’s multi-window and DeX multitasking is very robust for an Android device, and long software support (4+ years of updates) gives it longevity wired.com. Also IP68 water-resistant, which is unique in this class phonearena.com phonearena.com. Drawbacks: Android still has fewer tablet-optimized apps compared to iPadOS, so some apps don’t use the big screen as effectively. The price, while a bit lower than iPad Pro, is still high – and the keyboard cover is an extra ~$200. So total cost approaches iPad territory. Also, the desktop mode (DeX) and some software can exhibit quirks or bugs wired.com wired.com, meaning it’s not always as seamless as a PC or iPad for certain tasks. Ultimately, if you’re not an Android person or need specific iPad-only apps, that’s a consideration.
  • Microsoft Surface Pro (Pro 10/11) – Advantages: Runs full Windows 11 – so it can do things no other tablet here can, like run traditional Win32 software, full Microsoft Office/Adobe Creative Cloud, software development tools, etc. Incredibly versatile: it’s a tablet when you use touch/pen and a high-performance laptop when you attach the Type Cover. The built-in kickstand and available ports (2× Thunderbolt 4) provide excellent productivity and peripheral options tomsguide.com. You can hook up multiple monitors, use mice, storage devices – no mobile OS limitations. High RAM and storage configs (up to 64 GB RAM, 1 TB+ SSD) suit professional needs en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org. For someone who wants one device for everything, Surface Pro can be that device. Drawbacks: Price is the highest once you include keyboard and pen – easily $1.5–2K for mid to higher specs. As a pure tablet, it’s heavier and less ergonomic to hold than iPad or Galaxy Tab. Windows, while improving for touch, is still not as finger-friendly for casual use – small UI elements and the complexity of a desktop OS can be cumbersome without a keyboard/mouse. Battery life on Intel models, though improved, is still around a workday, not multi-day – and under heavy loads (or on older Surfaces) it could dip lower. Essentially, Surface Pro is fantastic as a laptop replacement that also gives you tablet abilities, but if you don’t need Windows-specific apps, you might find a simpler iPad or Android tablet more pleasant for purely tablet-y tasks.
  • Lenovo Tab Extreme – Advantages: Massive 14.5″ OLED screen is a dream for entertainment, digital art, and multitasking – it’s bigger than even the iPad Pro 12.9 and Galaxy Tab Ultra, with brilliant colors tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The tablet includes the stylus at no charge and offers a capable keyboard option, meaning out-of-box you’re ready for productivity or creativity tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Its dual USB-C ports and unique features (using as second display, etc.) provide versatility not seen elsewhere tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. And despite being high-end, it undercuts Apple/Samsung’s largest tablets in price – $949 gets you 256GB and pen included, whereas an iPad Pro 12.9 costs more without any accessories tomsguide.com. Drawbacks: Its size and weight make it less portable and less comfortable to use on the go – you almost always want it propped on a stand or two-handed; it’s not an “everyday carry” tablet for most tomsguide.com. Performance, while good, lags behind the top-tier (the Dimensity 9000 is a step below Apple M chips and newer Snapdragon 8 Gen chips) tomsguide.com, so you might see some slow-down with very heavy multitasking or gaming that wouldn’t faze the others. Also, Lenovo’s software, though feature-rich, can be rough around the edges – and it won’t get as many years of updates as Samsung or Apple. Android’s app ecosystem particularly struggles to fully utilize a 14.5″ screen (some apps just don’t scale well), meaning you might encounter more situations with wasted space or needing to use windowed mode to multitask effectively.

In closing, the “best” tablet for you depends on your priorities:

  • Choose iPad Pro if you want the fastest performance and the richest app selection, especially for creative work, and you live in Apple’s ecosystem (or don’t mind paying for top-notch hardware/software integration). It’s the all-rounder that excels in tablet-centric tasks and high-end creativity, and now with the M4 and OLED it’s more compelling than ever macrumors.com macrumors.com. Just be ready to invest and perhaps keep a laptop around for truly heavy lifting.
  • Choose Galaxy Tab S9/S10 if you prefer Android’s flexibility, plan to consume a ton of media or do note-taking with a built-in stylus, and maybe want some PC-like capabilities without leaving the mobile OS world. It’s great for students and media enthusiasts, and those who value features like expandable storage and a more open file system. You get a slightly better value (pen included, a bit cheaper) than iPad, and an absolutely gorgeous screen for movies and comics. Just understand the Android tablet app gap: it’s improving, but not all apps are as polished on large screens.
  • Choose Surface Pro if you need a full computer with desktop apps in your tablet. For productivity professionals, corporate users, or anyone who wants one device for Outlook/Excel, coding, Photoshop, and also note-taking or drawing, the Surface is unrivaled. It’s essentially an ultralight laptop that can be a tablet occasionally. You sacrifice some convenience in tablet mode, and it costs a lot, but you’re effectively getting two devices in one. Also, if you’re a Windows power user or your company runs on Windows software, Surface Pro is the natural choice.
  • Choose Lenovo Tab Extreme if you crave a supersized tablet experience – perhaps as a home tablet that doubles as a small TV, or a digital art canvas. It’s also a good fit if you want premium Android hardware but found Samsung’s largest offering still not big enough. The Tab Extreme can replace a laptop for light to moderate tasks (especially with its keyboard and productivity mode), but it truly shines as an entertainment and multitasking station. It’s not very travel-friendly due to sheer size, and it’s a first-gen product from Lenovo in this category, so consider it if you’re tech-savvy and okay tweaking things to your liking. The value proposition is strong given what’s included for the price tomsguide.com, but ensure your workflow and apps can live within Android’s bounds.

No matter which you pick, it’s clear that tablets in 2025 are more capable than ever. From Apple’s creative powerhouse to Samsung’s multimedia maestro, Microsoft’s PC replacement, and Lenovo’s giant canvas, there’s a premium tablet tailored to nearly every type of user. And with upcoming innovations (like dual-camera iPads, foldable tablets, and custom ARM chips) on the horizon sammobile.com techpowerup.com, the competition is only set to get hotter – which means even better devices for us as consumers.

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