Surface Go 3 Or Galaxy Tab A8 Which Tablet Is The Better Buy In 2024

Choosing between the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 isn't just about price—it's about how you plan to use your device. One runs full Windows and supports desktop applications; the other offers Android’s app ecosystem with media-first design. In 2024, both tablets occupy different niches, appealing to distinct user needs. Whether you're a student, remote worker, or casual media consumer, understanding their strengths and limitations will help you make a smarter purchase.

Design and Build Quality

The Surface Go 3 feels like a miniature laptop. Its magnesium alloy chassis gives it a premium, business-ready look, complete with a kickstand and optional Type Cover. At 544 grams (with keyboard), it’s lightweight but sturdy, designed for productivity on the move. The 10.5-inch PixelSense display (1920x1280) delivers sharp text and accurate colors—ideal for reading documents or light photo editing.

In contrast, the Galaxy Tab A8 leans into entertainment. It weighs slightly more at around 508 grams but feels sleeker due to its slim bezels and glossy finish. The 10.5-inch LCD screen (1920x1200) is bright and vibrant, optimized for streaming videos and gaming. However, it lacks the precision and color accuracy of the Surface’s panel. While both devices are portable, the Surface Go 3 feels more durable and professional; the Tab A8 prioritizes style and screen immersion.

Tip: If you plan to type frequently, consider the Surface Go 3 with the optional keyboard—its trackpad and key travel outperform any Bluetooth keyboard paired with the Tab A8.

Performance and Operating System

This is where the divide becomes most apparent. The Surface Go 3 runs full Windows 11 Home or Pro, depending on configuration. It uses either an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or an Intel Core i3-10100Y processor. While not powerful by modern laptop standards, these chips support real multitasking, desktop software (like Photoshop, Visual Studio, or Excel with macros), and even light coding. With up to 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD, it functions as a true mini-laptop.

The Galaxy Tab A8, powered by a MediaTek Helio G37 and 3GB or 4GB of RAM, runs Android 12 (upgradable). It handles everyday apps well—YouTube, Netflix, Zoom, and social media—but struggles with heavy multitasking or demanding games over time. You can’t run desktop-grade software natively. Though Samsung DeX improves productivity, it still doesn’t match Windows for file management, peripheral support, or legacy application compatibility.

“Windows on a tablet isn’t just about apps—it’s about workflow continuity. For professionals who rely on Office, local files, or external drives, nothing substitutes a real OS.” — David Lin, Tech Analyst at MobileEdge Review

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Surface Go 3	Galaxy Tab A8
Operating System	Windows 11	Android 12 (One UI)
Processor	Intel Pentium Gold / Core i3	MediaTek Helio G37
RAM Options	4GB or 8GB	3GB or 4GB
Storage	64GB eMMC or 128GB SSD	32GB, 64GB (expandable via microSD)
Battery Life	Up to 11 hours	Up to 13 hours
Ports	USB-C, Surface Connect, headphone jack	USB-C, microSD, headphone jack
Stylus Support	Sold separately (Surface Pen)	S-Pen included (basic model)
Keyboard Support	Optional Type Cover ($100+)	Folio cover available

Real-World Use Case: Student vs. Media Viewer

Meet Priya, a university student majoring in economics. She needs to write research papers, analyze data in Excel, attend online lectures, and collaborate using Microsoft Teams. She considered the Galaxy Tab A8 because it was cheaper and had great speakers. But she quickly realized she couldn’t install full versions of Office, struggled with PDF annotations, and found copying files from her USB drive nearly impossible without third-party apps.

She switched to the Surface Go 3 with a Type Cover. Suddenly, everything worked seamlessly. She used Word with advanced formatting, plugged in a flash drive directly, ran statistical add-ins, and connected to her school’s network via enterprise login. Yes, she paid more upfront—but saved hours each week in workarounds.

Compare that to James, a retiree who wants a tablet mainly for watching shows, video calls with grandchildren, and browsing news. He bought the Galaxy Tab A8. He loves the loud stereo speakers, the easy-to-use interface, and the fact that his S-Pen helps him jot down grocery lists. He doesn’t need Excel macros or desktop software. For him, the Surface would’ve been overkill—and under-delivered on entertainment value.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy Tab A8 claims up to 13 hours of video playback, thanks to its 7,040mAh battery. Real-world mixed usage (browsing, streaming, light gaming) yields about 9–10 hours—impressive for a budget Android tablet.

The Surface Go 3 offers up to 11 hours, but actual results vary. When running multiple browser tabs, background updates, and Bluetooth peripherals, battery life often drops to 6–7 hours. Still, it charges faster via USB-C and supports Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect for docking stations.

If long unplugged sessions matter most—say, during flights or all-day classes—the Tab A8 has a slight edge. But if you’re near outlets or using it in short bursts throughout the day, the Surface’s shorter runtime won’t be a dealbreaker.

What You Get for the Price

• Surface Go 3: Starts at $399 (Pentium, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage), but the usable configuration (Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) costs $729. Add $100–$130 for the Type Cover and another $100 for the Surface Pen. Total functional setup: ~$950.
• Galaxy Tab A8: Starts at $249 (3GB/32GB), maxes out at $299 (4GB/64GB). Includes S-Pen. Keyboard sold separately (~$70). Fully equipped: ~$370.

The price gap is significant. The Tab A8 wins on affordability and inclusion of accessories. The Surface Go 3 demands extra investment to reach basic productivity parity. However, that cost buys a device capable of replacing a low-end laptop in certain scenarios.

Checklist: Which Tablet Is Right for You?

Use this checklist to determine your best fit:

1. Do you need to run Windows-only software (e.g., Outlook with Exchange, specialized tools)? → Surface Go 3
2. Will you type for more than 30 minutes at a time regularly? → Surface Go 3
3. Is your primary use watching videos, reading, or casual browsing? → Galaxy Tab A8
4. Do you want a built-in stylus for notes or drawing? → Galaxy Tab A8 (S-Pen included)
5. Do you need to connect external monitors, USB drives, or printers? → Surface Go 3
6. Is your budget under $300? → Galaxy Tab A8

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Tab A8 replace a laptop?

Only for very light tasks. While Samsung DeX offers a desktop-like mode, it lacks true file system access, multi-window flexibility, and software compatibility. It cannot run .exe files or complex office macros. For students or professionals needing real productivity, it falls short.

Is the Surface Go 3 too underpowered to be useful?

It depends on expectations. Don’t expect it to handle video editing or gaming. But for web browsing, document creation, email, and light programming, it performs reliably—especially with the Core i3 model. Think of it as a netbook successor, not a high-performance machine.

Which has better long-term software support?

The Surface Go 3 benefits from Microsoft’s standard 10-year support lifecycle for Windows devices. The Galaxy Tab A8 receives 2 OS upgrades and 4 years of security patches—typical for mid-range Samsung devices. For longevity beyond 2026, the Surface holds an advantage.

Making the Final Decision

The answer to “which is better?” hinges entirely on your definition of “better.”

If your priority is **productivity**, **software compatibility**, and **professional use**, the Surface Go 3 is worth the higher price—even with added accessory costs. It integrates smoothly into Windows-centric environments, supports enterprise tools, and scales with your workload.

If you prioritize **affordability**, **media consumption**, and **casual usability**, the Galaxy Tab A8 delivers excellent value. It’s perfect for families, seniors, or anyone who wants a simple, enjoyable digital experience without complexity.

Tip: Try before you buy. Visit a store to test typing, screen brightness, and responsiveness. Real-world feel matters more than specs alone.

Conclusion

In 2024, the choice between the Surface Go 3 and Galaxy Tab A8 isn’t about which is objectively superior—it’s about alignment with your lifestyle. Technology should serve you, not the other way around. The Surface Go 3 empowers users who need a compact Windows environment. The Galaxy Tab A8 delights those seeking seamless entertainment and ease of use. Evaluate your daily tasks, budget, and long-term goals. Then choose the device that doesn’t just impress on paper, but enhances your real-life routine.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your mobile setup? Share your thoughts below—have you used either tablet? What surprised you most?