Galaxy Tab S9 Vs Ipad Air Which Multitasks Better For Students

For students juggling lectures, research, assignments, and collaboration, a tablet isn’t just a media device—it’s a digital workstation. The ability to multitask effectively can make or break productivity. Two top contenders in this space are the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and the Apple iPad Air. Both offer powerful hardware and sleek designs, but when it comes to managing multiple tasks simultaneously—like taking notes while referencing a PDF, watching a lecture while typing, or using two apps side-by-side—the differences become critical. This article dives deep into how each device handles real-world student workflows, comparing multitasking features, software flexibility, stylus integration, and long-term usability.

Multitasking Interface: Design Philosophy and User Experience

The foundation of effective multitasking lies in the operating system’s approach to window management. Samsung’s One UI on the Galaxy Tab S9 is built from the ground up with desktop-style productivity in mind. It supports true multi-window functionality, allowing users to run up to three apps simultaneously in resizable windows. These can be pinned as floating pop-up windows or arranged in custom split layouts via the “Multi-Window” panel. For example, a student can have Google Docs open on one side, a Chrome browser with research articles on the other, and a small floating window of Zoom running lecture audio—all visible at once.

In contrast, iPadOS takes a more controlled, gesture-driven approach. While the iPad Air supports Split View (two apps side by side) and Slide Over (a smaller floating window), it limits simultaneous app usage compared to Android. You can't freely resize windows beyond preset ratios without third-party apps, and running three full apps at once requires workarounds like dragging a third app from the dock. Additionally, Slide Over windows cannot be resized freely and often obscure part of the main screen, which can frustrate users during extended study sessions.

Tip: On the Galaxy Tab S9, drag an app icon to the top edge of the screen to instantly add it to a split-screen layout—this shortcut saves time during fast-paced study sessions.

Hardware Performance and Memory Management

Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S9 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip with 8GB or 12GB of RAM (depending on configuration), while the iPad Air uses Apple’s M1 chip with 8GB of unified memory. The M1 is renowned for its efficiency and raw power, particularly in single-threaded performance, making app launches snappy and graphics smooth. However, multitasking isn’t just about speed—it’s about sustained performance with multiple heavy apps open.

Samsung’s higher RAM options give the Tab S9 an edge when keeping numerous tabs, documents, and reference materials loaded in the background. Students working across Google Classroom, YouTube, Notion, and Adobe Acrobat benefit from reduced reloading delays. Meanwhile, iPadOS aggressively suspends background apps to preserve battery life, meaning you might return to a blank Safari tab after switching away for several minutes—a minor but frequent disruption.

Battery life also plays into sustained multitasking. The Tab S9 offers around 14 hours of mixed use, while the iPad Air delivers about 10–12 hours. Though both last a full school day, the Tab S9’s larger battery provides more headroom for back-to-back video calls, note-taking, and streaming without needing a midday charge.

App Ecosystem and Productivity Software

No amount of hardware prowess matters if the software doesn’t support complex workflows. Android’s flexibility allows for greater customization in multitasking environments. Apps like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Notion behave natively in split-screen mode, preserving formatting and responsiveness. Third-party launchers and utilities further enhance control over window placement and automation.

iPadOS has made strides with Stage Manager (introduced in iPadOS 16), which enables overlapping windows and external display support. But Stage Manager remains optional and is not universally supported—many students disable it due to confusion or sluggishness on non-Pro models like the iPad Air. Without it, iPad multitasking feels constrained by iOS’s mobile-first design.

Consider a common student scenario: preparing a presentation. On the Galaxy Tab S9, you can have PowerPoint open in one pane, Google Scholar in another, and Samsung Notes with your outline in a floating window. Copy-paste between them works seamlessly. On the iPad Air, achieving the same setup requires toggling between Split View and Slide Over, often losing context when switching inputs.

“Students need fluid transitions between apps—not just two apps stuck together. True multitasking means no cognitive friction.” — Dr. Linda Chen, Educational Technologist at Stanford University

Stylus Integration and Note-Taking Workflows

The S Pen and Apple Pencil are central to academic use. The Galaxy Tab S9 includes the S Pen in the box, magnetically attached for instant access and automatic pairing. Its low latency (2.3ms) makes writing feel natural, and Samsung Notes offers advanced features like handwriting-to-text conversion, shape recognition, and audio-linked notes (recordings synced to handwritten timestamps).

The iPad Air supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which must be purchased separately (~$129). It charges wirelessly via the tablet’s side and offers excellent precision. However, its functionality is limited outside Apple’s ecosystem. While apps like GoodNotes and Notability provide robust note-taking experiences, they don’t integrate deeply with split-screen workflows unless specifically designed for it.

Where the Tab S9 shines is in \"Air Command\" and \"Screen Off Memo\"—features that let students jot down ideas instantly, even when the screen is off. During a lecture, pulling the S Pen triggers a quick note overlay atop whatever app is running, ideal for capturing sudden thoughts without leaving your current task.

Feature	Galaxy Tab S9	iPad Air
Stylus Included	Yes (S Pen)	No (Apple Pencil sold separately)
Max Simultaneous Apps	3+ (with floating windows)	2 full + 1 floating (Slide Over)
RAM Options	8GB / 12GB	8GB (fixed)
Split-Screen Flexibility	Resizable, customizable layouts	Preset ratios only
Background App Retention	Strong (especially with 12GB RAM)	Moderate (aggressive suspension)
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 10 hours

Real-World Student Workflow: A Mini Case Study

Meet Maya, a university biology major who regularly attends online lectures, annotates research papers, and writes lab reports. Her typical study session involves watching a recorded lecture on her tablet while taking notes and cross-referencing journal articles.

On the Galaxy Tab S9, Maya uses Multi-Window to place the lecture video in a small floating window in the corner. She opens Samsung Notes on the left half of the screen for handwritten annotations and keeps a PDF reader on the right with scientific studies. When she needs to look up a term, she swipes up to access the Edge Panel, which hosts quick links to dictionary and translation tools—all without minimizing anything.

When she tried the same workflow on an iPad Air, she struggled. Split View allowed only two apps at once. To check a definition, she had to exit full-screen mode, open Safari in Slide Over, then return—breaking her focus. The Apple Pencil worked well for writing, but syncing voice recordings to notes required a third-party app not optimized for multitasking. After a week, Maya reverted to the Tab S9, citing smoother continuity between tasks.

Tip: Use the Tab S9’s “Link to Windows” feature to mirror your PC screen and copy-paste directly between devices during group projects.

Actionable Checklist: Optimizing Your Tablet for Academic Multitasking

• ✅ Test split-screen setups with your most-used apps before purchasing
• ✅ Prioritize devices with at least 8GB RAM for smoother background app handling
• ✅ Choose a tablet that includes a stylus in the box to reduce initial costs
• ✅ Enable gesture navigation to minimize reliance on buttons during multitasking
• ✅ Organize frequently used app pairs (e.g., browser + notes) as favorites in multi-window trays
• ✅ Use cloud-syncing note apps that support handwriting, text, and audio in one file
• ✅ Disable auto-brightness in long study sessions to avoid visual distractions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPad Air run three apps at once like the Tab S9?

The iPad Air technically supports two full apps in Split View and a third in Slide Over mode. However, Slide Over acts more like a temporary popup than a persistent workspace. Unlike the Tab S9, you cannot freely resize or position all three windows simultaneously without Stage Manager, which is less stable on the iPad Air than on iPad Pro models.

Is the S Pen worth it for students?

Absolutely. The S Pen’s inclusion, low latency, and deep integration with Samsung Notes make it ideal for annotating PDFs, sketching diagrams, and taking handwritten notes. Since it comes free with the Tab S9, it offers better value than the Apple Pencil, which adds significant cost.

Which tablet lasts longer during back-to-back classes?

The Galaxy Tab S9 generally outperforms the iPad Air in battery endurance, especially under heavy multitasking loads. Independent tests show the Tab S9 lasting up to 14 hours of video playback versus 10–12 hours for the iPad Air. For students attending multiple online classes or studying off-campus, this extra runtime can eliminate midday charging anxiety.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Student Productivity

While both the Galaxy Tab S9 and iPad Air are capable tablets, their approaches to multitasking reveal a fundamental divide. The Tab S9 treats the tablet as a mini-laptop alternative, offering granular control over windows, superior background app retention, and included stylus functionality. It empowers students to build personalized, efficient workflows that mimic desktop computing.

The iPad Air, though elegant and powerful, still operates within the constraints of a mobile OS. Its multitasking features are improving, but they remain secondary to touch-first simplicity. For students whose work demands constant switching between resources, responsive stylus input, and long battery life, the Galaxy Tab S9 delivers a more seamless, productive experience.

If your academic success depends on managing complexity without compromise, the Galaxy Tab S9 stands out as the better multitasking partner. Evaluate your daily routines, test both systems if possible, and choose the device that adapts to your mind—not the other way around.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your study setup? Share your favorite multitasking tip in the comments below—or tell us which tablet helps you stay focused during finals season.