Samsung tablet or Windows Surface
If you want a high-end tablet, Samsung Tablet and Windows Surface are both outstanding choices. However, the manufacturers of these tablets approach design and production very differently. For example, you’ll find Windows Surface tablets have more built-in storage, while Samsung tablets allow you to expand storage with microSD cards.
The most significant difference between the two is their operating system. Samsung tablets run on an Android mobile operating system, and Windows Surface tablets rely on the Windows operating system. Here’s a quick rundown of both products so you can decide which tablet is better for your needs.
Samsung tablet
Samsung markets its tablets as thin, lightweight and powerful devices that can replace your PC. They give you access to thousands of apps through Google Play, meaning you can use Samsung tablets to email, draw, play games, read a book or watch videos. Samsung tablets cost between $250-$900.
Samsung tablet pros
Samsung tablets are fairly intuitive due to the straightforward Android operating system. The accessible nature of the Google Play app store is another reason why Android users love their devices. It allows them to have easy access to thousands of useful third-party apps. Tablets also allow for multiple user profiles, so several people can use one tablet.
High-end Samsung tablet models have Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (AMOLED) displays, which showcase accurate colors, deep blacks and pure, crisp whites that make your photos and videos pop. These displays vary in size from 8.1-inches to 12.4-inches, making them great for reading graphic novels or watching your favorite movie. While Samsung tablets only come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage sizes, you can expand the storage with microSD cards by up to 128GB.
Samsung tablet cons
There are some compatibility issues with Samsung tablets’ built-in hardware and software, specifically with third-party apps. This means they may crash frequently or become unresponsive. Another issue some people notice is difficulty navigating the Android user interface.
Windows Surface
Microsoft manufactures Windows Surface tablets, which explains their sleek design and ability to rival your laptop or desktop performance. These high-performing portable tablets cost between $525-$2,500.
Windows Surface tablet pros
Anyone familiar with Windows 10 operating system on PCs will have an easy time using Windows Surface tablets. They have a premium build, great performance, significant storage space and a battery that lasts all day. Surface tablets have high-end front-facing cameras for high-definition video chats and equally impressive rear-facing cameras that capture 1080p videos and still images.
If you want to sketch and draw on the Windows Surface tablet, you can use a stylus to create brilliant artwork.
Windows Surface tablet cons
Surface tablets that have USB-C ports lack Thunderbolt capability. This means you cannot connect your tablet to a TV, display or external storage device using a direct connection. You can only use it for charging your Surface. You also cannot upgrade the RAM on your Surface because the RAM can’t be removed.
Additionally, newer Surface Pro models do not have LTE support, which limits your ability to connect to some Wi-Fi networks. Some public Wi-Fi networks make you vulnerable to hackers, so you may have to find a different tablet with LTE capability to keep your information safe while you travel.
Most Surface tablets come in either gray or black colors and do not have a built-in storage slot for your stylus. They are also very expensive.
Best Samsung tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7: available at Amazon
The S7’s 11-inch LCD display allows for an immersive tablet experience for both work and play. It uses the Snapdragon 865 plus processor and has 8GB RAM. Artificial intelligence adjusts the screen’s refresh rate to help save battery.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Plus: available at Amazon
This has a 12.4-inch OLED display that is bigger, brighter and more vibrant compared to the S7. You can comfortably view its anti-glare screen outdoors and sketch your greatest ideas using the S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy S6: available at Amazon
This 10.5-inch tablet has a powerful processor, but it also has a lower refresh rate compared to the S7 and S7 Plus. It has a decent speaker and battery to get you through the day, depending on usage.
Best Windows Surface tablets
Microsoft Surface Go 2: available at Amazon
The Go 2 has a premium design, significant RAM and a high-definition display. With its 4GB to 8GB of RAM and 64GB storage, you can run Windows 10 in full. It stands up when you use the rear kickstand, and the battery lasts for up to 10 hours between charges.
Microsoft Surface Book 3: available at Amazon
The Surface Book 3 runs most modern games with ease. It’s powered by a high-end Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia graphics cards and lots of RAM. Digital artists will love the Surface Pen and Surface dial to sketch and draw.
Microsoft Surface Pro X: available on Amazon
This powerful tablet allows you to roam free with cellular connectivity. You can get email notifications and stream videos even when you travel. And its 13-inch display is great for reading graphic novels and watching movies.
Should you buy a Samsung tablet or a Windows Surface?
You should base your choice on why you want a tablet in the first place. If you want a tablet for business or office work, then a Surface tablet is a better choice since it has most of the tools you’ll need. However, if you want a tablet for more creative or fun ventures, Samsung tablets give you access to thousands of games and millions of apps.
Ultimately, take time to consider when and how often you’ll use your tablet and how much storage you’ll need.
Michael Rodgers Obunga is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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