Surface 3 Vs Galaxy Tab S2 Is Microsoft Even Trying Anymore

In the early 2010s, Microsoft made a bold push into the tablet space with its Surface line, aiming to bridge the gap between laptops and mobile devices. Around the same time, Samsung was refining its Android-based Galaxy Tab series, culminating in devices like the Galaxy Tab S2. Today, both the Surface 3 and Galaxy Tab S2 are relics of a transitional era in computing—yet their legacies offer telling insights into where each company stood—and where they’re headed. When we ask, “Is Microsoft even trying anymore?” the answer might not lie in today’s headlines, but in how it once competed against rivals like Samsung in the mid-tier tablet war.

Design and Build: Two Philosophies, One Era

The Surface 3, released in 2015, represented Microsoft’s vision of a lightweight Windows device that could function as both a productivity machine and a portable tablet. It featured a magnesium alloy chassis, a kickstand with multiple angles, and an optional Type Cover, reinforcing its identity as a laptop replacement. Weighing 800 grams and measuring 8.7 mm thick, it was designed for mobility without sacrificing structural integrity.

In contrast, the Galaxy Tab S2, also launched in 2015, embraced minimalism and elegance. With a metal-and-glass body, ultra-thin profile (5.6 mm), and weighing just 389 grams, it prioritized portability and media consumption. Its 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display delivered vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for video and reading.

While both devices were engineered for different audiences, their build quality signaled serious intent. Microsoft wasn’t chasing thinness at all costs—it was building a hybrid. Samsung focused on refinement within the mobile ecosystem. Neither cut corners in materials, suggesting both companies were fully invested at the time.

Tip: When comparing older tablets, assess build longevity—devices with metal frames and replaceable components tend to age better.

Performance and Software Ecosystem

The Surface 3 ran full Windows 10, powered by Intel’s Atom x7-Z8700 processor, 2GB or 4GB RAM, and up to 128GB storage. This allowed users to run desktop applications like Photoshop, Chrome, and Office natively—a significant advantage over Android or iOS tablets of the era. However, the Atom chip, while power-efficient, struggled under heavy multitasking and sustained loads.

The Galaxy Tab S2 used Samsung’s Exynos 5433, an octa-core SoC paired with 3GB RAM. Running Android 5.1 (upgradable to 7.0), it excelled in responsiveness and battery life, particularly for streaming, browsing, and light gaming. But despite Samsung’s UX enhancements, Android still lacked true desktop-grade multitasking and file system access.

Herein lies the core tension: Microsoft offered functionality at the cost of performance; Samsung delivered smooth operation within functional limits. For professionals needing Excel macros or local development tools, Surface 3 was indispensable. For students or travelers consuming media, the Tab S2 felt snappier and more intuitive.

“Hybrid devices need to balance compromise without becoming mediocre. The Surface 3 did that—for a while.” — David Liu, Tech Historian & Former Gartner Analyst

Comparison Table: Surface 3 vs Galaxy Tab S2

Feature	Surface 3	Galaxy Tab S2
OS	Windows 10 (full desktop)	Android 5.1 (Lollipop), up to 7.0 Nougat
Processor	Intel Atom x7-Z8700 (quad-core)	Exynos 5433 (octa-core)
RAM	2GB or 4GB	3GB
Display	10.8\" ClearType Full HD (1920x1280)	9.7\" Super AMOLED (2048x1536)
Weight	800g	389g
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 12 hours
Ports	Micro-USB, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0, microSD	Micro-USB, microSD, IR blaster
Stylus Support	No (later models added active pen)	Yes (S Pen included)
Expandability	microSD + USB drive support	microSD

A Real-World Scenario: Student Use Case

Consider Sarah, a university student in 2016 balancing note-taking, research papers, and online lectures. She considered both tablets before choosing the Surface 3. Her decision hinged on one factor: she needed Microsoft Word and Access for her data management course. While the Tab S2 had Office apps, they were touch-limited and didn’t support VBA macros. With the Surface 3, she plugged in a USB drive, ran statistical software, and connected to a projector via Mini DisplayPort—all without compatibility issues.

However, during long study sessions, she noticed the fan kicking in and battery draining faster than expected. Meanwhile, her roommate with the Tab S2 browsed textbooks, annotated PDFs with the S Pen, and watched review videos for hours on end with minimal charging. Both devices served their purpose—but only within defined boundaries.

This example illustrates a broader truth: success wasn’t about specs alone, but alignment with user workflows. Microsoft targeted productivity; Samsung optimized for consumption.

Market Trajectory and Strategic Shifts

Fast forward to today. The Surface 3 received Windows updates until 2023, but driver support and app optimization have dwindled. The Galaxy Tab S2 stopped receiving security patches in 2019. Both are obsolete by modern standards. Yet their fates diverge in symbolic importance.

Microsoft continued iterating with the Surface Pro line, introducing detachable keyboards, improved processors, and eventually ARM-based Surface devices. But after the lukewarm reception of Surface RT and limited adoption of Windows on ARM, momentum slowed. Recent layoffs in the Surface division and reduced marketing suggest strategic retrenchment.

Samsung, meanwhile, doubled down on the Tab S series, integrating DeX desktop mode, enhancing S Pen functionality, and aligning tightly with its smartphone ecosystem. The Galaxy Tab S9 series now competes directly with iPads and even lightweight laptops.

So, is Microsoft trying anymore? In hardware innovation, the pace has unquestionably cooled. There’s no new Surface tablet on the horizon matching Apple’s M-series iPad Pros in performance or Samsung’s integration of AI features. Microsoft’s focus has shifted toward cloud services, AI Copilot, and enterprise software—areas where it sees higher ROI than competing in crowded consumer hardware markets.

Checklist: Evaluating Legacy Tablets in 2024

• Verify if the device still receives security updates
• Test app compatibility with current versions (e.g., can it run Zoom or Teams?)
• Assess peripheral support (Bluetooth keyboards, external displays)
• Determine storage expandability and file transfer ease
• Evaluate battery health—replaceable cells extend usability
• Consider secondary uses: digital photo frame, kitchen recipe viewer, kid’s learning tool

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use a Surface 3 in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It can handle basic web browsing, document editing, and email if you avoid resource-heavy sites. However, lack of firmware updates and outdated drivers make it vulnerable to security risks. Use it offline or on isolated networks when possible.

Why did the Surface 3 fail to gain mainstream traction?

It occupied an awkward middle ground: too expensive to compete with budget Android tablets, yet underpowered compared to ultrabooks. Consumers preferred either full laptops or simpler, cheaper tablets. Enterprises adopted Surface Pros, but the base model 3 never found a strong niche.

Was the Galaxy Tab S2 ahead of its time?

In display quality and design, yes. Its AMOLED screen remains impressive even by 2024 standards. However, Android’s fragmented tablet experience held it back. Without universal app scaling or robust multitasking, it couldn’t challenge Windows or macOS for serious work.

Conclusion: Lessons from a Fading Generation

The Surface 3 and Galaxy Tab S2 were not just products—they were statements of intent. Microsoft declared that Windows could evolve beyond the desktop. Samsung proved Android could deliver premium tablet experiences. Both succeeded in part, but only Samsung maintained the long-term commitment.

Today, Microsoft’s silence in the tablet arms race speaks volumes. It may still innovate quietly, but without aggressive releases or compelling new designs, the message is clear: consumer tablets are no longer a priority. That doesn’t mean they’ve given up entirely—enterprise-focused devices and dual-screen prototypes suggest dormant ambition—but for everyday users, the energy has shifted elsewhere.

If you're holding onto a Surface 3 or Tab S2, respect its legacy. These devices paved the way for today’s hybrids. And if you’re wondering whether Microsoft will return with a vengeance? History shows that comebacks are possible—but only when the market demands something they can uniquely provide.

🚀 Still using an old tablet? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, and what would bring you back to a new Surface? Join the conversation below.