New Samsung Galaxy TabPro S vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 4 vs. Apple iPad Pro: More choice in 2-in-1market
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. took to the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this week to unveil its latest tablet: the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S, a 12-inch convertible tablet that runs Windows 10.
That makes it the latest in a range of Surface Pro-clones and productivity-focused tablets to hit the market. Unlike Apple, Samsung’s biggest competitor, which debuted its iPad Pro running iOS 9, the South Korean tech giant opted to dump Android in favor of a full-blown Windows install — a move that will likely work in its favor.
Below we take a look at how the Galaxy TabPro S stacks up against the original 2-in-1 tablet, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4, as well as the other 12-inch convertible tablet, Apple’s iPad Pro.
Samsung Galaxy TabPro S vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 4 vs. Apple iPad Pro: Tech specs
Samsung Galaxy TabPro S |
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 |
Apple iPad Pro |
|
Operating System |
Windows 10 (Home, Pro) |
Windows 10 Pro |
iOS 9 |
Display |
12-inch Super AMOLED |
12.3-inch PixelTouch |
12.9-inch Retina |
Resolution |
2160 x 1440 |
2736 x 1824 at 267 ppi |
2732 x 2048 at 264 ppi |
Processor |
6th Gen. Intel Core M processor (Dual Core @ 2.2GHz) |
6th Gen. Intel Core m3, i5 or i7, Intel Iris 540 |
64-bit A9X, M9 motion coprocessor |
RAM |
4GB |
4GB, 8GB, or 16GB |
4GB |
Storage |
128GB, 256GB SSD |
Up to 1TB |
32GB, 128GB |
Ports |
USB Type-C, Pogo pin for keyboard, headset jack, multi-port adapter (HDMI, USB Type A & C) sold separately |
Full-size USB 3.0, microSD card reader, Headset jack, Mini DisplayPort, Cover port, SurfaceConnect |
Lightning, Smart Connector for keyboard |
Front Camera |
5.0-megapixel |
5.0-megapixel |
1.2-megapixel |
Rear Camera |
5.0-megapixel |
8-megapixel |
8-megapixel |
Battery |
Up to 10.5 hours |
Up to 9 hours video playback |
Up to 10 hours video playback |
Dimensions (Inches) |
11.4 x 7.8 x 0.24 |
11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 |
12 x 8.68 x 0.27 |
Weight (Pounds) |
1.52 (Wi-Fi), 1.53 (LTE) |
1.73 |
1.57 |
Base Price |
TBA |
$899 |
$799 |
Stylus/Keyboard |
Keyboard included, stylus sold separately |
Surface Pro 4 Type Cover ($129.99), Surface Pen included |
Optional keyboard ($169) and Apple Pencil ($99) |
Display
Although the smallest at 12 inches, the Galaxy TabPro S features a Super AMOLED display, a first for a Windows tablet, claims Samsung. Resolution comes in at 2160 x 1440. Given how good Samsung’s AMOLED screens are on its smartphones, you can expect the same sumptuous blacks and vivid colors on the TabPro S.
In comparison, the Surface Pro 4 has a slightly larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824.
The iPad Pro with its 12.9-inch Retina display at 2732 x 2048 has the largest screen.
Dimensions
At 0.24 inches thick and 1.53 pounds, Samsung’s Windows 10 tablet is thinner and lighter than both the Surface Pro 4 and the iPad Pro. But, those svelte measurements come at a price when it comes to the processor, memory and storage.
Processor and memory
The Galaxy TabPro S is powered by a sixth-generation dual-core Intel Core M3-6Y30 processor that clocks in at 2.2 GHz. That’s coupled with just 4GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB.
The TabPro S matches the iPad Pro on RAM but offers more storage. It loses out badly to the Surface Pro 4, which offers three options of sixth-generation Intel Core processors, with a choice between m3, i5 or i7. As for RAM and storage, the Surface Pro 4 offers up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage.
Battery
The Galaxy TabPro, with its 5,200mAh battery, promises 10.5 hours of usage – slightly longer than both rivals. Additionally, it has a USB Type-C port for charging, capable of delivering a full charge in 2.5 hours.
Accessories
The Galaxy TabPro S comes with a keyboard case included, a big plus over its rivals that offer the keyboard as an optional extra. The keyboard case folds around the tablet and connects via a Pogo pin allowing it to charge with the tablet and negating the need for Bluetooth pairing.
Apple offers the Apple Pencil and an optional extra while Microsoft includes a Surface Pen. Samsung hinted at a pen coming down the line but provided no further details.
The company also mentions an optional multi-port adapter (HDMI, USB Type A & C), a must have accessory considering the lack of ports on the TabPro S.
Price and availability
Samsung has said the Galaxy TabPro S will be available in February but has not announced the price of the tablet or its accessories.
Prices for the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro start at $899 and $799, respectively.
Verdict
The unknown price aside, the Galaxy TabPro S has an advantage over the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro with the inclusion of a keyboard in the final price and the Super AMOLED display is bound to hold its own against even Apple’s Retina display.
The decision to go with Windows 10 gives the TabPro S serious productivity tools, and it’s sure to trump Apple’s iOS for certain buyers looking for a really thin and light convertible. Those looking for a powerful replacement for their laptop, packed with options, may favor the Surface Pro 4.
Image credits: Samsung
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