Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2, Wi-Fi) / Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (Wi-Fi, 4 GB / 64 GB)

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2, Wi-Fi): 13-inch iPad Air (M2), Wi-Fi model; 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model (A2899/A2903) is 1 g heavier and uses eSIM only. The 11-inch iPad Air (M2) and the later M3 version are separate models.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (Wi-Fi, 4 GB / 64 GB): Wi-Fi model with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. The 8 GB / 128 GB version, the 5G model, the Kids Edition and the 8.7-inch Galaxy Tab A9 are separate configurations and models.

SpecificationApple iPad Air 13-inch (M2, Wi-Fi)Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (Wi-Fi, 4 GB / 64 GB)
Release year20242023
Display13-inch Liquid Retina, LED-backlit IPS; 2732 × 2048 pixels, 264 ppi; 600 nits; P3 wide colour; True Tone; fully laminated; antireflective coating

Full lamination removes the gap between the glass and the panel, so the pencil tip appears closer to the image. Apple ProMotion (120 Hz) is not on this model.

Apple		11.0-inch LCD; up to 90 Hz

The size is measured as a full rectangle without the rounded corners, so the visible area is slightly smaller. 90 Hz makes scrolling look smoother than on 60 Hz screens.

Samsung
Chip and memoryApple M2; 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency), 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine; 8 GB RAM

Memory is 8 GB on every configuration and cannot be upgraded later.

Apple		—
Storage128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB Apple—
Pencil and keyboardApple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C); Apple Pencil hover; Smart Connector

Apple Pencil Pro pairs and charges on the magnetic connector on the side. The Smart Connector powers a keyboard without a separate battery or pairing.

Apple		—
CamerasRear: 12 MP wide, ƒ/1.8, 4K at 60 fps; Front: landscape 12 MP Ultra Wide, Center Stage

Placing the front camera on the long edge keeps the face centred in video calls when used landscape with a keyboard.

Apple		8 MP rear, 5 MP front

The front camera is used for video calls and the rear one for documents and quick shots; neither lists optical stabilisation.

Samsung
AudioLandscape stereo speakers; dual microphones AppleQuad speakers; Dolby Atmos

The four speakers are split between both sides for stereo sound when the tablet is held horizontally.

Samsung
USB-C and external displayUSB-C: charging, DisplayPort, USB 3 (up to 10 Gb/s); one external display up to 6K at 60 Hz Apple—
WirelessWi-Fi 6E (2x2 MIMO); Bluetooth 5.3

Wi-Fi 6E uses the 6 GHz band with a compatible router, which means less interference on busy networks.

Apple		—
AuthenticationTouch ID in the top button Apple—
Battery36.59 Wh lithium-polymer; up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi Apple7,040 mAh (typical)

The typical value is the average of the battery samples tested; real battery life depends on screen brightness and apps.

Samsung
Size and weight280.6 × 214.9 × 6.1 mm; Wi-Fi model 617 g Apple168.7 × 257.1 × 6.9 mm; 480 g

The 5G model weighs 491 g.

Samsung
ColoursBlue, Purple, Starlight, Space Gray AppleGraphite, Silver, Navy (Canada)

Colour options can vary by market; the hardware is the same.

Samsung
Processor—Octa-core processor

Samsung’s spec table does not name the chip; it may differ by market.

Samsung
Memory and storage—4 GB RAM + 64 GB; up to 1 TB with microSD

Usable storage is less than 64 GB because of preloaded software; 8 GB + 128 GB is a separate configuration.

Samsung
Charging—Wired, 15 W; QC2.0 and AFC compatible; adapter sold separately

There is no charger in the box; a compatible adapter is needed to reach 15 W.

Samsung
Connectivity—Wi-Fi 5; Bluetooth 5.1; cellular only on the 5G model

This Wi-Fi model has no SIM slot or mobile data.

Samsung
Software—Launched with Android 13; Samsung Knox

Knox is Samsung’s on-device security platform, covering encryption and enterprise management features.

Samsung
Accessories—Book Cover and Book Cover Keyboard Slim sold separately; no stylus support listed

The keyboard cover attaches to the contact points on the tablet’s bottom edge.

Samsung