iPad is Apple's tablet line; other tablets run Android or Windows and cost less

An iPad is a tablet made by Apple. Other tablets — made by Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo, and others — run Google's Android system or Microsoft's Windows. The main differences come down to the operating system, price, app selection, and how long the device stays current. If you already own an iPhone or Mac, an iPad integrates more smoothly. If you want the lowest price or prefer Android's flexibility, another brand may suit you better.

The choice matters because it affects what apps you can use, how much you spend upfront, and how many years the device will receive updates. An iPad typically costs more but holds its value longer and gets software updates for five to seven years. Most Android tablets cost less but may stop receiving updates after two to three years.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad runs Apple's iPadOS; other tablets run Android (Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon) or Windows (Microsoft Surface), and each system has different apps and features.
  • iPad models start around $329 for the base iPad and go up to $1,100 for the iPad Pro, while Android tablets range from $100 to $800 depending on brand and features.
  • iPads receive software updates for five to seven years; most Android tablets stop receiving updates after two to three years, which affects long-term usability.
  • If you use iPhone, Mac, or other Apple devices, iPad shares features like iCloud sync and AirDrop; Android tablets work best with Android phones and Google services.

Operating system and app availability

iPad runs iPadOS, Apple's operating system built specifically for tablets. Android tablets run Android, Google's system, which also powers most smartphones. Windows tablets run Windows 11, the same system as a laptop. Each system has its own app store with different programs available.

The iPad App Store has roughly 2 million apps, many optimized for the larger screen. Android's Google Play Store has more apps overall but fewer are designed specifically for tablets — many are phone apps stretched to fit a bigger screen. Windows tablets can run desktop software like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Photoshop, which iPad and Android tablets cannot.

If you use specific software for work — accounting programs, design tools, or industry-specific applications — check whether it exists on your chosen system before you buy. iPad and Android apps are often simpler versions of their desktop counterparts.

Price and what you get for the money

iPad pricing starts at $329 for the base model with 64 GB of storage. The iPad Air costs $599, and the iPad Pro ranges from $799 to $1,100 depending on screen size and storage. All come with the same processor generation at launch, so the main difference is screen size and RAM.

Android tablets vary widely. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 costs around $349 for the base model; Amazon's Fire tablets start at $100; Lenovo tablets range from $150 to $500. Windows tablets like the Microsoft Surface Go cost $400 to $600. For the same price as an iPad Pro, you could buy two or three Android tablets.

The trade-off is longevity. iPad holds its resale value better — a two-year-old iPad sells for 50 to 60 percent of its original price, while an Android tablet of the same age sells for 30 to 40 percent. If you plan to keep the device for three years or longer, the higher upfront cost of iPad often makes sense.

Software updates and how long devices stay usable

Apple releases one major iPadOS update per year and supports each iPad model for five to seven years. An iPad bought in 2018 can still run the current version of iPadOS. This means security patches, new features, and bug fixes arrive regularly for years.

Android tablet makers vary. Samsung promises three years of major updates and four years of security patches on its Galaxy Tab line. Amazon's Fire tablets receive updates for about two years. Lenovo tablets typically get two to three years of updates. After that window closes, the device still works but stops receiving security fixes, which can leave it vulnerable to new threats.

If you keep devices for four years or longer, iPad's longer update window is a real advantage. If you replace tablets every two years, the difference matters less.

Integration with other devices you own

iPad works seamlessly with iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods. You can use iCloud to sync photos, documents, and settings across all Apple devices. AirDrop lets you send files between devices when ready. Handoff lets you start a task on one device and finish it on another. Universal Clipboard lets you copy text on one device and paste it on another.

Android tablets integrate best with Android phones and Google services like Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. If you own a Samsung phone, a Samsung tablet adds some extra features. Windows tablets work with Windows PCs and Microsoft services like OneDrive and Outlook.

If your phone is iPhone, iPad is the natural choice. If your phone is Android, an Android tablet makes more sense. If you use both systems, neither tablet will feel like a perfect fit, but iPad tends to work better across mixed ecosystems because iCloud and AirDrop are more polished.

Screen size and what you'll actually use it for

iPad comes in three sizes: the base iPad has a 10.9-inch screen, the iPad Air has a 11-inch or 13-inch screen, and the iPad Pro has an 11-inch or 13-inch screen. Android tablets range from 7 inches (small, portable) to 12.9 inches (large, closer to a laptop). Windows tablets are typically 10 to 13 inches.

Smaller tablets (7 to 8 inches) are easier to hold and carry but harder to read and type on. Larger tablets (11 to 13 inches) work better for reading, drawing, and watching video but are heavier and take up more space. If you plan to use the tablet mostly for reading and web browsing, a smaller one is fine. If you want to use it for drawing, photo editing, or as a laptop replacement, go larger.

iPad Pro models include an Apple Pencil stylus (sold separately, $129) that works with drawing and note-taking apps. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S line includes a stylus in the box. Most other Android tablets do not support stylus input. If you plan to draw or take handwritten notes, this matters.

Performance and speed

iPad uses Apple's own processors — the A-series chips in regular iPads and the M-series chips in iPad Pro models. These are fast and efficient, and Apple optimizes iPadOS specifically for them. Performance is consistent across all iPad models of the same generation.

Android tablets use processors from Qualcomm (Snapdragon), Samsung (Exynos), or MediaTek. Performance varies widely depending on the chip and price point. A high-end Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 is as fast as an iPad Air, but a budget Android tablet will be noticeably slower. Windows tablets use Intel or Snapdragon processors and vary similarly.

For everyday tasks — browsing, email, video, reading — any modern tablet is fast enough. The difference shows up in demanding apps like video editing, 3D games, or photo processing. iPad's consistent performance across its lineup makes it easier to predict what you're getting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an iPad with an Android phone?

Yes, but some features won't work. You can use iCloud for photos and documents, but AirDrop and Handoff only work between Apple devices. If your phone is Android, an Android tablet will sync more smoothly with your phone and Google services.

Is iPad worth the extra cost compared to Android tablets?

It depends on how long you keep devices and whether you own other Apple products. iPad holds value better and gets updates longer, so the higher upfront cost spreads over more years. If you replace tablets every two years or use mostly free web apps, a cheaper Android tablet makes sense.

Can I use a tablet as a laptop replacement?

Partially. iPad Pro with a keyboard case and Apple Pencil comes closest to laptop functionality, especially for creative work. Android and Windows tablets can also work with keyboards, but iPadOS and Android are designed for touch, not keyboard-and-mouse work like Windows is. If you need to run desktop software, a Windows tablet is the better choice.

Which tablet is best for reading and watching video?

Any tablet with a screen larger than 10 inches works well for both. iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Lenovo Tab all have good screens. iPad tends to have slightly brighter, more color-accurate displays, but the difference is small. Choose based on price and whether you want integration with other devices you own.

Do I need to buy a case and screen protector?

A case is worth buying — tablets are expensive and straightforward to drop. iPad cases range from $20 to $80. Screen protectors are optional; modern tablet screens are durable, and a protector can reduce screen clarity. Most people skip the protector and just use a case.