iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9 - Which is Better for Media

Is your current device holding you back from truly enjoying your favourite shows, games, and videos? With so many of us streaming on the go, the right tablet can make or break your media experience. But when it comes to choosing a tablet, one major confusion still remains: which one is best for entertainment? 

While a wide range of tablets is available, Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs continue to dominate the market. Specifically, the iPad Air and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 have emerged as fan favourites. And for those who want only the best, the showdown between the iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9 is key to discovering which tablet truly excels in media consumption. 

On one side, there’s the sleek and powerful iPad Air 13, equipped with the mighty M2 chip and a stunning Liquid Retina display (2732 x 2048 pixels), famous for its ultra-smooth performance and vivid visuals. On the other, the Samsung Tab S9 impresses with its eye-popping AMOLED screen and generous RAM, making it a serious contender for binge-watchers and gamers alike. 

Both tablets rank high among the best in the world, but which one truly satisfies streamers, gamers, and media enthusiasts? 

In this blog, we’ll explore how the iPad Air and Samsung Tab S9 perform when it comes to media and reveal which one stands out. Whether you’re considering to buy iPad for media or exploring Android alternatives, this guide will help you choose the best tablet for your needs. 

Apple vs Samsung, Tablets vs Phones – Clearing the Air for Media Enthusiasts 

When shopping for a new tablet, especially for media consumption, many buyers naturally find themselves torn between Apple and Samsung. It’s not just about brand loyalty, it’s about performance, ecosystem, design, and value. So, is Samsung as good as Apple? In many ways, yes. While Apple tends to offer superior software integration and long-term updates, Samsung excels in customisability, vivid AMOLED displays, and often better expandable phone storage options. Both brands lead the market in innovation and continue to push the boundaries of what tablets can do. 

When it comes to entertainment, are Samsung Galaxy Tabs good for media consumption? Without a doubt. Devices like the Samsung Tab S9 come equipped with top-tier displays, powerful Adreno graphics, rich audio, and even 5G connectivity, all ideal for streaming, gaming, and content creation. The iPad Air M2, with its larger display and iPadOS ecosystem, offers a similarly immersive media experience with the added bonus of advanced creative apps. 

Now, what are the best tablets on the market today? It really depends on your needs. For iOS fans, the latest iPad Air is a compelling choice with powerful performance and seamless integration with other Apple devices. On the Android side, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 shines with its AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and multitasking prowess. Both are ranked among the best tablets for 2025. 

And finally, why are tablets often better than smartphones for media? The answer lies in the user experience. With larger screens, enhanced colour accuracy, louder speakers, and better battery life, tablets offer a more cinematic, comfortable way to enjoy content. From catching up on Netflix to editing videos and attending virtual events, tablets like the iPad and Galaxy Tab range make it all more enjoyable than on smaller, more limited smartphones. 

What to Look for in a Media Tablet in 2025: 8 Must-Have Features

In the UK, tablets have become a must-have for media lovers of all ages. From busy professionals catching up on shows during their commute, to Gen Z streaming TikTok and YouTube, and even the older generation enjoying video calls and classic films, the demand for portable, high-performing media devices has surged. 

While the real debate among media enthusiasts often comes down to the iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9, many others, particularly those looking to spend less but still enjoy immersive content, smooth streaming, and crystal-clear visuals, often ask: what really matters when choosing a tablet for media consumption, so they can pick the right device regardless of their budget. 

Just like phone performance can make or break your everyday mobile experience, tablet performance plays a crucial role in how well your device handles streaming, gaming, and multitasking. If you're new to tablets, buying one for the first time, or looking to upgrade, here are eight essential features you should look for to ensure a smooth and flawless experience. 

Display Quality and Colour Accuracy

Look for high-resolution displays, at least QHD or 2.8K, ideally with HDR10+ or Dolby Vision support. In 2025, AMOLED and Liquid Retina screens with 100% DCI-P3 colour accuracy are essential for lifelike visuals, especially for 4K streaming and video editing. 

Performance and Speed 

The tablet you choose should include a desktop-class processor for seamless multitasking, fast app launches, and lag-free playback. The Apple M2 chip, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, or newer offer top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and split-screen productivity. 

Storage Capacity 

While generous Samsung storage or optimised iPad storage ensures enough space for offline content, if you’re considering other options, aim for at least 128GB of internal storage as a minimum for smooth everyday use. 

That said, most users prefer Samsung tablets because they often support microSD expansion, a major advantage in 2025. iPads, on the other hand, rely solely on internal storage, so choosing a higher-capacity model is essential for long-term use. 

Battery Life 

With streaming, editing, and always-on connectivity, a 2025-ready tablet should deliver 10–14 hours of real-world battery life. Fast charging (minimum 45W) is now a standard, allowing you to get back to viewing with minimal downtime. 

Audio Quality 

For immersive entertainment, look for quad speakers with Dolby Atmos or spatial audio. Tablets like the Samsung Tab S9 and iPad Air M2 offer cinematic sound, perfect for watching films, gaming, and joining video calls without the need for headphones. 

Portability 

Media-focused tablets should be ultra-slim (6mm or less) and weigh under 500g. Look for aluminium or premium composite builds with IP68 water and dust resistance or splash protection, excellent for life on the go, indoors, and out. 

App Ecosystem & Software Support 

Ensure access to leading apps like Netflix, YouTube, and creative tools. iPads still offer the most robust app ecosystem and long-term OS support, while Samsung tablets now come with DeX mode for a desktop-style experience when needed. 

Value for Money 

When buying a tablet in 2025, really consider the value for your money. Look for devices offering staying power and versatility beyond the initial cost. Aim for at least five years of software updates and useful features like USB-C and stylus support, which are becoming common even in mid-range options. Ultimately, a tablet's long-term usability, whether it's an iPad or Android, is what makes it a wise investment. 

iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9 Face-Off: Which is Better for Media Consumption and Why? 

If you're serious about streaming, binge-watching, or editing content on the go, two tablets consistently rise to the top: the iPad Air M2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9. 

Each is widely praised as one of the best tablets available today, offering a smooth, stunning media experience packed with high-end visuals and performance. 

However, if you're looking for a clear winner between the two, here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice. 

(Note: For this comparison, we’ll be looking at the Apple iPad Air 13(MPN: MV2N3NF/A) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (MPN: SM-X716BZAAEUB), both available at Box.co.uk). 

iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9: Specs 

	Apple iPad Air (MV2N3NF/A)	Samsung Tab S9 (SM-X716BZAAEUB)
Processor	Apple M2 16-Core	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Display	13” Liquid Retina (2732 x 2048) LED	11 in AMOLED TFT Display, 2560 x 1600 Max. Resolution
Storage	512GB	128GB
OS	iPadOS 17	Android 13
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
Weight	617g	500g

Introduction  

Let’s begin with the Apple iPad Air (MV2K3NF/A). The iPad Air 13” is a sleek powerhouse with a sharp Liquid Retina display, the impressive Apple M2 chip, and a generous 512GB of internal storage. Running on iPadOS 17, it offers seamless performance across apps, media editing tools, and streaming platforms. Favoured by creatives, professionals, and streamers, it delivers the kind of high-quality multitasking and visual precision that make it a top choice for immersive media. 

Now meet the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (SM-X710NZAAEUB). Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 128GB of storage, the Tab S9 offers a media-first experience, highlighted by a brilliant 11 in AMOLED TFT, 2560 x 1600 resolution display. The tablet supports microSD expansion, making it a great fit for content hoarders and on the go streamers. Running on Android 13, it balances performance and customisability with Samsung’s signature media flair. 

While both tablets are exceptional for media lovers, let’s dive into how each one performs across key aspects like display, RAM, storage, graphics, and more to determine which truly stands out for media consumption. 

Display 

When it comes to display quality, both tablets offer stunning visuals but in very different ways. 

iPad Air: The 13" Liquid Retina LED display is ideal for watching films or multitasking with split-screen apps. Its colour accuracy is strong, particularly for editing visuals or consuming content in vibrant detail. 

Samsung Tab S9: Featuring an 11" AMOLED TFT display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, the Tab S9 stands out with its deeper blacks, high contrast ratios, and overall visual punch—fantastic for watching films and enjoying immersive content. 

Verdict: The iPad Air shines with its sharp resolution and colour fidelity, particularly for productivity and content creation. However, the Tab S9 edges ahead for pure visual richness, offering a more cinematic experience for media lovers. 

RAM and Storage 

iPad Air: Comes with ample 512GB of built-in storage, superb for 4K films, large creative projects, and app libraries. 

Samsung Tab S9: Offers 128GB of internal storage, but supports microSD expansion, allowing you to easily increase space for files, photos, and downloads. 

Verdict: The iPad Air wins for sheer onboard capacity, but the Tab S9 offers greater long-term flexibility with expandable storage. 

Graphics 

iPad Air: Apple’s integrated GPU delivers outstanding visual performance for video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. 

Samsung Tab S9: Equipped with the Adreno GPU, it ensures smooth graphics performance across games and high-res media playback. 

Verdict: Both the iPad Air and Samsung Tab S9 offer excellent graphics processing for media, with smooth playback and detailed visuals. However, for users engaged in more demanding graphical tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, the iPad Air's integrated GPU, coupled with Apple's optimised software, may provide a slightly more robust experience. 

Camera 

iPad Air: The iPad Air features dual 12MP cameras on both front and back, remarkable for FaceTime, Zoom, and content creation. 

Samsung Tab S9: Offers a 13MP rear camera and a 12MP front camera, giving slightly better clarity for photography and video recording. 

Verdict: The Tab S9 edges ahead with higher rear camera resolution, though both perform reliably for everyday media and communication tasks. 

Operating System 

iPad Air: iPadOS 17 provides a refined, app-rich experience with long-term updates and smooth performance. 

Samsung Tab S9: Powered by Android 13, it excels in customisability and tight integration with Google services and Samsung’s One UI. 

Verdict: iPadOS wins for overall app quality and stability, while Android offers more flexibility and user control. 

Connectivity 

iPad Air: Includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, great for fast, stable streaming connections. 

Samsung Tab S9: Comes with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and supports 5G mobile connectivity – a brilliant option for those who like to enjoy media on the go. 

Verdict: The Tab S9 takes the crown for portability thanks to its mobile network support, including 5G. The iPad Air, however, delivers top-notch wireless performance when you're on Wi-Fi. 

Weight and Build 

iPad Air: At 617g, it's reasonably light considering its 13-inch display. 

Samsung Tab S9: Weighing in at 500g, it boasts a lighter build, making it even more convenient for travel. 

Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is the more portable option due to its lighter weight, while the iPad Air still feels relatively light for a larger screen, providing ample space for getting things done. 

Final Verdict: iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9 

In this iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9 battle, both stand tall as top-tier choices crafted for avid media consumers and demanding users alike. 

The iPad Air excels with its expansive display, substantial built-in storage, and slick M2 performance—ideal for creatives and professionals deeply within Apple's world. 

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Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 presents a more portable design, expandable memory, and mobile connectivity, marking it as a superb selection for adaptability and on-the-go entertainment. 

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Ultimately, your top pick comes down to whether you prioritise the sheer power and refinement of the Apple iPad Air, or the versatility and captivating visuals offered by the Samsung Tab S9. 

Stream, Play, Create – Shop the Best Tablets Now at Box.co.uk 

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Have a look at some of the tablets available at Box.co.uk:

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2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
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4. Apple iPad Pro 13
5. Apple iPad Air 11
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7. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 

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Looking to boost your phone performance or simply upgrade your media setup? Whether you're after the best tablet for work, entertainment, streaming, or everyday use, you’ll find your perfect match in our extensive online range. 

Explore the full tablet collection today at Box.co.uk and elevate your media experience with every swipe, tap, and scroll. Don’t miss our outstanding tablet deals—buy iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 now and save big on your next purchase! 

Conclusion 

If you're weighing up the iPad Air vs Samsung Tab S9 for media consumption, you'll find both offer exceptional performance, immersive visuals, and advanced entertainment features. However, there are still some distinguishing points that set them apart. 

The iPad Air M2 excels in colour accuracy, app support, and seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem, making it ideal for creatives, streamers, and professionals who want reliable, high-performance media tools. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 stands out with its AMOLED brilliance, flexible storage options, and impressive multitasking capabilities, perfect for those who want cinematic immersion and more control over how they use their device. 

So, which one is right for media lovers? Choose the iPad Air M2 if you’re looking for flawless colour precision, advanced app functionality, and a refined experience across your Apple devices. On the other hand, choose the Samsung Tab S9 if you prioritise vibrant display quality, expandable Samsung storage, and Android customisation for streaming, gaming, and multitasking. 

Ready to make the switch? Explore unrivalled offers and buy your next iPad or Samsung tablet today at Box.co.uk, your home for the best tablet deals online.