Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Apple iPad (A16)
The Samsung includes a pen, IP68 and microSD. The iPad has the faster chip and the app library.
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Quick answer
Get the iPad (A16) if you want iPadOS apps and a lower starting price ($449 for 128GB), and don’t mind buying an Apple Pencil separately. Get the Galaxy Tab S10 FE if you’ll use the included S Pen, want IP68 water resistance or need microSD storage. It starts at $549.99.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE price (opens in a new tab)Check Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE | Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (128GB) | $549.99 ($669.99 for 256GB) | $449 ($549 for 256GB, $749 for 512GB) |
| Display | 10.9" LCD, 90Hz | 11" Liquid Retina, 2360x1640, 500 nits |
| Chip | Exynos 1580, 8GB RAM | A16 |
| Stylus | S Pen included | Apple Pencil (USB-C) or 1st gen, sold separately |
| Battery | 8,000mAh | Up to 10 hours (28.93Wh) |
Apple’s base iPad now starts at $449 and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 FE at $549.99, so they compete more directly than before.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE vs Apple iPad 11-inch (A16): side-by-side
| Galaxy Tab S10 FE | iPad (A16) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (128GB) | $549.99 ($669.99 for 256GB) | $449 ($549 for 256GB, $749 for 512GB) |
| Display | 10.9" LCD, 90Hz | 11" Liquid Retina, 2360x1640, 500 nits |
| Chip | Exynos 1580, 8GB RAM | A16 |
| Stylus | S Pen included | Apple Pencil (USB-C) or 1st gen, sold separately |
| Battery | 8,000mAh | Up to 10 hours (28.93Wh) |
| Expandable storage | microSD up to 2TB | No |
| Water resistance | IP68 | Not rated |
How much do they cost?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE plans
| Storage | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $549.99 | S Pen included |
| 256GB | $669.99 | |
| S10 FE+ 13.1" | $699.99 | Bigger model |
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) plans
| Storage | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $449 | Wi-Fi |
| 256GB | $549 | |
| 512GB | $749 |
What are the pros and cons?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: pros
- S Pen in the box
- IP68
- microSD slot
- Large battery
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: cons
- Costs $100 more at 128GB
- LCD, not OLED
- Slower chip
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16): pros
- Lower starting price
- Faster A16 chip
- Huge tablet app library
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16): cons
- Pencil costs extra
- No water resistance rating
- No microSD
Which should you choose: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE or Apple iPad 11-inch (A16)?
For reading, video and general use, the iPad is the better value. For note-taking, the S10 FE closes the gap because the pen is included.
Choose Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE if…
- You take handwritten notes
- You want IP68
- You need cheap extra storage
Choose Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) if…
- You want iPadOS apps
- You use other Apple devices
- You don’t need a stylus
Stylus cost
Samsung includes the S Pen. The iPad (A16) works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the 1st-generation Pencil, sold separately, so add that cost if you’ll write on it. For school, see best tablets for students.
Other options
For cheaper tablets, see best budget tablets. To step up, compare iPad Air M4 vs Galaxy Tab S11.
Frequently asked questions
Did the iPad (A16) price go up?
Does the Tab S10 FE come with a pen?
Which has better battery life?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Apple: buy iPad (apple.com)
- Apple: iPad tech specs (apple.com)
- Samsung: Galaxy Tab S10 FE (samsung.com)
- Samsung: Galaxy Tab S10 FE buy page (samsung.com)
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