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iPad or tablet? The difference and the right choice for your business

In the age of digitalization, mobile devices such as tablets have become an integral part of everyday working life in many industries. They enable mobile working, optimize internal processes and offer flexible solutions for presentations, events or training courses. However, when deciding on a suitable device, many companies are faced with the question: What is the difference between an iPad and a tablet? And which device is better suited to their own business?

In this article, we not only clarify the differences between iPads and other tablets, but also show you which device types make sense for certain areas of use. We also look at current industry developments in 2025 and provide you with decision-making aids for your next mobile device rental.

What is the fundamental difference between iPad and tablet?

The term “tablet” is a generic term for an entire class of devices – flat, portable touchscreen computers without a keyboard (which can usually be used optionally via Bluetooth or a docking station). An iPad is a tablet – but it comes exclusively from the US technology giant Apple. This means that every iPad is a tablet, but not every tablet is an iPad.

Various manufacturers offer tablets with different operating systems, performance features and price ranges. The best-known iPad alternatives include devices from:

Samsung (Galaxy Tab series, Android)
Lenovo (Tab P series, Android or Windows)
Microsoft (Surface series, Windows)
Huawei (MatePad series, HarmonyOS, Android)

However, the main difference usually lies in the operating system, the user interface, the underlying ecosystem and the price structures.

Tablet comparison 2025: iPad vs. other tablets

In the following table, we have summarized some of the most important technical and functional differences between iPads and other popular tablet models in 2025:

Criterion	iPad (Apple)	Android tablet (e.g. Samsung)	Windows tablet (e.g. Microsoft Surface)
Operating system	iPadOS	Android 15	Windows 11
App compatibility	Wide range, optimized for iPad	Very large, but inconsistent support	All Windows programs, desktop-capable
Accessories	Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, Cases	S Pen, Book Cover Keyboard	Surface Pen, Type Cover
Integration into corporate infrastructure	Strong in Apple-based environments	More flexible with mixed systems	Ideal for Office 365/Windows environments
Price-performance ratio	High-priced, but durable	Many price levels	Medium to high price
Update policy	5-6 years regular updates	3-4 years depending on manufacturer	Corresponds to typical Windows update practice
Availability for equipment rental	Very often available	Varies depending on model	Focus on Surface Pro models in particular

When is an iPad worthwhile for your company?

Choosing an iPad such as the latest Apple iPad 11 makes particular sense if you value the following aspects:

Seamless integration into an existing Apple ecosystem (e.g. with iPhones or Macs in the company)
High-quality hardware and software
Long service life and resale value
Best performance for creative applications such as design, video or audio production
Intuitive user experience for your employees or event guests

Android tablets: The better choice for project diversity?

Android-based tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus offer a higher degree of flexibility, especially if you need a diverse fleet of devices or use special software developed for Android.

Broader selection of devices and price ranges
Easily customizable via launchers and specific settings
Integration with Google services and apps
Easily scalable for large device fleets

Surface & Co – Windows tablets for professional work

Windows tablets such as the Surface Pro X from Microsoft are powerful and are particularly aimed at business customers. They combine tablet flexibility with laptop performance and are ideal if you want to use classic Windows software such as SAP, AutoCAD or Office efficiently.

Our recommendation: Renting instead of buying

Especially for temporary assignments – be it an event, workshop, roadshow or short-term additional employee requirements – renting tablets is much more worthwhile than buying them. Advantages of our rental solutions:

No capital commitment, attractive rental model
Large selection of devices (iPads, Android tablets, Windows tablets)
Flexible rental periods (1 day to several months)
Optional accessory packages and configurations
Fast shipping, configured directly on request
Professional support and device management possible

Our technology experts will be happy to advise you on choosing the right tablet for your application.

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