An attendee photographs the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3, during the event in New York May 20, 2014.
An attendee photographs the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3, during the event in New York May 20, 2014. Reuters/Brendan McDermid

As the result of a renewed partnership between Samsung and Microsoft, one can see the new Galaxy TabPro S to be powered by Windows 10, instead of Android OS. This week Samsung announced the device at the CES 2016. Let us see if the device can live up to Microsoft’s own Surface Pro 4.

“Today, I had the honor of joining Samsung President Dr. Won-Pyo Hong during his keynote briefing at CES to celebrate a renewed partnership and a commitment to joint innovation,” says Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Windows and Devices Group in a blog post.

Galaxy TabPro S is lighter than Surface Pro

The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is an ultrathin, detachable 2-in-1 device which measures 11.5 inches x 7.8 inches x 0.24 inches and weighs just 1.5 pounds. In comparison, the already slim Surface Pro 4 weighs 1.73 pounds.

Surface Pro has a better display resolution

The Surface Pro 4 has a slightly bigger 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a higher resolution of 2,736 x 1,824 pixels at 267 ppi (pixels per inch). The Galaxy TabPro S features a 12-inch Super AMOLED display with 2,160 x 1,440 resolution.

Operating System

Samsung Galaxy TabProS is capable of running full versions of both Windows 10 Home and Window 10 Pro. On the contrary, Microsoft Surface Pro 4 runs on Windows 10 Pro.

Surface Pro 4 has more RAM configurations and processor options

In this regard, the Surface Pro 4 is a clear winner. It comes in three of sixth-generation Intel Core processors namely Intel Core M3, i5 or i7 . The tablet also provides three different RAM configurations including 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB and internal storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB.

On the other hand, the Galaxy TabPro S will be shipped with a dual-core 6th Gen Intel Core M3-6Y30 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. Customers can choose from either 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage options, as reported by Tech Times.

Battery and accessories

Galaxy TabPro S “offers 10 hours of battery life – even when running videos in full-screen,” claims Microsoft in a blog post. The device is powered by a 5,200 mAh battery, which can be juiced up in 2.5 hours via USB Type-C port. The Surface Pro 4 gives 9 hours of battery life.

Moreover, with every purchase of Galaxy TabPro S, Samsung will offer a keyboard case that connects to the tablet through its magnetic rear. But for Surface Pro 4 the user has to buy the Type Cover separately at US$129.99 (AU$185).

Price and availability

The Surface Pro 4 with 4GB/128 GB storage option (running on Intel Core M3) costs US$899 on Microsoft Online Store. Samsung will release the Galaxy TabPro S in February. The company is yet to announce the price of the tablet.

As far as the display is concerned, the Galaxy TabPro S has an edge of the Surface Pro 4. It has Super AMOLED display with a better resolution; it is also slimmer and lighter than the other. But in terms of other specifications, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is definitely a better choice between the two.

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