The Microsoft Surface, a relic of early tablet innovation, faces off against the modern Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022). This isn't a battle of raw specs, but a clash between a legacy platform and a streamlined Android experience. We'll dissect the core differences to determine which tablet best fits your needs, from retro gaming enthusiasts to everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) is the superior choice. Its modern Snapdragon 732G chipset delivers significantly better performance and efficiency than the aging Nvidia Tegra 3 in the Surface, making it ideal for everyday tasks and light gaming. While the Surface holds nostalgic appeal, its dated hardware limits its practicality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 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 | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2022, May 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 274.6 x 172 x 9.4 mm (10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 in) | 244.5 x 154.3 x 7 mm (9.63 x 6.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 680.4 g (1.50 lb) | 465/467 g (1.03 lb) |
| | Built-in kickstand | Stylus support |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~148 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.6 inches, 309.7 cm2 (~65.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD |
| | ClearType technology | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 | Qualcomm SM7150 Snapdragon 732G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | ULP GeForce | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows RT | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 1.2 MP | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.2 MP | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| 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 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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, proximity, gyro |
| | TV-out
MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/FLAC player
Photo viewer/editor
Microsoft Office 2013 RT | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 360 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion battery, non-removable (31.5 Wh) | Li-Po 7040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Titanium | Chiffon Pink, Angora Blue, Oxford Gray |
| Models | - | SM-P613, SM-P619 |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -82.6dB / Crosstalk -81.7dB | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal) | - |
Microsoft Surface
- Unique legacy operating system
- Potential for retro gaming emulation
- Historical significance
- Outdated processor and architecture
- Poor performance with modern apps
- Likely short battery life
- Large bezels and older display technology
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)
- Modern Snapdragon 732G/720G chipset
- Efficient power consumption
- Responsive Android experience
- 15W fast charging
- Sleek design with smaller bezels
- May not appeal to users seeking a legacy OS
- Camera performance is adequate, not exceptional
- Limited storage options on base models
Display Comparison
The Microsoft Surface boasts a contrast ratio of 1324:1, a respectable figure for its time, but lacks the advancements found in modern displays. The Tab S6 Lite (2022) doesn't specify contrast ratio, but benefits from Samsung's display expertise, likely offering vibrant colors and wider viewing angles. The Surface's display technology is likely TN, known for faster response times but poorer color accuracy compared to the IPS LCD expected on the Tab S6 Lite. Bezels on the Surface are significantly larger, reflecting its age, while the Tab S6 Lite offers a more immersive, modern viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a primary focus for either device, but the Tab S6 Lite likely holds an advantage due to its more modern image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon chipset. The Surface's camera specifications are unavailable, but given its age, it's unlikely to compete with even a basic modern camera. The Tab S6 Lite's ISP will deliver better image quality, dynamic range, and noise reduction, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Surface's Nvidia Tegra 3 T30, with its quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, is dwarfed by the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022)'s Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G (or 720G) chipset. The Snapdragon's octa-core configuration (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) provides a significant boost in multi-tasking and application responsiveness. The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon also translates to better power efficiency, extending battery life. The Surface will struggle with modern applications, while the Tab S6 Lite handles everyday tasks and even some demanding games with ease.
Battery Life
The Surface's battery capacity is unknown, but its older chipset and less efficient architecture will likely result in shorter battery life compared to the Tab S6 Lite (2022). The Tab S6 Lite supports 15W wired charging, offering a reasonable charging speed for its battery size. While the Surface's charging speed is unknown, it's unlikely to be as efficient or fast as the Tab S6 Lite's modern charging solution. The Snapdragon's power efficiency will allow the Tab S6 Lite to deliver all-day battery life for typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Surface if you prioritize a unique, legacy operating system and are interested in exploring a historical piece of tablet technology, potentially for retro emulation. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) if you need a responsive, versatile tablet for productivity, media consumption, and modern Android gaming, all at a reasonable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Surface be able to run modern Android apps?
No, the Microsoft Surface runs a version of Windows and is not compatible with Android apps natively. While emulation is possible, performance will be severely limited due to the Tegra 3's age and limited processing power.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 732G in the Tab S6 Lite powerful enough for gaming?
The Snapdragon 732G is capable of handling many popular Android games at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for casual and moderate gamers.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either tablet?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity. The Surface's storage expansion options are unknown, but likely limited or non-existent given its age.
❓ What kind of stylus support does each tablet offer?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022) is designed to work with the S Pen, offering precise note-taking and drawing capabilities. The Surface supports styluses, but compatibility and functionality may vary depending on the specific stylus used.
