Chromebook Tab Vs Galaxy Tab S3 Is Android Finally Dead On Tablets

In the evolving world of mobile computing, the line between tablets and laptops continues to blur. Google’s Chromebook Tab series and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S3 represent two divergent philosophies in this space—one rooted in desktop-like productivity, the other in mobile-first Android flexibility. As consumers weigh their options, a pressing question emerges: has Android plateaued as a tablet platform, making way for Chrome OS to dominate the mid-tier device market?

This isn’t just about specs or screen size. It’s about usability, software maturity, long-term support, and where Google—and by extension, Samsung—is investing its future.

The Rise and Stagnation of Android Tablets

Android launched with phones in mind. Tablets arrived later, often as stretched versions of smartphone interfaces. Despite hardware improvements, Android on tablets never achieved the same level of optimization seen on iOS or even Windows. The Galaxy Tab S3, released in 2017, was one of the last high-end Android tablets to receive significant attention before Samsung shifted focus toward DeX and hybrid experiences.

Google’s own efforts to refine Android for larger screens—such as multi-window support and better landscape layouts—came late and inconsistently. App developers followed suit only when forced, leaving many Android tablets feeling like oversized phones rather than true productivity tools.

“Android tablets have always been caught between identities—great for media, but rarely trusted for serious work.” — Linus Lee, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse

Tip: When evaluating a tablet OS, consider not just current features but update longevity. Chrome OS devices typically receive 8 years of updates; most Android tablets get 2–3.

Chromebook Tab: Bridging the Gap Between Laptop and Tablet

The Chromebook Tab series, particularly models like the Acer Chromebook Tab 10, marked Google’s first real attempt at creating a tablet-native Chrome OS experience. Unlike traditional Chromebooks, these devices are designed from the ground up for touch, with stylus support, tablet-optimized UI elements, and rugged builds aimed at education.

What sets them apart is the full Chrome browser, access to progressive web apps (PWAs), and optional Linux app support. For users who rely on Google Workspace, cloud storage, and web-based tools, the Chromebook Tab offers a seamless, secure environment that feels more “complete” than most Android tablet setups.

Moreover, Chrome OS receives regular security patches and feature drops directly from Google, ensuring consistent performance over time. This predictability is especially valuable in enterprise and academic settings.

Galaxy Tab S3: Peak Android Tablet, or Last Gasp?

The Galaxy Tab S3 was a flagship device in every sense—featuring a stunning Super AMOLED display, quad speakers tuned by AKG, and an included S Pen. At the time, it represented the pinnacle of what Android could offer on a tablet.

Yet, despite its hardware excellence, the software experience lagged. Samsung’s TouchWiz overlay added functionality but also bloat. Android 7.0 Nougat had limited native multitasking, and third-party apps were rarely optimized for 9.7-inch screens. Over time, updates slowed, and major Android versions were skipped entirely.

Today, the Tab S3 runs outdated software, lacks support for newer security standards, and cannot install many modern apps. Its legacy is impressive—but its practicality is fading fast.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Key Differences

Feature	Chromebook Tab (e.g., Acer D651N)	Galaxy Tab S3
Operating System	Chrome OS (fully updated, auto-updating)	Android 7.0 → Upgraded to 9 (no further updates)
Software Support	Until 2026 (8-year lifecycle)	Ended in 2020
Browser Experience	Full desktop Chrome, extensions, PWAs	Mobile Chrome, limited extension support
Productivity Tools	Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Linux apps	Office apps via Play Store, split-screen mode
Stylus Support	USI stylus (optional/purchased separately)	S Pen included, low latency, pressure-sensitive
App Ecosystem	Web apps + Android apps (via Google Play)	Android apps only (many not tablet-optimized)
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 12 hours
Target Audience	Students, educators, light remote workers	Media consumers, note-takers, creatives (at launch)

Is Android Dead on Tablets? A Realistic Assessment

Declaring Android “dead” on tablets oversimplifies a complex transition. What’s more accurate is that **pure Android tablets have lost strategic priority**. Google has effectively redirected its tablet ambitions toward Chrome OS, while Samsung has pivoted to DeX—a desktop-like interface that transforms Android into a quasi-desktop OS when connected to external displays.

Consider recent product trends:

• Google hasn’t released a Pixel-branded tablet since 2015.
• Samsung now markets the Galaxy Tab S-series less as standalone tablets and more as companions to phones via Quick Share, DeX, and Multi-Device Sync.
• Amazon’s Fire tablets dominate the budget segment, but they run a forked version of Android with heavy Amazon integration.

In contrast, Chrome OS tablets are growing in capability. With Android app support enabled by default, they offer the best of both worlds: robust web performance and access to the mobile app ecosystem—without sacrificing security or update reliability.

Mini Case Study: Classroom Deployment in Austin ISD

In 2019, the Austin Independent School District replaced aging iPads and Android tablets with Acer Chromebook Tabs. Teachers reported immediate improvements in reliability and ease of management. One fifth-grade teacher noted: “The kids can open Google Classroom, take notes with a stylus, and submit assignments without rebooting or crashing.”

Critically, IT staff appreciated centralized admin controls through Google Admin Console—something absent in Android deployments. After three years, 94% of devices remained in active use. In comparison, a pilot group using refurbished Galaxy Tab S3s saw declining performance by year two, with 60% requiring replacement due to software obsolescence.

Actionable Checklist: Choosing the Right Platform Today

Use this checklist to evaluate whether Chrome OS or Android better suits your needs:

1. Determine primary use: Will you browse, create documents, code, or consume media?
2. Evaluate app needs: Do you rely on specific Android-only apps, or are web/PWA equivalents sufficient?
3. Check update policy: Verify how long the device will receive OS and security updates.
4. Assess peripheral support: Does it support styluses, keyboards, external monitors?
5. Consider ecosystem lock-in: Are you invested in Google Workspace, Samsung accounts, or Apple services?
6. Test multitasking: Try side-by-side apps and window resizing on both platforms.
7. Review total cost of ownership: Include accessories, potential replacements, and management tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chrome OS run all Android apps?

Most Android apps available on the Google Play Store can run on Chrome OS, but performance varies. Some apps, especially those relying on sensors or phone-specific functions (like calling), may not work properly. Tablet-optimized apps generally perform better.

Is Samsung still supporting Android tablets?

Samsung continues to release new Galaxy Tab models annually, primarily targeting creative professionals and enterprise users. However, software support remains limited compared to competitors—typically three major OS updates and four years of security patches.

Why did Android fail to dominate the tablet market?

Several factors contributed: lack of developer incentives for tablet-specific design, fragmented hardware across manufacturers, delayed OS updates, and strong competition from iPad and later Chromebooks. Without a unified vision from Google early on, Android tablets became afterthoughts rather than leaders.

Conclusion: The Future Favors Convergence

The battle between Chromebook Tab and Galaxy Tab S3 isn’t really about hardware superiority—it’s about direction. Android, as a standalone tablet OS, has reached its evolutionary ceiling. Meanwhile, Chrome OS is actively expanding into touch-first, pen-enabled, and convertible form factors with clear investment from Google.

That doesn’t mean Android is irrelevant. Its app ecosystem powers millions of devices. But as a platform for serious tablet computing, it’s being quietly superseded by hybrid systems that blend the best of mobile and desktop paradigms.

If you're buying a tablet today for productivity, education, or long-term use, Chrome OS offers greater assurance of stability, updates, and functionality. The era of waiting for Android to \"finally get tablets right\" appears to be over.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Audit your current workflow, test a Chrome OS tablet, and see if the future of computing fits in your hands.