Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 4 # Comparison

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 4 # Comparison



The Galaxy Tab S3, the latest Android-running tablet from Samsung, can be equipped as a capable laptop stand-in. How does it look next to the Microsoft Surface Pro 4



The Surface is only available in silver, but the Tab comes in a black option as well



The 9.7-inch Tab S3 is smaller and has a boxier 4:3 aspect ratio. The 12.3-inch Surface Pro offers 27-percent more display area, with a 3:2 aspect ratio



The Tab S3 has a built-in fingerprint sensor. The Surface Pro 4 works with Windows Hello's facial recognition features, so you can login just by showing your face. There's also a keyboard cover option with a fingerprint sensor built in



The Tab S3 has a capable Snapdragon 820 mobile processor. The Surface Pro contains sixth-generation Intel core m3, i5 or i7 chips.



Like most mobile devices, the Tab S3 does not offer varying levels of RAM. But with the Surface Pro 4, you can opt for 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB.



We don't expect anyone to rely too heavily on their tablet to take photos, but the Samsung option does have a sharper rear camera. As far as selfies and video conferencing goes, their front cameras are evenly matched at 5 MP.

If manufacturers' estimates are to be believed, the Tab S3 should have slightly more staying power. Of course, battery life can vary dramatically according to use

Software



The Tab S3 runs Android Nougat with Samsung's TouchWiz UI layered on top, while the Surface Pro 4 runs Windows 10 desktop software. That means the Surface Pro is a better choice for most professional applications, though it's possible for the Tab S3 could give it a run for its money in a few areas. Microsoft Office, for example, has a capable and similar mobile version for Android.