What is the Difference Between Galaxy Tab S2 and iPad Air 2?

06/21/2025 • Maryella Faratro

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and Apple iPad Air 2 are both popular tablets with different features and specifications. Here are some key differences between the two devices:

  • Design: The Galaxy Tab S2 is thinner and lighter than the iPad Air 2, with dimensions of 169mm x 237.3mm x 5.6mm and a weight of 389g. The iPad Air 2 is slightly larger and heavier.
  • Display: Both tablets have a similar display resolution of 2048 x 1536, but the iPad Air 2 features a laminated IPS LCD screen. The Galaxy Tab S2 has a Super AMOLED display, which offers better contrast and color saturation compared to the iPad Air 2's IPS LCD screen.
  • Operating System: The iPad Air 2 runs on iOS 8 (upgradable to iOS 9), while the Galaxy Tab S2 runs on Android. This difference in operating systems will affect the available apps, features, and user experience.
  • Performance: The Galaxy Tab S2 has 3GB of RAM and a faster CPU speed of 4 x 1.9GHz & 4 x 1.3GHz, compared to the iPad Air 2's 2GB of RAM and a slightly slower CPU speed.
  • Multitasking: The iPad Air 2 offers split-screen multitasking, keyboard shortcuts, and video minimizing with iOS 9, while the Galaxy Tab S2 has had these features for a while.

In conclusion, the choice between the Galaxy Tab S2 and iPad Air 2 depends on your preferences for design, display, operating system, performance, and multitasking features.

Comparative Table: Galaxy Tab S2 vs iPad Air 2

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and the iPad Air 2:

Specification Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 Apple iPad Air 2 WiFi + Cellular
Display 9.7-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio, 264ppi 9.7-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio, 264ppi
Operating System Android 5.0 Lollipop with TouchWiz UI iOS 8 (upgradable to iOS 9)
Processor 4 x 1.9GHz & 4 x 1.3GHz Samsung Exynos 5433 2 x 1.5GHz Apple A8X
RAM 3GB 2GB
Storage 128GB 64GB
Rear Camera 8MP 8MP
Front Camera 1.2MP 2.1MP
Video Recording 1080 x 60fps 1440 x 30fps
Battery Capacity 8600mAh 5870mAh
Dimensions 222 x 169.5 x 6.1mm, 444g 237.3 x 169 x 5.6mm, 392g

Both tablets have similar display specifications, with 9.7-inch screens and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 has a slightly faster processor, more RAM, and a higher battery capacity compared to the iPad Air 2. However, the iPad Air 2 has a higher rear camera resolution and a smaller form factor. The choice between the two devices depends on your preference for the Android or iOS operating system and the specific features that are most important to you.

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