Laptop vs Tablet: Which Is Best For You?

When it comes to choosing between a laptop or tablet the choice is not always an easy one since both are designed to be portable computing devices that you can easily carry around. In this guide, we explore some of the key differences between laptops and tablets to help you decide which is best for you.

What is the difference between a laptop and a tablet?

So how do you choose between a laptop or tablet? On one hand, tablets are extremely portable, versatile and easy to use. On the other hand, laptops are productivity power machines, able to run full feature applications with various connection port options and large screens ideal for multitasking. We’ve unpicked some of the key differences below in our handy comparison.

1. Operating system
Firstly laptops will run most types of operating systems, but Windows is one of the most popular and used for the incredible Galaxy Book3 series of laptops. Windows has exceptional functionality and is the operating system found on many desktop computers. Tablets are more similar to smartphones and use different operating systems. You’ll find the popular Android OS in Samsung Galaxy Tab devices. The key difference here is that a tablet will run apps optimised for mobile viewing rather than full programs. Some mobile apps may have less functionality than full laptop programmes.

2. Size and Portability
Laptops and tablets are designed to be easily transported from one location to another but how do they compare in size and portability? Tablets tend to be lighter, thinner and more streamlined than a laptop. Even the largest Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra weighs in at a handbag friendly 732g whereas you can expect most laptops to weigh around 1.5kg.

3. Screen Size
Typically laptops tend to have larger screens which are ideal when it comes to multitasking and gaming. If you’re looking for the best display technology, tablets tend to win. Tablets tend to have a higher pixel density meaning the images you see on the screen will have greater clarity. However, with Samsung, you’ll enjoy optimal Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen technology on both the Galaxy Book4 Pro laptop and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. There are a large variety of screen sizes to choose from across both Galaxy Books and Galaxy Tabs so you are sure to find one that’s right for you.

4. Connectivity
Both Samsung laptops and Galaxy Tabs are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled but the key difference is that with a Galaxy Tab S9 | S9+ | S9 Ultra you have the added benefit of a 5G mobile connection so you can access the web or live stream even when you are out and about. If you plan to use your laptop at home or in the office, this is unlikely to cause an issue but if you’re looking for a device that you can use in a wide variety of different locations, a tablet with a data package may be more suitable.

5. Battery Life
Both Galaxy Books and Galaxy Tabs have a long lasting battery that will last most of the day. Typically, tablets have slightly longer lasting battery life because the hardware components within a tablet consume a lot less power compared to the hardware in a laptop. This is why laptops usually have larger batteries but the power needed to run the laptop is more.

6. Physical Ports
When it comes to physical ports such as USB, Ethernet, audio and HDMI you are much more likely to find them on a laptop than a tablet device. For example, you’ll find the following ports on the latest Galaxy Book4 Pro: 2 x Thunderbolt, 1 x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, microSD, and HP/Mic-in slot. In comparison, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a USB Type-C 2.0 and microSD slot.

7. Keyboards
How you navigate your laptop or tablet will also vary. A tablet uses a touchscreen which you’ll use for all functions including typing. If you plan to do a lot of typing you may prefer the physical keyboard that a laptop has. However, some tablets such as the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ have the option to add a Book Cover Keyboard for a PC-like experience. You’ll also be able to enjoy the exceptional S Pen with the latest Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra series of tablets, but there’s no need to miss out on a laptop since the S Pen also comes as standard with the sensational Galaxy Book4 360 and Galaxy Book4 Pro 360.

We’ve created a handy comparison chart which helps highlight the key differences between the Galaxy Tab S9 series and Galaxy Book4 laptop range.

  • Display

  • Processor/CPU Speed

  • Operating System

  • Battery Capacity

  • Weight

  • Memory

  • Storage

  • Connectivity

  • Ports

  • Touch screen

  • S Pen

  • 16” WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) Dynamic AMOLED 2X Touch, 120Hz
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H | Ultra 9 185H
  • Windows 11
  • 76Wh (Typical)
  • 1.86kg
  • 16GB | 32GB (LPDDR5X)
  • 1TB | 2TB + microSD + SSD Slot
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, microSD, HP/Mic-in
  • Yes
  • -
  • 16” WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) Dynamic AMOLED 2X Touch, 120Hz
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H
  • Windows 11
  • 76Wh (Typical)
  • 1.66kg
  • 16GB (LPDDR5X)
  • 512GB | 1TB + microSD
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, microSD, HP/Mic-in
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • 16” WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) Dynamic AMOLED 2X Touch, 120Hz
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H
  • Windows 11
  • 76Wh (Typical)
  • 1.56Kg
  • 16GB (LPDDR5X)
  • 512GB | 1TB + microSD + SSD Slot
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, microSD, HP/Mic-in
  • Yes
  • -
  • 14” WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) Dynamic AMOLED 2X Touch, 120Hz
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H
  • Windows 11
  • 63Wh (Typical)
  • 1.23kg
  • 16GB (LPDDR5X)
  • 512GB | 1TB + microSD + SSD Slot
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, microSD, HP/Mic-in
  • Yes
  • -
  • 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) Super AMOLED Touch
  • Intel® Core™ 5 120U | 7 150U
  • Windows 11
  • 68Wh (Typical)
  • 1.46kg
  • 8GB | 16GB (LPDDR5)
  • 256GB | 512GB | 1TB + microSD + SSD Slot
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2, HDMI, microSD, HP/Mic-in
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) PLS LCD
  • Intel® Core™ 3 100U | 5 120U | 7 150U
  • Windows 11
  • 54Wh (Typical)
  • 1.55kg | 1.57kg (NVIDIA® Graphics Model)
  • 8GB | 16GB (LPDDR4X)
  • 256GB | 512GB + microSD + SSD Slot
  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
  • 2x USB-C, 2x USB 3.2, HDMI, microSD, RJ45, HP out/Mic-in
  • -
  • -
  • 11” (2560 x 1600) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • Android One UI
  • 8,400mAh (Typical)
  • 498g (Wi-Fi) | 500g (5G)
  • 8GB | 12GB
  • 128GB | 256GB + microSD up to 1TB
  • Wi-Fi 6E | 5G (Option – eSIM + Nano SIM)
  • USB-C, microSD
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • 12.4” (2800 x 1752) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • Android One UI
  • 10,090mAh (Typical)
  • 581g (Wi-Fi) | 586g (5G)
  • 12GB
  • 256GB | 512GB + microSD up to 1TB
  • Wi-Fi 6E | 5G (Option – eSIM + Nano SIM)
  • USB-C, microSD
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • 14.6” (2960 x 1848) Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • Android One UI
  • 11,200mAh (Typical)
  • 732g (Wi-Fi) | 737g (5G)
  • 12GB | 16GB
  • 256GB | 512GB | 1TB + microSD up to 1TB
  • Wi-Fi 6E | 5G (Option – eSIM + Nano SIM)
  • USB-C, microSD
  • Yes
  • Yes

What are the advantages of a laptop?

If you plan to create a lot of content, a laptop is a great choice. You’ll enjoy programmes that are optimised for productivity and are fully functional meaning it is easy to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases and much more. Whether you’re looking to edit images, stream videos or browse the internet, a Galaxy Book will have you covered. Some models are even 2-in-1 laptops, giving you the best of both worlds. You can find out more about what 2-in-1 laptops are here.

✓ Powerful processors
✓ Operating system that mirrors a desktop computer
✓ Large screens
✓ Physical keyboard
✓ More ports that enable easy connections with different devices
✓ Large storage capacity
✓ Optimised for productivity

What are the advantages of a tablet?

Tablets are the ideal choice if you’re looking for a lightweight device that you can easily carry and work on the go with. They are ready to go at the touch of a button, have exceptional screens and are incredibly multifunctional with a huge number of apps available whether it’s for work or play. You’ll enjoy the following with a Samsung Galaxy Tab:

✓ Lightweight
✓ Compact and portable
✓ Mobile network connectivity
✓ Great for media consumption
✓ Intuitive and easy to use
✓ Quick start up
✓ High quality built-in cameras
✓ Optional keyboard and case attachments

If you have your heart set on a tablet, but don't want to run out of memory, you're in luck. Many Samsung tablets have expandable memory, simply put one of our microSD memory cards into the SD card slot.

Can you use a tablet as a laptop?

You can certainly make your tablet look and feel more like a laptop with the addition of a smart keyboard, trackpad and cover and for most day-to-day tasks tablets can be used in a very similar way to a laptop. However, the operating system will remain different and the apps downloaded to your tablet may not be as comprehensive as the full desktop/laptop versions.

Find out more about tablet accessories or laptop accessories in our What Laptop Accessories Do I Need? guide.

Which is better for Zoom: tablet or laptop?

Virtual meetings have become an important part of modern day life so it’s important to know whether a tablet or laptop would work better with Zoom. The good news is Zoom will work well on either a tablet or laptop but there are some differences. We take a look at what you can expect from the tablet version of Zoom vs desktop/laptop Zoom.

Using Zoom on a Galaxy Tab:
With a Samsung Galaxy Tab, you will need to download the mobile version of Zoom (available from the Google Play Store). When you use Zoom on your Galaxy Tab you’ll still be able to video conference as normal but there are a few control restrictions that are only available on the Zoom desktop version. You’ll be able to do the following using the Zoom mobile app:

✓ Schedule Zoom meetings
✓ Share screen including whiteboard or annotating a shared screen
✓ Language interpretation and live transcription
✓ Saving and sending files or images
✓ Virtual background
✓ Encrypting your chat
✓ Delete sent messages

Using the Zoom mobile app you will be unable to:

✗ Control who can control their screen
✗ Start breakout rooms
✗ Live stream meetings and webinars
✗ Create, edit or launch a poll
✗ Pausing a shared screen
✗ Editing sent messages
✗ Sending GIFs
✗ Managing blocked contacts

Using Zoom on a Galaxy Book:
When you use Zoom on a Galaxy Book you’ll be using the Zoom Desktop App. This will enable you to have access to all the comprehensive Zoom features listed above. If you need to have full Zoom functionality it will work better on a laptop.

Which is better for students: tablet or laptop?

As a student having a laptop or tablet for work and play is pretty high on the priority list. But how do you decide which is better for you? While there is no right or wrong choice it’s worth taking a moment to consider what you want to do on your device.

Large number of written assignments?

If your subject requires you to regularly submit written assignments, a Galaxy Book can be your best option. Popular Microsoft 365 packages are optimised for working on the Windows operating system found on the Galaxy Book series, you’ll have an integrated keyboard for typing and a large screen for multitasking between research and essays. If your subject is more exam based and you need a portable device that you can easily make notes and revise on then you can’t go wrong with a Galaxy Tab.

Ideal for note taking in lessons and lectures?

Are you going to move around a lot? Between lectures, libraries and the students union? A Samsung tablet is a great lightweight and versatile option that’s ready to go at a moment's notice. Whatsmore with mobile connectivity you have the freedom to work wherever you choose. If you’re looking for a more permanent setup with a large screen, keyboard and optional Bluetooth mouse a Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 is a great option.

Budget?

Whilst you’ll find a Galaxy Tab or Galaxy Book to suit most budgets, tablets typically cost less than laptops. Samsung tablets start from less than £200 for the Galaxy Tab A9, making them a great choice if you’re looking to save some money. However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for an exceptional device, check out the incredible Galaxy Book4 Pro 360.

To help you with your decision-making, check out our “Best Tablet For Students” and "Best Laptop For Students" guides.

What is better to buy: a tablet or a laptop?

When it comes to deciding which is better to buy: a tablet or laptop there is no right or wrong decision. It really depends on how you plan to use the device and what features are most important to you. Laptop computers offer exceptional technical abilities because of their powerful processors and operating systems but do not have the same level of portability, running times or ease of use as a tablet. A tablet is a great option when you want a multifunctional device that you can browse the web, catch up on your socials, read and play games on.

We’ve created this handy table to help you choose.

You can also find more guidance on which is the best Samsung laptop for you in this guide, or learn more about our entire laptop range in our Samsung Laptop Range Explained guide.

  • A lightweight, device that travels well

  • A device optimised for productivity

  • Long lasting battery life

  • Physical keyboard

  • Mobile network connectivity

  • Connection ports e.g. USB, HDMI

  • Powerful processors

  • A device optimised for media consumption

You can find out more information in our ‘How to choose the best Samsung tablet for you’ guide.

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