The Microsoft Surface represents an earlier era of tablet computing, aiming to bridge the gap between laptops and tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, however, embodies a modern Android tablet experience, leveraging cutting-edge mobile silicon. This comparison dissects the core differences between these devices, highlighting where the Tab S7’s newer architecture delivers a substantial advantage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset provides significantly faster performance and improved efficiency compared to the Surface’s aging Tegra 3. While the Surface may appeal to those deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, the Tab S7 offers a more versatile and future-proof experience.
| 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, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2020, August 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 21 |
| 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) | 253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm (9.99 x 6.51 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 680.4 g (1.50 lb) | 498 g (Wi-Fi), 500 g (LTE), 502 g (5G) (1.10 lb) |
| | Built-in kickstand | Stylus support, 9ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~148 ppi density) | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~274 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.6 inches, 309.7 cm2 (~65.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| | ClearType technology | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) |
| GPU | ULP GeForce | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows RT | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 1.2 MP | - |
| Video | 720p | 4K@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| | - | Tuned by AKG |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO - cellular model only |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | TV-out
MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/FLAC player
Photo viewer/editor
Microsoft Office 2013 RT | Samsung DeX |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 45W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 360 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion battery, non-removable (31.5 Wh) | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Titanium | Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Silver, Phantom Navy |
| Models | - | SM-T870, SM-T875, SM-T876B |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.26 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -82.6dB / Crosstalk -81.7dB | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1324:1 (nominal) | - |
Microsoft Surface
- Runs full Windows operating system
- Potential for legacy software compatibility
- Microsoft ecosystem integration
- Outdated Tegra 3 processor
- Limited performance compared to modern tablets
- Likely slower charging speeds
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- Powerful Snapdragon 865 processor
- 45W fast charging
- Modern Android operating system
- Android operating system may not suit all users
- Potential software update limitations
- Tablet cameras are generally not flagship-level
Display Comparison
Both tablets feature a display, but detailed specifications beyond the Surface’s 1324:1 contrast ratio are absent. The Tab S7, being a more recent device, likely benefits from a more advanced panel technology, potentially offering wider color gamuts and improved viewing angles. The Surface’s contrast ratio, while respectable for its time, is likely surpassed by the Tab S7’s display capabilities. Without further data on the Surface’s display, a direct comparison is limited, but the Tab S7’s modern manufacturing process suggests a superior visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Context data does not provide camera details for the Surface. The Galaxy Tab S7, while not known for its camera prowess, likely features a more advanced camera system than the Surface, given the technological advancements in mobile camera sensors since the Surface’s release. The Tab S7’s camera system benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 865, enabling improved image processing and low-light performance. Without specific Surface camera specs, a detailed comparison is impossible, but the Tab S7 is expected to deliver superior image quality.
Performance
The performance disparity is stark. The Surface’s Nvidia Tegra 3 T30, with its quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, is significantly outmatched by the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7’s Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ chipset. The Snapdragon 865 boasts an octa-core configuration – a 3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 prime core, three 2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 performance cores, and four 1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores – representing a substantial leap in both clock speed and core count. Furthermore, the 7nm+ manufacturing process of the Snapdragon 865 offers superior power efficiency and thermal management compared to the Tegra 3’s older architecture. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Tab S7.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Galaxy Tab S7’s 45W wired charging capability is a significant advantage. This allows for much faster charging times compared to the Surface, which likely supports slower charging speeds. While a larger battery capacity on the Surface could offset the slower charging, the Tab S7’s 45W charging provides a more convenient and efficient charging experience, minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Surface if you require a Windows-based tablet for legacy software compatibility or specific Microsoft-centric workflows. Its strength lies in running full desktop applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 if you prioritize performance, a vibrant Android experience, and modern connectivity features like 5G. It’s ideal for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks within the Android ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 865 in the Galaxy Tab S7 still a capable processor in 2024?
Absolutely. While newer Snapdragon chips have been released, the Snapdragon 865 remains a very capable processor for most tablet tasks, including gaming, video editing, and multitasking. It provides a substantial performance uplift over the Surface’s Tegra 3.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 run Microsoft Office applications effectively?
Yes, the Galaxy Tab S7 can run Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) through the Android apps. While the experience may differ slightly from the desktop versions, the Tab S7’s powerful processor and ample RAM ensure smooth performance.
❓ Does the Surface offer any advantages for users heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem?
The Surface’s primary advantage lies in its native Windows operating system, offering seamless integration with other Microsoft services and applications. Users who rely heavily on specific Windows-only software may find the Surface a more suitable choice.
