With each new release, Apple revolutionizes display, performance, and the tablet-computer experience. Yet, we crave such seamlessness beyond their ecosystem. Here, discover curated alternatives boasting stellar display, performance, and user experience. Let’s explore alternatives across Android, Windows, and Chrome OS without delay.
Note: Explore our curated list for the finest cases for both 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro 2021.
Top Alternatives to iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch and 12.9-inch)
Below, we list premium and budget-friendly options to consider instead of the iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch and 12.9-inch). Easily navigate through the table below to find your preferred device.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 & S7+: Leading iPad Pro 2021 Alternative
In any product realm where Apple holds sway, Samsung emerges as a formidable competitor. Despite minimal backing from Google to tailor Android for tablets, Samsung has adeptly fine-tuned the Android OS for its tablet range. Continually introducing innovative tablets into the Android fold, Samsung offers robust contenders to Apple’s premier iPads.
August 2020 saw Samsung launch its flagship tablets, Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+. Let’s delve into the Galaxy Tab S7, an 11-inch tablet offering a compelling alternative to the iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch). Featuring an LTPS TFT display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a screen density of 274ppi, it stands on par with its competitor. Additionally, it boasts 5G support, an included S Pen, 45W fast charging, and more.
Regarding raw horsepower, Samsung employs the flagship Snapdragon 865+ chipset. While it’s a year old and lags behind the M1 chip in the 2021 iPad Pro, the Snapdragon 865+ still delivers swift performance effortlessly. The device features a dual-camera setup comprising a standard 13MP camera and a 5MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
As for pricing, the Galaxy Tab S7 starts at $535 for the WiFi model, whereas the iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) begins at $799 for the same variant. This translates to a significant $250 price gap. Consequently, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 presents a compelling alternative to the iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch), especially for those comfortable with transitioning to the Android ecosystem.
Now, onto the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+. It encompasses all features of the standard Tab S7 but with enhanced display, screen size, and battery. At 12.4 inches, it competes favorably with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021. Sporting a Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR 10+ support, the Tab S7+ offers a compelling visual experience. Although its display is commendable, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro steals the show with its Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display, boasting 1000 nits brightness, eclipsing the Tab S7+’s 430 nits peak brightness.
- Buy Galaxy Tab S7 from Amazon: Starts at $534.99
- Buy Galaxy Tab S7+ from Amazon: Starts at $735
2. Lenovo Duet Chromebook: The Most Affordable iPad Pro 2021 Alternative
Lenovo Duet Chromebook stands out as a top alternative to the iPad Pro 2021. While lacking the extravagant display specifications of the iPad Pro 2021, it offers a desktop-class browser, touch-optimized UI, gestures, and Android apps within a tablet-computer format. Apple consistently positions the iPad as a hybrid computer, blending traditional computer functionalities with those of a tablet.
The Lenovo Duet includes all these features without additional cost, as the magnetic keyboard is included with the tablet. Purchasing a new USI stylus enables doodling and writing on the Duet. Powered by the MediaTek P60T processor, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook provides adequate performance with a battery life exceeding 10 hours, although it falls short of the M1 chip’s power.
The price is $230, which is remarkable. While it may not surpass the iPad Pro in app support and UI experience, it offers all essential features and system updates until 2028. For a budget tablet alternative to the iPad Pro 2021, consider the Lenovo Duet.
3. Surface Pro X
Surface Pro X is an experimental device, not suitable for everyone. However, if you prefer Windows, it’s a viable alternative to the iPad Pro 2021. What sets it apart is the use of an ARM-based Microsoft SQ2 processor, built on Qualcomm’s 8CX Gen 2 SoC, designed for desktop OSes like Windows 10.
Keep in mind, the SQ2 isn’t as fast as the Apple M1, and Windows 10 performance isn’t as snappy as iPadOS. Additionally, app compatibility hasn’t improved much despite ARM support for 64-bit x86 apps. However, I recommend this device for users who prefer Windows 10 in a tablet form with LTE support. The screen is wider than the iPad Pro 2021, at 13 inches, with a battery life of over 10 hours, comparable to the iPad Pro 2021.
- Buy from Amazon: Starts at $1489.99
4. iPad Air 2020 (4th-gen): Alternative in Apple Ecosystem
If you prefer the Apple ecosystem and wish to avoid investing in Android and Windows, consider the 4th-gen iPad Air. Released in 2020, it offers modern features akin to the iPad Pro 2021 but at a more budget-friendly price. With a 10.9-inch screen, it matches the size of the 11-inch iPad Pro 2021, providing a comparable alternative. However, it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate panel found in the latter.
- Buy from Amazon:Starting at $559
5. HUAWEI MatePad Pro
If you’re in the UK, consider the HUAWEI MatePad Pro as an alternative to the iPad Pro 2021. It features a 2K display, a Kirin 990 chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage for the base model. While we can’t directly compare the Kirin 990 chip to the Apple M1 SoC, it’s comparable to the A14 Bionic in multi-core performance.
However, note that the HUAWEI MatePad Pro lacks built-in Google services. If you’re fine with manually sideloading Google services, this tablet is a compelling option over the iPad Pro 2021, especially considering its £384 price tag in the UK. Additionally, it supports a magnetic stylus and keyboard.
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers an affordable alternative to the iPad Pro 2021. It doesn’t compete with the iPad Pro 2021 or the Tab S7, but it brings a refined tablet experience to the masses. It’s priced at $364, featuring a 10.4-inch display, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, an 8MP rear camera, and a 5MP selfie shooter.
- Buy from Amazon:$364.99
7. Lenovo Tab P11 Pro
Similar to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Lenovo has released a budget tablet PC, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro. While it doesn’t match the iPad Pro 2021 in specifications, it offers an affordable Android tablet experience. The Tab P11 Pro features an 11.5-inch OLED display with HDR10 support and 500 nits brightness.
- Amazon Price: £599.99
8. Microsoft Surface Go 2 / Surface Book 3 / Surface Pro 7
Surface Go 2
Aside from the ARM-powered Surface Pro X, Microsoft offers several other tablet-computer options. Let’s begin with the Surface Go 2. It features a 10.5-inch touchscreen and a kickstand on the back. Additionally, you can purchase a keyboard accessory separately to transform it into a fully functional PC for portable use. The Surface Go 2 utilizes low-powered mobile Intel processors like the Pentium and M3, making it ideal for tasks such as media consumption and web browsing. Pricing starts at $399.99. Surface Book 3
Discussing the Surface Book 3, it’s a potent laptop with large screen sizes that also function as tablets. It’s available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch sizes and can magnetically attach to the keyboard. Featuring 10th-gen Intel processors, starting from Core i5, it includes a discrete Nvidia graphics card. The base variant offers 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.
- Buy Surface Go 2 from Amazon: Starts at $399.99
- Buy Surface Book 3 from Amazon: Starts at $1378.49
- Buy Surface Pro 7 from Amazon: Starts at $767.99
Discover Affordable Alternatives to Apple M1-Powered iPad Pro 2021
Here are our picks for the best alternatives to the iPad Pro 2021, available in both 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. I’ve curated the list based on price, battery life, and features, including budget Android tablets similar to the iPad Pro 2021. Among these, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet stands out as my top choice. That’s all for now. If you’re interested in purchasing the best Ryzen laptops in 2022, check out our linked article. For any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
