Galaxy Tab S9 Vs Ipad Air Which Tablet Multitasks Better For Students

For students juggling lectures, research, note-taking, and collaborative projects, a tablet isn’t just a convenience—it’s a command center. The ability to seamlessly run multiple apps side by side, switch between tasks without lag, and maintain focus is critical. Two top contenders in the mid-to-high-end tablet market are the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and the Apple iPad Air. Both offer powerful hardware and rich ecosystems, but when it comes to real-world multitasking for academic work, they take very different approaches. This article breaks down how each device handles multitasking, with a specific focus on student workflows.

Design and Ecosystem: Foundation for Productivity

The Galaxy Tab S9 runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, built specifically for larger screens and stylus integration. It supports DeX mode, a desktop-like interface that transforms the tablet into a laptop alternative. The iPad Air, powered by iPadOS, emphasizes touch-first simplicity and tight integration with other Apple devices through Continuity features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud syncing.

Samsung’s ecosystem leans toward flexibility. You can connect peripherals, use windowed apps freely, and even plug into an external monitor. Apple’s approach prioritizes cohesion—everything works smoothly together, but with tighter constraints on how apps behave simultaneously.

For students who value customization and freedom in layout, the Tab S9 offers more room to experiment. Those embedded in the Apple world—using a MacBook or iPhone daily—will find the iPad Air integrates effortlessly into their existing setup.

Tip: If you already own a MacBook or iPhone, the iPad Air’s seamless handoff of notes, messages, and documents may save time during study sessions.

Multitasking Features Compared

Multitasking isn’t just about running two apps at once—it’s about doing so efficiently, without sacrificing usability or performance. Let’s examine the core multitasking capabilities of both tablets.

Split-Screen and App Pairing

The Galaxy Tab S9 allows true split-screen functionality with resizable panes. You can open three apps at once using “Pop-up View” or “Multi-Active Window,” letting one float over the others. For example, a student can have a PDF textbook on one side, lecture slides in the middle, and Samsung Notes floating in a small window for annotations—all active simultaneously.

The iPad Air supports Split View and Slide Over, but with limitations. Only two full apps can run side-by-side, and resizing options are less flexible. Slide Over windows cannot be resized freely and often get pushed aside when switching tasks. While functional, this system feels more restrictive than Samsung’s implementation.

App Switching and Task Management

On the Tab S9, recent apps are displayed in a scrollable carousel that includes both full-screen and split configurations. You can quickly jump back to a previous multitasking layout—a major advantage when toggling between class materials and assignment drafts.

iPadOS uses a card-based app switcher, but restoring complex multitasking setups requires re-opening each component manually. This adds friction during fast-paced study sessions where time matters.

DeX Mode vs Desktop-Class Browsers

The Tab S9’s DeX mode enables a desktop-style experience when connected to a keyboard or used in landscape with enhanced window management. Students can open multiple browser tabs in windowed format, drag files between folders, and manage downloads like on a PC—ideal for research-heavy assignments.

The iPad Air lacks a direct equivalent. While Safari supports tabbed browsing and even some drag-and-drop, it doesn’t offer true windowed apps outside of Split View. Third-party browsers like Chrome still operate within iPadOS’s sandboxed environment, limiting true desktop parity.

“Students benefit most from systems that reduce context-switching fatigue. The ability to preserve multitasking states across sessions gives the Tab S9 a tangible edge.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Educational Technology Researcher at MIT

Performance and Hardware: Power Behind the Workflow

Both tablets are equipped with high-end processors—the Tab S9 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the iPad Air with Apple’s M1 chip. In raw benchmark tests, the M1 holds a slight lead, particularly in sustained workloads. However, real-world performance depends heavily on software optimization.

The Tab S9’s 12GB RAM (on higher models) allows smoother background app retention. This means switching between a video lecture, a research paper, and a messaging app happens almost instantaneously. The iPad Air has 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most tasks but shows occasional reloads when too many apps are open.

Display quality also plays a role in multitasking comfort. The Tab S9’s 11-inch LTPS LCD (or optional OLED) offers 120Hz refresh rate and brighter peak brightness, reducing eye strain during long reading sessions. The iPad Air’s 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is excellent but capped at 60Hz, making scrolling feel less fluid compared to the Tab S9.

Stylus and Keyboard Integration

The S Pen is included with the Tab S9 and magnetically attaches to the back for charging. Its low latency (2.8ms) makes handwriting and diagramming highly responsive—perfect for annotating PDFs or sketching concepts during STEM lectures. The iPad Air supports the Apple Pencil (2nd gen), which also delivers excellent precision but must be purchased separately and charged via the tablet’s side.

When paired with the optional Book Cover Keyboard, the Tab S9 becomes a near-laptop replacement with trackpad support and customizable shortcut keys. The iPad Air works with Magic Keyboard Folio, but typing space is smaller, and trackpad gestures aren’t as deeply integrated across all apps.

Real Student Workflow: A Day in the Life

Consider Maya, a third-year biology major preparing for her midterm. Her typical study session involves watching recorded lectures, taking handwritten notes, referencing digital textbooks, and collaborating on Google Docs with classmates.

On the **Galaxy Tab S9**, she opens YouTube in one pane, Samsung Notes in another, and keeps her textbook PDF in a pop-up window. She uses the S Pen to highlight key terms directly on the video frame and drags screenshots into her notes. Later, she switches to DeX mode to organize citations in a spreadsheet while keeping her reference manager open in a second window.

On the **iPad Air**, she sets up Split View with Safari and Notes. Slide Over lets her peek at Messages from her study group, but she can’t keep all three apps fully visible at once. When she wants to copy a diagram from her textbook, she must exit full-screen mode, switch apps, and reposition everything—a process repeated several times per hour.

In this scenario, the Tab S9 reduces cognitive load by maintaining visibility and accessibility across tools. The iPad Air remains capable, but the extra steps add up over time, especially during intensive review periods.

Software Support and App Ecosystem

iPadOS benefits from a vast library of education-focused apps optimized for touch. Apps like Notability, GoodNotes, and Khan Academy provide polished experiences. However, many still don’t support true multitasking beyond basic Split View.

Android’s tablet app support has improved significantly, especially with Samsung’s incentives for developers. Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom all perform robustly on the Tab S9 with full multitasking support. Some niche educational apps remain iOS-exclusive, but the gap is narrowing.

Cloud integration differs too. The Tab S9 syncs well with Google Drive and Microsoft 365, making it ideal for students using institutional accounts. The iPad Air excels with iCloud, but managing non-Apple cloud services often requires additional taps and app switching.

Table: Multitasking Feature Comparison

Feature	Galaxy Tab S9	iPad Air
Max Simultaneous Apps	3 (2 split + 1 floating)	2 (split) + 1 floating (Slide Over)
Resizable Windows	Yes, fully adjustable	Limited adjustment in Split View
Task Preservation	Saves multitasking layouts	Often resets after app switch
Desktop Mode	DeX with windowed apps	No equivalent
Stylus Included	Yes (S Pen)	No (Apple Pencil sold separately)
RAM (Max Config)	12GB	8GB
Refresh Rate	120Hz	60Hz

Checklist: Choosing the Right Tablet for Student Multitasking

• ✅ Do you need to run three or more apps simultaneously? → Choose Tab S9
• ✅ Are you already invested in Apple devices (Mac, iPhone)? → iPad Air may integrate better
• ✅ Will you annotate PDFs or draw diagrams frequently? → Tab S9 includes S Pen; iPad requires extra purchase
• ✅ Do you prefer desktop-style file management and window control? → Tab S9 with DeX wins
• ✅ Is budget a concern? → iPad Air starts lower, but adding Pencil and keyboard closes the gap
• ✅ Do you rely on specific iOS-only educational apps? → Verify compatibility before choosing Android

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPad Air truly replace a laptop for students?

For light writing, web research, and media consumption, yes. But due to limitations in multitasking depth and file system access, it struggles with complex workflows involving multiple data sources or simultaneous editing. It’s best as a secondary device unless your needs are minimal.

Is the Galaxy Tab S9 worth the premium over the iPad Air?

If your studies involve heavy multitasking, technical drawing, or frequent use of Microsoft 365/Google Workspace with multiple windows, the Tab S9’s advanced features justify the cost. For casual use and media-focused learning, the iPad Air offers great value.

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

Both last around 10–12 hours under normal use. The Tab S9’s adaptive refresh rate helps conserve power, while the iPad Air’s efficient M1 chip balances performance and battery life. Real-world endurance is similar, though screen brightness and app usage affect results.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Academic Success

When evaluating the Galaxy Tab S9 and iPad Air for student multitasking, the answer hinges on workflow complexity. The Tab S9 delivers superior multitasking with resizable windows, DeX mode, included S Pen, and better background app management—making it the stronger choice for demanding academic environments. It empowers students to work like professionals, minimizing interruptions and maximizing focus.

The iPad Air shines in simplicity, ecosystem harmony, and app polish. It’s an excellent option for students who prioritize ease of use, already own Apple devices, and don’t require advanced window management.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your study setup? Assess your daily workflow: if you’re constantly switching between apps, taking detailed notes, or managing research across platforms, the Galaxy Tab S9’s multitasking edge could transform your productivity. Share your thoughts or experiences below—what’s your go-to tablet for school?