I haven't been satisfied with the iPadOS software compared to the S23U. Feel like that utilizes multitasking and stylus functionality way better which would be much more appreciated on the large screen of the iPad. Little things like edge panels, one hand operation +, and stylus being built in and having options like smart select pop right up when I take it out leads me me to using it more. Then the limited folder options on top of that and worse external monitor support feels like all that power that can run a full on desktop is wasted and held back by the mobile OS.
One thing I do love about the iPad is that I can rely on long term security updates, since majority of my use is as a glorified comic reader along side my kindle for ebooks. It does make it easier to tolerate iPadOS, and pretty the only reason I chose it over the Samsung despite finding myself using the S23U way more even when I have the iPad available. I ended up expecting less from the iPad than my phone. I don't know if it would have ended up that way even if it had more features, or if it was just me adapting and accepting iPadOS for what it was.
Cheap iPhone SE seems useful to have as a back up phone for stuff like that. I actually wish it was even smaller because of that.