Should I buy the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra or iPad Air 13 for notes?

For most people who care mainly about note-taking, I’d lean iPad Air 13 if you want a lighter, more portable tablet and you already like iPad note-taking apps. It’s a very comfortable size for handwritten notes, and at 617 g it’s still reasonably light for a 13-inch device.

Pick the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra instead if you want the largest possible writing area, a 120Hz display for smoother scrolling and pen input, and the convenience of the S Pen included in the box.

Quick take

• Best for a paper-like, portable note device: iPad Air 13
• Best for a huge canvas and smoother feel: Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

My practical recommendation

• Choose iPad Air 13 if you mainly take notes in class, meetings, or on the go.
• Choose Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra if you like splitting the screen, writing side by side with a PDF, or using the tablet like a mini laptop replacement.

App preference matters a lot here, so if you already rely on a specific note app or ecosystem, that should probably decide it for you. Also, accessory and app availability can change by region and over time, so it’s worth checking the current official listings before buying.