What To Know
- The Surface Pro uses the Microsoft Surface Pen, while the Galaxy Tab S8 uses the S Pen.
- The Surface Pro also has a USB-C port, while the Galaxy Tab S8 has a USB-C port and a microSD card slot.
- The Galaxy Tab S8 is the better choice for users who prefer a more portable and user-friendly device that is optimized for entertainment and everyday tasks.
The Microsoft Surface Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 are two of the most popular 2-in-1 tablets on the market. Both devices offer a premium experience with powerful hardware, sleek designs, and versatile functionality. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Microsoft Surface Pro vs Galaxy Tab S8 to help you make an informed decision.
Display
The Surface Pro and Galaxy Tab S8 both feature stunning displays. The Surface Pro has a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880×1920 pixels. The Galaxy Tab S8, on the other hand, has an 11-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. Both displays offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. However, the Surface Pro’s larger display provides a more immersive experience, especially when multitasking or working on large documents.
Performance
The Surface Pro and Galaxy Tab S8 are both powered by powerful processors. The Surface Pro features an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, while the Galaxy Tab S8 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. Both processors offer excellent performance for most tasks, including web browsing, video editing, and light gaming. However, the Surface Pro has a slight edge in performance-intensive tasks due to its more powerful processor and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a 2-in-1 tablet. The Surface Pro has a slightly larger battery capacity than the Galaxy Tab S8, at 47 Wh compared to 44 Wh. In real-world usage, the Surface Pro typically lasts for around 9 hours on a single charge, while the Galaxy Tab S8 lasts for around 8 hours. Both devices support fast charging, so you can quickly power them up when needed.
Stylus Support
Both the Surface Pro and Galaxy Tab S8 come with built-in stylus support. The Surface Pro uses the Microsoft Surface Pen, while the Galaxy Tab S8 uses the S Pen. Both styluses offer excellent precision and pressure sensitivity, making them ideal for note-taking, sketching, and drawing. However, the Surface Pen has a slightly more advanced feature set, including tilt support and a dedicated eraser button.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The Surface Pro and Galaxy Tab S8 both support keyboard and trackpad accessories. The Surface Pro has a dedicated Type Cover keyboard that attaches magnetically to the tablet, providing a comfortable typing experience. The Galaxy Tab S8, on the other hand, uses a separate Book Cover Keyboard that connects via Bluetooth. Both keyboards offer good key travel and feedback. However, the Surface Pro’s Type Cover has a slight advantage in terms of stability and functionality.
Connectivity
The Surface Pro and Galaxy Tab S8 offer a range of connectivity options. Both devices have Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support. The Surface Pro also has a USB-C port, while the Galaxy Tab S8 has a USB-C port and a microSD card slot. The microSD card slot on the Galaxy Tab S8 allows you to expand the storage capacity of the device.
Software
The Surface Pro runs Windows 11, while the Galaxy Tab S8 runs Android 12. Windows 11 offers a more traditional desktop experience, with support for a wide range of software and applications. Android 12, on the other hand, is a mobile operating system that is optimized for touch-based interactions. Both operating systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Windows 11 is more versatile and powerful, while Android 12 is more user-friendly and offers a wider selection of apps designed specifically for tablets.
Key Points: The Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 are both excellent 2-in-1 tablets. The Surface Pro is the better choice for users who need a powerful device that can handle demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking. The Galaxy Tab S8 is the better choice for users who prefer a more portable and user-friendly device that is optimized for entertainment and everyday tasks. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the Surface Pro and Galaxy Tab S8 have excellent displays. However, the Surface Pro has a larger display, which provides a more immersive experience.
Q: Which device has better performance?
A: The Surface Pro has a slightly more powerful processor than the Galaxy Tab S8, which gives it an edge in performance-intensive tasks.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Surface Pro has a slightly larger battery capacity than the Galaxy Tab S8, which gives it a slight advantage in terms of battery life.
Q: Which device has better stylus support?
A: Both devices offer excellent stylus support. However, the Surface Pen has a slightly more advanced feature set, including tilt support and a dedicated eraser button.
Q: Which device has a better keyboard and trackpad?
A: The Surface Pro has a dedicated Type Cover keyboard that attaches magnetically to the tablet, providing a more stable and functional typing experience.
