The Microsoft Surface 2, released in 2013, represented a pivotal moment in the 2-in-1 tablet space. Now, over a decade later, we pit it against the 2021 Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5, a modern budget tablet. This isn't about raw power; it's about assessing whether the Surface 2's original vision still holds up against a device designed for today's user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) is the better choice. While the Surface 2 was innovative for its time, the Galaxy Tab A8’s newer Unisoc T618 chipset delivers significantly improved multi-core performance and efficiency, making it more suitable for modern applications and multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, September. Released 2013, October | 2021, December 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 274.6 x 172.5 x 8.9 mm (10.81 x 6.79 x 0.35 in) | 246.8 x 161.9 x 6.9 mm (9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 675.9 g (1.49 lb) | 508 g (1.12 lb) |
| | Built-in 2-stage kickstand | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~208 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.6 inches, 309.8 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.5 inches, 319.7 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD |
| | ClearType technology | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 4 T40 | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) |
| GPU | ULP GeForce (72 cores) | Mali G52 MP2 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows RT | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB 3.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | TV-out via HDMI port
MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/FLAC player
Photo viewer/editor
Microsoft Office 2013 RT
SkyDrive (200 GB cloud storage)
Skype free international calls and Wi-Fi for 1 year | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion, non-removable | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Titanium | Gray, Silver, Pink Gold |
| Models | - | SM-X200, SM-X205 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.92 W/kg (body) |
Microsoft Surface 2
- Innovative 2-in-1 design for its time
- Compact and lightweight form factor
- Runs a full desktop OS (Windows RT)
- Outdated processor and architecture
- Limited app compatibility (Windows RT)
- Poor battery life compared to modern tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021)
- Modern Android operating system
- Improved performance and efficiency
- Longer battery life
- TFT LCD display isn't as vibrant as OLED
- Unisoc chipset isn't as powerful as flagship Snapdragon
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Display specifications for the Surface 2 are not provided, but it featured a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display. The Galaxy Tab A8 boasts a 10.5-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. The Tab A8’s larger color gamut and newer panel technology likely offer a more vibrant and accurate visual experience. While the Surface 2’s display was good for its time, it lacks the advancements in color science and viewing angles found in the Tab A8.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Surface 2 are limited, but it featured both front and rear cameras for video conferencing. The Galaxy Tab A8 includes an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. While neither device is a photography powerhouse, the Tab A8’s higher resolution sensors and modern image processing algorithms will deliver noticeably better image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. The Surface 2’s camera is likely to appear dated in comparison.
Performance
The Surface 2’s Nvidia Tegra 4 T40, with its quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 CPU, was a capable performer in 2013. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8’s Unisoc Tiger T618, a 12nm octa-core processor (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), represents a significant architectural leap. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Tab A8 provide substantially better single-core performance, while the six Cortex-A55 cores enhance multi-tasking capabilities. The Tab A8’s newer process node also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, crucial for sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Surface 2 is not specified, but its Tegra 4 chipset was relatively power-hungry for its time. The Galaxy Tab A8 features a 7040 mAh battery and supports 15W wired charging. The Tab A8’s larger battery capacity, combined with the more efficient Unisoc T618 chipset, will result in significantly longer battery life. The 15W charging, while not exceptionally fast, is sufficient for topping up the battery overnight.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Surface 2 if you specifically need a legacy Windows RT device for compatibility with older software or have a strong attachment to the original Surface aesthetic. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 (2021) if you prioritize modern Android functionality, better performance for everyday tasks, and a more readily available app ecosystem. The Tab A8 is the practical choice for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Surface 2 still usable for basic tasks like web browsing and email?
While the Surface 2 can technically handle basic tasks, its outdated processor and limited RAM will result in a sluggish and frustrating experience. Web browsing will be slow, and multitasking will be severely hampered. The Galaxy Tab A8 provides a much smoother and more responsive experience for everyday use.
❓ Can I install modern Android apps on the Surface 2?
No, the Surface 2 runs Windows RT, a discontinued operating system that is incompatible with modern Android apps. While some limited Windows applications are available, the app ecosystem is severely restricted compared to the Galaxy Tab A8’s access to the Google Play Store.
❓ How does the Unisoc T618 in the Tab A8 handle streaming video services like Netflix and YouTube?
The Unisoc T618 in the Galaxy Tab A8 handles streaming video services flawlessly. It supports Widevine L1 DRM, enabling Full HD streaming on platforms like Netflix and YouTube without issues. The Surface 2 may struggle with higher resolution streams due to its older hardware.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Tab A8 slow compared to other tablets?
While 15W isn't the fastest charging available, it's adequate for a tablet of this size and price point. A full charge will take around 3-4 hours. The Surface 2’s charging speed is likely comparable, but its smaller battery will charge faster overall.
