Difference Between Galaxy Book and Surface Pro

Key Difference – Galaxy Book vs Surface Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy Book and Microsoft’s Surface Pro are two devices that have been introduced as two-in-one devices that can work as a tablet and a laptop. It is important to know the difference between Galaxy Book and Surface Pro to decide which one suits your needs best. The key difference between Galaxy Book and Surface Pro is that Galaxy Book comes with physical size options and better pricing while the Microsoft Surface Pro comes with better performance, better design, and better features, with a faster processor.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Galaxy Book – Review
3. Surface Pro – Review
4. Side by Side Comparison – Galaxy Book vs Surface Pro in Tabular Form
5. Summary

Galaxy Book – Features and Specifications

After the introduction of the iPad seven years back, many companies have manufactured a variety of tablet-laptops which attempted to replace the laptop and work as a two in one device. Samsung Galaxy Book is Samsung’s latest attempt to at manufacturing a perfect tablet-laptop. The Galaxy Book is the successor of the Galaxy Tab Pro S of last year. When both are compared, there is not much difference between the two devices at first glance. However, the newer version comes with some refined improvements like a better keyboard cover.

Samsung Galaxy Book is fully capable of supporting Windows 10. It comes with a 10 or 12-inch screen and comprises of one of Intel’s best processors. The Samsung Galaxy Book comes with an incredible screen and a strong battery that can last longer.

The Galaxy book comes with a keyboard and a cover. For Apple and Microsoft devices, you will have to spend extra for these. For typing, the Galaxy Book keyboard works fine. The trackpad is also accurate for a Windows machine. The keys that come with the e-device are comfortable for typing. However, the keyboard comes with limited viewing angles. This may sometimes cause you to strain your neck. It is not comfortable on your lap due to its floppy plastic design. As the folio is unable to support the weight of the tablet, it may constantly fall down. But it will work fine on flat hard surfaces.

Key Difference - Galaxy Book vs Surface Pro
Figure 01: Galaxy Book
The Galaxy Book is able to run smoothly. Although additional RAM and storage would have been preferred, the user may not encounter any performance issues. Most users may be able to use it without any issues.

The Galaxy Book can perform as a tablet when you want. But Windows has not been a good OS for tablets, and it cannot support touch friendly apps as with iOS and Android. Windows comes with a lot of apps that can get things done, but it is barren when compared with the apps available on iOS and Android.



Surface Pro – Features and Specifications

Microsoft came up with the Surface series in 2012 to create a device that can work as a two in one device. Surface Pro was called as the tablet that can replace the laptop.

However, the Surface Pro 4 had a fair share of issues. The new Surface Pro comes with improvements from feedbacks for previous versions. The battery life has been improved without increasing the thickness or weight of the design. The Surface pen and the type cover have also seen a vast improvement.

At a glance, the Surface Pro looks just like the Surface Pro 4. It comes with the same elegant 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen that supports a resolution of 2736×1824 pixels. The magnesium aluminum alloy frame is now rounded more dramatically than ever. The hinge has also seen a key improvement. It can bend further behind than before. Studio mode can move the hinge to 165 degrees, which can help in drawing.

The thickness stands at 8.4mm and the weight at 786g. This is impressive after packing in a 20% larger battery. The new Alcantara Type cover is an improvement that provides comfort to the user. The keys are great, and the materials used to make them appear to be able to withstand the test of time.

The surface pen also comes with great improvements. It has a pressure sensitivity to 4096 levels, giving the user total control over the width and intensity of the lines that are drawn. The surface Pen also comes with a low intensity. The Pen now detects tilts. Current Surface Pro devices get this support through a firmware update. The Pen comes in slick colors that include black, cobalt, blue, platinum and burgundy. These colors can easily match the color of the Type cover.

Difference Between Galaxy Book and Surface Pro
Figure 02: Microsoft Surface Pro
However, users of the Surface Pro have complained of random instances where the hybrid mode activates without initiating. This issue has become a common bug, and Microsoft has instructed to reset the device to factory settings to counter the issue.

What is the Difference Between Galaxy Book and Surface Pro?

Galaxy Book vs Surface Pro
Galaxy Book is a product of Samsung. Surface Pro is a product of Microsoft.
Dimensions
10.3 x 7.1 x .35 inches
11.5 x 7.7 x .29 inches 11.50 x 7.9 x .33 inches
Processor
7th Generation Intel Core m3 or Core i5-7200U 7th Generation Intel Core m3-7Y30, i5-7300U, i7-7660U
Weight
1.43 – 1.66 pounds 1.69 – 1.73 pounds
RAM
4GB or 8GB 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR3
Display
12-inch Super AMOLED 12.3-inch PixelSense Display, 10-point touch
Resolution
Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) 2,736 x 1,824
Storage
64GB, 128GB eMMC, or 128GB, 256GB SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB standard SSD
Camera
5.0MP Front-facing camera
13MP Rear-facing camera 5.0MP Front-facing camera with Windows Hello
8.0MP Rear-facing camera
Battery
13.5 hours 9 – 11 hours
Summary – Galaxy Book vs Surface Pro

Surface Pro comes with many new variations, while the Galaxy Book comes in different physical sizes. Both keyboards can be separated from the device and are portable, and touchscreen based. Battery life is a major factor when it comes to hybrid devices. Ergonomics and keyboard options are also another part that should be looked into. However, it is important to know the difference between Galaxy Book and Surface Pro properly before you choose what will suit your needs best.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Galaxy Book_Key Visual” by Samsung Newsroom (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Surface Pro” from Microsoft Website