Why iPads Are So Far Ahead of Android Tablets?

Despite significant improvements, Android tablets still lag far behind the iPad. Some of that is due to their own shortcomings, but not always. Here are some of the main reasons why the iPad is so far ahead of its Android rivals.

1. Apple's Continuity Features

One of the reasons many people regret buying an Android tablet instead of an iPad is because Android tablets don't work well with other Apple devices. Continuity is one of the main advantages of owning an iPad if you already have a Mac or iPhone.

Why iPads Are So Far Ahead of Android Tablets?
iPad, Apple Watch and Mac placed side by side

When you buy an iPad, you get access to Universal Controls to make using your devices more seamless. You can also take advantage of Sidecar, which lets you use your iPad effectively as a second display. And don’t forget about other Continuity features like AirDrop, AirPlay, Universal Clipboard, and more that make life easier if you own multiple Apple devices.

2. Developers put more effort into iPad apps

Even though Android tablets are nearly identical to iPads, manufacturers can’t do much if app developers don’t do their part. Developers generally put a lot more effort into iPad apps than they do Android tablets. You’ll also find a variety of apps for iPad that aren’t available on Android tablets, such as DaVinci Resolve and Pixelmator.

Why iPads Are So Far Ahead of Android Tablets?
Lightroom CC interface for iPad

It’s likely that businesses will allocate more resources to developing apps for Android tablets as they continue to improve and more people use them. But until that happens, closing the gap will be difficult.

3. Long-term software support

Why iPads Are So Far Ahead of Android Tablets?
iPadOS 18 runs Apple Intelligence

One of the great things about iPads is that you’ll continue to get software updates long after their original release date. For example, the third-generation 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro is eligible for iPadOS 18 in 2024.

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra will have better support options than other Android tablets, it's still not on par with the top-end iPad. You'll get four major generations of One UI/Android OS and five years of security updates, but those security updates won't bring you new features, unlike the latest versions of iPadOS.

It’s also worth noting that even lower-end iPads typically get around five years of updates. Once a device is no longer compatible with the latest version of iPadOS, you’ll typically get security updates for a little longer.

4. Better security

While Android tablets are more customizable than iPads, iPads offer superior security. You’ll get a number of software updates between each major fall release, many of which include essential security patches.

Because you can’t customize the iPad as much as you can with an Android tablet, Apple has an easier time making its software more secure. While you have useful security tools on an Android tablet (including a lock mode), the iPad can do many of these things and has a more solid foundation.

5. Durability

Another reason why Android tablets are inferior to iPads is that Apple devices are generally much better built and more durable.

YouTuber JerryRigEverything did a comprehensive (and entertaining) durability test on the M4 iPad Pro after it launched in 2024. The tablet held up pretty well despite the YouTuber pouring ice cream on it, holding a lighter to it, and more. It did eventually snap in half, but after all the effort, it's pretty unlikely to happen by accident.

6. Apple Silicon chips are much more powerful

The iPad has always been solid when it comes to web browsing, streaming, and gaming, but the high-end models with Apple silicon chips have been much more performance-focused. In fact, these are the same chips Apple uses in MacBooks. With the M2 and M4 iPad Pros, you can easily edit 4K video projects using professional apps like Final Cut Pro and Capture One.

The new Android tablets are a huge improvement over the older versions and are definitely worth checking out, but it's still hard to ignore the iPad. From better apps and durability to more powerful chips and long-term software support, the iPad is still the recommended choice for anyone looking for a tablet for the foreseeable future.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to Turn Your iPad into an Extra Mac Display

How to Turn Your iPad into an Extra Mac Display

macOS Catalina and iPadOS include support for a new feature called Sidecar, designed to let you use your iPad as a secondary display for your Mac.

Here is the list of iPhones and iPads that support iOS 16 and iPadOS 16

Here is the list of iPhones and iPads that support iOS 16 and iPadOS 16

After countless rumors and leaks, Apple finally officially announced iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 on stage at WWDC 2022

The iPad is the most purchased Apple product as a gift during the holiday season.

The iPad is the most purchased Apple product as a gift during the holiday season.

In recent years, technology products are increasingly chosen by many people as satisfactory gifts to send to friends, relatives, colleagues and partners.

How to set a quick alarm on iPhone

How to set a quick alarm on iPhone

If you often have to set alarms on your iPhone or iPad, there are two very quick ways to help you avoid having to go to the Clock app from the home screen. Let's refer to the two ways below with Quantrimang.

How to set up a new iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch

How to set up a new iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch

You just bought an iOS device from your savings or received it as a gift from a loved one? However, you can't use it right away because it requires a little setup. Here's what you need to do.

How to connect PS5 controller to iPhone or iPad

How to connect PS5 controller to iPhone or iPad

You may not know it, but the Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense controller also supports easy pairing with an iPhone or iPad.

How to copy photos and videos from the Files app to the Photos library on iPhone, iPad

How to copy photos and videos from the Files app to the Photos library on iPhone, iPad

There is nothing complicated about how to do it.

How to check iPad battery status quickly and in detail

How to check iPad battery status quickly and in detail

The Phone has a built-in tool to check battery health, but the iPad doesn't.

Linphone for iOS - Latest Version Updates for 2024 and 2025

Linphone for iOS - Latest Version Updates for 2024 and 2025

Discover the latest updates in Linphone for iOS, a free and convenient calling application for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, designed for seamless communication.

Veetle for iOS 2024 - A Revolutionary App for Watching Live Football on iPhone / iPad

Veetle for iOS 2024 - A Revolutionary App for Watching Live Football on iPhone / iPad

Veetle for iOS 2024, a completely free application for watching live football matches on your iOS device. Stream and enjoy sports entertainment seamlessly.

Instructions on how to check hidden iCloud on iPhone, iPad simple and effective

Instructions on how to check hidden iCloud on iPhone, iPad simple and effective

Discover how to check for hidden iCloud on your iPhone and iPad effortlessly. Learn the effective methods to uncover hidden iCloud and secure your device.

Netflix stops supporting devices running iOS 16 and iPadOS 16

Netflix stops supporting devices running iOS 16 and iPadOS 16

Netflix stopped supporting the third-generation Apple TV in June. Now, the streaming giant has confirmed that it will no longer support the Netflix app on iPhone and iPad models that are still running iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.

10 Things to Do After Buying a New iPad

10 Things to Do After Buying a New iPad

Getting a new tablet is exciting. But to get the most out of it, you need to set things up properly.

How to view list of downloaded apps on iPhone

How to view list of downloaded apps on iPhone

Applications downloaded on iPhone all have separate management lists, including applications currently in use and applications previously downloaded on iPhone.

How to install Copilot as a virtual assistant on Android

How to install Copilot as a virtual assistant on Android

Android users can install Microsoft Copilot as a virtual assistant on their phone, similar to using Gemini as a virtual assistant on Android.

How to make Android keyboard bigger

How to make Android keyboard bigger

To make your mobile experience easier to navigate, you can change the font size on Android. When text, fonts, and icons are easier to see, you may also want to make your Android keyboard larger.

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?

If you are not tech savvy, it is easy to get confused about different operating systems, manufacturers, device models, and specifications. One such example is people considering Samsung and Android as synonymous, which is not entirely correct.

How to minimize Chrome links opened from Android apps

How to minimize Chrome links opened from Android apps

When you open a link on Chrome from an Android app, the app will disappear. Here's how to minimize a Chrome link opened from an Android app.

5 best Android phones today

5 best Android phones today

Whether you're looking for the latest and greatest or want a budget-friendly option that still offers a good smartphone experience, these are the best Android phones available right now.

Dynamic Island Cover Wallpaper for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

Dynamic Island Cover Wallpaper for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

This collection of iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max pill-covering wallpapers will have a full range of wallpaper categories. From famous cartoon character wallpapers, multi-color wallpapers, monochrome wallpapers, nature wallpapers...

How to enable Gmail notifications on iPhone

How to enable Gmail notifications on iPhone

Gmail on iPhone allows users to receive email notifications according to each person's needs, receive only important email notifications, receive priority email notifications or receive all types of emails on Gmail on iPhone.

How to Check Which Apps Are Accessing Your Photo Library on iPhone

How to Check Which Apps Are Accessing Your Photo Library on iPhone

Do you remember how many times you installed an app, quickly tapped Allow on the prompt asking for photo access, and moved on without a second thought?

How to pin shared content in iPhone messages

How to pin shared content in iPhone messages

iPhone Messages has an option to pin shares so that everyone can see them immediately. Here's how to pin shares in iPhone Messages.

How to create a Restart iPhone shortcut in Control Center

How to create a Restart iPhone shortcut in Control Center

When you need to restart your iPhone, just press the Restart iPhone shortcut in Control Center. In case the side button is broken, we can use this method.

How to turn off music suggestions displayed on iPhone lock screen

How to turn off music suggestions displayed on iPhone lock screen

Many people do not like music suggestions displayed on the iPhone lock screen because they are annoying or unnecessary. If so, you can turn off music suggestions displayed on the iPhone lock screen according to the instructions below.

IPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max deliver impressive 5G speeds thanks to Qualcomm

IPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max deliver impressive 5G speeds thanks to Qualcomm

The new iPhone 16 Pro models are equipped with the Snapdragon X75 modem, which brings many improvements.

Apple has just put an end to batch components and unboxed screens

Apple has just put an end to batch components and unboxed screens

Apple just released the iOS 18 RC update on the morning of September 12 and brought the Repair Assistant feature to the iPhone. This means that iPhone components will be tied to the user's Apple account, and when installed on another device, they will be locked.

How to Set a Medication Reminder on iPhone

How to Set a Medication Reminder on iPhone

With the new iOS 17 update, Apple has added a medication reminder feature on the iPhone, making it easy to keep track of your medication schedule.

How to use iPhone portrait modes

How to use iPhone portrait modes

Six distinct lighting styles are built into the iPhone as Portrait mode. But they're not just for selfies.