3 Minutes
Apple wins the sub-$500 tablet battle
Samsung has long been a strong contender across smartphones and premium tablets, but when it comes to affordable entertainment-focused slates, Apple’s 2025 iPad has closed the gap — and then some. For many buyers who want a reliable, media-first tablet under $500, the new iPad delivers a better overall package than several recent Samsung offerings.
Key product features: iPad vs. Galaxy Tab S10 Lite
2025 iPad (entry model)
- 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS display with higher resolution
- Stereo speakers tuned for media
- Apple A16 Bionic chip — strong sustained performance
- 128GB storage, 6GB RAM
- 12MP rear and 12MP front cameras
- Fast 45W charging support and optional USB-C Apple Pencil ($79)
- Top-mounted fingerprint sensor and world-class app ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite
- 10.9-inch TFT LCD display
- Stereo speakers and included low-cost S Pen
- Exynos 1380 chip
- 128GB storage, 6GB RAM
- 8MP rear and 5MP front cameras
- 25W charging, no fingerprint sensor
Comparison and advantages
Price is the headline: Apple priced the 2025 iPad at $349, while the Galaxy Tab S10 Lite starts around $429. Even after adding the optional USB-C Apple Pencil ($79), the iPad bundle remains competitively priced at roughly $428 — essentially the same outlay for a device that offers a better display resolution, faster A16 chip, stronger cameras, faster charging, and superior app optimization for tablets.
Beyond raw specs, the iPad benefits from iPadOS app support, consistent UI fluidity, and a mature ecosystem of tablet-optimized apps and games. Samsung’s lightweight One UI and included S Pen are useful, but they can’t fully offset weaker display tech, mid-range silicon, and less polished tablet apps.
Use cases: who should pick which tablet?
- Casual media consumers and mobile gamers: 2025 iPad — better performance, display, and app support.
- Users who need Samsung ecosystem integration or DeX workflows: higher-end Galaxy Tab S11 models remain compelling.
- Parents or very price-sensitive buyers: Tab A-series or Tab A9+ offer lower entry prices but compromise on performance and longevity.
Market relevance and strategic advice for Samsung
Samsung’s tablet portfolio is fragmented, with overlapping low- and mid-range models that dilute value. To remain competitive against Apple’s strong $349 proposition, Samsung should streamline its lineup, reduce low-value SKUs (Tab A, Tab FE, and weak Tab S Lite variants), and focus on one or two sub-$500 models that prioritize display quality, optimized chips, smooth UI, and reliable software updates.
In short: Apple’s 2025 iPad has shifted expectations for what an affordable tablet should deliver. Samsung can still win back consumers, but it needs to rethink product strategy, prioritize user experience, and deliver better value in the sub-$500 segment.
Bottom line
Apple doesn’t always outpace Samsung, but in the budget tablet category the 2025 iPad raises the bar. For buyers seeking the best entertainment tablet under $500, Apple’s offering is hard to beat — and Samsung must up its game to stay relevant in this key market.
Comments