Microsoft Surface Pro 8 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
The Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is the cheaper of the two at $800 versus $1,099, a difference of about $299. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 stands out for 120hz display was a major upgrade over surface pro 7's 60hz, while Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is praised for ip68 water and dust resistance for a tablet. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 if…
- →120Hz display was a major upgrade over Surface Pro 7's 60Hz
- →Thunderbolt 4 ports enable docking and eGPU connectivity
- →Removable SSD for IT-friendly storage swaps
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 if…
- →IP68 water and dust resistance for a tablet
- →S Pen included in the box
- →Dimensity 9400+ delivers flagship performance
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Pros
- 120Hz display was a major upgrade over Surface Pro 7's 60Hz
- Thunderbolt 4 ports enable docking and eGPU connectivity
- Removable SSD for IT-friendly storage swaps
- Slim bezels modernized the Surface Pro design language
- 16-hour battery life is excellent for a Windows tablet
Cons
- 11th gen Intel CPUs feel outdated against 12th/13th gen competitors
- Accessories not included — keyboard and pen cost extra
- No headphone jack removed a basic convenience
- Starts at $1,099 for an i5/8 GB configuration
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Pros
- IP68 water and dust resistance for a tablet
- S Pen included in the box
- Dimensity 9400+ delivers flagship performance
- MicroSD expansion up to 2TB
- Slim 5.5mm profile
Cons
- Starting price of $800 is steep for 11-inch tablet
- 13MP rear camera is basic for the price
- No HDMI or Thunderbolt port
Full Specifications
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro 8 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home / Pro | Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 891 g | 469 g |
| Dimensions | 287 x 208 x 9.3 mm | 253.8 x 165.3 x 5.5 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 16 hours (typical usage) | Up to 17 hours video |
| Capacity | 51.5 Wh | 8400 mAh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13 inches | 11.0 inches |
| Type | PixelSense Flow IPS | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1920 | 1600 x 2560 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB / 16 GB / 32 GB | 12 GB |
| Chipset | Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1185G7 (11th Gen, Quad-core) | MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E (tri-band) |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | — | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Front camera | — | 12 MP, f/2.4, ultrawide |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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