If you know anything about Apple products, you probably know how well they all work together. That applies just as much to the iPad as anything else made by the Cupertino giant, but you might not know that Microsoft has been working together to make Android and Windows work as a pair. So, which ecosystem provides the most functionality?
If you already own a Windows laptop or desktop, you may find Microsoft’s Phone Link useful in tandem with an Android tablet. You can copy/paste between devices, open tablet apps on your PC, and even drag/drop files between the two devices. It’s worth noting that this system works best with Samsung devices — majority of those officially supported. Android devices also play well with one another, with features like Quick Share letting you send files between your phone, tablet, and desktop.
On the other side of the aisle, adding an iPad to your Apple ecosystem, you’ll get an even more deeply integrated experience. You can continue conversations in iMessage across devices, take FaceTime calls, and sync content. There’s AirDrop, Sidecar, Universal Control, Handoff, and dozens of other ways your Apple products can handshake.
For those who already own other Apple products, the interconnectedness of the ecosystem may be enough reason to choose an iPad, all else aside, whereas those who live an Apple-free life may find that an Android tablet satisfies their needs better. If you own a mix of both Apple and non-Apple devices, the win here still goes to the iPad, since you’ll enjoy its ecosystem benefits.
