This was my first Apple device. Long time Android fan and, for the last 5 years, a Samsung fan. Last 2 phones have been the Note 5 and now Note 8. Love them both. Researched tabs and tried and compared the iPad with a Galaxy Tab S3 (used) because I wanted a device for photo editing primarily. IPad pro was too expensive as was Tab S4. Hence the choices. S3 was at the time $50 more.
Chose the ipad. Surprised the hell out of me. I thought the Apple ecosystem would be enough to sway me away. It didn't. It was an easy adjustment and I enjoy using it. Aside from the screen and expandable storage (which I did not need) the ipad was better in every way. Quicker and more responsive. When I do speed tests comparing my Note 8 and the ipad, the ipad never loses (though they tie alot). Wish the iPad had the AMOLED screen of the S3 (the blacks are to die for) but it is still very good.
I eventually returned the S3, and got an iPad for under $200 which I think is a great deal given the performance. I use the ipad side by side with my Note 8 and enjoy them equally. Not sure I would make a move to an iPhone because the Samsung phones seem to offer more for the money, and I love my Note 8. But if you are an Android fan looking for a tablet, don't let the Apple ecosystem deter you from giving the ipad a test drive.
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN PHOTO EDITING: When I did my extensive research on tab devices for photo editing, of course the iPad Pro, Tab S3 and S4, and Surface Pro were all highly recommended, though at least one article recommended the basic ipad as well. The Pro in particular is lauded for the color accuracy of its screen, faster processor, and greater storage capacity. Many reviewers suggested going with the Tab S3 or 4 if in the android universe and the iPad Pro if in the apple universe. I also read that I would be unable to do things with photos in the Apple ecosystem that I could do in the Android ecosystem. For example, with my Note 8, I plug an sd card in a USB device, plug it in to the phone, and access and manipulate photos. I read I would not be able to do this with the iPad without buying an apple specific device (apple lightning cable/adapter). That is not true. In fact, when I plugged my USB device with SD card inserted into the iPad (yes, this device has multiple input plugs and one fits the IPAD; it cost me about $8), the iPad prompted me to go to the Apple store and download an app (iUSB pro) so that I could use it!!! Boy, was I impressed. Never expected it to work and almost never tried it. And, had the iPad not prompted me to download the app, I probably would have assumed the device could not be used as I had read. So, I am able to use the iPad exactly the same way I had been using my Note 8 for photo editing. I access photos via SD card as described or via Google Photos (which I downloaded from the Apple store), send the photo to Snapseed or Photo Express (which I also downloaded; both work fine on the iPad) for editing, and then save the photo and send it to my Epson printer for printing (via the Epson print app, which also works fine on the iPad).
So again, if you are an Android fan looking for an inexpensive tab for photo editing, give the iPad a test drive. I'd prefer to have the iPad Pro of course, but not for an extra $500. It beats the hell out of editing photos on my phone while sitting on the sofa, that's for sure! . And you can get a great deal on a gently used one on Amazon.
Conserves energy compared to similar products.
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EPEAT
EPEAT
EPEAT certifies electronic products based on sustainability impacts across their lifecycle including requirements for energy efficiency and end of life management. An EPEAT registered product can also meet optional more ambitious criteria including reduction of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs). Products meeting 50% - 74% optional criteria are "Silver" and those meeting 75% or more are “Gold".
Certification Level
GOLD
