Best Tablets with Stylus in 2025: Apple iPad Air vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 vs Tab S9+ Compared

By Alex Thompson · August 8, 2025 · 4 min read

Whether you're taking notes in class, illustrating, or multitasking at work, these three premium tablets with stylus support deliver power, portability, and creativity tools.

Which One Should You Get?

Best tablets with stylus

Best tablets with stylus

Pros

  • Apple M1 chip delivers laptop-class performance
  • Lightweight and portable for all-day use
  • Vivid 10.9″ Liquid Retina display with True Tone
  • Wide range of optimized stylus-supported apps

Cons

  • Apple Pencil sold separately
  • Base storage of 64 GB may be limiting

Unique Features & Insights

Reddit users often mention how the iPad Air feels nearly as fast as the iPad Pro for most tasks—making it a sweet spot for performance and value.

Pros

  • AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks
  • S Pen included—no extra purchase needed
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers smooth performance
  • Excellent multitasking with Android and Samsung DeX

Cons

  • Some Android tablet apps are less optimized
  • Battery life shorter than iPad Air with heavy use

Unique Features & Insights

YouTube reviewers highlight the S Pen's ultra‑low latency, making it feel almost like writing on paper.

Pros

  • Large 12.4″ AMOLED display ideal for art and multitasking
  • 256 GB storage plus microSD expansion
  • S Pen included in the box
  • Split‑screen and multi‑window capabilities

Cons

  • Large size reduces portability
  • Higher cost compared to smaller models

Unique Features & Insights

Artists on Reddit praise the combination of the large AMOLED display and S Pen for digital illustration workflows.

Final Comparison Table

Feature
Display
Processor
Storage
Stylus Support
Operating System
10.9″ Liquid Retina
Apple M1
64 GB
Apple Pencil (sold separately)
iPadOS
11″ AMOLED
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
128 GB
S Pen included
Android 13
12.4″ AMOLED
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
256 GB + microSD
S Pen included
Android 13

Whether you're loyal to Apple, prefer Android flexibility, or need a large‑screen creative workstation, one of these tablets will fit your workflow perfectly.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple iPad Air (M1) come with the Apple Pencil?

No, the Apple Pencil is sold separately.

Which tablet offers the largest display?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ features a 12.4″ AMOLED display.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and S9+ include the S Pen?

Yes, both models come with the S Pen included in the box.

Can I expand storage on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+?

Yes, it supports microSD card expansion in addition to the built‑in 256 GB.

Which tablet has the most optimized creative apps?

The Apple iPad Air offers a wider selection of optimized creative and note‑taking apps through the App Store.

Tags: Tablets with Stylus, Top Product Picks, Best of 2025

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