iPad Air vs Galaxy Tab S10+ vs Tab S10 FE Plus: Which Tablet Wins?

Design & Build

The iPad Air maintains Apple's signature minimalist aesthetic with its 10.9-inch aluminum body. It's comfortable to hold at a reasonable weight, though reviewers note it's heavier than some competitors. There's no water resistance rating, which matters if you're using this around kids or in varied environments. The build quality is solid, but it feels like Apple phoned in the design updates this generation.

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10+ goes bigger with a 12.4-inch frame that feels premium in hand. The AMOLED display dominates the front, and the overall construction screams flagship. It's heavier than the iPad Air due to the larger screen, but the weight distribution works. According to TechRadar, the build quality matches its premium positioning.

The Tab S10 FE Plus matches the S10+ in screen size at 12.4 inches but adds IP68 water and dust resistance. That's a genuine advantage for families and rough use cases. However, at 668 grams, it's noticeably heavy. Multiple reviewers called it bulky for everyday carrying. The plastic back feels less premium than the S10+, but it's durable.

Section winner: Galaxy Tab S10+. The premium materials and flagship feel edge out the competition, though the FE Plus wins on durability features alone.

Performance

Apple's M1 chip in the iPad Air delivers genuinely fast performance. Benchmarks show strong single and multi-core scores, and real-world usage is snappy. Apps launch instantly, multitasking works smoothly, and there's no lag in everyday tasks. According to PCMag's testing, the M1 handles creative apps and productivity workflows without breaking a sweat. This is legitimately powerful hardware.

The Galaxy Tab S10+ runs Samsung's Exynos 2400 processor, and reviewers found it handles multitasking effortlessly. CNET rated it 9.4/10 partly because performance stays consistent even with multiple apps running. Android Authority's testing showed smooth navigation and app switching. The 120Hz display helps everything feel fluid. It's not quite M1-level in raw benchmark numbers, but for tablet tasks, the difference is academic.

Here's where things get messy. The Tab S10 FE Plus uses the older Exynos 2200, and reviewers consistently reported UI stuttering and performance inconsistencies. Tom's Guide noted occasional lag, and TechRadar specifically called out performance compromises versus direct competitors. For $400, you're getting a display-first tablet where the processor struggles to keep up.

Section winner: iPad Air. The M1 chip is the fastest processor here, and it shows in both benchmarks and daily use. The S10+ comes close, but the FE Plus lags noticeably.

Display Quality

This is where Samsung flexes. The Galaxy Tab S10+ sports a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and 650 nits peak brightness. According to Digital Trends, it's "one of the best screens you'll find on any tablet." Colors pop, blacks are true black, and the 120Hz makes scrolling buttery smooth. For media consumption, creative work, or just showing off photos, this display is genuinely beautiful.

The Tab S10 FE Plus uses the same 12.4-inch size but with a slightly lower resolution at 2880 x 1800. It's still gorgeous for the price. Reviewers praised the display quality across the board. PCMag noted it "excels in display quality," and for families watching movies or kids using creative apps, the screen real estate and vibrancy deliver real value.

The iPad Air's 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, vibrant, and color-accurate. But it's stuck at 60Hz, which feels dated at this price point. Reviewers consistently dinged Apple for not upgrading to 120Hz. The screen is good, but next to the Samsung AMOLED panels with higher refresh rates, it feels like you're missing out. For $799, you deserve better.

Section winner: Galaxy Tab S10+. The AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh, and larger size create the best viewing experience here. The FE Plus comes close, but the S10+ edges it out in brightness and overall quality.

Software & Ecosystem

iPadOS delivers the polish and app selection Apple is known for. The App Store has more tablet-optimized apps than Android, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem with an iPhone and Mac, the integration is seamless. Multitasking works well, and Apple Pencil support is excellent for creative work. The downside? You're locked into Apple's way of doing things, and file management remains frustrating.

Samsung's One UI on Android 14 brings flexibility and customization that iPadOS can't match. The S10+ and FE Plus both include the S Pen at no extra cost, which adds genuine productivity value. DeX mode turns the tablet into a laptop-like experience when you need it. However, reviewers noted Samsung bloatware clutters the experience, and the Android tablet app ecosystem still lags behind iPad. CNET's review specifically called out limited app optimization compared to Apple.

Both Samsung tablets promise seven years of Android updates, which is impressive for long-term value. Apple doesn't publicly commit to update timelines, but historically supports devices for five to six years.

Section winner: iPad Air. The app ecosystem and ecosystem integration give Apple the edge, despite Android's flexibility advantages.

Battery Life

Apple claims up to 10 hours for the iPad Air, and reviewers found that estimate holds up in real-world testing. You'll get through a full day of mixed use without hunting for a charger. It's reliable, if not spectacular.

The Galaxy Tab S10+ promises up to 14 hours, and according to Android Authority's testing, it delivers on that claim with normal use. The larger battery capacity and efficient AMOLED display combine for genuinely impressive endurance. You can go a full day and then some without worrying about battery anxiety.

Samsung claims 12 hours for the Tab S10 FE Plus, but reviewers found real-world performance fell short of that marketing number. TechRadar noted battery life was adequate but not exceptional. You'll make it through a day, but heavy users might need a top-up.

Section winner: Galaxy Tab S10+. The 14-hour battery life that actually delivers in testing beats both competitors.

Value for Money

Here's where pricing creates a clear hierarchy. The iPad Air at $799 is expensive for what you get. You're paying for the M1 chip and Apple ecosystem, but the 60Hz display and lack of included stylus make it feel overpriced. As one reviewer noted, it's "$470 more than base iPad for marginal gains."

The Galaxy Tab S10+ currently sells for $535, down from its $899 MSRP. At that sale price, you're getting flagship features, the best display in this comparison, included S Pen, and strong performance. According to CNET's 9.4/10 review, it's "a top-tier Android tablet with impressive features" that justifies its positioning. Even at full price, the feature set competes well with the iPad Air.

The Tab S10 FE Plus at $400 offers the most screen for your money. That 12.4-inch display, included S Pen, and IP68 rating deliver real value. But the performance compromises matter. As reviewers noted, you're getting a display-first tablet where the processor struggles. For families who prioritize screen size and media consumption over performance, it works. For everyone else, the compromises sting.

Section winner: Galaxy Tab S10+. At $535, it delivers flagship features at a mid-range price. The performance, display, and included S Pen create the best value proposition here.

Who Should Buy What?

Get the iPad Air if you're already deep in the Apple ecosystem and need the M1 chip's performance for creative work or heavy multitasking. Students using Apple-specific apps and anyone who values the App Store's tablet-optimized selection will appreciate what this offers. Just know you're paying a premium for that ecosystem lock-in.

Get the Galaxy Tab S10+ if you want the best overall tablet experience without overspending. The stunning AMOLED display, strong performance, included S Pen, and current $535 pricing make this the smart buy for most people. It handles productivity, media consumption, and creative work equally well. Families who share a tablet will love the screen size and battery life.

Get the Tab S10 FE Plus if you prioritize screen size and durability over raw performance. The 12.4-inch display and IP68 rating work great for families with kids, media consumption, and casual use. Just don't expect flagship-level performance, and be prepared for occasional UI stuttering.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ wins this comparison. It delivers the best combination of display quality, performance, battery life, and value. That 12.4-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh is genuinely the best display you'll find in this price range. The Exynos 2400 handles everything you'll throw at it smoothly. The included S Pen adds productivity value without extra cost. And at $535 (current sale price), it undercuts the iPad Air by $264 while offering more screen, better battery life, and a more versatile software experience.

The iPad Air is faster and has better app selection, but it can't overcome the value gap. You're paying $799 for a 60Hz display and no included stylus. That's a tough sell when the S10+ exists.

The Tab S10 FE Plus offers impressive screen size for $400, but the performance compromises are real. If you're budget-constrained and prioritize display over everything else, it works. For everyone else, spend the extra $135 for the S10+ and get a tablet that won't frustrate you with lag.

According to expert reviews across CNET (9.4/10), Android Authority (9.3/10), and TechRadar (9.2/10), the Galaxy Tab S10+ earns its 9.2/10 aggregate rating. It's the best Android tablet you can buy right now, and at its current price, it's the best tablet period.