Which is better for watching video and reading?

The iPad. Its 264 ppi screen is noticeably sharper than the Tab A11+'s 206 ppi, and iPadOS handles streaming apps well. The Tab A11+ is bigger, which some people prefer for full-screen video.

The iPad. Apple supports iPads with iPadOS updates for roughly five to seven years, while Samsung's budget Tab A line gets a shorter window. The Tab A11+'s microSD slot helps with storage over time.

Is the iPad worth stepping up to?

For most shoppers, yes. You get a sharper display, a faster chip, better cameras and longer updates. Step down to the Tab A11+ only if you need 5G or a memory card slot.

Can I use a stylus on either?

Only the iPad supports an active stylus, through Apple Pencil. The Tab A11+ has no active digitizer, so a passive rubber-tip stylus is the limit.

Which is better for kids or schoolwork?

The iPad, thanks to its app library, Apple Pencil support and long update life. The Tab A11+ is a reasonable budget pick for basic homework and video calls.

Do either have cellular?

Only the Galaxy Tab A11+, which comes in a 5G version. The iPad (2025) A16 model here is Wi-Fi only.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Buy the iPad (2025) A16 for a sharper screen, stronger chip, better cameras and longer software support. Buy the Galaxy Tab A11+ if you want a bigger 11-inch canvas, a 5G option and microSD expansion. Build quality is close, but owners and reviewers consistently rate the iPad's display and app library higher. The Tab A11+ wins on screen size and cellular flexibility; the iPad wins on nearly everything else.

Choose the Galaxy Tab A11+ if you want an 11-inch screen, optional 5G and microSD storage in an Android tablet.
Choose the iPad (2025) A16 if you want the sharpest display, the fastest chip and the longest software support in this class.

Prices

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+: $257.39 at Bonanza (checked today)
Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB: $26.99 at Rent-A-Center (last seen Nov 8)
Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB is $230.40 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 11.0" 128GB SM-X238U

What separates them

	Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+	Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Display	11.0-inch, 1920 x 1200, about 206 ppi	11-inch Liquid Retina, 2360 x 1640, 264 ppi
Chip	Entry-level Samsung chip, 6 or 8 GB RAM	Apple A16, hexa-core
Software support	Android, shorter update window	iPadOS, roughly 5-7 years of updates
Cellular	5G model available	Wi-Fi only
Storage expansion	microSD card slot	No card slot
Cameras	8 MP rear, 5 MP front	12 MP front with Center Stage, 4K video
Stylus	No active pen support	Apple Pencil support
Weight	16.8 oz	16.8 oz

Specs compared

Spec	Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+	Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Operating System	Android	iPadOS
Display Resolution	1920 x 1200	2360 x 1640
Color	Black, Silver, Gray	Blue
Language / Region	English / United States	English / United States
Network Connectivity	5G	5G
Storage	128 GB Storage, 256 GB Storage	128 GB Storage
Screen Size	11 in screen	11.0
Weight	16.8 oz	16.8 oz
Battery Life	15 hours battery	10 hours battery
Rear Camera Resolution	8 MP rear camera	12 MP rear camera
RAM	RAM: 6 GB, RAM: 8 GB	RAM: 6 GB, RAM: 8 GB
Battery Capacity	7,040 mAh	7,606 mAh

Show all 40 specs

Spec	Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+	Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB
Front Camera Resolution	5 MP front camera	12 MP front camera
Connections	—	USB-C
Bluetooth	—	Yes
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)	—	12.0
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)	—	Yes
System on Chip (SoC)	—	Apple A16
Refresh Rate	—	60Hz
Pixel Density (PPI)	—	264
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)	—	No

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Prices

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Prices

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store