Google Pixel C Vs Samsung Tab S3 Was Upgrading Worth It Honest Opinions

When Google launched the Pixel C in 2015, it represented a bold step into premium Android tablets with a focus on productivity and design. Two years later, Samsung responded with the Tab S3, a device that pushed the boundaries of what an Android tablet could do—especially for creatives and mobile professionals. For users caught between these two devices, particularly those considering an upgrade from the Pixel C to the Tab S3, the question remains: was it truly worth it?

This comparison dives deep into real-world usage, hardware evolution, software experience, and long-term value—not just specs on paper. If you're weighing this upgrade path or simply curious about how these two flagships stack up, here’s an honest breakdown based on sustained use, expert feedback, and practical daily workflows.

Design and Build Quality: A Shift in Philosophy

The Pixel C stood out with its brushed aluminum unibody and magnetic keyboard attachment—a minimalist, almost MacBook-like approach. It felt solid, dense, and premium in hand, though its 10.2-inch display resulted in thick bezels by modern standards. At 708 grams, it wasn’t light, but the weight distribution made it manageable for lap use.

In contrast, the Samsung Tab S3 adopted a sleeker, more balanced design. With an 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display, it managed thinner bezels and a lighter frame at 429 grams. The addition of an S Pen tucked neatly into the top edge signaled Samsung’s intent: this was a device built for creation, not just consumption or typing.

Tip: If you frequently sketch or annotate documents, the inclusion of a free S Pen on the Tab S3 alone may justify the upgrade over the Pixel C.

While both tablets used high-end materials, the Tab S3’s design felt more intentional for varied use cases—portrait mode drawing, media viewing, and split-screen multitasking—thanks to its quad speakers and symmetrical profile. The Pixel C’s keyboard, while excellent, was sold separately and added significant cost.

Display and Audio: Where the Tab S3 Shines

The most immediate difference between the two tablets is the display. The Pixel C featured a 2560x1800 IPS LCD panel—sharp and color-accurate, but limited in contrast and black depth. The Tab S3’s 2048x1536 Super AMOLED screen delivered true blacks, vibrant colors, and better outdoor visibility. For watching HDR content (where supported) or editing photos, the AMOLED advantage was unmistakable.

Audio was another area where Samsung pulled ahead. The Tab S3 included four front-facing speakers tuned by AKG, providing stereo separation whether held in portrait or landscape. This made it ideal for media consumption. The Pixel C had two decent speakers, but they were side-firing and easily muffled when held or placed on a soft surface.

“Once you experience AMOLED on a tablet and hear properly engineered quad speakers, going back feels like a downgrade.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Reviewer at Digital Horizon

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both devices packed flagship hardware for their time. The Pixel C used NVIDIA’s Tegra X1 processor, which was powerful in 2015 but began showing limitations as Android apps grew more demanding. By 2017, app launch times and multitasking smoothness on the Pixel C felt sluggish compared to newer devices.

The Tab S3, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, offered noticeably faster app loading, smoother transitions, and better thermal management. More importantly, Samsung optimized Android Nougat with multi-window enhancements, making split-screen and pop-up view features far more usable than on stock Android on the Pixel C.

Software updates also played a role. Google discontinued major OS updates for the Pixel C after Android 8.1, leaving it behind in security and feature development. Samsung, while not perfect, provided timely security patches and longer support cycles during that era. For users relying on current apps and cloud integrations, staying updated mattered.

Productivity and Keyboard Use

If your primary use case was typing-heavy work—emails, reports, coding—the Pixel C’s detachable keyboard was exceptional. Its mechanical key travel and magnetic hinge offered a laptop-like feel unmatched by most tablet keyboards. However, at $149 extra, the total cost approached $700, making it a premium investment.

The Tab S3 did not include a keyboard in the box, and Samsung’s Book Cover Keyboard was sold separately ($149 MSRP). While functional, it used a shallower scissor-switch mechanism and lacked the tactile satisfaction of the Pixel C’s keyboard. That said, the Tab S3’s smaller size made it less ideal for extended typing sessions on the lap.

Feature	Google Pixel C	Samsung Tab S3
Display	10.2\" IPS LCD, 2560x1800	9.7\" Super AMOLED, 2048x1536
Processor	NVIDIA Tegra X1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Stylus	No	Yes (S Pen included)
Speakers	2, side-firing	4, front-facing (AKG-tuned)
Keyboard	Magnetic, excellent travel	Sold separately, average feel
OS Support	Ended at Android 8.1	Extended security updates

Real-World Upgrade Decision: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a freelance graphic designer who used his Pixel C for three years primarily for note-taking, light photo editing, and client calls. By 2018, he noticed slower response times in Adobe Photoshop Express and frequent app crashes. He also missed having a stylus for quick mockups.

He upgraded to the Tab S3 primarily for the S Pen and improved display quality. Within weeks, he found himself using Samsung Notes for client sketches, leveraging split-screen with reference images, and enjoying smoother video calls thanks to better speaker clarity. While he missed the keyboard’s feel, he adapted by using a Bluetooth keyboard for longer writing tasks.

For Mark, the upgrade was absolutely worth it—not because the Tab S3 replaced a laptop, but because it expanded what he could do on a single portable device. The S Pen alone unlocked new workflows he hadn’t considered before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tab S3 still usable in 2024?

As of 2024, the Tab S3 no longer receives official software updates, and some newer apps may run slowly or lack compatibility. However, for basic tasks like reading, note-taking, media playback, and light browsing, it remains functional—especially if rooted or running a custom ROM for extended life.

Can the Pixel C keyboard work with other devices?

No, the Pixel C keyboard uses a proprietary magnetic connector and Bluetooth pairing specific to the tablet. It cannot be used as a general-purpose Bluetooth keyboard, which limits its resale or reuse value.

Was the price difference justified?

The Tab S3 launched at $599 (Wi-Fi), similar to the Pixel C’s $499 base price plus $149 for the keyboard. When factoring in the included S Pen and superior audio-visual experience, many users found the Tab S3 offered better overall value despite the comparable total cost.

Actionable Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Are you using the Pixel C for creative tasks? → Tab S3 offers S Pen and better display.
• ✅ Do you watch a lot of videos or listen to audio? → Tab S3’s quad speakers are a clear win.
• ✅ Is typing your main use? → Pixel C keyboard is superior; consider keeping it or switching to a third-party option.
• ✅ Do you need up-to-date software? → Tab S3 had longer support; Pixel C is obsolete.
• ✅ Are you budget-conscious? → Refurbished Tab S3 units often included the S Pen, offering more features per dollar.

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For most users, upgrading from the Google Pixel C to the Samsung Tab S3 was a meaningful improvement. The Tab S3 wasn’t just faster—it introduced capabilities the Pixel C never had: active stylus input, superior media output, and a more refined multitasking environment. While the Pixel C excelled in typing comfort and minimalist design, its technological stagnation and lack of innovation post-launch made it increasingly isolated in the Android ecosystem.

The Tab S3 represented a shift toward versatility—blending entertainment, creativity, and productivity in a way that resonated with real user needs. Even today, it stands as one of the last Android tablets that genuinely tried to compete with the iPad Pro in niche functionality.

💬 Have you made the switch from Pixel C to Tab S3—or vice versa? Share your experience, pain points, and unexpected wins in the comments below. Your insight could help others decide their own upgrade path.