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Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – what’s the difference, and which takes the top spot?

Which Android giant has the better tablet this time?
Last Updated on February 6, 2024
Pixel Tablet vs Samsung Tablet: This detailed comparison delves into the features and performance of both the Pixel tablet and Samsung tablet. From display quality to processing power, this breakdown will help you decide which tablet
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The Android tablet market has gotten rather competitive, so we’re comparing two key players – the Pixel Tablet vs Samsung Tablet.

In our digital age, there are a variety of different brands of tablets available that offer tons of exciting features. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right tablet that suits your needs. In this article, we’ll compare the Google Pixel Tablet and the Samsung Galaxy Tab, specifically the Galaxy Tab S8, two popular tablets that offer unique features and specifications. Without any further ado, let’s dive into the details.

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet specs

TabletSamsung Galaxy Tab S8Pixel Tablet
Display Size11.0 inches10.9 inches
Resolution2560 x 1600 pixels2560 x 1600 pixels
System ChipQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SM8450 (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
Operating systemAndroid 12Android 14
Internal Storage128GB128GB (UFS 3.1), not expandable
Battery8,000 mAh7,020mAh
Rear CameraDual camera – 13MP f/2.0, 6MP f/2.2 /Single camera – 8 MP
Front Camera12 MP8 MP
BiometricsFingerprint (touch)Fingerprint (touch)
ColorsGraphite, Silver, Pink GoldPorcelain, Hazel, Rose

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – what’s the difference?

Now, both the Google Pixel tablet and Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 are two of the best Android tablets on the market. Aside from the basic differences in UI and performance, there are a few differences. We will be exploring these differences in detail below.

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – Design

The Google Pixel Tablet features a contoured design with rounded corners, which makes it comfortable to hold and use. It stands out with its nano-ceramic coating and a soft matte finish that gives it a unique porcelain-like feel. Available in three colorways (Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose), the Pixel Tablet offers a stylish and modern aesthetic. However, that’s not the only modern thing about the Pixel tablet; it’s a hybrid device designed to blend into both your hand and your home. The tablet is a smart home hub that doubles up as a Nest smart display thanks to its upright charging dock and integration of the Google Home app.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab takes inspiration from Apple’s iPad Pro design, featuring squared-off edges and a glossy metallic finish. It sports a sleek and premium look with an aluminum frame and comes in Graphite, Silver, and Pink Gold colors, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and to match up with your other Samsung devices. Its allocated S Stylus Pen charging dock on the back of the device is just one of the reasons this tablet is more catered for productivity. The ecosystem of accessories available for the S8 enables you to turn your tablet into a viable laptop alternative.

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – Display

In terms of display, both tablets offer a similarly high-resolution experience. The Google Pixel Tablet boasts a 10.95-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. It provides a good quality picture and matches up quite squarely with the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which also features a 10.9-inch LCD screen, although the S8 takes the lead with its 120 Hz refresh rate.

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – Performance

When it comes to performance, the Google Pixel Tablet and the Samsung Galaxy Tab are powered by different processors, but each is used by their contemporary smartphone counterparts. The Pixel Tablet utilizes the Google Tensor G2, a custom chipset that focuses on AI and machine learning capabilities. On the other hand, the Tab S8 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SM8450 chipset, which is exceptionally powerful and makes this tablet a competitive device in terms of power and speed. 

While the Pixel Tablet’s Tensor G2 may not outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in benchmark tests, it offers advanced computational photography features and opens the door to more possibilities using artificial intelligence.

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – Camera capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy Tab features a dual-camera setup, including a 12MP main camera and a 6MP ultra-wide camera. It also offers a 12MP front-facing camera, which is great for video calls, selfies, and digital content creation.

On the other hand, the Google Pixel Tablet focuses more on simplicity, featuring a single 8MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. While it may not offer the same camera specifications as the Galaxy Tab, it still delivers satisfactory results for basic photography needs. However, thanks to its Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel’s camera photo processing does get the extra boost from the Magic Eraser, photo-unblurring, and video stabilization found on the Pixel 7 phones.

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – Software

The Google Pixel Tablet runs on the Android operating system, specifically Android 13, with the promise of an upgrade to Android 14 and was launched alongside the Pixel 8. Furthermore, Google ensures at least five years of security updates, providing a secure environment for users and leaving you without the worry of getting left behind anytime soon.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab, on the other hand, runs on Android 12 with the Samsung One UI 5 skin. Samsung promises four years of updates for the Tab S8, ensuring users have access to the latest features and improvements, meaning your Galaxy Tab should carry you right through to Android 16.

Pixel tablet vs Samsung tablet – Price

The Google Pixel Tablet starts at $500 for the base 128GB model with 8GB RAM, which is a competitive price given that the tablet only launched this year. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 launched back in 2022 at a higher price point of $700 for the similarly equipped 128GB model. That sets it as $200 more expensive than its Google competitor, and it’s questionable whether the Qualcomm chip and S-pen make it worth the extra investment.

However, it is worth noting that the Tab S8 can often be found on sale for less than its regular price, especially now that newer models like the S9 range are available.

Conclusion

Both the Google Pixel Tablet and the Samsung Galaxy Tab offer unique features and specifications that cater to different user preferences. The Pixel Tablet stands out with its comfortable design, Charging Speaker Dock, and integration with the Google ecosystem. It focuses on media consumption and serves as a home hub, making it an excellent choice for entertainment-oriented users.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 boasts a sleek design, expandable storage, and a range of productivity features. It comes with the S Pen included in the box, making it a suitable option for users who prioritize creativity and productivity. It comes down to personal choice, but know that you’re choosing between two of the best Android tablets out there.

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.