When evaluating tablets, it’s difficult not to compare new entries to Apple’s iPad Pro. The device is the embodiment of mobile computing, and through five generations of refinement, Apple has crafted a product that has earned a spot on our best tablet rankings.
But competition is fierce, and Samsung’s newly-announced Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra carries a spec sheet and several productivity features that may just be enough to take a bite out of Apple.
Whether you’re a graphics designer, content creator, or mobile gamer, two of your best options for large-screen tablets are Samsung’s latest and Apple’s greatest. While this comparison analyzes the key differences between the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro (12.9-inch), including display performance, camera quality, and other standout features, it will ultimately serve as a guide to help you make the best buying decision. Let’s begin.
Displays
Model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Apple iPad Pro (2021)
Screen size
14.6-inch
12.9-inch
Technology
Super AMOLED
Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED)
Resolution
2960 x 1848
2732 x 2048
Pixel density
240ppi
264ppi
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
Touch sampling rate
240Hz (in gaming mode)
240Hz (with Apple Pencil)
Aspect ratio
16:10
10:7
Starting with the displays, the biggest difference is in screen size. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra measures in at 14.6-inches diagonal, versus the smaller 12.9-inch of the iPad Pro. Both tablets are huge, but the extra real estate on the Galaxy will come in handy if you’re a graphics designer or artist who can use a bigger canvas. It also helps that a stylus comes included with the Tab S8 Ultra. Still, mobile gamers who want a wider field-of-view will find both displays to be quite immersive.
Another factor to weigh in is aspect ratio. It’s not often talked about but the aspect ratio of the Apple iPad Pro (10:7) is actually more squared than it is rectangular, unlike the wider Samsung tablet (16:10). Depending on your use cases, this can be good or bad. With a more squared form factor, the iPad Pro is easier to hold (one- or two-handed) and less finger stretching is required to reach the corners of the screen. The drawback is that cinematic movies and videos that follow a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, or anamorphic scope, will leave thick black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.
Both tablets come with 120Hz refresh rates for ultra smooth animations and the resolutions are as good as they come. Technically, the Tab S8 Ultra’s Super AMOLED offers a higher resolution than the iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR, but the difference in pixels is so miniscule that you’ll have an enjoyable viewing experience no matter which of the two you pick. While Samsung didn’t disclose the nits of brightness that the Tab S8 Ultra holds, our testing of the iPad Pro has shown that its peak of 1,600 nits bolds well for outdoor viewing.
Software and performance
Image: Samsung
Model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Operating system
Android 12, OneUI Tab 4
iPadOS 15
Processor
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
M1 (16-core)
RAM
8GB, 12GB, 16GB
8GB, 16GB (1TB+ storage models only)
Storage capacity
128GB, 256GB, 512GB (MicroSD up to 1TB)
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
While ZDNet’s review of the Tab S8 Ultra is in progress, enough can be gathered from the spec sheet and our experience with the iPad Pro to advise you of what to look out for. Like choosing between iPhone and Android, you’ll face a similar crossroad with these two tablets.
The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS which, in the simplest terms, is a large scale version of iOS. You still have a dock at the bottom of the home screen which houses your choice of applications, as well as the ones you most frequently use. Apple has also added some notable features to iPadOS for enhanced multitasking, like Split View and Center window, with more to come via software updates. Most importantly, the iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s latest M1 silicon, which has proven to be a top-tier and efficient chipset, capable of pushing its 8 or 16GB of RAM to handle the most power-hungry programs.
The Tab S8 Ultra follows closely with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and lives on Samsung’s vision of Android: OneUI Tab 4. Making the most of the Tab S8 Ultra’s multitasking quirks will require some learning, but once you do, features like DeX and Companion mode come in handy for your professional and casual needs. You’ll have the support of up to 16GB of RAM to power through such applications, too.
The Tab S8 Ultra can also wirelessly connect to an external monitor or Samsung TV, or serve as a secondary monitor alongside your PC or phone. That’s especially impressive when compared to the iPad Pro, which can only screen mirror its content.
Both devices come in base configurations of 128GB, but the iPad Pro can also be purchased with 1TB or 2TB built-in. The Tab S8 Ultra’s highest storage option is 512GB, though it does support MicroSD card expansion up to 1TB. For content creators who plan to video- or photo-edit on the go, having a MicroSD card slot may be enough of a feature to sway you in favor of Samsung.
Camera
Image: Apple
Model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Total cameras
4 (including front)
3 (including front)
Rear
13MP wide, 6MP ultra-wide
12MP wide, 10MP ultra-wide
Front
12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide
12MP ultra-wide
Video
4K @ 30fps, 8K @ 60fps
4K @ 30fps, 4K @ 60fps
Speaking of content creation, how do the cameras fare between the two offerings? While tablets aren’t designed to replace your DSLR, they sport multi-camera configurations that make it easy to capture stills and video. Sometimes, you just want a quick flick.
With dual front-facing cameras, Samsung hopes that the Tab S8 Ultra will be your go-to device for conducting video calls. The front notch houses a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide, capable of 4K recording and intelligent auto-framing — similar to Apple’s Center Stage. That said, the iPad Pro can do the same with its singular 12MP ultra-wide camera at the front. What’s different is the positioning of the iPad Pro’s front camera. When held in landscape mode, the camera is situated on the left side of the tablet, instead of the center like the Tab S8 Ultra. That can be nuisance if you typically hold your tablet in landscape orientation and unintentionally block the camera from scanning FaceID and other features.
Both tablets are capable of capturing vibrant and crisp imagery thanks to dual-cameras flanking the back. However, the Tab S8 Ultra does have one trick up it’s sleeve: 8K video recording. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re wanting to record sharp-looking video and pull 4K screencaps from it, now you can.
Megapixels and sensors aside, the overall quality of pictures and videos boils down to how well the Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro post-processes and what your visual preference is. Stayed tuned for our in-depth breakdown of the Tab S8 Ultra camera in our full review.
Battery and charging
Model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Battery size
11,200mAh (typical)
10,758mAh (typical)
Wired charging speed
45 W (via USB-C)
18 W (via USB-C)
Both tablets have big screens and in turn, need big batteries to keep the lights on. The Tab S8 Ultra comes fitted with a 11,200mAh cell, which Samsung claims will provide up to 13 hours of video playback. The capacity is larger than that of the iPad Pro, which has an estimate of 10,758mAh. However, your mileage will vary depending on how you use your tablet, and further testing is needed to see how efficient the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset plays with Samsung’s operating system.
What is clear is the charging speed advantage on the Tab S8 Ultra. Capable of 45-watt fast charging, a full charge takes just 90 minutes plugged in. While also using USB-C, the iPad Pro’s 18-watt charging requires at least three hours for a complete top-up.
Accessories
Image: Samsung
Model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Stylus support
S Pen (included)
Apple Pencil (sold seperately)
Keyboard support
Book Cover Keyboard (sold seperately)
Magic Keyboard (sold seperately)
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That’s the philosophy that drives the ultimate tablet experience and should be weighed in when making your purchase decision. Fortunately, both Samsung and Apple have made great strides in curating useful and modular accessories that not only change the way you use your tablet, but amplify the overall experience.
Let’s start with stylus support. An S Pen — Samsung’s term for smart stylus — comes bundled with the Tab S8 Ultra and there’s even a magnetic compartment on the back of the tablet to store it. For precision, the S Pen carries a 2.8ms latency, which means inputs and strokes appear on screen the moment the stylus touches it. Samsung has also integrated some neat software features with the S Pen, including Air Command and image capturing.
As for the iPad Pro, Apple offers one of the most iconic tablet accessories in the Apple Pencil. What seemed like a gimmick at first has become a fundamental companion to the iPad experience. You’ll have to
buy it separately for $129
, but with the Apple Pencil, you gain pixel-perfect precision, thanks to a tilt- and pressure-sensitive touchpoint, and a slew of iPadOS shortcuts. Like the S Pen, the Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to side of the iPad Pro, wirelessly charging itself along the way.
For improved typing and comfort, both Samsung and Apple offer smart keyboard cases that double as stands. The
Samsung Book Cover Keyboard
isn’t cheap at $349, but offers backlit keycaps, customizable shortcuts, a glass-coated touchpad, and ultimately transforms the Tab S8 Ultra into a 2-in-1. Better yet, if you
preorder the tablet
right now, Samsung will bundle in the $349 keyboard for free.
To compete, the
Apple Magic Keyboard
provides a similar physical typing experience and also sells for $349. It offers backlit keys with quiet and responsive inputs, multi-touch gestures for iPadOS, and a unique, floating cantilever design. You can basically attach and detach the iPad Pro from the casing with ease.
Connectivity
Model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth 5.0
Cellular
5G, LTE (coming soon)
5G, LTE
The biggest difference between the Tab S8 Ultra and iPad Pro, connectivity-wise, is cellular support. Both tablets can be purchased with support for LTE and 5G data via e-sim, which helps if you plan to use your tablet on the subway, at local parks, or anywhere without Wi-Fi. The added convenience does come at a cost, though, as you will have to pay more for the cellular models of the tablets and your preferred data plan.
On the Wi-Fi front, the Tab S8 Ultra outdoes the iPad Pro with the latest Wi-Fi 6E protocol. The new and less-cluttered bandwidth does require you to have a compatible Wi-Fi router, but once you do, expect less connection interference and faster download speeds.
As for Bluetooth, Samsung takes another step forward by offering Bluetooth 5.2 instead of 5.0. The improved technology makes it faster at transferring large files and, for wireless audio listeners, means improved audio quality.
Colors and pricing
Model
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch)
Color options
Graphite
Space Gray, Silver
Price
$1,099 – $1,399
$1,099 – $2,399
Lastly, how much will you be spending for either the Tab S8 Ultra or iPad Pro? It all depends on your storage configuration and whether or not you want support for cellular data.
The Tab S8 Ultra
starts at $1,099
for the 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage model, and comes in just one color: Graphite. Being that the tablet is still in its preordering period, you can take advantage of Samsung’s current promotions, which include trade-ins and free accessories. If you’re seeking the cellular model, the company says it will be available in AT&T and T-Mobile stores very soon.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro also
starts at $1,099
for the 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage model, and comes in Space Gray and Silver finishes. You’ll have to pay an extra $200 for the added benefit of cellular connectivity. But with a little digging, some slick deals can save you a buck or two.
Whether you end up shopping Samsung’s latest or find greater use in Apple’s tried-and-true, you can expect a portable, dependable, and large-screen tablet experience.
Alternatives
If you’re still on the fence, here are some worthy tablet alternatives for your consideration:
: A large-display 2-in-1 that’s powered by Microsoft’s timeless Windows operating system. It has a replaceable solid-state storage, an included Typer Cover, up to 16 hours of battery life, and a gorgeous 13-inch display.
: Perhaps what you need is something with a little less power but a similar feature set as the iPad Pro. The regular Apple iPad has a large 10.2-inch Retina display, is powered by the same iPadOS 15 software, and comes in at a fraction of the cost of the Pro.
: A simple and user-friendly interface is what ChromeOS is all about. Surround that with a premium 2-in-1 body and a 12.3-inch display, and you get an excellent Google-made alternative.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
___
Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
