Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") or iPad Air (13″, M4): which lasts longer?
Overall rating, EU class, updates, battery and protection of both tablets side by side, from the suppliers’ entries in EPREL (as of 2 November 2026).
Result
Both have EU repairability class C; in our overall rating from eight EPREL values, the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") scores 4.4 out of 10 and the iPad Air (13″, M4) 3.9.
Both get 5 years of updates according to their suppliers; the battery is not user-replaceable on either.
The battery of the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") lasts longer per charge (81 instead of 72 hours); the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") takes more charge cycles (1,200 instead of 1,000); in the drop test the iPad Air (13″, M4) survives more drops (39 instead of 0).
On overall rating, EU repairability index, battery life, charge cycles, water protection and scratch resistance, the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") is ahead; on drop resistance, the iPad Air (13″, M4).
All values compared
Bold is the better value where the devices differ. Grey below: the typical value across all tablets (median, our own calculation).
| Value | Samsung Galaxy Tab S12+ (Wi-Fi, 12,6") | Apple iPad Air (13″, M4) Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Overall ratingtypical 4.6 | 4.4 out of 10 | 3.9 out of 10 |
| EU classtypical 3.37 | C · index 2.86 out of 5 | C · index 2.84 out of 5 |
| Updatestypical 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Battery | Built in | Built in |
| Battery lifetypical 75 h | 81 h | 72 h |
| Charge cyclestypical 800 | 1,200 | 1,000 |
| Drop resistancetypical 52 | 0 drops · class E | 39 drops · class E |
| Water protectiontypical IP42 | IP68 · waterproof | IP42 · drip-proof |
| Scratch resistancetypical Level 5 | Level 5 | Level 4 |
| On the market since | 10/2026 | 03/2026 |
More comparisons
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which gets updates for longer, the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") or the iPad Air (13″, M4)?
According to the suppliers in EPREL, both get 5 years of operating system updates, counted from the end of sales.
On which can you replace the battery yourself?
According to the suppliers in EPREL, the battery is not user-replaceable on either the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") or the iPad Air (13″, M4).
Which is easier to repair, the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") or the iPad Air (13″, M4)?
By EU repairability class, both are class C (index 2.86 and 2.84 out of 5). In our overall rating from eight EPREL values, the Galaxy Tab S12+ (12,6") is ahead with 4.4 out of 10 against 3.9 for the iPad Air (13″, M4).
Sources
Laws and regulations in their current version, linked to the source.
- EPREL, European Product Registry for Energy LabellingEuropäische Kommission · Database · 13 Oct 2026
- EPREL public data disclaimerEuropäische Kommission · Database · 13 Oct 2026
- EPREL Public API terms and conditionsEuropäische Kommission · Guidance · 3 Jun 2024
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1669 (energy labelling of smartphones and slate tablets)EUR-Lex · EU regulation · 16 Jun 2023
- German Act against Unfair Competition (UWG)Bundesministerium der Justiz · Law · 27 Sept 2026