Galaxy Tab S9 Vs Ipad Air Which Multitasks Better With Split Screen

When it comes to mobile productivity, few features are as essential as effective split-screen multitasking. For professionals, students, and creatives who rely on tablets for more than just media consumption, the ability to run two or more apps side by side—without compromise—can make or break the user experience. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and Apple iPad Air are both flagship devices in their respective ecosystems, offering premium hardware and software optimized for modern workflows. But when push comes to shove, which one actually delivers a superior split-screen multitasking experience?

This isn’t just about screen size or processor speed—it’s about how well each device integrates multitasking into its operating system, supports flexible app arrangements, and adapts to real-world usage patterns. Let’s break down the key differences and see which tablet truly earns the title of multitasking champion.

Operating System Design: Android (One UI) vs iPadOS

The foundation of any multitasking experience lies in the operating system. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 runs on Android with One UI 5.1 (upgradable to newer versions), while the iPad Air uses iPadOS 17. Both systems have evolved significantly over the years to support tablet-specific workflows, but they approach multitasking from fundamentally different philosophies.

Android, particularly in Samsung’s implementation, treats multitasking as a highly customizable and flexible process. One UI includes features like Multi-Window Mode, Dual Messenger, and Pip (Picture-in-Picture), allowing users to open multiple instances of apps or arrange windows freely. You can launch two apps side by side, stack them vertically, or even use a third app in pop-up mode—all without leaving the current screen.

iPadOS, on the other hand, takes a more structured approach. Apple introduced Split View and Slide Over to bring desktop-like capabilities to the iPad. Split View lets you run two apps side by side, with adjustable width ratios. Slide Over allows a secondary app to float above the main one, accessible via a swipe. While functional, this system lacks the fluidity of Samsung’s multi-window environment. Notably, true three-app multitasking is limited to certain models and requires dragging from the dock—a clunkier process compared to the Tab S9’s drag-and-drop flexibility.

“Samsung has been refining its multitasking model for over a decade. Their implementation feels more natural for power users who need rapid context switching.” — David Lin, Mobile Productivity Analyst at TechFlow Insights

Hardware and Display: Screen Real Estate Matters

Multitasking efficiency is directly tied to available screen space. The Galaxy Tab S9 features an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPad Air offers a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS display at 60Hz. On paper, the difference seems small, but in practice, it impacts usability.

The Tab S9’s higher resolution (2560 x 1600) and superior contrast ratio provide sharper text and better separation between split apps. Combined with the 120Hz refresh rate, window resizing feels smoother during drag operations. The iPad Air’s 60Hz screen, while perfectly adequate for most tasks, doesn’t deliver the same level of responsiveness when adjusting pane sizes or scrolling through documents in one half of the screen.

Additionally, the Tab S9’s slightly taller aspect ratio gives it an edge when viewing web pages or spreadsheets alongside another app. More vertical space means less scrolling, which reduces cognitive load during extended multitasking sessions.

Tip: When using split-screen, position your primary task (e.g., writing or reading) on the left side if you're right-handed—this minimizes accidental touches from palm contact.

Split-Screen Functionality: Flexibility vs Consistency

Let’s get into the practical details of how each device handles split-screen operation.

On the Galaxy Tab S9, activating split-screen is intuitive: long-press the recent apps button or drag an app icon to the top of the screen to initiate Multi-Window mode. From there, you can choose a second app, resize panes with a slider, and even pin frequently used pairs for one-tap access. What sets it apart is the ability to run three apps simultaneously in a 50/25/25 layout, or use floating windows that can be resized and repositioned anywhere on the screen.

The iPad Air supports two-app Split View natively. To activate it, drag an app from the dock onto another open app. You can adjust the divider to change the width ratio (typically 70/30 or 50/50). However, adding a third app requires opening Slide Over, which overlays the secondary app on top—this disrupts the visual balance and often obscures part of the main application.

Another limitation: not all iPad apps support full split-screen functionality. Some default to Slide Over only, especially third-party applications. In contrast, Samsung’s ecosystem enforces stricter compatibility standards, ensuring most Android apps behave predictably in multi-window environments.

Real-World Example: Student Note-Taking Workflow

Consider a university student preparing for finals. They need to read a PDF textbook on one side while taking notes in a digital notebook app on the other. With the Galaxy Tab S9, they can open Adobe Acrobat and Samsung Notes in split-screen, resize the PDF pane to 60% for better readability, and keep the notes section narrow but accessible. Using the S Pen, they highlight passages and instantly jot down summaries—all without switching contexts.

On the iPad Air, the same workflow works, but with caveats. If they want to look up a term in Safari, they must either exit split view or use Slide Over, which covers part of their notes. Closing Slide Over returns them to the previous two-app setup, but the interruption breaks focus. This may seem minor, but over hours of study, these micro-interruptions accumulate.

App Ecosystem and Software Optimization

No matter how good the hardware or OS, multitasking depends heavily on app support. Here, both platforms have strengths and weaknesses.

iPadOS benefits from a mature ecosystem of apps specifically designed for larger screens. Many productivity tools like Notability, GoodNotes, and Microsoft Office offer excellent split-screen behavior and stylus integration. However, Apple’s strict design guidelines sometimes limit innovation—developers can’t easily implement custom window behaviors or background processes.

Android, particularly on Samsung devices, allows greater flexibility. Apps can be launched in freeform windows, duplicated (e.g., two WhatsApp accounts), or minimized into compact bubbles. Samsung also integrates DeX mode, which transforms the tablet into a desktop-like interface—useful for managing multiple windows across a virtual taskbar.

That said, not all Android apps are optimized for tablets. Some still run in phone-compatible mode, leading to black bars or awkward scaling in split view. Samsung mitigates this with AI-based resizing and compatibility modes, but inconsistencies remain. The iPad generally provides a more polished, uniform experience across apps—even if it sacrifices some flexibility.

Comparison Table: Multitasking Features at a Glance

Feature	Galaxy Tab S9	iPad Air
Split-Screen Activation	Drag & drop, Recent apps menu	Drag from Dock
Max Simultaneous Apps (Visible)	3 (50/25/25 or 2-up + pop-up)	2 + 1 Slide Over
Resizable Panes	Yes, fully adjustable	Limited (fixed ratios)
Floating Windows	Yes, resizable and movable	Slide Over (fixed position)
App Pairing Shortcut	Yes (save custom splits)	No native option
Refresh Rate During Multitasking	120Hz	60Hz
S Pen Integration	Full (air actions, note-taking)	Apple Pencil supported

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Efficient Split-Screen Workflows

Here’s how to maximize multitasking efficiency on each device:

1. Galaxy Tab S9 – Save a Custom App Pair
   • Open the first app (e.g., Chrome).
   • Long-press the Overview button (square icon).
   • Select a second app (e.g., Keep Notes).
   • Adjust the split ratio to your preference.
   • Tap “Save” in the multi-window toolbar to create a shortcut.
   • Access this pair anytime from the Edge Panel or Recent Apps.
2. iPad Air – Use Split View with Slide Over
   • Open your primary app (e.g., Mail).
   • Swipe up from the bottom to reveal the Dock.
   • Drag a second app (e.g., Calendar) onto the right side of the screen.
   • Adjust the divider for optimal space distribution.
   • To add a third app, drag another from the Dock—it will appear in Slide Over.
   • Swipe left/right on the Slide Over window to hide or return.

Tip: On the Tab S9, enable \"Prevent closing pop-ups\" in Settings > Advanced Features > Labs to avoid accidentally dismissing floating apps.

FAQ: Common Questions About Tablet Multitasking

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

The iPad Air technically supports three apps via Split View and Slide Over, but only two are visible side-by-side. The third runs in a floating overlay that cannot be resized freely or positioned arbitrarily. True simultaneous visibility of three apps is not possible in the same way as on the Tab S9.

Does the S Pen work seamlessly in split-screen mode?

Yes. The S Pen functions fully across both panes in split-screen mode. You can write in one app, copy text with Air Command, and paste into the other. Features like Circle to Search and Live Translate also work mid-task, enhancing productivity.

Which tablet is better for remote work?

If your workflow involves constant switching between communication, documentation, and reference materials, the Galaxy Tab S9 offers more fluid multitasking. However, if you prioritize app polish and ecosystem integration (especially with a Mac), the iPad Air remains a strong contender despite its limitations.

Final Verdict: Which Multitasks Better?

The Galaxy Tab S9 outperforms the iPad Air in raw multitasking capability. Its combination of flexible window management, support for three visible apps, smoother 120Hz display, and deeper software integration makes it the superior choice for users who demand maximum efficiency from their devices. The ability to save app pairs, use floating windows, and maintain consistent performance across diverse apps gives it a tangible edge in real-world scenarios.

That said, the iPad Air excels in consistency and app quality. Its interface is simpler, more predictable, and better suited for users who prefer a streamlined experience over advanced customization. For casual multitaskers or those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, it remains a compelling option.

In the end, if split-screen multitasking is a core requirement—if you regularly juggle research, messaging, and content creation simultaneously—the Galaxy Tab S9 is the clear winner. It’s not just about having the feature; it’s about how naturally and powerfully it integrates into your daily rhythm.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your mobile productivity? Try setting up a custom split-screen workflow today—start with your most-used app pair and refine from there. Share your favorite multitasking combo in the comments!