Both Apple and Samsung are expected to release new flagship tablets in 2017, the iPad Pro 2 and the Galaxy Tab S3 respectively. Neither of the tablet lines have been refreshed since late 2015 and are expected to feature several new tweaks and improvements. Neither Apple nor Samsung have confirmed specs for the tablets, but several rumors have given consumers an idea of what to expect. Check out how the iPad Pro 2 and the Galaxy Tabs S3 are likely to compare.
Display And Design
The iPad Pro 2 is expected to release in three display options: a 9.7-inch, 12.9-inch and a new 10.5-inch display. Apple may introducean OLED display with the Touch Bar feature first seen on the latest MacBook Pro models. The Touch Bar acts as a virtual function row on keyboards, and includes additional features, such as shortcuts to apps and emojis, among others. Rumors also suggest the iPad Pro 2 display may have no bezels and could be foldable.
The iPad Pro 2 may also be accompanied by a new Apple Pencil 2, which may include a magnetic strip that allows users to attach the stylus onto the iPad Pro 2 for easy storage and carrying. Rumors suggest the attachment mechanism may also double as a charging dock for the Apple Pencil 2.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is expected to feature a 9.6-inch 2048 x 1536 curved display, similar to many of the Galaxy Edge smartphones. While there have been few leaks of the tablet, Samsung’s press invite hints at a curved display for the device. Samsung may introduce a sold-separately S-Pen stylus for the Galaxy Tab S3.
Hardware And Battery
The iPad Pro 2 is expected to feature A10X chip, 4GB or 6GB RAM and 32GB, 128GB and 256GB internal storage options. Rumors suggest Apple may introduce color options first seen on the iPhone, such as rose gold, black and jet back.
Specs rumors for the Galaxy Tab S3 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chip and 4GB of RAM 32GB and 128GB internal storage capacities
Camera And Connectivity
The iPad Pro 2 may feature a 12-megapixel main camera and 5-megapixel front camera. This would be a major upgrade from the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which released in 2015 with a 8-megapixel main camera and 1.2-megapixel front camera. However the 9.7-inch model released in 2016 with same camera specs now rumored for the iPad Pro 2. Apple may also include Live Photos and 4K video recording ability on the iPad Pro 2. The tablet will likely come in Wi-Fi and LTE cellular models with compatibility for the four major U.S. mobile networks.
Rumors suggest the Galaxy Tab S3 may feature a 12-megapixel main camera and 5-megapixel front camera. Wi-Fi and LTE cellular models are expected with Verizon and US Cellular network compatibility.
Price And Availability
The iPad Pro 2 is expected to be priced similar to the original iPad Pro, meaning the 12.9-inch model may sell for around $799 and the 9.7-inch model for around $599. The 10.5-inch model will likely be priced in between the larger and smaller models. The tablet may release between March or April.
The Galaxy Tab S3 is expected to sell for approximately $600. Samsung has invited press to a launch event Feb. 26 during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The tablet may hit stores in March.