Samsung said Galaxy Tab S12+ availability in the US began on October 7, 2026. The 12.6-inch tablet pairs an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz with an included S Pen, while the 13-inch iPad Air M4 runs iPadOS 26, with resizable windows and other multitasking features. The US starting prices are $1,199.99 for the S12+ and $799 for the iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi model, which starts with 128GB of storage.
How multitasking differs on Android and iPadOS
The Galaxy Tab S12+ runs Android 17 with One UI 9. Its Multi Window feature supports split-screen apps, and Samsung describes a desktop-style interface for work. These features give you options for arranging tasks on the tablet; how well they fit depends on the apps you use and the way you work.
Apple’s iPadOS 26 supports resizable app windows, window tiling, Exposé, and Stage Manager. It also supports external displays on eligible iPad models; Apple lists iPad Air M2 and later among models with full external-display support.
For coursework, writing, or research, the practical question is whether your usual apps work the way you need across split-screen or resizable windows. If you plan to connect an external display, check that your intended setup supports it.
Display, stylus, storage, and protection
The S12+ has a 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. The 13-inch iPad Air M4 has a Liquid Retina display. The S Pen comes with the Samsung tablet; Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are compatible accessories for the iPad Air and are sold separately.
The S12+ supports microSD expansion up to 2TB. The iPad Air M4 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations and does not support microSD expansion. If you keep a large local library of files, the storage options may matter as much as the built-in capacity.
Samsung rates the S12+ IP68 for water and dust resistance. Samsung’s stated conditions specify up to 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
| Feature | Galaxy Tab S12+ | 13-inch iPad Air M4 |
| Display | 12.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X; adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz | 13-inch Liquid Retina |
| Operating system and multitasking | Android 17 with One UI 9; Multi Window supports split-screen apps | iPadOS 26; resizable windows, tiling, Exposé, and Stage Manager |
| Stylus | S Pen included | Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) sold separately |
| Storage | 256GB or 512GB; microSD expansion up to 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB; no microSD expansion |
| Water and dust resistance | IP68 | — |
US starting prices and accessories
Samsung lists the Galaxy Tab S12+ from $1,199.99 in the US. Apple lists the 13-inch iPad Air M4 Wi-Fi from $799, with 128GB as the entry configuration. These are the manufacturers’ starting prices.
Apple lists the 13-inch Magic Keyboard at $319 and Apple Pencil Pro at $129 in the US. The S Pen is included with the S12+, so the stylus is part of the Samsung tablet’s listed package; Apple’s keyboard and Pencil Pro are separate purchases.
Choose by your apps and work habits
Consider the Galaxy Tab S12+ if an included stylus, a 120Hz AMOLED display, microSD expansion, or its IP68 rating fits your priorities. Its Multi Window feature supports split-screen apps, and Samsung describes a desktop-style work interface.
Consider the iPad Air M4 if its iPadOS 26 windowing features fit your workflow or you want the option of Apple’s separately sold Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. The 13-inch model also offers storage configurations up to 1TB.
Before choosing either tablet for work or school, check that the apps and device-management tools you need support the workflow you plan to use, including any external-display setup.
