The Ultimate Flagship Tablet Showdown 2025: iPad Pro vs Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra vs Surface Pro (and More)

Introduction: A New Era of Tablets

The tablet market in 2025 is more exciting than ever, with every major tech ecosystem vying for supremacy. Apple’s iPad Pro continues to set performance benchmarks, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra pushes Android tablets to new extremes, Microsoft’s Surface Pro blurs the line between tablet and PC, and contenders from Lenovo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and others bring their own innovations. Recent releases and upcoming models promise cutting-edge chipsets, dazzling displays, improved stylus input, and software updates that make these slates more capable for work, creativity, and play than ever before.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll examine the best flagship tablets currently available – and peek at what’s on the horizon – across all major platforms (iPadOS, Android, Windows, and HarmonyOS). We’ll dive into performance, display quality, stylus and productivity features, software ecosystems, battery life, portability, connectivity, pricing, and real-world use cases (from media consumption to digital art to student note-taking). Expert reviews and user feedback will be cited throughout, highlighting each tablet’s strengths and weaknesses. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which top-tier tablet is right for your needs in 2025.

But first, here’s a quick spec table comparing the core features of these flagship tablets:

Flagship Tablet Specs at a Glance

<small>Prices are base models (USD or equivalent). Features like cellular 5G, higher storage/RAM, or keyboard accessories cost extra.</small>

Performance Showdown: Mighty M-series vs. Snapdragon and More

When it comes to raw performance, Apple’s iPad Pro has long been the tablet to beat. The latest 12.9-inch/13-inch iPad Pro (2022 with M2 chip, and the 2024 refresh with M3/M4) delivers laptop-class speed. Apple’s custom silicon – now on the M3/M4 generation for iPad Pro – outpaces rival mobile chips by a wide margin, making multitasking and even pro apps like Adobe Photoshop or 4K video editing silky smooth. In fact, the 2022 iPad Pro with M2 was already “the most powerful and responsive iPad” ever, and Apple’s silicon upgrades since then have only extended that lead. Benchmark charts tell the story: in Geekbench and graphics tests, the iPad Pro’s M-series chip scores are roughly double those of even the best Android tablets. Apple simply has a performance surplus – a point noted by reviewers: “The 2022 iPad Pro remains the best and most powerful tablet if you’re willing to pay for it,” writes Business Insider. The Verge likewise calls it “the iPad for those who want the best screen, the best performance, and the latest hardware”. This horsepower not only ensures fast app launches and smooth gameplay, but also future-proofs the iPad Pro for years of iPadOS updates.

On the Android side, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the performance king. It packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (the same chip used in flagship Android phones like the Galaxy S23). This octa-core SoC delivers excellent speed and graphics prowess, narrowing the gap with Apple. In day-to-day use, the Tab S9 Ultra feels snappy and handles intensive tasks (like games or multi-window apps) with ease. As HotHardware notes, “it’s got enough power to keep up with even the fastest of today’s mobile devices.” In benchmarks, the Tab S9 Ultra outpaces other Android tablets (e.g. scoring ~14,700 in 3DMark Wildlife Unlimited, versus ~8,800 on the MediaTek Dimensity-powered Lenovo Tab Extreme). Multitasking is a strength – Samsung’s DeX mode and multi-window features can leverage the chip to run up to three apps onscreen comfortably. However, Apple’s M-series still holds a lead; the iPad Pro’s GPU performance can be 70–100% higher than the Tab S9 Ultra’s in graphics tests. The upside for Samsung: the Snapdragon’s performance is more than sufficient for any Android app or game today, and the tablet’s generous 12GB+ of RAM means smooth multitasking with lots of apps open.

Lenovo’s Tab Extreme and Xiaomi’s Pad 6 Pro offer high performance at lower price points, though they can’t quite catch the top two. The Tab Extreme uses MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9000 chip, which is very capable (comparable to a Snapdragon 8+ Gen1). In everyday use, reviewers found the Tab Extreme “plenty speedy” and never lagging. But in CPU/GPU benchmarks it trails the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra by ~40%, and the iPad Pro by an even larger gap. Lenovo’s 12GB RAM helps with smooth performance and future-proofing, but if raw power is the priority, Samsung and Apple have the edge. Xiaomi’s Pad 6 Pro, with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, actually outperforms the Lenovo in some tests (and Xiaomi’s thermal design allows it to sustain high frame rates in games without throttling). In fact, Gizmochina calls the Pad 6 Pro “perhaps the best Android gaming tablet” in its price class. Gaming on Pad 6 Pro is a standout use-case – it can run titles like Genshin Impact at high settings with steady frame rates. However, Xiaomi’s software optimizations lag behind. The Pad 6 Pro’s MIUI software isn’t as refined in multitasking or productivity, and as one reviewer bluntly put it: “No one can deny it is the best and most affordable Android gaming tablet… but that’s about all it has going for it” in terms of broader productivity use. In short, great for gaming, decent for media, but not ideal for heavy office or creative workloads due to software limitations (more on that later).

On the Windows side, the Microsoft Surface Pro lineup represents a different approach to performance. The Surface Pro 9 (2022) offered both Intel 12th-gen Core i7 and a custom ARM-based SQ3 processor option. By 2024, Microsoft doubled down on ARM with the Surface Pro (11th gen, 2024) featuring Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite chip – a laptop-class Arm processor with serious efficiency. Performance on the Surface Pro can therefore vary: the Intel versions behave like ultrabook PCs (strong single-core speed, capable of running any x86 Windows app, but shorter battery life under load). The newer Snapdragon-powered Surface Pro, while not as outright fast as an M-series iPad or a high-watt Intel chip in sustained tasks, is fast enough for typical productivity (Office, web, video calls) and has improved thermals and battery. Tom’s Hardware notes that the 2024 Surface Pro “is one of the best iterations of the device” and “feels like it’s nailing Microsoft’s original vision: a portable, slim PC that’s capable on the go with long battery life and an incredible screen.” However, there’s a caveat: Windows on ARM still has some app compatibility issues (certain older or specialized Windows apps and games won’t run if they aren’t compiled for ARM and can’t be translated). “The new Snapdragon processors still have some app compatibility issues,” as Tom’s Hardware cautions tomshardware.com. In raw benchmarks, Apple’s M chips and even the top Qualcomm Snapdragon (in Samsung’s tablet) actually outperform the Surface Pro’s Snapdragon X in many metrics – but comparing across operating systems is tricky. The Surface isn’t sluggish by any means; it’s just tuned for a balance of performance and laptop-level versatility (full file system, pro software, etc.), rather than maximizing benchmark scores.

Finally, Huawei’s MatePad Pro 13.2 (2023) introduces another unique chipset: the Kirin 9000S (a 12-core chip) under Huawei’s HarmonyOS. In practice, its performance is roughly on par with a 1–2 year old flagship phone chip. It’s snappy for web browsing, multimedia, and sketching apps, but behind the likes of Apple’s M-series or Qualcomm’s latest. Still, Huawei optimized HarmonyOS well – the tablet handles multitasking and drawing apps with “solid performance” and no stutters. The bigger concern is less about speed and more about app ecosystem (since Google apps aren’t available, which we’ll discuss later).

Bottom line on performance: If you need the absolute fastest tablet for things like 4K video editing, music production, or console-quality gaming, Apple’s iPad Pro stands at the top of the heap with its M-series chip. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the next-fastest, offering flagship-phone caliber performance that’s more than enough for any Android app or multitasking scenario (and it benefits from Samsung’s software optimizations for multi-window use). Microsoft’s Surface Pro (especially the latest ARM model) offers PC versatility with very good performance, though not aimed at gaming or ultra-heavy creative workloads (and heavy 3D tasks can make it run hot as a tablet). Lenovo and Xiaomi’s flagship Android tablets deliver admirable speed for the price – great for media and gaming – but fall slightly behind the top tier. And Huawei’s MatePad is fast for everyday tasks, but it won’t win speed contests against the others.

Display Quality: OLED Brilliance and High Refresh Rates

One of the biggest differentiators among these flagship tablets is the display. After all, a tablet is essentially a big screen in your hands – and each manufacturer takes pride in showcasing their best display tech on their flagship models.

Apple iPad Pro: With the 2021–2022 generation, Apple introduced a Liquid Retina XDR display (in the 12.9-inch Pro) using mini-LED technology, delivering incredible brightness (1000+ nits sustained, 1600 nits peak HDR) and excellent contrast approaching OLED levels. In 2024, Apple reportedly upgraded the iPad Pro to a true OLED panel for both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. This new “Ultra Retina XDR OLED” uses an advanced dual-layer OLED for higher brightness and longevity macrumors.com. Apple touts it as “the world’s most advanced display with extreme brightness and incredibly precise contrast” macrumors.com. Marketing hype aside, expect best-in-class display quality: rich inky blacks, vivid colors (P3 wide color, 10-bit depth), and up to 120Hz ProMotion refresh for buttery-smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The resolution is extremely sharp (~264 ppi, 2752×2064 on the 13-inch model) so text and graphics are crisp. Reviewers have long praised the iPad Pro’s screen; even before the OLED update, the mini-LED display was “tremendous and a joy to look at” for everything from movies to reading. With OLED, the new models likely surpass even that. One small note: only the larger Pro had the XDR display in the 2022 generation – the 11″ was a step down (LCD). But with the 2024 refresh, both sizes get OLED parity, which is great news for those who prefer the smaller form factor.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Samsung is a display powerhouse, and it shows in the Tab S9 Ultra. This tablet boasts a huge 14.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a high 2960×1848 resolution (WQXGA+). It’s a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel (same tech as Samsung’s high-end phone screens), meaning vibrant colors, true blacks, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. The size and aspect ratio (16:10) make it immersive for movies and excellent for side-by-side multitasking. Reviewers have marveled at the experience of such a large OLED tablet: “the 14.6-inch OLED screen looks gorgeous,” and it’s one of the Tab S9 Ultra’s standout features. With HDR content, the Tab S9 Ultra can shine (it supports HDR10+), and it gets sufficiently bright for indoor use (outdoor visibility is decent, though not as blindingly bright as the iPad Pro’s mini-LED was in full sun). The colors are saturated and contrast is effectively infinite thanks to OLED’s per-pixel lighting. If you’re a movie buff or Netflix binger, this screen is a dream – a portable OLED TV. The only downside is that at 14.6″, some might find it too large to hold for long periods or to use in portrait orientation. But Samsung also offers the Tab S9 and S9+ at 11″ and 12.4″ respectively (with similar tech) if the Ultra is unwieldy. All S9 models also boast Vision Booster tech for enhanced visibility in bright environments. In short, Samsung delivers an absolutely top-tier display, easily among the best ever put in a tablet. It’s bigger than the iPad’s, though the iPad’s new OLED might have an edge in brightness and aspect ratio (the iPad’s 4:3 aspect is better for productivity and drawing, while Samsung’s widescreen is better for media).

Microsoft Surface Pro (2024): Historically, Surfaces have had excellent but not cutting-edge displays: high-resolution, color-accurate LCDs with a productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio. The Surface Pro 9 offered a 13″ IPS panel (2880×1920) with up to 120Hz refresh (“PixelSense Flow”), which was already sharp and vibrant. In 2024, Microsoft introduced an OLED option for the first time on Surface Pro tomshardware.com. The catch: the OLED screen is only on the higher-tier config (with the Snapdragon X Elite chip), while base models still use the IPS LCD. The OLED panel should bring punchier contrast and perfect blacks to the Surface, addressing one of the few areas it lagged iPad/Samsung. Tom’s Hardware calls the new OLED “beautiful” tomshardware.com and a major draw of the device. It’s still 13 inches, 3:2 aspect, so it’s more square-ish than the iPad or Samsung (which helps when drawing or viewing full web pages). The resolution (~267 ppi) is very crisp. The 120Hz refresh makes inking and scrolling smooth. Microsoft calibrates their screens well – expect near sRGB and DCI-P3 accuracy modes, which is great for photo editing or design work. One unique feature: the Surface has an ambient color temperature sensor (Auto Color Management) to adjust the display’s white point to surroundings (similar to Apple’s True Tone). Overall, the Surface Pro’s screen is now on par with the best, especially if you get the OLED. If not, the IPS is still very good, just with less contrast. One minor con: with a glossy screen and no anti-reflective coating as strong as e.g. Apple’s, glare can be an issue on Surfaces. But indoors it’s fine.

Lenovo Tab Extreme: Lenovo went all-out on the display to justify the “Extreme” name. It features a 14.5-inch OLED at 3000×1876 resolution and 120Hz. That resolution actually slightly exceeds the Samsung’s in pixel count, giving the Tab Extreme an ultra-sharp 244 ppi (remarkable for a tablet that large). In fact, Tom’s Guide noted that “even the most expensive tablets from Apple and Samsung can’t match the Tab Extreme in terms of resolution or color reproduction”. The OLED panel supports Dolby Vision HDR and covers a wide color gamut, making it a joy for movies and graphic work. Reviewers consistently praise its huge, vibrant, immersive screen. With two OLED giants (Lenovo and Samsung) at 14+ inches, we’re truly in an era of giant tablet displays. The Tab Extreme’s screen is slightly smaller than the Tab S9 Ultra’s by 0.1″, effectively the same category – both are fantastic for media and multitasking, while being a bit unwieldy for handheld reading. One advantage for Lenovo: it includes not just one but two USB-C ports, making it easier to connect an external monitor or peripherals while charging. Creative users will also appreciate the color accuracy; Lenovo targets DCI-P3 and even has color management to ensure consistency across devices. The only nitpick: peak brightness isn’t as high as the iPad Pro’s XDR or possibly the newest OLED iPad, so in HDR the iPad might still win on highlights. Nonetheless, Lenovo’s display is among the best, and having that quality at a slightly lower price than Samsung is impressive.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro: Xiaomi took a different approach – sticking with an IPS LCD (likely to keep costs down) but a very good one. The Pad 6 Pro has an 11-inch “2.8K” LCD, roughly 2880×1800, and supports up to 144Hz refresh (some sources say 120Hz, but at least 120). The pixel density is around 309 ppi, which is actually higher than the iPad Pro’s, owing to the smaller size – so it’s extremely crisp. Colors are vivid and more accurate than the previous gen, thanks to better calibration. Xiaomi even offers professional color management for consistency across Xiaomi phones, tablets, and TVs gizmochina.com. For media, the Pad 6 Pro’s screen is great except it’s not OLED – so contrast and HDR impact are not at the level of the OLED competitors. It does get reasonably bright and has a laminated display with low reflectance, making it enjoyable for reading and games. TechAdvisor lauded the Pad 6 series for being “a lot of tablet for the money” with a “super-smooth display” and great entertainment cred. One downgrade from the previous Pad 5 Pro, however, was in speakers – Xiaomi moved from 8 speakers to 4, which slightly reduced the audio richness. Still, the Pad 6 Pro’s display and quad speakers make it a strong portable movie machine. It just can’t produce the deep blacks of OLED, nor the mini-LED-like HDR pop.

Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2: Huawei clearly designed this tablet for creatives and media lovers. It sports a 13.2-inch OLED with a 3:2 aspect ratio (like Surface’s shape) and a high 2880×1920 resolution (just over 250 ppi). Uniquely, it runs at 144Hz, the fastest refresh rate in this group, making animations and pen input extremely fluid. The display has a special nano-optical coating to reduce reflections and glare (Huawei calls it “PaperMatte” on one edition, which simulates a paper-like low-reflection surface – an interesting option for those who hate glare). Reviewers have been wowed by this screen: AndroidHeadlines says it “has a gorgeous display” and overall “feels premium in the hand”. It supports HDR (HDR10) and, thanks to OLED, offers deep contrast and vibrant colors on par with Samsung/Lenovo. Plus, Huawei included six speakers around the tablet for an immersive audio-visual experience. At 13.2″, it sits between the iPad Pro 12.9 and the 14.6″ behemoths – perhaps a sweet spot for those who want a large canvas but not the absolute largest. The MatePad’s high refresh and near-zero latency stylus tech (Huawei’s M-Pencil uses a new NearLink radio for faster response) make it especially appealing for drawing and handwriting. The major drawback: you’ll only get the most of this display with HarmonyOS and Huawei’s ecosystem – standard Android apps might require extra steps to install due to the lack of Google support. If you do get your content on it, though, the device truly shines. One user noted the MatePad is “great for drawing and multitasking” with its big screen, but “no Google apps, and updates are slower” outside China – meaning you enjoy the beautiful screen at the cost of some ecosystem convenience.

In summary, display rankings come down largely to personal preference, as all these flagships have fantastic screens:

• If you want the largest, most immersive screen: Samsung’s 14.6″ Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Lenovo’s 14.5″ Tab Extreme are unmatched for sheer size and OLED wow-factor. They’re basically laptop-sized displays with tablet guts. Great for media and multi-window, albeit a bit unwieldy. Samsung’s is slightly more refined (HDR10+ support, Samsung’s excellent color tuning), while Lenovo’s matches it in quality and even beats it in resolution.
• If you care about absolute best display technology: The 2024 iPad Pro’s OLED might take the crown for overall quality – Apple’s calibration, extreme brightness, and ProMotion combine for an exceptional experience (and previously, the mini-LED on iPad Pro 12.9 was already top-notch). The iPad’s slightly smaller size (13″) makes for higher pixel density than the 14″ tablets, and the 4:3 aspect is versatile for both video and reading (with letterboxing for 16:9 video).
• The Surface Pro’s OLED 13″ is another contender – with 3:2 aspect and high resolution, it’s ideal for productivity and still gorgeous for movies. It’s basically a laptop screen in tablet form, now with OLED blacks.
• For smoothest motion: Huawei’s 144Hz panel edges others slightly, though practically 120Hz vs 144Hz isn’t a huge difference. All feel very smooth for stylus and scrolling.
• Those who use tablets outdoors might appreciate iPad Pro’s higher brightness (mini-LED XDR or the new OLED which presumably hits >1000 nits). Others are generally around 500 nits (Samsung) to 600 nits (Lenovo) max in typical use, which are fine indoors.
• If budget is a factor but you still want a great display, Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro offers a high-res 120Hz LCD that’s “good enough” for most, even though it lacks the contrast of OLED. It’s arguably the best screen in the mid-premium price bracket (certainly better than any other ~$400 tablet).

Stylus and Productivity Features: From Note-Taking to Digital Art

A key selling point of high-end tablets is their stylus and keyboard support – transforming them into notebooks or canvases for creative and professional tasks. All the tablets in this roundup support active stylus pens and keyboard accessories to enhance productivity, but implementations and included accessories vary widely.

Apple iPad Pro & Apple Pencil: Apple’s iPad Pro arguably kicked off the modern tablet-as-creative-tool trend with the original Apple Pencil, and it remains a gold standard for stylus experience. The current Apple Pencil (2nd gen) offers extremely low latency (around 9ms) and precise pressure and tilt sensitivity. In 2024, Apple introduced a new Apple Pencil Pro alongside the iPad Pro’s refresh, presumably with features like interchangeable tips or enhanced sensitivity (and possibly haptic feedback, per rumors). iPadOS is well-optimized for pencil input, featuring palm rejection and capabilities like Scribble (handwriting-to-text system-wide). Many creative apps (Procreate, Adobe Fresco, Notability, etc.) thrive on the iPad, thanks to the Pencil’s accuracy and the iPad Pro’s 120Hz display, which makes writing feel almost as if ink is flowing from the pen in real time. The iPad Pro’s laminated screen and ultra-fast touch sampling contribute to a very natural feel. Apple even added a “hover” feature with the M2 iPad Pro – the Pencil is detected up to 12mm above the screen to preview marks, which artists love. The downside: the Apple Pencil is not included – it’s an ~$129 add-on. And the iPad still lacks a silo or built-in storage for the Pencil (it magnetically sticks to the side for charging, which is convenient but can get knocked off in a bag).

For keyboards, Apple’s Magic Keyboard (and the new Magic Keyboard Pro in 2024) provide a laptop-like typing experience, with a floating cantilever design and trackpad. It essentially turns the iPad Pro into a slim 2-in-1 laptop. However, it’s expensive (around $300) and adds weight. The new 2024 Magic Keyboard is said to have a function key row – finally catching up to competitors. iPadOS has evolved with multitasking features (Stage Manager) to allow windowed apps and better use of big screens, but it’s still not as flexible as a full desktop OS for some tasks (no mouseover tooltips in some apps, limited file system access, etc.). As one Redditor put it, “productivity apps are super…” limited on iPad relative to a PC – an exaggeration perhaps, but it reflects that some users hit roadblocks if they try to use iPad Pro as a complete laptop replacement. Still, for note-taking, drawing, marking up documents, and general productivity, the iPad Pro + Pencil + Keyboard is an excellent combo.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra & S Pen: Samsung understands the value of a stylus – in fact, Samsung includes the S Pen in the box with the Tab S9 series (a big advantage over Apple and Microsoft). The S Pen is a lightweight stylus with a fine tip and superb pressure sensitivity (4,096 levels) and minimal latency. Samsung has refined S Pen input over a decade (from the Galaxy Note phones to tablets), and it shows: writing on the Tab S9 Ultra is smooth and natural. The large screen is particularly great for drawing or note-taking on expansive pages. One reviewer noted the Tab S9 Ultra’s “unparalleled multitasking capabilities” and the S Pen’s usefulness in taking notes while juggling apps. Samsung’s software offers nifty stylus features: air commands, handwriting recognition (which is quite accurate in Samsung Notes), and integration with apps like Clip Studio Paint for artists. There’s even a collaboration with Microsoft OneNote that converts handwritten notes to text. The Tab S9 Ultra’s sheer size makes it like a digital art drafting table – though some artists might prefer a smaller tablet for precision work, most will love the space to draw big strokes. The S Pen magnetically snaps to the back for charging (Tab S9 improved the charging mechanism so it’s more secure).

For productivity, Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard (sold separately, unfortunately, and quite pricey at ~$350 for the Ultra’s keyboard) turns the Tab into a pseudo-laptop. Combined with Samsung DeX mode, which provides a desktop-like interface with resizable windows and taskbar, the Tab S9 Ultra can actually replace a laptop for many workflows. DeX can run on the tablet or output to a monitor, and with the keyboard/trackpad, you have a PC-like environment for web browsing, Office apps, etc. This is why some call the Tab S9 Ultra a potential “laptop replacement”. That said, Android is still Android – you might hit the limits if you need specific desktop apps. Still, it’s impressive: Yahoo Finance wrote “the mega-tablet is an ideal laptop replacement for day-to-day tasks”. The cons: the keyboard attachment for the Ultra, while providing a decent typing experience, “adds a lot of bulk” and isn’t the sturdiest connection. It’s also missing a touchpad on some models (Samsung sells a premium keyboard with a touchpad for the Ultra). But you can use any Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, too. Overall, Samsung provides a very well-rounded productivity setup: free stylus, optional keyboard, desktop mode, and robust multi-window support.

Microsoft Surface Pro & Surface Pen: The Surface line has always been about productivity first – essentially a tablet that’s a full PC. The Surface Pro 9/Pro (2024) works with the Surface Slim Pen 2 (an optional $130 extra, unless you buy a bundle). The Slim Pen 2 is a flat, pencil-like stylus that magnetically charges in a slot in the keyboard (if you have the Surface Pro Signature or new Flex keyboards). It features haptic feedback that can simulate a bit of “bite” or vibration as you write, making it feel more like writing on paper – a very cool feature unique to Microsoft. It also has 4,096 pressure levels and excellent low latency. Windows 11 has improved pen support (the new pen-focused features and the accessibility of a quick note by clicking the pen’s top, etc.). One strength of the Surface is handwriting conversion in any text field – Windows’ handwriting panel will pop up so you can write instead of typing, which some people love for casual use. For artists, apps like Autodesk Sketchbook or Photoshop (full desktop version) are available, and the Slim Pen 2 performs well there. Some artists still prefer iPad’s Pencil for its slightly lower latency and more apps, but the Surface Pen holds its own, now with tactile feedback that one reviewer said “makes writing on the Surface feel surprisingly natural” (Wired).

The Surface Pro’s keyboard (Type Cover or the new Flex Keyboard) is arguably the best among tablet keyboards – it’s backlit, has a good tactile feel, and now the Flex Keyboard even has a larger trackpad and can fold out for more lap stability. But as Tom’s Hardware reminds, “you still have to pay extra for the keyboard” and it’s “prohibitively expensive” (the new Flex keyboard with pen is ~$250+) tomshardware.com tomshardware.com. Still, the fact that Surface runs full Windows 11 is its productivity trump card: you can install any app – Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, software development IDEs, even lightweight PC games. Multitasking is as robust as on any PC (snap layouts, multiple desktops, etc.). You can connect peripherals via its USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. Essentially, with Surface you’re not compromising on software – it is a PC. The compromises instead come in ergonomics (a tablet with a kickstand and clip-on keyboard is a bit less comfy on the lap than a traditional laptop) and some performance trade-offs for the thin form factor. But for many, the Surface Pro is the ultimate 2-in-1. It truly excels for students or professionals who need to jump from taking hand-written notes to typing a report to running a specialized Windows app. Battery life on the Arm model is also a plus (12+ hours means it can last a workday easily). On the flip side, the Arm-based Pro might not run a niche x86 program you need (though compatibility has improved, and it now supports things like Chrome, Teams, Photoshop natively tomshardware.com). The Intel-based Pro doesn’t have that issue, but gets poorer battery (around ~7-8 hours in real use). Choose your poison. But clearly, for pure productivity tasks and versatility, Surface Pro stands out – it’s literally a full laptop that’s also a tablet.

Lenovo Tab Extreme & Precision Pen: Lenovo includes their Precision Pen 3 stylus for free with the Tab Extreme, which is a great value move. The Precision Pen 3 attaches magnetically (to the top, I believe) and offers similar 4,096 pressure levels and tilt support. It’s quite good for note-taking and sketching – reviewers found it “quite good” and appreciated having it “included makes the tablet more useful right out of the box”. The pen experience on Lenovo is enhanced by some software tricks: a context menu appears when the pen is active, offering shortcuts (like a magnifier, screenshot annotator, etc.). One clever use: the Pen’s button can remote-control certain things (e.g. advance slides in a presentation or control music playback), acting as a Bluetooth remote – a “killer feature” in one reviewer’s eyes. Writing feel is generally good, though the pen tip on glass feel is noted – there’s no textural feedback or vibration like Surface’s haptics, so it’s a typical glassy feel. The Tab Extreme being so large, again, gives you a ton of canvas for writing or art.

Lenovo’s keyboard (sold separately, unless you got a bundle) is quite interesting: it’s a two-piece design – a back kickstand part that can detach, and a keyboard that magnetically connects. This allows more flexible use (you can use the kickstand to prop the tablet without the keyboard if you just want to watch something). The keyboard itself is sturdy and full-sized, with decent key travel. Tom’s Guide said it’s “worth the price if you aim to do a lot of typing”, noting it felt better than any other tablet keyboard they’d used, apart from a slightly cramped layout due to the 14.5″ width not being as wide as a standard desktop keyboard. It even has a small trackpad (which was serviceable, if not the best). Essentially, Lenovo tried to mimic the laptop experience too. And with Android 13’s productivity features (Lenovo’s interface includes a taskbar, multi-window, and even a “Freestyle” mode to connect and sync with a Windows PC), you can get stuff done. Still, Android’s app ecosystem for productivity is the limiting factor; as Tom’s Guide bluntly put, “I wouldn’t recommend this tablet as a laptop replacement… you can probably get a more versatile Windows 11 laptop for the same price”. But as a supplementary productivity device, it’s great. You get the pen free (unlike Samsung), and the giant screen + included pen + available keyboard make it a strong choice for those who want a media tablet that can occasionally serve for work.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro & Xiaomi Pen: Xiaomi sells a Smart Pen 2 for the Pad 6 series (usually optional, around $70). It offers improved latency and battery over their first gen pen. It’s decent for jotting notes and doodles. However, multiple reviewers note that Xiaomi’s stylus experience is still not on par with Apple or Samsung. Latency is higher, and the software integration isn’t as seamless. For example, you can’t write on the screen when it’s off (no quick notes from lock screen, something Samsung allows and Apple with Pencil on iPad has Quick Note too). The Palm rejection and note-taking interface can be a bit clunky – one has to manually open a notes app rather than instantly scribble a note. Xiaomi’s MIUI for Pad software has floating windows and some multitasking, but it’s noted to be still “in need of optimization”, with some quirks like a split notification panel that wastes screen space. All this contributes to the earlier point that while the hardware is strong (120Hz screen, powerful chip), the software holds it back for serious productivity. Gizmochina’s verdict: “If you want a tablet for study or creativity, I don’t recommend it” due to the software limitations. That said, basic tasks like writing notes or marking PDFs are certainly possible; it’s just not as streamlined. Xiaomi’s keyboard case (if available) is also pretty basic compared to others. The Pad 6 Pro is more aimed at entertainment and gaming, which it excels at, rather than being a work machine.

Huawei MatePad & M-Pencil: Huawei offers the M-Pencil 2, a stylus that in hardware is very similar to the Apple Pencil (even a similar shape). It attaches magnetically to the top for charging. Huawei’s innovation was introducing NearLink in the MatePad Pro 13.2, a new wireless tech with lower latency than Bluetooth. This theoretically gives an even more instantaneous pen input. Reviews indicate the pen experience is excellent – highly precise and fluid, great for drawing. Huawei’s tablet software supports features like double-tap on the pen to switch tools, and a special free-form annotation and split-screen note app. Many artists in regions where Huawei is present enjoy the MatePad Pro for digital art, as it has the hardware chops (large OLED, 144Hz, very light device). One big plus: the tablet is only 5.5mm thin and 580g light – remarkably portable for a 13.2″ canvas, meaning less hand strain when sketching compared to the 730g Samsung. A user on Reddit praised it: “Great screen, solid performance, awesome for drawing and multitasking”, but again cautioned about “no Google apps” which can be “annoying for app stuff.” This sums it up: as a piece of hardware for creative work, the MatePad Pro is fantastic; the main drawback is the software ecosystem friction (though Huawei’s own app store has many popular drawing and note apps, and workarounds exist to install others). For productivity like documents or coding, you’d face hurdles without Google and some Microsoft apps. Huawei does make a keyboard for the MatePad (and even bundles it with higher configs), which is a folio case style. Combined with their desktop-style mode (called “PC Mode” in HarmonyOS), you can have multiple app windows. It’s fairly similar to Samsung’s DeX concept. It works well for browser and basic office use, but of course if you need Google Drive or similar, you have to rely on web versions or alternatives.

Key takeaways on stylus/productivity:

• Best stylus experience overall might go to iPad Pro – due to the superb Pencil performance and richest app selection for creative workflows (e.g. Procreate has no equal on Android). Apple’s handwriting-to-text across the OS and overall polish are top-notch. But it’s expensive (Pencil and keyboard are add-ons) and iPadOS, while improving, can still frustrate “power users” with its limitations (file management, external monitor quirks, etc.).
• Best value for note-taking out of the box is the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Lenovo Tab Extreme, since they include the pen. Samsung’s S Pen is extremely refined and backed by robust software (Samsung Notes is arguably the best first-party notes app, with sync and even Windows integration). Plus, Samsung’s tablets have expandable storage (microSD) which is useful for storing lots of lecture notes, recordings, etc., something iPads don’t offer. Lenovo includes pen too and a slightly cheaper entry price; its productivity software is decent, though Samsung’s is better.
• Laptop replacement capability is highest with Surface Pro (it is a laptop, essentially) and arguably Samsung with DeX. If your work/school requires Windows applications or a desktop browser, Surface is the clear choice. If your needs are mostly cloud-based or office suite and you want tablet flexibility, Samsung’s Android with DeX can cover a lot and gives you that on-demand desktop feel.
• For artists: iPad Pro and Apple Pencil remain widely loved by professionals and hobbyists (for the apps like Procreate, Concepts, Affinity Designer, etc., and the excellent stylus performance). Samsung’s large canvas and pen are a close second, and some prefer it for its more open file system (easy to export files, etc.). Huawei’s MatePad might be a dark horse for artists who can work without Google – its combo of large 144Hz OLED and great stylus tech is chef’s kiss, but the software hurdles mean it’s for those willing to tinker.
• Students: Each ecosystem has benefits. iPad has many education apps and a stable of note-taking apps (GoodNotes, Notability) that are unparalleled. Samsung offers an included pen and the flexibility of Android (and the Tab S9 FE series exists if budget is lower). Surface gives you full OneNote, which many students adore, and the ability to run Zoom, MATLAB, etc. natively. One thing to note is battery life when using as an e-notebook: Surface (Arm) and iPad tend to last longer than a power-hungry huge OLED Android tablet. Fortunately, all these have enough battery to get through several hours of continuous note-taking.

Speaking of battery – let’s cover that next.

Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Use or Running on Empty?

Battery life can make or break the tablet experience, especially if you’re carrying it around for work or school. Here’s how our contenders stack up in real-world endurance:

• Apple iPad Pro: Apple rates the iPad Pro for around 10 hours of web surfing or video on Wi-Fi, which generally holds true in reviews. The M2/M3/M4 chips are very power-efficient, and iPadOS is optimized for standby. In practical terms, you can typically get 8–10 hours of mixed use (screen-on time) on the 12.9″ model, slightly more on the 11″ (which has a smaller screen to power). If you’re doing heavy 3D rendering or intense games, that will drop, but for standard productivity or streaming, a full day of use is achievable. One advantage: iPads have excellent standby drain – you can leave it in your bag for days in sleep and lose only a few percent, so it’s always ready. The iPad Pro charges via USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 port) and supports up to ~35W charging (if you have a higher-watt charger than the 20W in-box, it will charge faster). It’s not the fastest to juice up given the ~40.9 Wh battery, taking around 2+ hours for a full charge. There’s no official fast-charge like some Androids have, and no wireless charging on iPad.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: With its colossal 14.6″ screen and a 11,200 mAh battery, one might expect short endurance. But Samsung managed to deliver respectable battery life. Many reviewers report around 8-9 hours of screen-on time for typical usage (browsing, YouTube, note-taking). HotHardware noted the Tab S9 Ultra’s battery life was “nothing short of amazing” in their use, and Android Police similarly said it did well for its size. It’s not quite as long-lasting as smaller tablets (physics still apply – pushing all those pixels burns power), but it should get you through a workday of intermittent use. If you crank brightness and watch continuous video, expect closer to 6-7 hours. The Tab S9 Ultra supports 45W fast charging (USB-C PD). However, because of the huge battery, a full 0-100% still takes about ~2 hours (just like the iPad). It does not support wireless charging. Samsung did add Qi wireless charging for the S Pen on the back, but not for the tablet itself. One pain point: due to the large battery, if you use a lower-watt charger, it charges very slowly, so investing in a 45W Samsung charger is worthwhile. Also, as AndroidHeadlines pointed out, the Tab S9 Ultra takes over 2 hours to fully charge whereas something like Huawei’s tablet can charge faster. Plan accordingly – a quick 30-minute top-up will give you a decent bump thanks to fast charge, but a full charge needs time.
• Microsoft Surface Pro (2024): Here we see a tale of two Surfaces: the ARM-based one excels in battery, the Intel one less so. The new Snapdragon X Elite Surface Pro achieved 12 hours 17 minutes in Tom’s battery test (mixed usage with web and video). That’s a huge improvement – older Surfaces got maybe 7-8 hours. “It’s about time we move on from calling 8 hours ‘all-day’… [the ARM] Surface Pro pushes to 12 hours 17 minutes on our test,” Tom’s Hardware writes. This puts it in all-day territory, beating many laptops and even outlasting the iPad in some cases. The OLED screen might reduce that a bit (OLED can draw more power on bright content), but clearly the efficiency is there. By comparison, the Intel Surface Pro 9 (2022) typically got ~7 hours of real use. So if battery is key, the ARM model is the one to get (with the caveat of app compatibility). Surface charges via USB-C or the proprietary Surface Connect. It supports up to ~60W charging, and can charge to 80% in about an hour with a strong charger, which is quite good. There’s no wireless charging for the tablet (the keyboard however has a wireless charging spot for the Slim Pen). Worth noting: under heavy load, the Surface Pro can run hot and drain battery faster – and if it hits 114°F on the back as measured in tests, you’d want to use it on a table at that point! But for typical tasks, it stays cool and sips power.
• Lenovo Tab Extreme: Packing a 12,300 mAh battery (according to Lenovo’s spec) – even slightly larger than Samsung’s – the Tab Extreme is built for endurance. Lenovo claims up to 12 hours video playback. Real-world tests by NotebookCheck found around 10-12 hours web browsing time on 120Hz, which is excellent. Tom’s Guide also managed over 10 hours streaming video. So we can say ~10-12 hours is realistic, aided by Lenovo’s efficient software. This is on par with iPad if not a bit better for continuous use. The large OLED and two USB-C might draw more if you’re using accessories/second screen. But overall, Lenovo delivers true all-day battery for typical use. It supports 68W fast charging via USB-C, filling the huge battery in around 2 hours (with the right charger). Like others, no wireless charging on the tablet itself.
• Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro: Interestingly, Xiaomi prioritized performance over battery capacity – the Pad 6 Pro has an 8,840 mAh battery, which is modest for an 11″ device with 144Hz capability. As a result, its battery life is just okay. In reviews, it lasts around 7-8 hours of screen-on time. Xiaomi likely assumed users wouldn’t mind charging given the price. It does support 67W fast charging, which is a plus – it can go 0 to 100% in just one hour or so, which is far faster than the big tablets. So while you’ll charge more often, it’s quick to top-up. There’s no wireless charging. For heavy gaming sessions, expect the battery to drop fairly quickly (high refresh + 8+ Gen1 heat). In everyday moderate use (some video, some web, some notes), you might scrape by a day, but it’s not as enduring as iPad or Surface ARM.
• Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2: Huawei equipped it with a ~10,000 mAh effective capacity (they list 5050 mAh @7.7V, which is roughly equivalent to 10,100 mAh @3.85V). Despite the large OLED and 144Hz, it manages around 8-10 hours of mixed use. Notably, Huawei supports 88W super fast charging on this tablet – one of the fastest on any tablet. AndroidHeadlines tested it and got a full charge in 1 hour 10 minutes, which they pointed out is “a lot faster than the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra… [which] takes over 2 hours”. That’s a huge convenience: even if battery is low, a 20-minute charge could give you 30-40% back. There’s no wireless charging here either (Huawei had wireless charging on earlier MatePad Pro 10.8 models, but not on the 13.2).

In general, all these flagship tablets can last through a typical day of on-and-off usage (like a few hours of work, a couple movies, etc.) except you might need a mid-day top-up on the more power-hungry ones if you use them non-stop. The true standouts in longevity are the Surface Pro (ARM) and Lenovo Tab Extreme, each hitting around 12 hours in testing – great if you need maximum unplugged time. iPad Pro is consistently reliable around 10 hours. Samsung and Huawei are a step behind at ~8-9 hours, which is still okay for most. Xiaomi is the weakest, but compensates with quick charging.

One more connectivity note regarding battery: Only the Surface Pro and iPad Pro offer cellular models officially in many regions (5G support). Using 5G will reduce battery life a bit (on any device). Samsung does make 5G versions of Tab S9 Ultra in some markets, and Huawei has an LTE (due to 5G ban) version of MatePad in China. Lenovo Tab Extreme is Wi-Fi only. If always-on connectivity is a must, consider that in your decision (e.g., iPad Pro 5G model for on-the-go use, or Surface Pro 5G coming later in 2024).

Portability and Build Quality: Size vs. Convenience

Flagship tablets span a wide range of sizes, from roughly 11 inches up to 14.6 inches. Build quality is universally premium (as expected at high prices), but there are differences in design philosophy.

Size & Weight: The iPad Pro 12.9/13 weighs about 680g (1.5 lbs) for the tablet alone (2022 model), and the new 13-inch might be similar or slightly lighter since Apple touted a thinner, lighter design macrumors.com. At 5.1mm thin for the 13-inch macrumors.com, it’s astonishingly slim. For many, the 12.9″ iPad is about the upper limit of comfortable portability for a tablet – it’s big, but still fits in a portfolio or backpack easily, and you can hold it in one hand (briefly) or prop it on a knee. The 11″ iPad Pro (if considering it) is much lighter (~470g) and super portable, but then you sacrifice that lovely big canvas. Apple’s build is aluminum unibody, very rigid and polished, with Apple’s usual fit-and-finish (though some report the larger iPad can slightly bend if not handled carefully due to how thin it is – use a case or sleeve when carrying to be safe). Overall, iPad Pros feel very high-quality, with squared-off edges, and options in Silver or Space Gray (now Space Black in 2024).

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, being 14.6″, is a behemoth: it weighs about 726g (1.6 lbs) and is only 5.5mm thin. That low weight (considering the size) is thanks to a magnesium alloy frame. Even so, it’s a large footprint (326×209 mm). This is definitely a two-handed device most of the time, or used on a table with kickstand case. As one reviewer quipped, it’s “gargantuan for a tablet” – indeed, it will stick out of some smaller bags. Samsung did manage to make it feel manageable for its size, and the slimness is impressive. It’s solid and doesn’t flex, but you’ll be very conscious of its size whenever you use it. If you want a couch tablet to casually hold, the Ultra is probably too large; you’d prop it up instead. Hence Samsung also offers smaller S9 models (the 12.4″ S9+ at ~586g might be a better compromise for some). Build quality is excellent: a metal body with a matte finish (comes in Graphite or Beige colors). It even has an IP68 water resistance rating – surprisingly, the Tab S9 series are the first waterproof high-end tablets (meaning it can survive splashes or a quick dunk) – a rarity in tablets. That adds to durability, especially if using it in kitchen or outdoors.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2024) continues the classic Surface design: magnesium alloy body, built-in kickstand, relatively thick bezels (to house cameras and allow holding without accidental touches). It weighs 880–890g (1.95 lbs) for the device alone – heavier than the others of similar screen size because it packs PC components and a sturdy kickstand mechanism. It’s also 9.3mm thick (0.37″) – notably thicker than the ultra-slim iPads and Galaxy Tabs. But that thickness helps with cooling and ports (Surface has a headphone jack on older models, though note: starting with Surface Pro 8, no headphone jack – you’d need USB-C or Bluetooth audio). The Surface is still portable and fits in a small laptop sleeve. With the keyboard attached, the weight crosses 1.1-1.2 kg, basically ultrabook territory. It’s not the lightest tablet, but it’s very versatile. The build is robust; Surfaces have a reputation for quality (hinge is sturdy through many angle adjustments). One downside: the larger bezels mean the Surface’s footprint is a bit bigger than, say, an iPad Pro 13 (which trimmed bezels). The Surface Pro (2024) measures 287 x 208 x 9.3 mm. By comparison, the iPad Pro 12.9 is ~280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (older model) and the new 13″ is even thinner at 5.1mm. So Surface is thicker and slightly more rectangular footprint (3:2 aspect). In terms of looks, the Surface Pro is somewhat utilitarian but sleek in its own way (comes in Platinum or Graphite or new Sapphire colors). It screams “professional device” more than “luxury gadget.”

Lenovo Tab Extreme is similarly huge: 14.5″ screen, weight around 740g, thickness 5.85mm. It’s in the same class as the Samsung Ultra for size. Lenovo opted for a dual-tone aluminum design that’s quite elegant, with flat edges. It definitely requires two hands or a surface to use comfortably – one reviewer noted “it feels like a two-hander no matter who you are”, even someone 6’4″ with big hands. The Tab Extreme looks modern and premium, with minimal camera bump and a sleek gray finish. Magnets hold the keyboard and stylus well (the stylus attaches on top or side). Considering its size, portability is relative – it’s great for replacing a laptop in a bag, but not something you’d stand and hold for a long time. It will turn heads if you pull it out in a meeting, simply for its expanse. On build quality, Lenovo did an excellent job – it doesn’t creak or bend, and as Digital Camera World put it, it has an “elegant design”. The two USB-C ports mean you may not need a dongle hub as often, a plus for using it at a desk.

Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro goes the other direction: a convenient 11″ form factor, just 490g and 6.5mm thin. It’s very close to the 11″ iPad Air/Pro in size, meaning extremely portable – easy to hold one-handed, great for reading in bed, etc. Xiaomi used a unibody aluminum design with flat edges (which clearly takes inspiration from iPad’s aesthetics). It feels “much more premium” than its price, with a sturdy aluminum back and frame. It even has a bit of design flair by mimicking Xiaomi phone’s camera module styling. The Pad 6 Pro’s manageable size makes it ideal for students or anyone who wants a lightweight tablet on the go. Its trade-off is simply less screen real estate for multitasking or art, but many will find it a sweet spot. Build quality is high, though perhaps not quite as refined as Apple/Samsung (for example, the screen bezels are slightly larger and there’s a plastic clip-in frame for the display that one reviewer thought looked cheap). But at a glance, it looks high-end and doesn’t flex. It lacks any water resistance or such frills, but that’s expected at mid-price.

Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 aims to combine large screen with lightweight build. It is only 580g – remarkably light for its 13.2″ size (lighter than the iPad Pro 12.9). And it’s 5.5mm thin – on par with Samsung. Huawei achieved this by using a magnesium alloy frame and a vegan leather back on some models (or a lightweight composite). It results in a device that feels almost unreal in hand – as Forbes noted, “super sleek form factor” that saved one reviewer from “tech neck” because they could hold it comfortably above them. The MatePad’s build is top-notch: it looks and feels premium, with a nearly edge-to-edge screen (90% screen-to-body ratio). The bezels are uniform and fairly slim. It has a magnetic keyboard connector and pogo pins, similar to iPad/Lenovo. There’s even a variant with a “PaperMatte” display that has a textured finish to reduce glare and feels papery (sacrificing some vibrancy for less eye strain). Durability-wise, Huawei’s devices are usually well made, though being so thin and with minimal structural weight, one should be gentle (no bending it!). Of course, a big con is it’s not officially sold worldwide, so things like warranty or repair might be tricky depending on region.

In terms of design strengths/weaknesses:

• Strengths: All have premium materials (metal/glass) and tight build tolerances. Apple, Samsung, Huawei prioritize sleekness, while Microsoft prioritizes functionality (kickstand, repairability). Apple’s and Huawei’s are the thinnest, which looks amazing and slides into bags nicely. Samsung and Lenovo managed ultra-thin builds even at huge sizes – engineering feats. Surfaces have that built-in kickstand which is a huge usability win (others need a case or stand to prop up). Most have good cameras for tablets (front cameras on iPad and Surface are centered for landscape use, which is great for video calls; Samsung has dual front cameras including an ultrawide for auto-framing; Huawei put a smart depth camera for face unlock). They also have multiple speakers (4 to 8) so stereo sound is robust on all – Samsung and Huawei particularly shine with very loud, clear output and even some bass.
• Weaknesses: The largest tablets (14″) sacrifice a degree of portability – not ideal for cramped spaces (imagine trying to use a 14.6″ tablet on an airplane economy seat tray – it barely fits!). They can also be top-heavy when attached to keyboard covers, making lap use tricky (Samsung’s keyboard doesn’t support the tablet as firmly as a laptop hinge, making “lap-ability” only so-so). Also, none of these except Samsung have any water/dust resistance – usually not expected for tablets, but Samsung’s IP68 sets it apart for rugged use. The iPad Pro and others without microSD or easy expansion mean you have to decide storage at purchase (and high capacities are expensive). Surface and Lenovo offering user-accessible SSD (Surface) or microSD (Lenovo, Samsung) are more flexible. Another minor point: only Surface and Samsung (in Dex or Huawei in PC Mode) offer traditional desktop-style cursor; iPadOS’s cursor is more context-aware blob – which some love, some find odd.
• Thermals & sustained performance: With these thin builds, some thermal throttling can occur on heavy tasks. iPad Pro has a big passive cooling area and usually doesn’t throttle unless extreme workloads. Samsung’s tablet might throttle a bit in long gaming sessions, but it has a vapor chamber and does fine for typical durations. Lenovo’s chip is a bit older (Dimensity 9000) which is efficient, and no complaints of overheating in reviews for normal tasks. Xiaomi’s smaller body can get noticeably warm when gaming, but not too bad. The Surface (Intel) has fans on older models; the ARM one is fanless but can get toasty under load (as mentioned, hitting uncomfortable surface temps in benchmarks). So if you plan to push the tablet hard (video rendering, gaming for hours), just know these aren’t as cooling-capable as a thick laptop – though the iPad and Samsung are very good at managing short bursts.

In summary: portability vs productivity is a balancing act. The iPad Pro 12.9/13 and Surface Pro are at a nice middle point – around 13″, under 700-900g, portable but still plenty of screen. The giant 14-inchers (Galaxy Ultra, Tab Extreme) give amazing screen immersion but you pay in weight and size – fantastic for a bag, not as much for hand-held use on the move. The smaller 11-inch class (Xiaomi Pad, or you could include iPad Air/11 Pro not in this list) are super portable but less of a “desktop experience”. Quality-wise, you’ll get a premium feel whichever you choose, with Apple and Samsung leading in fit/finish, and others close behind.

Connectivity: Ports, 5G, and Accessories

Modern tablets have thankfully embraced USB-C across the board (even Apple moved iPads to USB-C/Thunderbolt). Here are the connectivity highlights:

• Apple iPad Pro: Features a single USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port. This port is extremely versatile – it supports fast data transfer (40 Gbps), output to multiple 4K displays or one 6K display, and works with hubs for HDMI, SD card, etc. It effectively lets the iPad connect to all sorts of peripherals, from external storage to musical instruments. That said, only one port means you might need a dock if you want to charge and use an accessory simultaneously. There’s a Smart Connector on the back for attaching the Magic Keyboard (it provides power and keyboard connection, no Bluetooth needed). For wireless, the latest Pros have Wi-Fi 6E (fast and future-proof) and Bluetooth 5.3. Cellular models have 5G (sub-6 and mmWave) support, making the iPad a great on-the-go work device if you spend extra for that model. No headphone jack (Apple nixed that years ago on iPads). It has Face ID for secure login (front TrueDepth camera array). Accessory-wise, tons of third-party support exists due to iPad’s popularity – you can get everything from DJI drone controllers to point-of-sale card readers that work with iPad Pros.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Equipped with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port (which supports video out via DisplayPort Alt Mode). You can plug it into a monitor and use DeX desktop mode on the big screen – effectively using the tablet like a CPU. It also supports USB hubs. Additionally, microSD card slot is present, which is a huge plus – you can pop up to 1TB card to expand storage cheaply or transfer files from cameras. Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and an optional 5G model (in some regions). If you get the 5G model, it’s great for connectivity, though it may come only with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (which it has anyway) and an eSIM or nanoSIM slot. Samsung also has a neat Wireless DeX feature – you can cast the screen to a compatible TV or PC wirelessly and use it as a desktop interface. No 3.5mm jack on the tablet (Samsung dropped it on flagships). For biometric unlock, it has an under-display fingerprint reader (optical). Ports-wise, one downside: it only has that one USB-C, and if you use the proprietary pogo pins on the bottom, that’s just for their keyboard connection. But the combination of USB-C + microSD + wireless options makes it one of the most connected tablets.
• Microsoft Surface Pro: It’s basically a PC, so it comes with PC-like ports: 2× USB-C (on the 2024 model, these are USB4/Thunderbolt 4 if using the Intel model; on the Snapdragon model, they are USB-C 3.2, and as of the latest info, one supports USB4 as well in the X Elite variant). Having two ports is great for flexibility – e.g., you can charge on one and output to a monitor on the other, or attach multiple peripherals. It also uniquely has the Surface Connect port, a magnetic charging/docking port that Microsoft uses – you can use the Surface Dock accessory to get multiple outputs (it’s optional). The microSD card slot that older Surfaces had under the kickstand is gone since Surface Pro 8; instead, they offer a user-removable SSD (behind a door). That’s good for upgradability but not as convenient for quick file transfer as a microSD. The Surface Pro 9 (Intel) had Thunderbolt 4 on its two USB-C, meaning you can even hook up an external GPU (on Intel) or multiple monitors. The ARM one might be more limited in external display support (likely one 4K monitor at 60Hz, whereas Intel could do two 4Ks). Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 on older model, possibly 5.2/5.3 on 2024. There will also be a 5G model with the Snapdragon (as Microsoft announced 5G versions coming late 2024) – that will include a nanoSIM slot. No headphone jack, which is a shame for some (you’d need an adapter or BT headphones). For biometrics, Surface has Windows Hello IR camera (fast face login). One more thing: Surface has a USB-C to HDMI/USB-A dongle in the box sometimes (they have in past), but not sure in 2024 – either way, connecting accessories is straightforward, and Windows has drivers for everything from printers to Ethernet adapters.
• Lenovo Tab Extreme: Notably offers 2× USB-C ports: one is USB-C 3.2 for charging/data, the other is USB-C 2.0 that is meant more for charging external devices or attaching certain peripherals (Lenovo mentioned one can be used to charge your phone, for instance, or to plug in a USB drive while also charging the tablet via the other port). Having two ports on an Android tablet is rare and super useful – it gives some of that laptop-like convenience. It does not have a 3.5mm jack or microSD slot (unfortunately, storage is fixed). Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E and BT 5.3. No cellular option on the Tab Extreme – it’s Wi-Fi only, which could be a drawback for some mobile users. You could tether from your phone if needed. It does have pogo pins for its keyboard and stylus attaches magnetically. The Tab Extreme also supports DP output via USB-C so you can connect to monitors (and even use the tablet as a drawing pad when connected to a PC, etc.). One unique Lenovo feature: the “Freestyle” app lets you pair the tablet with a Windows PC to use it as a wireless second screen or easily share files, which is handy for multi-device setups (similar to Apple’s Sidecar but for Windows).
• Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro: Connectivity is basic: one USB-C 3.2 port (supports video out and fast charging), no headphone jack, no microSD. It’s Wi-Fi 6 (not 6E, I believe) and BT 5.2. Xiaomi did not make a cellular version for global since it’s mostly China release (there might be a China-only LTE version of Pad 6, not sure). So expect to use Wi-Fi or phone hotspot. It has pogo pins for a keyboard attachment. Generally, it’s less of a productivity hub and more of a personal device, so the limited connectivity reflects that. You can still attach USB drives, etc. via OTG if needed.
• Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2: It has one USB-C 3.1 Gen1 port (capable of DisplayPort out). Surprisingly, the MatePad also has video-out via a “Wireless Projection” or wired – but more interestingly, NotebookCheck’s spec listed even an “HDMI” – which might be an error or referring to DP Alt Mode adapter. Most likely, you use the USB-C for video out to HDMI/DP. No headphone jack, no microSD (Huawei instead offers NM card slot on some models – a proprietary NanoMemory card, but I don’t see mention of it in this 13.2; likely no expansion). Wireless: Wi-Fi 6 (not sure about 6E), Bluetooth 5.2. No Google services connectivity – meaning no Google Cast, etc., but Huawei has Miracast for screen mirroring. It does have a cellular variant in China (which uses 4G LTE because Huawei can’t use 5G chips due to sanctions). So international users mostly get Wi-Fi model (unless via import). It does support GNSS (GPS) on cellular models, so you could use it for navigation if you had it in a car (14-inch maps? Probably not a common scenario, but hey). The MatePad also features Huawei Share to connect with Huawei laptops/phones seamlessly (to drag files or use as second screen, etc., within Huawei’s ecosystem akin to Apple’s Continuity).

Audio & Extras: All these tablets have multiple speakers (quad speakers at least). iPad Pro has 4 speakers that dynamically stereo swap based on orientation, and they sound excellent for a tablet. Samsung has 4 speakers tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support – also extremely good, some of the loudest in any tablet. Lenovo went with 8 speakers, I believe, which gives it an edge in fullness of sound (DigitalCameraWorld said the Tab Extreme’s sound can even beat iPad’s). Huawei put 6 speakers – likely also very full and 3D. Surface Pro, being thin, has 2 front-facing speakers that are decent for calls and music in a quiet room, but not as bass-y as the others (Surface is more about the 2-in-1 usage than media oomph). Xiaomi’s 4 speakers are good but a step below iPad/Samsung in clarity at max volume, according to reviews.

Cameras: Not a huge focus, but iPad Pro stands out with LiDAR and solid cameras that even shoot 4K 60fps (some use it for scanning, AR, etc.). Samsung’s got dual rear cams (main + ultra-wide) and dual front (wide + ultra-wide) which is great for video conferencing (auto framing). Surface has one of the best front cameras (1080p, and positioned at top in landscape, plus Windows Studio effects for background blur, etc.), which is great for professionals on Teams/Zoom. Huawei has a decent 13+8MP rear and a 16MP front with a depth sensor for face unlock – also quite good for video calls. Lenovo’s front camera is in landscape orientation (like Surface), 13MP, which is good, and rear 13+5MP – acceptable for document scanning and occasional pics.

The key point is: connectivity-wise, think about whether you need expandable storage (Samsung, Lenovo), multiple ports (Surface, Lenovo), or cellular connectivity (iPad, Surface 5G, Samsung 5G). And consider that the ecosystems have their own cross-device features – e.g., if you have a Mac or iPhone, an iPad integrates nicely (AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, Sidecar use as second screen, etc.). Samsung tablets integrate with Galaxy phones (copy text between devices, use tablet as second screen for a Windows PC with their Second Screen feature). Microsoft devices obviously integrate in the Windows ecosystem (OneDrive, Your Phone app, etc.). Huawei integrates with their phones and laptops for multi-screen collaboration. Xiaomi with their phones somewhat (they have a MIUI+ app for PC integration). These might sway you if you’re already invested in one brand.

Pricing and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

Flagship tablets are not cheap – in some cases rivaling high-end laptop prices. But value is determined by how well each justifies its cost with features and longevity:

• Apple iPad Pro: Starting at $1,099 for the 12.9″ M2 (2022) and now about $1,299 for the 13″ M3/M4 (2024). That’s for 128GB Wi-Fi. Add $200 for cellular, and note Apple charges steeply for more storage (going up to 2TB can push it over $2k). Accessories: Pencil $129, Magic Keyboard $299 ($349 for Magic Keyboard Pro 2024). So a fully kitted iPad Pro can cost as much as a MacBook Pro! Is it worth it? For many professionals and creatives, yes – the iPad Pro offers unmatched performance and an app library optimized for touch/pen that you can’t get on a laptop. It retains value well and will get updates for 5+ years. If you just want a general tablet for browsing/video, clearly this is overkill. But for those who will utilize its capabilities (artists, video editors on the go, business users needing that mix of power and portability), it’s the premium choice. Apple also has the 11″ Pro (starts $799) and iPad Air (M1 chip, $599) which can be alternatives for those who want the Apple experience for less, albeit with some compromises (no 120Hz on Air, etc.). In terms of resale value, iPads typically hold value better than Android tablets – something to consider long-term.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: Starts at $1,199 (256GB Wi-Fi). That includes the S Pen (good value there). 512GB or 1TB models (with 12GB-16GB RAM accordingly) go higher, and adding 5G costs extra (~$200). Samsung often offers discounts or bundle deals (like including keyboard cover or trade-in offers). Still, at launch price it’s on par with iPad Pro. The Tab S9+ (12.4″) starts lower ($999) and the regular S9 (11″ LCD) at $799, offering cheaper options in the S9 family. Given that Samsung includes the pen and has microSD, you might not need to pay for higher storage SKU – a point for value. However, you might want the keyboard case which is a whopping ~$350 for the Ultra’s new two-piece Book Cover Keyboard. That’s one of the priciest keyboard addons. Overall, you’re paying a lot, but you’re getting arguably the most feature-packed Android tablet – massive OLED, high-end chip, included pen, and unique things like water resistance. If you are deep in Android or want a device that can double as an Android laptop, the Tab S9 Ultra’s value is solid – albeit still a niche luxury device. Many users might find the Tab S9+ or S9 (or even the upcoming Tab S9 FE models) provide more bang for buck if they don’t need 14.6″. Current sentiment among Android tablet fans: the Tab S9 Ultra is “the best Android tablet money can buy” and a worthy upgrade for those who demand the best, but casual users could be well-served by cheaper models.
• Microsoft Surface Pro (2024): Starting at $999.99 for base (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, LCD). That’s actually not bad considering 16GB RAM is standard (Microsoft wisely did that because Windows demands more memory). However, that base model lacks the OLED screen (and has a slightly lower-bin chip). If you want the OLED (Snapdragon X Elite, 512GB), it’s ~$1,499. And going up to 1TB and including keyboard can approach $1,949 as tested in Tom’s review. Plus, the keyboard+pen are not included – add $249 for the bundle. So a high-end Surface Pro config can reach $2,000+. For that money, you could buy a very powerful laptop; thus, the value depends on if you need that tablet flexibility. The Surface Pro 9 (last gen Intel) is sometimes on sale for less (and older models even more budget). As a business tool, the Surface is priced in line with ultrabooks – expensive but not outrageous for what is essentially a full PC of that caliber with a touch/pen and tablet form. One strong value aspect: Surfaces are built to last and have user-replaceable SSDs, potentially extending their usable life. Also, in a work environment, the ability to run all Windows software might save money (no need for separate laptop and tablet). On the flip side, if you were only going to use it as a tablet for media and light stuff, it’s overkill – a cheaper iPad or Android tablet would be better value. But for someone who needs a true 2-in-1, Surface Pro often comes out as cost-effective compared to buying a separate laptop + tablet.
• Lenovo Tab Extreme: Launched at $949 for 256GB (with pen included). Lenovo often undercuts Samsung/Apple, and here we see it: you get a 14.5″ OLED (just slightly smaller than Samsung’s), pen included, keyboard not included (but often there were bundle deals around $1099 with keyboard). So out of the gate, it’s ~$250 less than a comparable Galaxy Tab Ultra. Tom’s Guide noted the Tab Extreme is $100 less than the equivalent Samsung and includes the pen, calling that a value Samsung and Apple “can’t match” on the stylus front. Indeed, the combination of lower price + free pen makes Lenovo’s proposition quite strong for those who want a giant tablet. Its performance is a bit lower, but if you don’t mind that trade-off, you save money. The keyboard’s extra but even with that, you’re around the same price as Samsung’s tablet alone. Since Lenovo’s an Android tablet, it will suffer a bit more depreciation perhaps and doesn’t have the brand cachet of iPad, but it’s a fully loaded package for media and productivity out of the box. Current user sentiment: those who bought the Tab Extreme appreciate the value – they got an enormous screen and premium features for under $1000, whereas that money wouldn’t even buy the smaller 11″ iPad Pro with keyboard. The main caution is Lenovo’s software support: they promised (as of launch) 3 Android OS updates and 4 years security – decent, but not as long as Samsung (4 OS updates, 5 years security) or Apple (often 5+ years OS). So factor that in for long-term value.
• Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro: Not officially sold in the West, but in China it starts around ¥2999 ($420) for 128GB, up to ¥3999 ($560) for 512GB. Import prices might be $500-600. Even at that, it’s a bang-for-buck champ hardware-wise: you get near-flagship performance, high-res 120Hz screen, solid build, and features like quad speakers at a midrange price. For context, $420 is less than an iPad Air (which has 64GB, no 120Hz). So value is excellent if the software meets your needs. The caveat is always software – MIUI Pad has its quirks and outside China, you might not get wide support or timely updates (Xiaomi hasn’t released this globally as of 2023/24, focusing on their home market). It received Android 13; it may get Android 14. But Xiaomi isn’t known for long update longevity on tablets (maybe 2 OS updates). If you’re tech-savvy and can work around some Chinese ROM issues (for imported units), you basically get 85% of an iPad Pro’s capability at a third of the price. Gizmochina’s verdict captures it: “the best and most affordable Android gaming tablet… but… not serious about making a tablet [for productivity] until it really gets good enough” – so the value is in entertainment and casual use. For students on a budget or those who mainly watch videos, it’s a steal. But for heavy productivity, the money saved might not be worth the headaches.
• Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2: In China it starts at ¥6499 (~$900) for base 12+256GB (with no keyboard). In Europe, imported or through resellers, it’s around €999 including keyboard (since one config bundles it). So pricing is similar to iPad Pro 12.9 or Tab S9 Ultra – Huawei is treating it as a no-compromise premium device. For that, you get the gorgeous hardware and included keyboard (depending on package), but you sacrifice Google support, which for many is a deal-breaker at that price. It’s a tablet that makes sense if you’re already in Huawei’s ecosystem or if you value the hardware above all and are okay tinkering to get apps. Value-wise, it’s a tough sell in the West unless heavily discounted, due to the ecosystem gap. However, for those who do get it, they often love it – one reviewer said “if you’re fine with [no Google]… this tablet is definitely worth considering”. It might actually be a great value for artists who use specific painting apps available on Huawei’s store and don’t need Google – because for ~$900 they get a 13″ OLED 144Hz with pen (Apple or Samsung equivalent with pen would cost much more). Huawei does include some accessories in the higher price, which somewhat offsets cost. Long-term, Huawei provides updates but not as swiftly as others, and of course the uncertainty of future HarmonyOS support internationally exists.

In conclusion on value: Apple iPad Pro is pricey but holds value and delivers a uniquely polished experience (with high customer satisfaction among its pro users). Samsung Tab S9 Ultra is similarly expensive, but it’s the ultimate Android tablet and Samsung has improved their long-term support, making it a worthy investment if you’ll use its capabilities (especially with frequent deals knocking the price down). Surface Pro is expensive once you kit it out, but you’re essentially buying a high-end laptop and tablet in one – for some the productivity return justifies the cost, for others it may be overkill. Lenovo’s Tab Extreme undercuts the big names and is probably the best value among giant OLED tablets. Xiaomi’s Pad 6 Pro is the value champion if you can get one and live with MIUI – it’s hard to beat that performance/features per dollar. And Huawei’s MatePad is a niche value – fantastic hardware for the price, if the lack of Google isn’t a hindrance for your use-case.

Use Cases and Best Picks: Which Tablet for Which User?

Now that we’ve compared specs and features, let’s break down which flagship tablet might be the best fit for specific uses and users:

• Best for Media Consumption (Movies/TV, Reading): If you want a portable cinema, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Lenovo Tab Extreme are unmatched. Their enormous, vibrant OLED screens and loud quad/eight speakers make movies and shows a joy. You can essentially replace a small TV with these tablets. They support HDR formats (HDR10+ on Samsung, Dolby Vision on Lenovo), bringing supported content to life with brilliant colors. The Tab S9 Ultra’s 16:10 aspect is closer to typical widescreen films (less letterboxing). Lenovo’s slightly smaller bezels and higher resolution give a tad more screen real estate. Both can stand on a table with their keyboard kickstands or a cover, making them great for kitchen counter viewing or hotel stays. If those are too large, the iPad Pro 12.9’s mini-LED/OLED display is also fantastic for media, and its 4:3 aspect means 16:9 videos have black bars but when you do other things like read comics or websites, it fills the screen more. For pure reading (ebooks, long web articles), a lighter tablet like the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro or even an iPad Air might be more comfortable to hold for hours. But among flagships, the iPad Pro 11 (if considered) or Pad 6 Pro are best for handheld reading. Samsung and Apple also have the best streaming app support (Netflix in HDR, etc.), whereas Huawei might not have official Netflix HD due to Google dependency. So for a Netflix binge machine, Tab S9 Ultra is arguably top (Netflix, Prime, YouTube all in highest quality + great battery life in video + headphone-less Dolby Atmos). Users on forums call it “an absolute unit for media consumption”, though some joke you’ll need a stand because of the size.
• Best for Digital Art and Design: iPad Pro wins for many artists, thanks to the Apple Pencil’s responsiveness and, crucially, the rich app ecosystem (Procreate, Clip Studio, Adobe apps, Affinity Designer/Photo, etc.). The accuracy and feel of the Pencil 2, plus features like Hover and tilt shading, set a high bar. Artwork professionals (illustrators, graphic designers) often choose iPad Pro as a Wacom Cintiq alternative – you can draw anywhere, then export to Photoshop on desktop if needed. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a close second – its massive canvas and S Pen (with hover cursor and Air actions) is excellent for drawing, and apps like Autodesk Sketchbook, Infinite Painter, or Concepts are available on Android. One advantage: the S Pen never needs charging (EMR technology) and is included, and some artists prefer the slightly rubbery texture of the S Pen nib on glass which gives a bit more control. Samsung also has partnership with Clip Studio (popular comic/manga creation app) and has a DeX mode if they want to use a desktop drawing app on an external monitor. The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 could be a dark horse for artists – its pen tech is superb and it’s lighter to hold than the Samsung. Apps like Concepts, ibisPaint, and others are on Huawei’s store. If someone can do without Procreate or Adobe, the MatePad’s hardware is a dream drawing board. Surface Pro is great for sketching as well, especially with the Slim Pen 2’s haptics making it feel like paper. And you have full Windows apps – you can run Photoshop or ZBrush directly. However, some artists find Windows ink less smooth than Apple’s (stroke prediction, line smoothing out-of-the-box isn’t as refined in some apps). Still, for 3D artists or those who want to run full Adobe Illustrator, Surface Pro is the only tablet that will do that natively. Lenovo Tab Extreme – also good (free pen, big screen), but Android’s high-end art apps are fewer. It’s perfectly fine for hobby art or note doodles, but a pro would likely either go iPad or Surface for the software. Summing up: For illustrators – iPad Pro is the top pick. For those who prefer Android or need bigger screen – Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. For technical drawing or a hybrid laptop+art device – Surface Pro. Huawei if you’re an adventurous artist who prioritizes hardware.
• Best for Productivity and Office/School Work: If your goal is to replace a laptop for productivity (email, documents, spreadsheets, web conferencing, maybe light coding), the Microsoft Surface Pro is tailor-made for that. It runs full Office apps (without mobile limitations), has proper browser versions (which matters for complex web apps like certain LMS or business dashboards), supports mouse/trackpad fully, and easily connects to external monitors and peripherals. You can hook up to a projector in a meeting without fuss. Tom’s Hardware praised the new Surface as a device that finally delivers Microsoft’s vision of a slim, all-day PC. It’s ideal for professionals constantly on the go or students who need Windows software (e.g., engineering students running MATLAB, or business students using PowerBI). If Windows isn’t a must, the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is also a productivity beast for many users – especially writers, consultants, or executives who mostly need email, MS Office (the iPad versions are good now), note-taking, and video calls. The iPad’s strengths are battery life, instant on, and a distraction-free app-centric workflow. Many students love iPad Pro for taking hand-written notes then typing up essays on the same device. However, for heavy multitasking or specialized software, iPadOS can hinder. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra with keyboard and DeX is an interesting middle ground – for general office work (email, web, Office apps which Android has, and even a decent Outlook app), it can do the job and give a near-PC experience in DeX mode. It’s especially nice if your workflow is Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 – both have Android or web apps that run fine. Samsung’s multi-window (even outside DeX) is very good now, with easy split-screen and floating windows. Add the fact that it’s got 5G option (so you can be connected anywhere without tethering, same as iPad/Surface cellular models), and it’s a strong “travel work” machine. Some reviewers actually tried using the Tab S9 Ultra as their main computer and found it viable for most tasks, calling it “one of the best tablets to replace a day-to-day laptop”. That said, Android still might require some compromises (e.g., desktop web sites sometimes don’t work perfectly on mobile browsers, though you can use Samsung’s DeX browser or Firefox with decent results). If your work involves programming or desktop software, then no, stick to Surface. For pure note-taking and studying, iPad Pro or Surface or Samsung are all great in different ways: iPad has amazing note apps, Surface has OneNote and typing flexibility, Samsung has the convenience of always having the pen on hand and syncing notes to your phone, etc. If budget is a concern for a student, even the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro could handle basic schoolwork (with Google apps, web-based productivity, and note-taking) at a fraction of cost – but if we focus on the “flagship” category, those are more luxury for students. Many med/law students do buy iPad Pros for note-taking though. Lenovo Tab Extreme can also be used for school/work (the keyboard is quite good, and Lenovo’s productivity mode is decent), but its value is more in media. Still, it’s a viable option if someone wants a giant Android canvas for productivity – just remember the advice from Tom’s: it’s not the best laptop replacement but can be tempting for the right user.
• Best for Gaming: By gaming, we mean both mobile games and potentially game streaming. The iPad Pro with M-series chip can run any iPad game at full settings easily, and Apple’s Metal API plus titles like Genshin Impact or PUBG have great performance and controller support. However, the App Store is curated (no emulators officially, etc.), and you won’t get console-like titles beyond what’s released on iOS. Apple does have Apple Arcade though. The Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro was explicitly called one of the best Android gaming tablets – the Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 and its cooling kept Genshin Impact super steady. Plus at 11″, it’s comfortable to hold for gaming, and 144Hz screen could be nice for games that support high FPS. The Galaxy Tab S9/S9+ (with same chip, smaller size) might actually be the sweet spot for Android gaming rather than the Ultra – the Ultra is huge to hold for intense gaming unless you use a controller or prop it up. But if you do cloud gaming (Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now), the Ultra’s big screen is awesome – essentially a portable monitor. All these support Bluetooth controllers like Xbox or PS5 controllers. Surface Pro can, in theory, run PC games (especially the Intel model) – older or lighter titles will run, but heavy AAA games are mostly out of reach with integrated graphics (unless you use an eGPU via Thunderbolt on Intel). But you could do cloud gaming on Surface too, or emulators easily. If someone wants retro emulation, Android and Windows tablets are great since you can sideload emulators. So for pure mobile gaming performance, iPad Pro’s GPU is top, but most mobile games are optimized to run well on many devices, so the experience on a high-end Android is also excellent. Xiaomi’s device offers near-flagship gaming at low cost – some might buy it just as a gaming tablet. Lenovo and Samsung large tabs are more immersive for slow-paced or cloud games, but less so for fast action if using touch (hard to reach all controls on a 14″ screen). Summing up: iPad Pro for broad game library and raw power, Android flagship for more open ecosystem gaming and emulators, Surface if you want PC games streaming or light titles.
• Best for Note-Taking and Students: This is a bit redundant with productivity, but focusing on note-taking: iPad Pro + Apple Pencil is extremely popular among students for handwritten notes – apps like Notability/GoodNotes with audio recording sync, excellent palm rejection, and the reliability of iPad (no weird bugs when writing, usually). However, you can get the same note-taking on an iPad Air for much less, so flagship iPad is not necessary unless you want the bigger screen or also the power for other tasks. Galaxy Tab S9/S7 FE etc., with S Pen included and Samsung Notes, is also a brilliant note-taking combo, at lower cost even. Many say Samsung Notes is one of the best note apps, period (handwriting recognition in multiple languages offline, etc.). The Tab S9 Ultra gives you the ability to have a lecture on one half of screen (PDF or Zoom) and a giant note page on the other. But carrying a 14.6″ tablet to class might be overkill. The Tab S9+ or S9 (11″) might be better for that use – and they are still “flagship” in performance. Surface Pro – if your notes are typewritten, it’s perfect (great keyboard, full OneNote). For handwritten, it’s good too, especially if you love OneNote’s organization and syncing (OneNote on iPad/Android lacks some features compared to Windows version). And you can always convert handwriting to text easily on Surface. The Slim Pen 2 haptics actually shine in note-taking – it feels like writing on paper, which can reduce fatigue. So for a student who also needs Windows for specific software, Surface Pro is a no-brainer. Lenovo Tab Extreme and Huawei MatePad both can be used for notes – they have their pen and notes apps (Lenovo’s Instant Memo, Nebo, etc.; Huawei’s Notes app is quite advanced with neat pencil effects). But the question is if the student is okay with those ecosystems. Many international students avoid Huawei due to Google issue (if you need Google Classroom or Drive integration – though you can use browser versions). Lenovo’s is standard Android, so that’s fine, but their device is heavy to pull out every class unless you mainly keep it on a desk.

In essence: Each tablet can cater to multiple use cases, but each has particular areas of dominance. We can highlight a few:

• iPad Pro – Strengths: performance, tablet-optimized apps (especially for creativity and productivity), long software support, best-in-class display (now OLED), robust accessory ecosystem. Weaknesses: Extremely high price (especially once you add keyboard/Pencil), iPadOS limitations vs a full computer (file system quirks, some software not available), no expandable storage, no headphone jack. Best for: creative professionals, tablet enthusiasts who want the most polished tablet experience, business users in Apple ecosystem, anyone who needs top performance and top apps and is willing to pay for it. As an expert comment, it “remains the best tablet if you’re willing to pay for it” – reflecting that it’s the premium choice that doesn’t come cheap.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra – Strengths: massive gorgeous screen, included S Pen (and excellent pen features), great multi-tasking and DeX for pseudo-PC use, expandable storage, water resistance, good performance and speakers – arguably the best Android tablet ever. Weaknesses: Very large and a bit unwieldy for casual use, Android still has fewer tablet-specific apps (though much improved with Android 12L+), expensive keyboard accessory, average camera quality (but who uses tablet cameras heavily anyway). It’s been described as “a big, bodacious and powerful Android tablet… in a class of its own, but may be too big and expensive for some” hothardware.com. Best for: Android fans who want the absolute top device, media lovers, artists who prefer S Pen, those looking to use a tablet as a laptop alternative in the Android/Google ecosystem. Also great for multitaskers (perhaps someone who wants to monitor multiple apps/markets etc. on one screen).
• Microsoft Surface Pro (2024) – Strengths: full Windows 11 PC capabilities, beautiful 13″ display (now OLED), long battery life on ARM model, sleek magnesium design with best-in-class kickstand, top-notch keyboard/trackpad (especially the new Flex keyboard), and enterprise-level features (BitLocker, full browsers, etc.). It’s effectively two devices in one. Weaknesses: Very expensive when fully accessorized, the need to buy keyboard/pen separately, ARM model has app compatibility caveats, Intel model has shorter battery, and both can run hot if pushed. Also, as a pure tablet (touch interface), Windows is better than before but still not as intuitive as iPad/Android for touch-only use. As Tom’s Hardware verdict states: “sleek, thin, long-lasting… beautiful OLED screen” but “Snapdragon app compatibility issues” and extra costs for keyboard tomshardware.com. Best for: Professionals/students who need Windows apps or a full laptop replacement, those who prioritize productivity and versatility over tablet-specific app selection, anyone who loves the idea of one device for everything. It’s also highly recommended for frequent video-callers (great webcam), writers (excellent typing), and people who might benefit from the stability of Windows (e.g., running a projector in class, connecting specialized equipment).
• Lenovo Tab Extreme – Strengths: slightly more affordable giant tablet, stellar 14.5″ OLED with highest resolution and color, free stylus, dual USB-C, solid accessories (keyboard) available, and good battery life. It’s an excellent value alternative to Samsung for big-screen Android. Weaknesses: Not the latest chip (though still fast enough for most tasks), very large/heavy (by nature), Android app ecosystem still catching up for large screens, and Lenovo’s update commitment is a bit shorter. Tom’s Guide called it “a great Android tablet with a beautiful screen, elegant design and great accessories” but noted it “can’t catch up… in raw performance” to Apple/Samsung and is not the best laptop replacement. Best for: Those who want an enormous tablet for entertainment or light productivity without paying over $1000. Also good for artists/hobbyists who want a big canvas on a budget (compared to Cintiqs or iPad 12.9). If you consume a lot of visual content or do light office tasks and prefer Android, it’s a compelling choice.
• Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro – Strengths: incredible price-to-performance, high-quality build and display for the cost, great for gaming and media in a portable size, decent pen option if needed. Weaknesses: Software not fully optimized for productivity (MIUI quirks, fewer tablet apps), limited official availability/support outside certain regions, no IP rating or cellular options. Basically, it’s a flagship-level hardware sold at midrange price, but you compromise on software refinement and support. Best for: budget-conscious users who still want a high-end experience, gamers, folks who primarily watch videos, read, and do casual web browsing, and perhaps as a secondary device alongside a main PC. Not ideal as one’s only work device, but fantastic as a personal entertainment and light work tablet. Many in tech communities remark that Xiaomi (and the similar OnePlus Pad etc.) give a lot of bang for buck if you can live with the software.
• Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 – Strengths: arguably the best hardware design (ultra-thin and light, very sleek), outstanding OLED display with 144Hz, top-notch pen and keyboard, and fast charging. It’s a dream tablet if hardware was all that mattered. Weaknesses: The elephant in the room – no Google services, meaning no Play Store (you rely on Huawei AppGallery or workarounds), which can inconvenience everything from YouTube to Gmail to certain app logins. Also 5G isn’t available (capped at 4G). Updates to HarmonyOS internationally can lag. Best for: Users in China (where Google isn’t a factor) – in that context it’s possibly the best tablet in the market. For international tech enthusiasts, it’s best for those who are a bit tech-savvy and can set up alternate app sources (or whose usage doesn’t revolve around Google apps). It could be great for an artist or business person who primarily uses Microsoft or Huawei’s own apps and needs that lightweight big-screen device. Also, if you’re in Huawei’s ecosystem (own a Huawei phone, laptop, etc.), the seamless collaboration features could be a selling point. For most general consumers though, it’s hard to recommend over an iPad or Samsung due to the ecosystem gap.

Finally, it’s worth noting current user sentiment from reviews:

• iPad Pro users generally love the performance and display, but some are frustrated that iPadOS doesn’t fully utilize the M2/M3 power – “awkwardly fast and capable” as one user put it, where the hardware outstrips the software’s ambition. Still, satisfaction is high especially among creative users.
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra owners praise it as “the best Android tablet” and enjoy the screen and S Pen, but acknowledge it’s “huge and a bit niche”. Many say it’s amazing for media and good for notes, but they wouldn’t completely ditch their laptop for it – except some who are determined to make DeX work for everything.
• Surface Pro 9/Pro (2024) users like the new battery life and screen. Business reviewers call it a “tantalizing glimpse of the future” with AI features (Copilot) but note those features are early days. The common refrain: great hardware, too expensive once you add keyboard. But those who use Surfaces often become loyal due to the convenience of that form factor.
• Lenovo Tab Extreme owners (a smaller community) are pleasantly surprised with how much they get for the price. They love the screen for movies and how the package (with pen/keyboard) often costs less than an iPad Pro alone. Some do mention they wish it had a slightly better processor or that updates come slowly. But comments like “the iPad’s worst fears realized” highlight that Lenovo really aimed to challenge Apple on spec value.
• Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro users often say it’s “a lot of tablet for the money”, enjoying the performance and build, but they also echo that Android’s tablet app situation is still its Achilles heel – essentially, you get amazing hardware that’s underutilized by software. If you’re okay with mostly phone-version apps stretched out, it’s fine – MIUI tries to add multi-column UIs though.
• Huawei MatePad users (outside China) often sound like: “I love this device’s hardware… if only it had Google!” Some use workarounds like GBox or web apps to fill the gap and then find it pretty manageable. They emphasize how premium it feels and great for content or drawing. But it’s definitely a connoisseur’s device in the West.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Tablet

The flagship tablet landscape of 2025 offers no one-size-fits-all winner – instead, we have a wealth of excellent choices, each excelling in different areas. If you’re deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem or need the most powerful tablet with the best creative apps, the iPad Pro is still the king, delivering an experience that one reviewer dubbed “the best kind of overkill” for a tablet. If you crave a sprawling canvas for entertainment and note-taking and prefer Android’s flexibility, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra stands out – a device so large and capable that Marques Brownlee humorously called it “one hell of a tablet” (and indeed it is). For those seeking a 2-in-1 productivity workhorse, Surface Pro offers laptop-grade productivity in a tablet shell, something no other truly matches. And let’s not forget the value champs: Lenovo’s Tab Extreme offering nearly everything at a lower price, and Xiaomi’s Pad 6 Pro proving you can get a flagship-like experience without breaking the bank.

In choosing among them, consider your primary use cases and ecosystem preferences:

• Are you an artist or designer? The iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab with their superb pens will likely inspire you most.
• A student or professional who needs to multitask between documents and meetings? Surface Pro’s full Windows or the Galaxy Tab’s DeX mode might boost your productivity.
• A media binge-watcher or avid reader? A large OLED tablet (Samsung/Lenovo) will turn your sofa into a personal theater, while a lighter iPad or Xiaomi may be easier on the hands for long reading sessions.
• Need a single device that does almost everything? Perhaps pair a Surface or iPad with a keyboard and you’ve got a capable laptop replacement.
• On a budget but want high-end features? Xiaomi’s offering (if available to you) or even Samsung’s upcoming Tab S9 FE could offer tremendous value.

Each of these tablets is a technical marvel in its own right. By weighing the strengths and weaknesses outlined – performance vs. portability, iPadOS vs. Android vs. Windows, stylus capabilities, battery longevity, and of course cost – you can zero in on the tablet that aligns with your needs. One thing is clear: whether you choose an Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Lenovo, Xiaomi, or Huawei, you’ll be getting a seriously advanced device that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

The competition has driven innovation to new heights, so much so that we now have tablets that can outperform laptops, double as sketchpads or film studios, and entertain us with stunning visuals and sound. As one tech reviewer aptly put it, “The new iPad Pro is a genuine achievement in tablet design. It’s the closest thing I’ve seen to the vision of a tablet that should feel not like a computer.”. Yet, with devices like the Tab S9 Ultra and Surface Pro, even the definition of a “computer” is being reinvented.

In the end, the “best” flagship tablet is the one that best fits you. Consider the ecosystem you’re invested in, the tasks you’ll do daily, and the form factor you’ll be comfortable using. Whichever you pick from these flagships, you’ll have a cutting-edge companion for work and play. The tablet market has never been more exciting, and as these top models show, the gap between tablet and PC – and between work and leisure – has never been smaller.

Sources:

• Apple iPad Pro (2022) review – Business Insider: “The 2022 iPad Pro remains the best and most powerful tablet if you’re willing to pay for it.”
• Apple iPad Pro (2022) review – The Verge: “…the iPad for those who want the best screen, the best performance, and the latest hardware and are willing to pay for it.”
• MacRumors – iPad Pro 2024 roundup: Apple introduced M4 chip, OLED displays, and new Pencil/Keyboard in 2024 models macrumors.com
• HotHardware – Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra review: “The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a big, bodacious and powerful Android tablet that’s in a class of its own, but may be too big and expensive for some.” hothardware.com Pros included “gorgeous 14.6-inch OLED” and “excellent performance”, cons included high price and huge size.
• Reddit (r/Huawei) user feedback on MatePad Pro: “Great screen, solid performance, awesome for drawing and multitasking. But no Google apps, and updates are slower.”
• AndroidHeadlines – Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 review: “It looks very sleek, feels premium in the hand, it has a gorgeous display, great performance… Just keep note that Google services are not included.”
• Tom’s Hardware – Surface Pro 2024 review: “sleek, thin, long-lasting device with a beautiful OLED screen” tomshardware.com; noted that new Snapdragon chips have app compatibility issues and keyboard is extra tomshardware.com. Also, “one of the best iterations… a portable, slim PC with long battery life and a focus on an incredible screen” tomshardware.com. Tom’s battery test got 12h17m on ARM model.
• Tom’s Guide – Lenovo Tab Extreme review: “great Android tablet with a beautiful screen, elegant design and great accessories. While it can’t catch up… in raw performance, even the most expensive tablets from Apple and Samsung can’t match… in resolution or color reproduction.” Stylus inclusion is a value Apple can’t match. Not recommended as full laptop replacement but tempting for productivity.
• Gizmochina – Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro review: “No one can deny that it is the best and most affordable Android gaming tablet on the market, but that’s about all it has going for it… not recommended [for study or creativity] because Xiaomi has a lot of room for improvement in terms of software.”.